Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island, is a land of dramatic landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and delectable cuisine. From sprawling national parks to bustling cities, charming villages, and soothing onsen towns, Hokkaido offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveler. This itinerary outlines how to spend the perfect week in Hokkaido, showcasing some of its most remarkable destinations, from the vibrant city of Sapporo to the untamed beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park, the picturesque fields of Furano, and the historic port city of Otaru.
Day One: Sapporo
Your Hokkaido adventure begins and ends in Sapporo, the island’s largest metropolis. Renowned for its exceptional seafood, world-class skiing, iconic beer, and the spectacular Snow Festival, Sapporo has earned a well-deserved reputation as a culinary and cultural hub.
Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll through Odori Park, a verdant oasis that bisects the city’s north and south. Easily accessible from Odori Subway station, this park boasts 92 varieties of trees and offers a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Walk eastward towards the iconic Sapporo TV Tower, a symbol of the city.
For lunch, venture to the nearby Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q, a local favorite known for its authentic Sapporo-style ramen. Savor the rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles, a true taste of Hokkaido.
After lunch, take a short walk to the historic Sapporo Clock Tower and museum. This landmark provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping arcades. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of souvenirs, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for browsing and discovering unique treasures.
In the afternoon, take the subway from Odori Station to Hokkaido Shrine, located in Maruyama Park. Founded in 1869 and later restored, the shrine is dedicated to several important deities, including Emperor Meiji. The shrine grounds are also a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring.
To cap off the day, take a bus or taxi from the shrine to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. Ascend through pristine forest to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo and the Ishikari Bay of the Japan Sea. Enjoy a memorable dinner at The Jewels, a glass-walled restaurant that offers unparalleled views.
Day Two: Day Trip to Otaru
A trip to the charming harbor city of Otaru is an essential addition to any Hokkaido itinerary. Situated just a short train or bus ride (35-45 minutes) from Sapporo, Otaru offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
Start your day at Sankaku Market, a bustling seafood market conveniently located near Otaru Station. This is the perfect place to sample Hokkaido’s famous seafood, particularly the kaisendon, a delectable seafood rice bowl. Even if you’re not hungry, the vibrant atmosphere of the market is worth experiencing.
Indulge your sweet tooth at Kita-no Aisukurimu-ya-san parlor, a unique ice cream shop housed in a historic warehouse. Here, you can sample a variety of unusual and delicious ice cream flavors.
Enjoy your ice cream while strolling along the picturesque Otaru Canal. Admire the historic warehouses that line the canal banks and consider taking a canal boat tour for a unique perspective. Don’t miss the iconic Otaru steam clock, a gift from Canada that adds to the city’s charm.
A short walk from the canal will lead you to Sakaimachi Street, a treasure trove of restaurants, cafes, glass workshops, and souvenir shops, all housed within beautifully preserved Western-style buildings. This street is a must-see for anyone interested in shopping for unique crafts and souvenirs.
Return to Sapporo in the evening and treat yourself to a snack and a drink at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) before heading back to your hotel.
Day Three: Furano
Embark on an early morning journey to Furano, a region often compared to southern France due to its stunning landscapes. The bus offers a slightly faster travel time (2.5 hours) compared to the train (3 hours). Furano is renowned for its vibrant fields of lavender and wildflowers that bloom throughout spring and summer.
With panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan mountains and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see, Furano is a truly beautiful part of Hokkaido and is ideal for taking long scenic walks. Some of the most popular beauty spots include Farm Tomita, famous for its lavender fields; the serene Sorachi River; and the breathtaking views from the Furano Ropeway.
Wine enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Furano, with attractions such as Furano Winery, Tada Vineyard and Farm, and Furano Wine House. Consider taking a wine tour to learn about the history of wine production in Japan and the unique challenges of winemaking in this region. A visit to the local cheese factory is also a popular activity, as cheese and wine are a classic pairing.
Be sure to try the lavender soft-serve ice cream, a local specialty, and explore the many other unique lavender-based products available. In the evening, take a stroll along Ningle Terrace, a magical forest path lined with wooden chalets illuminated by fairy lights. Here, you can enjoy food, drinks, and browse the creations of local artists and artisans.
