After landing and collecting your rental car, ease into Hokkaido with a relaxed stroll through Odori Park, where wide lawns and seasonal blooms offer a gentle introduction to Sapporo's scale and layout. Stop by the nearby Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic city views, then pick up maps, a prepaid SIM or GPS card at the Sapporo Station area and grab a hearty brunch of soup curry or fresh miso ramen to fuel the rest of your self-drive orientation.
Drive to the vibrant Susukino district for a late-afternoon wander-sample fresh sushi or a seafood rice bowl at Nijo Market Annex and soak in lively street scenes. Follow with a calm visit to Hokkaido Shrine in Maruyama Park to stretch your legs among cedar groves, then take a short scenic drive up Mount Moiwa Ropeway for sunset city panoramas before checking into your hotel and prepping for the self-drive route ahead.
Ease into your first night with a leisurely dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden, where classic Genghis Khan (mutton barbecue) pairs perfectly with local draft beer; reserve a table to enjoy the atmospheric brick warehouses. Afterward, take a short drive to the illuminated waterfront promenade at Hassamu River Park for a peaceful post-dinner stroll, or pop into a cozy izakaya in the historic Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade to sample local sake and small plates before turning in.
Start your morning with a leisurely walk along the atmospheric Otaru Canal, where restored warehouses and gas lamps make for perfect photos; pop into a canal-side café like LeTAO Pathos for a rich double-fromage cheesecake and coffee. Afterwards, stroll the nearby Sakaimachi Street to browse glassware workshops and sample fresh seafood at a standing sushi counter such as Masazushi before heading to the bustling Otaru Fish Market (Uoichi) to pick up scallops or uni for a seaside snack.
Head uphill to the charming Temiya Park area and follow a short walking route past historic railway relics to reach Otaru Music Box Museum (Main Building), where you can design a custom music box and enjoy ornate automata displays. Afterward, stroll to nearby Kitaichi Glass to watch glassblowing demonstrations and pick up handcrafted souvenirs, then settle into a late-afternoon seafood tasting at Masazushi Annex or a local izakaya overlooking the canal before sunset.
As twilight falls, wander the atmospheric slopes toward Temiya Wharf for golden-hour views and try freshly grilled scallops from a popular stall; linger on the promenade with a takeout cup of warm corn soup. Later, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Kaisen Don-ya Otaru sampling a variety of sashimi bowls, then finish the night at Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway for illuminated night panoramas-a calm, scenic close to a day of canals and markets.
Depart Sapporo after breakfast and take a scenic route through rolling countryside to Niseko, stopping first at Shinsen-numa Wetlands for an easy boardwalk stroll and birdwatching among spring marshes. Continue to Niseko Milk Kobo for fresh dairy treats and photos of patchwork fields, then wander the tranquil gardens at Annupuri Onsen Area before checking into your accommodation and scouting nearby outdoor hot spring options for later relaxation.
After checking into your Niseko base, take a short drive to Niseko Village to ride the gondola for panoramic views over Mt. Yotei and the patchwork countryside, then descend for a relaxed coffee at Kansei Café overlooking the slopes. Later, wander the fragrant trails at Niseko Village Forest Walk, stopping at a riverside picnic spot before soaking tired muscles in an evening soak at the family-friendly Niseko Grand Hotel Onsen, where indoor and outdoor baths offer mountain views as daylight fades.
As dusk settles, drive to the peaceful lakeside of Kutchan Town's Lake Kuttara viewpoint for soft reflections and a tranquil photo stop, then head to Goshiki Onsen for a restorative open-air bath that soothes muscles after a day of driving and walking. Finish the night with a cozy dinner at Bang Bang Niseko, where locally sourced lamb and seasonal vegetables pair well with craft beers or wine in a warm, friendly setting before returning to your base for a good night's rest.
Leave Niseko at a relaxed pace and head east, stopping first at Shirogane Blue Pond for its surreal turquoise waters and mirror-like reflections-great for early-morning photos before the crowds arrive. Continue on to Shikisai-no-oka in Biei to wander the rolling flower terraces by foot or on a rental bicycle, then make a short drive to Patchwork Road viewpoints where the quilted fields and distant hills provide classic Hokkaido panoramas and a perfect picnic spot with local bakeries' fresh bread.
