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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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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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