As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is named the high vacation spot for journey and out of doors lovers in Japan. The island is legendary for its volcanoes, expansive nationwide parks, pure sizzling springs (in any other case generally known as onsen), and world-class winter ski resorts.
Whereas it’s a very fashionable vacation spot to go to within the winter, Hokkaido provides nice adventures through the time of yr.
You’ll discover huge areas of wilderness crammed with forests, blue caldera lakes, wonderful wildlife and wildflowers, and effervescent pure sizzling springs. Hikers, cyclists, photographers, and nature fans will likely be utterly at residence right here.
Whether or not exploring the islands’ nationwide parks or visiting a conventional Ainu village to find the deeply rooted tradition of the Indigenous individuals, there are many issues to do in Hokkaido.
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We spent 3 weeks exploring Hokkaido on our current go to to Japan. We drove throughout the island, exploring its well-known points of interest, nationwide parks and lesser-known locations.
It shortly grew to become one among our favorite experiences within the nation. After discovering the very best locations and must-see points of interest, we determined to place collectively this 7-day Hokkaido itinerary to assist different intrepid travellers take advantage of their time on this area.
On a path at Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park
The best way to Get to Hokkaido
Earlier than we get into the itinerary, let’s cowl some logistics on find out how to go to Hokkaido.
By Airplane
Hokkaido’s primary entry level is the New Chitose Worldwide Airport (CTS), situated about an hour’s drive from downtown Sapporo metropolis. Most flights coming into the airport are home, so that you’ll possible join in Tokyo if coming from one other worldwide vacation spot.
By Practice
An extremely scenic possibility for visiting Hokkaido is to take the prepare from Tokyo. The rail journey takes about 7-8 hours to succeed in Sapporo Station from Tokyo.
The Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet prepare) hyperlinks Aomori on Japan’s primary island of Honshu with Hakodate on Hokkaido through the Seikan Tunnel. Hakodate is the southernmost metropolis on the island, and the journey through restricted categorical prepare will take solely about 4 hours.
In Hakodate, switch to a neighborhood prepare to Sapporo or proceed to different locations inside Hokkaido. Should you plan to journey extensively inside Japan, think about buying a Japan Rail Move (JR Move) earlier than your journey. This cross could be bought for 7, 14 and 21 days and permits limitless journey on JR trains, together with the Shinkansen.
En path to Hokkaido
The best way to Get Round Hokkaido
The extremely wild and huge island of Hokkaido is greatest explored at your personal tempo. Whereas it’s potential to make use of public transport, it’s not as well-connected as different areas of Japan.
By Automotive
Getting round by automotive is the greatest option to discover Hokkaido. Renting a automotive offers you the pliability to maneuver at your personal tempo and go to extra distant areas.
You prebook your automotive rental HERE and choose up your automotive at one of many many rental companies on the airport. Every day charges vary from $50-100 per day, relying on the season and the kind fo automobile.
IMPORTANT: Understand that as a way to lease a automotive in Japan, you will have a global driver’s license. Not only a photograph of 1 or an expired one, however a sound license that you could bodily current at registration. Should you don’t have a global license, make sure you get one out of your native AAA or CAA workplace earlier than departing for Japan.
Exploring Hokkaido in our rental automotive
By Public Transport
Many of the in style vacationer locations in Hokkaido could be reached by prepare. The JR Hokkaido Rail Move providers Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Kushiro, and some different locations across the island. You should purchase 5,7, and 10-day passes to make hop on and off simpler.
Our Prompt 7 Day Hokkaido Itinerary
Whereas Hokkaido is a well-liked winter vacation spot attributable to its world-class snowboarding and exquisite snowfields, this itinerary is primarily designed for the hotter months.
Right here’s find out how to spend 7 days in Hokkaido
Day 1- CTS (New Chitose Airport) to Lake Akan
Distance: 270 km (167.8 miles)
Driving Time: 4.5 hours
Arrive on the airport, choose up your rent automotive, and make your option to Lake Akan. Positioned in Akan Nationwide Park, it’s one among three crater lakes relationship again over 150,000 years. The world is famend for its lovely landscapes, out of doors actions, and indigenous Ainu tradition.
Cease at Unkai Terrace
On the way in which, cease at Unkai Terrace. Positioned about 2 hours from Sapporo, it is a well-known statement spot from which you’ll be able to view an unbelievable sea of clouds as they settle over the mountains and lakes. Positioned at over 1,000 meters (3,280 ft), the platform is straightforward to get to with a fast 13-minute gondola trip up from Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.
Tip: Don’t overlook to hold some layers with you because the cool mountain air on the high is freezing, even in summer season.