Spend a leisurely afternoon wandering the fragrant lavender and flower displays at Farm Tomita (try their lavender soft-serve and seasonal jam tasting), then take a short drive to Ningle Terrace in Furano for charming artisan shops and woodcraft demonstrations set among cedar trees. Finish with a scenic loop up to Mt. Tokachi Observatory for sweeping valley views at golden hour, stopping at a local café like Bakery & Table Furano for fresh bread and coffee before settling into your evening accommodation.
As daylight softens, wander the lantern-lit paths and craft stalls at Furano Marche to sample local cheeses, jams and a warm bowl of curry soup while picking up artisan souvenirs. Later, drive a short distance to Saika no Oka Observatory for sweeping twilight views over Furano's patchwork fields, then finish with a relaxed dinner at Café & Restaurant Kamifurano enjoying farm-to-table produce and local wine before returning to your accommodation.
Start your morning with a serene lakeside stroll around Toyako Onsen promenade, stopping for a coffee and pastry at Toyako Green Plaza while watching morning mist lift off the water. Then drive the short distance to Mount Usu Ropeway to ride up for panoramic views of the caldera and nearby Showa Shinzan volcano, followed by an easy guided walk on the crater rim trail to spot fumaroles and learn about the area's volcanic history.
After the ropeway and crater walk, take a scenic drive around the lake to Toyako Park, where you can rent a paddleboat or join a gentle lake cruise for close-up views of the caldera and islands; pause at Toyako Visitor Center for interactive exhibits about the lake's geology. Later, head to Uwanai Observatory for an elevated vantage over the bay then stroll through the aromatic gardens at Lake Toya Hot Spring Promenade, finishing with a riverside tea and local sweet at Puku Puku Café before an early-evening onsen soak.
Wind down your day with a lakeside dinner at The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort's restaurant, where panoramic windows frame the calm water and you can sample fresh seafood and Hokkaido vegetables paired with local wine. After dinner, take a gentle twilight stroll to Wakasaimo Shop & Sweets Terrace for seasonal desserts, then join an evening event or light-up walk at Toyako Onsen Fireworks (seasonal schedule permitting) or soak under the stars in an outdoor bath at Toya Kanko Hotel / Hot Springs terrace to relax before tomorrow's drive toward Noboribetsu.
Begin with a brisk hike through the otherworldly steam vents and colorful sulfur deposits of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where wooden walkways and viewing platforms bring you close to fumaroles and roaring hot springs-great for dramatic photos and a short geology lesson. After exploring the valley, stop at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura for a cultural interlude: stroll the Edo-period streets, try a themed snack like onsen-manju, and visit the local craft stalls before heading to a riverside café such as Sakuragaoka Café for a late-morning coffee and a view of the surrounding forests.
Drive a short distance to the tranquil Oyunumagawa River Walk, where wooden boardwalks wind past steaming vents and sulfurous streams-stop at the riverside benches to photograph drifting steam and pick up a sweet onsen-manju from a nearby stall. Continue to Noboribetsu Bear Park via the ropeway for a lighthearted contrast to the morning's geology, then return to town to soak away the day in the restorative open-air baths of Dai-ichi Takimotokan or enjoy a private rotenburo at Ginsuitei Takimotokan before an early evening kaiseki dinner featuring local seafood and mountain vegetables.
As twilight falls, wander the lantern-lit path to Noboribetsu Onsen Street for souvenir hunting and street-food tasting-try piping hot onsen manju and grilled river fish from a stall while browsing local craft shops. Afterwards, enjoy a mellow, late-evening soak at Yukemuri-no-Yu Public Bath with its mix of hot-spring types and a peaceful terrace view, then finish the night with a sake flight and rustic izakaya fare at Kappo Ryotei Enishi to sample regional flavors before turning in.