Day Four: Daisetsuzan National Park
Take a three-hour bus ride from Furano to Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido’s largest national park and one of its most popular destinations. The park is particularly stunning in the fall, when the autumn foliage creates a vibrant tapestry of colors, and in the spring, when alpine flowers burst into bloom.
The best way to experience the park’s breathtaking scenery is to take the Kurodake Ropeway, which connects Sounkyo Onsen with Kurodake Mountain’s Fifth Station, located halfway to the summit. From there, you can choose to hike the steep, 90-minute trail to the peak, which offers stunning views of the Daisetsuzan mountains. Alternatively, in the winter, you can enjoy a day of backcountry skiing on Hokkaido’s legendary powder snow.
Sounkyo Onsen, nestled in a lush, narrow gorge, is an ideal place to spend the night. Here, you can relax in the hot springs, take scenic walks to nearby waterfalls, and enjoy the numerous shopping and dining options.
Day Five: Noboribetsu (Jigokudani) Hell Valley
Prepare for a longer travel day, as the journey from Sounkyo Onsen to Noboribetsu takes approximately three and a half hours by car or five and a half hours by train. However, the reward is well worth the effort.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to a surreal, steaming volcanic landscape, complete with oni (demon) and ogre statues at every turn. This active geothermal area, known as Jigokudani or Hell Valley, can be explored via a two-hour circular walk. The trail includes two viewing points that offer stunning perspectives of the valley’s sheer scale and otherworldly beauty.
The trail also leads to Oyunuma Pond, a hot spring lake formed by the eruptions of Mount Hiyori. The pond’s waters reach an intense temperature of 260 degrees Fahrenheit. Surrounded by pristine woodland, Hell Valley is a captivating experience any time of year, but it is particularly enchanting in the fall.
After your walk, enjoy the therapeutic thermal waters at Noboribetsu Onsen. Many of the town’s hotels offer private onsen options. Be sure to visit the local shops, which stock an array of demon-themed items in keeping with the area’s folklore. Don’t miss the opportunity to try enma yakisoba, a spicy noodle dish named after King Enma, the demon king, at Onsen Ichiba.
Day Six: Lake Toya
Take the express highway bus from Noboribetsu to Lake Toya (60 minutes) or the express train (90 minutes) and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, named after the two magnificent lakes within its boundaries.
The lakeside Toyako Onsen hot spring resort is a charming destination with restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, confectionary shops, and souvenir shops. The resort also offers numerous viewpoints where you can admire the stunning views of the lake and Mount Usu.
From Toyako Onsen, you can embark on a 50-minute cruise around the lake, which departs every hour. Alternatively, you can tackle the lakeside walk, which features approximately 60 sculptures dotted along the 26-mile circumference of the lake. For panoramic views of the lake, head to the Silo Observatory viewing spot.
Return to Sapporo late in the evening, either by taking the direct two-hour train journey or by spending the night at one of the onsen resorts by the lake and returning in the morning.
Day Seven: Sapporo
Spend your final day in Hokkaido exploring more of Sapporo. Start with breakfast and a wander around the famous Nijo Market, a vibrant marketplace where you can savor fresh sushi, sashimi, or rice bowls. Even if you’re not hungry, the market’s lively atmosphere is worth experiencing.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or not, a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum and restaurant is a must. This museum is the only one in Japan dedicated to beer and Japan’s long history of brewing. It offers free tours and a paid tasting station. Housed in a beautiful red brick building, the museum is as impressive inside as it is outside. Enjoy lunch at the attached restaurant, where you can sample Hokkaido specialties such as Genghis Khan barbecue and, of course, a refreshing Sapporo beer.
From the museum, take the train to the Historic Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-mura), located in Nopporo Forest Park. This open-air museum showcases sixty buildings from all over Hokkaido, representing various periods in the island’s history. You will also have the opportunity to explore Ainu culture, the indigenous culture of Hokkaido.
Head back to the city center for dinner and enjoy a meal at one of Sapporo’s excellent restaurants, savoring the flavors of Hokkaido one last time before your departure. This perfect week in Hokkaido will give you unforgettable memories of the unique island.