Discover Lake Akan city (aka Akanko Onsen)
The onsen city of Lake Akan is a superb base for exploring Akan-Mashu Nationwide Park. The city is small, with a handful of motels and conventional inns on the shore of the caldera lake. Most lodgings supply on-site onsens the place you may soak after an extended day of exploration. There are a few eating places on the town, however many motels additionally supply dinner service.
Go to Ainu Kotan
Ainu Kotan is the largest Ainu neighborhood on the island and is value a go to. Stroll across the streets, meet the artisans inside their workshops, and take a look at the native handicrafts on the market.
Eat Ainu Meals at Poronno
Seize lunch at Poronno, a espresso store serving conventional Ainu delicacies. Attempt their lunch set, and don’t miss essentially the most scrumptious candy potato pancakes for dessert.
Take a Boat Journey to See Marimo
Within the afternoon or the next morning, take a boat journey to the lake to see the well-known Marimo, a uncommon algae species within the form of inexperienced spheres. The easiest way to get near the algae is to hitch a lake cruise that visits the Marimo Exhibition and Remark Centre on Churui Island. The exhibition centre provides reveals and shows with details about Marimo and a few a possibility to see these algae up shut.
Keep at Forest of Akan Tsuruga Resort HANAYUUKA
This lovely onsen lodge, surrounded by the pure forest on the southern shore of Lake Akan, is a superb spot to remain on the town. The general public onsen (sizzling spring) tub water is piped straight from a pure sizzling spring supply, making for a really particular onsen expertise.
The buffet restaurant additionally serves scrumptious native specialties constructed from produce sourced close by. They provide a variety of rooms, from normal double to Japanese-style superior rooms with lake views.
Lake Akan city
Day 2: Lake Akan to Shiretoko Peninsula
Distance: 80 km (50 miles)
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Right this moment, you’ll head to Shiretoko Peninsula on the easternmost a part of Hokkaido. It’s residence to one among Japan’s most lovely and untouched nationwide parks.
Permit additional time to discover the opposite Akan-Mashu Nationwide Park crater lakes en route.
Lake Mashu
Thought-about one of many world’s clearest lakes, Lake Mashu is value a cease. You may try the lake from any of the three statement factors on the rim of the caldera. On clear days, you’ll get incredible views of the lake. Nevertheless, this space is thought for a thick fog that settles on the water’s floor – it definitely did once we have been visiting.
Lake Kussharo
As Japan’s largest caldera lake, Lake Kussharo is a must-visit. If in case you have time, it’s a well-liked spot for water sports activities like kayaking and canoeing. In any other case, take a stroll alongside the two.5 km nature path, which crosses a sandbar and follows the shore of the peninsula.
Mount Io
Positioned between Mount Mashu and Mount Kussharo, Mount Io is the space’s most lively stratovolcano. It’s identified for its frequent exercise, the place steam and volcanic gases are launched from vents on the mountain.
Mount Io’s summit isn’t accessible attributable to potential hazards; we propose following one of many well-marked mountain climbing trails across the base of the mountain. These walks present glorious views of the volcanic panorama, the place you may observe steam vents and effervescent mud swimming pools.
Lake Kussharo, Bihoro Move
Sulphur fumes at Mt Io
Keep at Lodge Kifu Membership Shiretoko
Make Lodge Kifu Membership in Utorohigashi on the Shiretoko Peninsula your house for a number of nights. This family-run lodge is an ideal spot to remain whereas exploring Shiretoko. Positioned alongside the primary road, the lodge provides a wide range of lodging choices starting from Japanese-style rooms to Western-style cabins.
There are personal sizzling spring baths on-site and a good looking out of doors deck space to absorb sundown views.
The onsite restaurant provides an incredible kaiseki tempura dinner, with Japanese dishes that includes domestically caught seafood and recent substances.
Stunning sundown outdoors of Lodge Kifu Membership in Shiretoko
Day 3: Go to Rausu
Take a day journey over to Rausu, on the opposite aspect of the Shiretoko Peninsula. The big city is legendary for its fishing trade and unbelievable wildlife sightings off the coast. For a 1 day journey, right here’s how we suggest you spend your time:
Drive Down Shiretoko Move
Observe the steep and windy drive from Utoro to Rausu through Shiretoko Move. This is among the greatest viewpoints on the peninsula, providing spectacular views of close by Mount Rausu, Shiretoko’s highest mountain, in addition to Kunashiri Island. It’s additionally an incredible spot to see fall foliage round October, however be conscious that the cross is closed in winter.
Be a part of a Whale Watching Tour
Exterior of the chilly winter months, the waters surrounding the Shiretoko Peninsula are residence to dolphins, minke and sperm whales, orcas and migratory sea birds. Whale excursions depart from Rausu and run alongside the Nemuro Strait, identified to have one of many highest populations of orcas on the planet. Summer season is the very best time of yr to get pleasure from whale-watching excursions, however sightings are potential any time of the yr.
