The Ultimate 10-Day Hokkaido Itinerary: Exploring Japan’s Northern Paradise

Japan is a land of contrasts, from the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto. But if you want to experience a different side of Japan, one that is less crowded and more serene, then Hokkaido is the perfect destination. Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, and it is known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and fresh seafood. In this 10-day itinerary, we’ll explore the best that Hokkaido has to offer.

Day 1: Sapporo

Your journey begins in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Sapporo is a modern city with a laid-back atmosphere, known for its beer, ramen, and winter snow festival. Start your day by visiting the Sapporo Clock Tower, which was built in 1878 and is a symbol of the city. Then, head to the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the history of beer in Japan and taste some local brews. For lunch, try some of the famous Sapporo ramen, which is made with a rich miso broth.

In the afternoon, take a stroll around Odori Park, a large green space in the heart of the city. If you’re visiting in the winter, the park is the site of the Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts millions of visitors each year. In the evening, head to Susukino, the city’s entertainment district, to try some local seafood at one of the many izakayas (Japanese pubs).

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 canals, glassware, and fresh seafood. Start your day by taking a stroll along the Otaru Canal, which is lined with historic buildings and street lamps. Then, head to the Otaru Glass Museum to see the town’s famous glassware.

For lunch, try some of the fresh seafood at the Otaru Sankaku Fish Market, which has been in operation for over 100 years. After lunch, take a walk around the historic district, which is full of shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs. Don’t forget to try some of the local sweets, such as the Otaru Orgel (music box) cake.

Day 3: Asahikawa

On day three, head to Asahikawa, a city in the center of Hokkaido. Asahikawa is known for its zoo, which is one of the best in Japan, and its ramen, which is made with a soy sauce broth. Start your day by visiting the Asahiyama Zoo, which is home to over 700 animals, including penguins, polar bears, and red pandas. The zoo is known for its innovative animal exhibits, which allow visitors to see the animals up close.

After lunch, head to the Asahikawa Ramen Village, which is a collection of eight ramen shops. Try some of the different varieties of ramen, and see which one is your favorite. In the evening, take a stroll around the Asahikawa Winter Festival, which takes place in early February and features large snow sculptures.

Day 4: Furano and Biei

On day four, head to Furano and Biei, two picturesque towns in the middle of Hokkaido. Furano is known for its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer, while Biei is known for its rolling hills and scenic views. Start your day by visiting the Farm Tomita in Furano, which is one of the most popular lavender farms in Japan. The farm is open from late May to early October, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Take a walk through the fields and enjoy the beautiful fragrance of lavender. You can also buy some lavender products, such as soap and essential oil, as souvenirs.

After visiting the lavender fields, head to Biei, which is about 20 minutes away by car. Biei is known for its patchwork of fields and hills, which create a stunning landscape. The best way to explore the area is by renting a bicycle, which you can do at the Biei Station. Some of the must-see spots include the Shirogane Blue Pond, which has bright blue water and white trees, and the Panorama Road, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape.

Day 5: Sounkyo

On day five, head to Sounkyo, a valley in the Daisetsuzan National Park. Sounkyo is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and autumn leaves. Start your day by taking a cable car to the top of the Kurodake Mountain, which has a height of 1,984 meters. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and forests. If you’re visiting in the autumn, the view is especially beautiful due to the colorful leaves.

After descending from the mountain, head to the Ginga no Taki and Ryusei no Taki waterfalls, which are located near the Sounkyo Onsen hot spring resort. The waterfalls are about 100 meters tall and are surrounded by lush vegetation. In the evening, relax in one of the hot springs and enjoy the tranquility of the valley.

Day 6: Lake Akan

On day six, head to Lake Akan, a scenic lake in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Lake Akan is known for its marimo, which are spherical algae that live in the lake. Start your day by taking a cruise on the lake to see the marimo up close. You can also visit the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center, where you can learn about the biology and ecology of the marimo.

After visiting the lake, head to the Ainu Kotan, which is a village of the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The village is located on the shore of the lake and has traditional Ainu houses, crafts, and souvenirs. You can also try some of the Ainu cuisine, which includes dishes made with salmon and venison.

Day 7: Abashiri

On day seven, head to Abashiri, a city on the northeast coast of Hokkaido. Abashiri is known for its drift ice, which is ice that floats on the sea and creates a unique landscape. Start your day by visiting the Abashiri Prison Museum, which is a former prison that was in operation from 1890 to 1984. The museum has exhibits on the history of the prison and the daily life of the prisoners.

In the afternoon, take a drift ice cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk, which is one of the only places in the world where you can see drift ice. The best time to see the ice is from January to March, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. The cruise takes about an hour and a half and offers a chance to see seals, eagles, and other wildlife.

Day 8: Shiretoko

On day eight, head to Shiretoko, a peninsula in the northeastern part of Hokkaido. Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its pristine nature and wildlife. Start your day by visiting the Shiretoko Five Lakes, which are a group of five small lakes surrounded by beautiful forested mountains. The area is known for its stunning autumn foliage and is also home to brown bears, deer, and other wildlife.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour to see the Shiretoko coastline, which is known for its rugged cliffs and clear waters. The tour takes about two hours and offers a chance to see wildlife such as seals, sea otters, and whales.

Day 9: Lake Toya and Noboribetsu

On day nine, head to Lake Toya and Noboribetsu, which are both popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido. Start your day by visiting Lake Toya, which is a volcanic caldera lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a scenic cruise on the lake or hike along one of the many trails in the area.

After visiting Lake Toya, head to Noboribetsu, which is a hot spring town known for its therapeutic waters. You can visit the Noboribetsu Onsen, which is a large hot spring resort that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and relaxation areas. You can also visit Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley,” which is a geothermal valley with boiling mud pools and steam vents.

Day 10: Hakodate

On your final day, head to Hakodate, a city located in the southern part of Hokkaido known for its stunning views and historical buildings. Start your day by visiting the Hakodate Morning Market, which is a lively seafood market that offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including crabs, sea urchins, and scallops. You can also try some of the local dishes, such as kaisendon (seafood bowl) and grilled squid.

After visiting the market, take a cable car to the top of Mount Hakodate to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The view from the mountain is particularly beautiful at night, when the city lights up and creates a sparkling sea of lights.

In the afternoon, visit the Motomachi district, which is a historic neighborhood that has preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji era. You can visit the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, which is a building that was used as a town hall during the Meiji era and is now a museum showcasing the history of Hakodate.

In the evening, head to the Bay Area, which is a modern area with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can try some of the local dishes, such as Hakodate ramen and seafood dishes, and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Conclusion

Hokkaido is a paradise for nature lovers, foodies, and culture seekers. With its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and unique culture, Hokkaido offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This 10-day itinerary covers some of the best spots in Hokkaido and offers a glimpse into the region’s beauty and charm. Whether you’re visiting in the winter or summer, Hokkaido is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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