A Scenic Road Trip Through Hokkaido: Exploring the Island’s Best Drives

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, a scenic road trip through Hokkaido is an absolute must. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan, famous for its natural beauty, delicious seafood, and hot springs. This stunning island is an adventurer’s paradise, with incredible landscapes, picturesque towns, and endless opportunities to explore.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through Hokkaido’s best drives, showcasing some of the island’s most stunning scenery and attractions. From the rugged coastline to the rolling hills, this trip is one you won’t want to miss.

Day 1: Sapporo to Otaru

Our journey begins in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and home to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. After exploring the city, we’ll hit the road and head towards Otaru, a charming port town on the west coast of Hokkaido.

The drive from Sapporo to Otaru is relatively short, taking only around 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the ocean, as well as the rolling hills and lush greenery that make Hokkaido such a beautiful destination.

Once in Otaru, you can explore the town’s quaint streets, which are filled with old stone buildings and charming shops. Be sure to visit the Otaru Canal, which is particularly beautiful in the evening when it’s illuminated with lanterns.

Day 2: Otaru to Shakotan Peninsula

On day two, we’ll continue our journey north towards the Shakotan Peninsula, one of Hokkaido’s most stunning coastal regions. The drive from Otaru to the Shakotan Peninsula takes around two hours, but it’s worth every minute.

As you wind your way through the rugged coastline, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, as well as towering cliffs and craggy rock formations. This is one of the most scenic drives in Hokkaido, and it’s not to be missed.

Once you arrive at the Shakotan Peninsula, you can explore the many beautiful beaches and coves, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Be sure to visit Cape Kamui, the northernmost point of the peninsula, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

Day 3: Shakotan Peninsula to Furano

On day three, we’ll leave the coast behind and head inland towards the town of Furano. This drive takes around three hours, but it’s another incredibly scenic route that showcases Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

As you drive through the rolling hills and pastures, you’ll see fields of lavender, sunflowers, and other vibrant flowers. This is a particularly beautiful drive in the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom.

Once you arrive in Furano, you can explore the town’s many attractions, including the Furano Cheese Factory and the Furano Wine Factory. You can also take a hot air balloon ride over the town for an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Furano to Asahikawa

On day four, we’ll continue our journey north towards Asahikawa, one of Hokkaido’s largest cities. The drive from Furano to Asahikawa takes around an hour, but there are plenty of interesting stops along the way.

One of the highlights of this drive is the Biei Blue Pond, a stunning turquoise-colored pond surrounded by lush greenery. This is a popular tourist spot, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Once you arrive in Asahikawa, you can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Asahiyama Zoo and the Otokoyama Sake Brewery, which produces some of Hokkaido’s finest sake. Asahikawa is also home to several hot springs, where you can relax and unwind after a long day on the road.

Day 5: Asahikawa to Shiretoko National Park

On day five, we’ll head east towards Shiretoko National Park, one of Hokkaido’s most remote and beautiful destinations. The drive from Asahikawa to Shiretoko takes around six hours, so be sure to set out early in the morning.

Along the way, you’ll pass through several charming towns and scenic routes, including the scenic route through Akan National Park. Be sure to stop at Lake Mashu, one of the clearest lakes in the world, and Lake Kussharo, which is surrounded by hot springs.

Once you arrive in Shiretoko, you can explore the national park’s many attractions, including the Shiretoko Five Lakes, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You can also take a boat tour along the coast to see the park’s many species of wildlife, including brown bears, foxes, and deer.

Day 6: Shiretoko National Park to Sapporo

On our final day, we’ll head back to Sapporo, where our journey began. The drive from Shiretoko to Sapporo takes around five hours, but it’s another scenic route that showcases Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

Along the way, you can stop at the picturesque town of Biei, which is famous for its rolling hills and vibrant flowers. Be sure to visit the Patchwork Road, a scenic route that winds through the hills and pastures of the town.

Once you arrive back in Sapporo, you can reflect on your incredible journey through Hokkaido, and all the stunning sights and attractions you experienced along the way.

In conclusion, a scenic road trip through Hokkaido is an unforgettable experience that offers some of the most beautiful views in Japan. From the rugged coastline to the rolling hills, this journey showcases the island’s many natural wonders, charming towns, and unique attractions. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the magic of Hokkaido for yourself.

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