Eat Recent Seafood
Rausu performs a number one position in Japan’s fishing trade, so recent seafood is ample on this small city. It’s most well-known for Pacific cod, but in addition crab, scallops, and salmon.
Take the chance to pattern the freshest catch for lunch. Head to a neighborhood restaurant on the coast, similar to Junnobanya for conventional delicacies or Isami Sushi for recent sushi.
Go on a Hike from Rausu Customer Centre
Should you nonetheless have time within the afternoon, head to the Shiretoko Rausu Customer Heart, situated close to the bottom of Mount Rausu. It supplies data on the japanese half of the Shiretoko Nationwide Park.
You may also entry numerous mountain climbing trails from there, together with a trailhead to Mount Rausu (the Rausu Onsen Route), Lake Rausu and Kumagoe-no-Taki Falls. Should you’re brief on time, try the geyser, which is situated a brief distance from the customer heart. It blasts each hour and could be enjoyable to see.
Shiretoko Move, en path to Rausu
Whale watching off the coast of Shiretoko
Shiretoko Nationwide Park
Day 4: Discover Shiretoko Nationwide Park
Right this moment, spend a full day exploring the western a part of Shiretoko Nationwide Park.
Go to 5 Lakes Boardwalk
Simply 20 minutes northeast of the lodge, you’ll discover the Shiretoko 5 Lake Space, a set of 5 small lakes shaped by the traditional eruption of close by Mount Io and fed by underground springs.
The easiest way to discover the gorgeous space is by strolling on the Shiretoko 5 Lakes path, which supplies views of the encompassing landscapes and wildlife. You may comply with the raised boardwalk path, which leads from the parking zone to the primary lake (it’s appropriate for the entire household and is wheelchair accessible) or go for an extended hike by the forest.
In Summer season and Fall, this space is thought for frequent brown bear encounters. Relying on the season, hiring a information to accompany you on the path is necessary.
Take Bear Watching Cruise
Shiretoko’s declare to fame is its wildlife, notably brown bears. No Hokkaido journey is full with out becoming a member of a bear-watching cruise for an opportunity to spot bears of their native habitat.
Bear-watching excursions function from late April by till the tip of October by the Shiretoko Sightseeing Ship, MS Aurora. They provide three routes ranging from Utoro, starting from 1 to three hours.
The longest route is the Secret Floor Shiretoko Route. This cruise goes all the way in which to the tip of the peninsula, providing an opportunity to see bears, seals and dramatic waterfalls. Deliver binoculars, because the ship travels removed from the shoreline, making it tougher to identify wildlife on shore.
Hike to Cape Puyuni and See Furepe Falls
A comparatively straightforward option to get spectacular views and an opportunity for some wildlife recognizing is to move to Shiretoko Nature Heart. From right here, comply with a well-defined 2km nature path to Furepe-no-Taki Falls. An exquisite statement deck on the finish of the path provides unbelievable views of the falls and an opportunity to identify wild deer and different animals.
For a sundown photograph op, cease on the Cape Puyuni lookout level in your means again to Utoro. It’s the proper spot to see the solar dip under the horizon and revel in views of the shoreline.
on the path at Shiretoko 5 Lakes
Our unintended bear sighting on the street in Shiretoko Nationwide Park
Stunning Shiretoko!
Day 5: Shiretoko to Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park
Distance: 290 km (180 miles)
Driving time: 5 hours
It’s an extended drive from the Shiretoko space to the central a part of the island. Nevertheless, there’s a lot to see alongside the way in which to interrupt up the drive.
Cease at Mt. Kurodake Ropeway
Positioned outdoors Asahikawa, the Kurodake Ropeway provides a scenic trip as much as Kurodake Mountain in Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park. The Kurodake Ropeway connects Sounkyo Onsen with an higher station midway as much as the summit.
The higher station provides an statement deck with views into the gorge under. It’s additionally the start line for some hikes, with entry to trails resulting in Kurodake’s summit and close by peaks.
On the path in Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park
Keep at Keep In Biei
Positioned outdoors of Asahikawa, Biei is a picturesque city surrounded by rolling hills and huge fields. As a good base to discover Daisetsuzan, Keep In Biei provides a self-catering condominium. Positioned proper within the coronary heart of city, this condominium has a residing space, kitchen, and a big bed room – good for a pair!
Day 6: Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park & Furano and Biei Space
Biei is ideally situated on the coronary heart of Hokkaido’s greatest landscapes, together with Daisetsuzan, Japan’s largest nationwide park, residence to Mt. Asahidake, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido, and the Furano-Biei space is legendary for flower fields.
Take the Asahidake Ropeway and Hike to the Summit
The Asahidake Ropeway provides cable automotive journeys from Asahidake Onsen as much as Sugatami Station, from which you’ll be able to hike the remainder of the way in which to the summit.
