A Family-Friendly Hokkaido Itinerary: Fun Activities for Kids and Adults

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience a different side of the country. With its beautiful natural landscapes, delicious food, and unique culture, Hokkaido offers something for everyone, including families with kids. In this post, we’ll share a family-friendly Hokkaido itinerary that’s packed with fun activities for both kids and adults.

Day 1: Sapporo

Your Hokkaido adventure begins in Sapporo, the largest city on the island. Sapporo is known for its beer, ramen, and beautiful parks. Start your day with a visit to Odori Park, a large park in the heart of the city. The park is beautiful year-round, but in winter, it’s transformed into a winter wonderland with a snow sculpture festival. After enjoying the park, head to the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of beer in Japan and sample some of the local brews.

In the afternoon, head to the Susukino district for a bowl of Sapporo’s famous miso ramen. This hearty soup is made with a miso-based broth and topped with vegetables, pork, and sometimes butter. After lunch, take a stroll around the streets of Susukino and check out the many shops and restaurants.

For the evening, consider taking a dip in one of Sapporo’s many hot springs, or “onsen.” There are several public baths in the city, but if you want a more private experience, consider booking a room at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

Day 2: Otaru

On day two, take a day trip to Otaru, a charming port town about 30 minutes from Sapporo by train. Otaru is known for its canal, which is lined with old warehouses that have been converted into shops and restaurants. Start your day with a walk along the canal, taking in the beautiful scenery and stopping for a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes.

Next, head to the Otaru Music Box Museum, which is filled with beautiful music boxes and other handcrafted goods. Kids will love exploring the museum and trying out the different music boxes.

In the afternoon, head to the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, which is about 30 minutes from Otaru by bus. The distillery is located in a beautiful valley and offers tours and tastings. While kids won’t be able to sample the whisky, they’ll enjoy learning about the distilling process and exploring the beautiful grounds.

Day 3: Niseko

On day three, head to Niseko, a ski resort area located about two hours from Sapporo by train. Niseko is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but even if you’re not a winter sports enthusiast, there’s plenty to do in the area.

Start your day with a visit to the Niseko Village Snow Park, where you can enjoy tubing, sledding, and other snow activities. Next, head to the Niseko Milk Kobo, a dairy farm and bakery that offers delicious ice cream and pastries. Kids will love seeing the cows and goats, and adults will enjoy the freshly baked bread and cheese.

In the afternoon, take a snowshoeing tour through the beautiful forests surrounding Niseko. The tour will take you to a beautiful lookout point with stunning views of Mt. Yotei and the surrounding mountains.

Day 4: Lake Toya

On day four, head to Lake Toya, a beautiful lake located about two hours from Sapporo by train. The lake is surrounded by mountains and offers beautiful views year-round.

Start your day with a visit to the Lake Toya Volcano Science Museum, where you can learn about the geology and history of the area. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, and adults will appreciate the stunning views from the observation deck.

Next, take a cruise on the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the active volcano, Mt. Usu. There are several different cruises to choose from, including a pirate-themed cruise that’s sure to be a hit with kids.

In the afternoon, head to the Usuzan Ropeway, which takes you up to the summit of Mt. Usu. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike down the mountain on one of the many trails.

Day 5: Asahikawa

On day five, head to Asahikawa, a city located about 90 minutes from Sapporo by train. Asahikawa is known for its zoo, which is one of the best in Japan.

Start your day with a visit to the Asahiyama Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals, including polar bears, penguins, and red pandas. The zoo is famous for its unique animal exhibits, which are designed to give visitors a close-up view of the animals in their natural habitats.

In the afternoon, head to the Asahikawa Ramen Village, a collection of eight ramen restaurants located in a single building. Each restaurant specializes in a different style of ramen, so you can try a variety of different dishes.

Day 6: Furano

On day six, head to Furano, a town located about two hours from Sapporo by train. Furano is known for its lavender fields, which are in bloom from late June to early August.

Start your day with a visit to the Farm Tomita, a beautiful lavender farm with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Kids will love running through the fields and taking in the fragrant smells, while adults will appreciate the beautiful scenery.

In the afternoon, head to the Furano Wine Factory, where you can taste locally produced wine and learn about the winemaking process. The winery also offers tours of its beautiful vineyards, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 7: Otaru

On your final day in Hokkaido, head back to Otaru for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Check out the many glassware shops in town, which offer beautiful handcrafted glass items.

In the afternoon, head to the Otaru Canal for a sunset stroll. The canal is beautiful at any time of day, but the sunset is particularly magical. End your day with a seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants in town, and toast to a successful Hokkaido adventure.

Conclusion

Hokkaido is a wonderful destination for families with kids, offering a wide variety of activities that are sure to please everyone. From exploring the beautiful parks of Sapporo to skiing in Niseko to visiting the animals at the Asahiyama Zoo, there’s something for everyone in Hokkaido. With its stunning natural landscapes, delicious food, and unique culture, Hokkaido is a destination that your family will never forget.

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