Hokkaido Autumn 9‑Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival & Sapporo Exploration

Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport and take the rapid train to Sapporo (≈40 min). Check into your hotel and enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Stroll through Odori Park, admiring the vibrant autumn foliage and the iconic Sapporo TV Tower. Continue to the historic Former Hokkaido Government Office for a glimpse of Meiji‑era architecture.

Evening: Savor Hokkaido’s famous seafood at Nijo Market and then experience the lively nightlife around Susukino, the city’s entertainment district.

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Day 2: Sapporo Culture & Nature

Morning: Visit the expansive Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, where maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange.

Afternoon: Explore the Sapporo Beer Museum and sample a frothy pint, followed by a relaxing walk in Maruyama Park and a quick ride up to Maruyama Shrine.

Evening: Dine on miso ramen at the famous Ramen Republic in the Sapporo Station building and enjoy a night view from the Sapporo JR Tower Observatory.

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Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru

Morning: Take a 30‑minute train to the picturesque port city of Otaru. Wander along the historic Otaru Canal, lined with restored warehouses.

Afternoon: Sample fresh sushi at the bustling Otaru Sushi Street** and explore the charming glass‑blowing shops of Otaru Glass Studio.

Evening: Return to Sapporo and relax with a hot drink at a café in the atmospheric Sapporo Factory complex.

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Day 4: Furano & Biei Lavender Fields

Morning: Travel by train to Furano (≈2 h). Visit the colorful Farm Tomita, where autumn pumpkins and vibrant flower beds replace the summer lavender.

Afternoon: Continue to neighboring Biei to drive the scenic “Patchwork Road,” stopping at the iconic Blue Pond and rolling hills of the “Blue Pond” area.

Evening: Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan in Biei, enjoying a kaiseki dinner featuring locally sourced Hokkaido produce.

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Day 5: Asahikawa & Daisetsuzan National Park

Morning: Take a short train ride to Asahikawa and visit the famed Asahiyama Zoo**, where you can watch the penguin parade.

Afternoon: Head into Daisetsuzan National Park for a gentle hike to the autumn‑touched summit of Mount Kurodake, offering sweeping views of fiery foliage.

Evening: Return to Asahikawa for dinner at a local izakaya, trying Hokkaido’s specialty “Jingisukan” (grilled lamb).

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Day 6: Noboribetsu Onsen & Lake Toya

Morning: Travel south to Noboribetsu (≈2 h by train). Walk through the dramatic volcanic valley of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where steam vents and orange soil create a surreal landscape.

Afternoon: Soak in the therapeutic waters of Noboribetsu Onsen, then continue to Lake Toya (≈1 h drive) for a lakeside stroll.

Evening: Check into a lakeside hotel and enjoy a sunset view over the lake, followed by a dinner featuring fresh lake fish.

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Day 7: Lake Toya & Mt. Usu

Morning: Take a short boat cruise on Lake Toya, admiring the surrounding mountains cloaked in autumn colors.

Afternoon: Ride the ropeway up to Mount Usu for panoramic vistas and a short walk along the volcanic trail.

Evening: Relax in the hotel's onsen and enjoy a late‑night walk along the lake promenade.

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Day 8: Hakodate Exploration

Morning: Travel by limited express train to Hakodate (≈3 h). Begin with a visit to the historic Motomachi district, exploring Western‑style churches and red‑brick warehouses.

Afternoon: Ride the funicular to Mount Hakodate for a spectacular view of the city and its autumn‑kissed harbor.

Evening: Dine on fresh crab at the famed Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market) and wander the illuminated streets of the historic district.

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Day 9: Departure

Morning: Stroll through Goryokaku Park, climbing the star‑shaped fort for a final view of Hokkaido’s fall palette.

Afternoon: Return to New Chitose Airport by train (≈4 h) and prepare for departure.

Evening: Fly home with memories of crisp air, vibrant foliage, and Hokkaido’s warm hospitality.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Odori Park – 1 hour – $0
  • Former Hokkaido Government Office – 0.5 hour – $2
  • Nijo Market – 1 hour – $20 (seafood tasting)
  • Susukino – 2 hours – $0 (exploration)
  • Hokkaido University Botanic Garden – 2 hours – $5
  • Sapporo Beer Museum – 1.5 hours – $8 (entry & tasting)
  • Maruyama Park & Shrine – 2 hours – $0
  • Sapporo JR Tower Observatory – 1 hour – $12
  • Otaru Canal – 1 hour – $0
  • Otaru Sushi Street – 1.5 hours – $30 (lunch)
  • Otaru Glass Studio – 1 hour – $10 (shopping)
  • Farm Tomita (Furano) – 2 hours – $7
  • Blue Pond (Biei) – 1 hour – $0
  • Asahiyama Zoo – 2 hours – $15
  • Mount Kurodake (Daisetsuzan) – 3 hours – $0 (hike)
  • Jigokudani (Hell Valley) – 1.5 hours – $0
  • Noboribetsu Onsen (public bath) – 2 hours – $12
  • Lake Toya Cruise – 1 hour – $15
  • Mount Usu Ropeway – 1 hour – $18
  • Motomachi District (Hakodate) – 2 hours – $0
  • Mount Hakodate Night View – 1.5 hours – $12 (ropeway)
  • Hakodate Morning Market (crab dinner) – 2 hours – $35
  • Goryokaku Park – 1 hour – $0
  • Transportation (JR Pass 7‑day + additional days) – 9 days – $350
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotels/ryokan, 8 nights) – 8 nights – $960
  • Meals (average $30 per day) – 9 days – $270
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, extra snacks) – – $100
  • Total Estimated Cost: $1,834

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in the Shiretoko Peninsula for wildlife spotting and pristine coastal scenery, or extend your stay in Furano to visit the nearby Lavender East farms still vibrant in early autumn. To shorten the trip, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by using a guided tour that covers both Furano/Biei and Daisetsuzan in one day, reducing travel time and accommodation costs.

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