The ropeway’s higher station sits at 1600 meters (5,250 ft) above sea stage, amongst an alpine panorama crammed with wildflowers in summer season. If in case you have time, you may proceed for two hours to the summit of Asahidake. Asahidake is the primary place in Japan to see snow annually, and its summit supplies improbable views over the world.
The world is gorgeous and price a go to any time of the yr!
Asahidake Mountain Ropeway
At Mt Asahidake
Go to a Flower Farm
Head south of Biei to Furano, which is most well-known for its flower fields crammed with lavender, poppies, sunflowers, and tulips, which bloom through the summer season months.
From early Could to early October, go to the Shikisai-no-oka Panoramic Flower Gardens or one of many many flower farms that includes sweeping fields of flowers in bloom. Be ready for a giant crowd in peak summer season, when the flowers are at their greatest.
Flower fields in Furano-Biei
Go to Shirogane Blue Pond
Positioned in Biei city, Shirogane Blue Pond is one other in style attraction within the space. This picturesque Instagram-famous lake is thought for its bluish-white color and attracts busloads of tourists to its shores every day. If you would like these Insta-perfect photographs, get to the Blue Pond early to beat the crowds.
Oksana at Shirogane Blue Pond
Shirogane Blue Pond
Day 7: Go to Sapporo
Distance: 165 km (102.5 miles)
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Your Hokkaido itinerary finishes in Sapporo, the capital of the area. Because the prefecture’s capital, Sapporo is the financial hub and cultural heart and is the proper spot to finish your 7 day itinerary.
Downtown Sapporo
Discover the downtown space of Sapporo, which is crammed with artwork galleries, eating places, and breweries. Sapporo is greatest identified for its namesake beer, and together with a world-class culinary scene. It’s a high foodie vacation spot with plenty of nice eating places to discover.
Go to Odori Park
Positioned within the coronary heart of town and simply throughout from the Sapporo Clock Tower, the enduring Odori Park stretches for 12 blocks. It’s simply the most well-known attraction within the metropolis, and is residence to Japan’s largest snow competition, in addition to the Sapporo TV Tower.
Sapporo TV Tower
This well-known TV tower was in-built 1957 and stands 147 meters (482 ft) excessive within the coronary heart of Odari Park. Nevertheless, its greatest draw card for guests is the statement deck providing panoramic views of town.
Normal admission is round 1000 yen. It’s a well-liked nighttime exercise so you may see town coated in twinkling lights.
Sapporo Beer Museum
To uncover the story behind town’s well-known beer, head to the Beer Museum in central Sapporo. Admission is free for the exhibitions within the former manufacturing facility detailing the historical past of Sapporo Beer. Beer tastings have an additional cost.
Subsequent door, you’ll discover the Sapporo Beer Backyard, which serves up draft beers and all-you-can-eat barbecues inside a good looking modern house.
Oksana & Max and the Sapporo TV tower
Have extra time?
The reality is that 7 days in Hokkaido isn’t sufficient to discover all the attractive locations and points of interest on this area. So, plan to remain for longer and add a go to to any of those areas.
Kushiro Nationwide Park
Positioned in japanese Hokkaido, that is Japan’s largest wetland habitat and residential to the final endangered Japanese Cranes. Roughly 1,000 Japanese cranes could be discovered within the marshes round Kushiro.
Lake Toya and Mt Usu
A part of the Shikotsu-Toya Nationwide Park, Lake Toya is a surprising caldera lake crammed with islands and pure sizzling baths.
The area can also be residence to the lively volcano Mount Usu. The Usuzan Ropeway provides a cable automotive trip to the summit of Mount Usu, the place there’s an statement deck and path across the volcano rim.
There’s additionally a well-liked rim path at Mount Usu, generally known as the Usu-zan Ropeway Rim Path, which supplies gorgeous panoramic views of the volcanic panorama.
On the Usu-zan Ropeway Rim Path at Mt Usu
Kuromatsunai
Positioned in southern Hokkaido, Kuromatsunai is among the most charming cities on the island and is surrounded by a beech forest generally known as the Utasai Forest Park. Hire a motorbike to discover the beech forest, native farms, and the city in a day.
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu Nationwide Park
On the northwestern tip of Hokkaido, Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu Nationwide Park is a spectacular assortment of volcanic mountains, islands, and alpine wildflowers. Mountain climbing is the easiest way to discover the park, with a number of trails by fields and wildflowers, plus a extra strenuous choice to the summit of Mount Rishiri.
Go to Niseko
Whereas this could be a well-known winter vacation spot, in summer season, you may get pleasure from mountain biking and mountain climbing. You may hike Mt. Annupuri, go river rafting, kayaking, or canyoning.
