The Ultimate Itinerary for a 7-Day Trip to Hokkaido

Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and a true winter wonderland. Hokkaido is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and delicious food. With so much to see and do, planning a trip to Hokkaido can be overwhelming, but fear not! I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary for a 7-day trip to Hokkaido that will help you make the most of your time on this stunning island.

Day 1: Sapporo

Start your trip in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Sapporo is known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and stunning architecture. Take a stroll around the city center, visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, and enjoy a bowl of Hokkaido’s famous ramen noodles at one of the many ramen shops in the area.

In the afternoon, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of beer in Japan and sample some of the famous Sapporo beer. End your day with a visit to the Odori Park, where you can see the Sapporo TV Tower and the Sapporo Snow Festival (if you’re visiting in February).

Day 2: Otaru

On your second day, take a day trip to Otaru, a small port town located about an hour from Sapporo. Otaru is famous for its canals, historic buildings, and glassware. Start your day by walking along the Otaru Canal, which was built in the early 20th century to transport goods from ships to warehouses. The canal is surrounded by picturesque old warehouses that have been converted into restaurants, cafes, and shops.

After walking along the canal, visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can see and purchase unique music boxes, many of which are made by local craftsmen. Next, head to the Kitaichi Glassware shop, which sells beautiful handcrafted glassware, including wine glasses, vases, and Christmas ornaments.

Day 3: Niseko

On your third day, it’s time to hit the slopes! Hokkaido is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, and Niseko is the perfect place to experience it. Niseko is located about two hours from Sapporo and is home to some of the best powder snow in the world.

Spend the day skiing or snowboarding down the mountain, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei. After a long day on the slopes, relax in one of the many natural hot springs in the area, known as onsens.

Day 4: Asahikawa

On your fourth day, head to Asahikawa, the second-largest city in Hokkaido, known for its zoo and winter festivals. The Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in Japan and is home to a variety of animals, including penguins, polar bears, and red pandas.

In the afternoon, visit the Asahikawa Winter Festival, which takes place every February. The festival is famous for its elaborate ice sculptures, many of which are over 10 meters tall. You can also enjoy local food and drink, such as grilled Hokkaido scallops and hot sake.

Day 5: Lake Toya

On your fifth day, visit Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake located about two hours from Sapporo. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is famous for its hot springs, including the famous Lake Toya Onsen.

Take a boat tour around the lake and enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Usu and Mt. Showa Shinzan. After the boat tour, take a cable car up to the top of Mt. Usu, an active volcano. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

In the evening, relax in one of the many hot springs in the area and try the local cuisine, such as grilled Hokkaido scallops, fresh seafood, and Hokkaido milk ice cream.

Day 6: Shikotsu-Toya National Park

On your sixth day, explore the beautiful Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is located about an hour from Sapporo. The park is home to two beautiful caldera lakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, as well as numerous hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Start your day by visiting the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, which takes place every February. The festival features beautiful ice sculptures and other winter activities, such as ice-skating and snowshoeing.

After the festival, take a hike along one of the many trails in the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the evening, relax in one of the many hot springs in the area, such as the Hoheikyo Onsen, which is known for its stunning outdoor hot springs.

Day 7: Furano

On your final day in Hokkaido, visit Furano, a small town located in the center of the island that is famous for its lavender fields and delicious wine. Furano is located about two hours from Sapporo and is a perfect place to end your trip.

Start your day by visiting the Furano Cheese Factory, where you can see how cheese is made and sample some of the delicious local cheese. Next, head to the Furano Wine Factory, where you can learn about wine-making in Hokkaido and sample some of the local wines.

In the afternoon, visit the Tomita Farm, which is famous for its beautiful lavender fields. The fields are in full bloom from late June to early August and are a must-see when visiting Hokkaido. You can also enjoy other seasonal flowers, such as poppies and sunflowers.

Conclusion:

Hokkaido is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and delicious food. With so much to see and do, planning a trip to Hokkaido can be overwhelming, but this 7-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time on this stunning island.

From the vibrant city of Sapporo to the beautiful caldera lakes of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido has something for everyone. Whether you’re a skier, a foodie, or a nature lover, you’re sure to find something to love in Hokkaido. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Hokkaido today!

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