After the drive back from Noboribetsu, ease into Sapporo with a relaxed breakfast at Café Morihiko, renowned for its artisanal coffee and cozy wooden interior, then stroll the nearby tree-lined lanes of Nakajima Park to enjoy pond views and early-morning calm. Continue to the historic Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office) for a brief self-guided history stop and photo-op, and finish with a quick browse through local specialties at Sapporo Esta Food Hall to pick up last-minute omiyage before you head to the airport.
After breakfast and a relaxed start, drive to Moerenuma Park to explore its sweeping landscape sculptures and climb the glass-walled Hidamari observation pavilion for panoramic views-rent a bike to cover more ground among the art installations. Later, head to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market for a late lunch of freshly prepared kaisen-don or grilled seafood at a standing counter, then stroll the nearby Sosei Riverwalk cafes to sip coffee and savor your last local treats before returning the rental car and heading toward the airport.
Cap off your Hokkaido self-drive with a relaxed stroll and last-minute bites in Sapporo Factory, where renovated red-brick buildings house craft shops, a beer hall and a leafy atrium perfect for souvenir hunting. Follow with a memorable final dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU to savour a comforting, hometown specialty, then take an easy post-meal walk through Maruyama Park's quiet paths beneath lantern-lit trees before returning to your hotel or airport transfer.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Odori Park | Free |
| Sapporo TV Tower | ¥800 |
| Sapporo Station (SIM / GPS / prepaid card purchase) | ¥1,500 |
| Soup curry or miso ramen brunch (per person) | ¥1,200 |
| Susukino district (wandering) | Free |
| Nijo Market Annex (seafood rice bowl / sushi typical cost) | ¥1,800 |
| Hokkaido Shrine | Free |
| Mount Moiwa Ropeway | ¥1,800 |
| Sapporo Beer Garden (Genghis Khan meal & beer, per person) | ¥3,500 |
| Hassamu River Park (evening stroll) | Free |
| Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade (izakaya small plates & sake typical cost) | ¥2,500 |
| Otaru Canal | Free |
| LeTAO Pathos (cheesecake & coffee) | ¥900 |
| Sakaimachi Street (shopping) | Free |
| Masazushi (standing sushi counter typical cost) | ¥1,500 |
| Otaru Fish Market (Uoichi) - seafood snack (scallops/uni) | ¥1,200 |
| Temiya Park (walking/historic railway relics) | Free |
| Otaru Music Box Museum (Main Building) - entry / custom music box (basic) | ¥800 |
| Kitaichi Glass (demonstration & souvenir) | ¥500 |
| Masazushi Annex (seafood tasting) | ¥2,000 |
| Temiya Wharf (grilled scallops stall) | ¥700 |
| Kaisen Don-ya Otaru (sashimi bowl typical cost) | ¥2,200 |
| Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway (night panorama) | ¥1,500 |
| Shinsen-numa Wetlands (boardwalk stroll) | Free |
| Niseko Milk Kobo (dairy treats) | ¥600 |
| Annupuri Onsen Area (garden walk) | Free |
| Niseko Village gondola | ¥1,800 |
| Kansei Café (coffee) | ¥600 |
| Niseko Village Forest Walk | Free |
| Niseko Grand Hotel Onsen (day-use onsen typical per person) | ¥1,000 |
| Lake Kuttara viewpoint (Kutchan) | Free |
| Goshiki Onsen (open-air bath day-use) | ¥800 |
| Bang Bang Niseko (dinner, per person) | ¥3,000 |
| Shirogane Blue Pond | Free |
| Shikisai-no-oka (flower terraces) - entry / bicycle rental (optional) | ¥600 |
| Patchwork Road viewpoints | Free |
| Farm Tomita (lavender soft-serve & jam tasting) | ¥700 |
| Ningle Terrace (artisan shops) | Free |
| Mt. Tokachi Observatory | Free |
| Bakery & Table Furano (coffee & bread) | ¥800 |
| Furano Marche (sampling local foods) | ¥800 |
| Saika no Oka Observatory | Free |
| Café & Restaurant Kamifurano (dinner typical cost) | ¥2,500 |
| Toyako Onsen promenade (stroll) | Free |
| Toyako Green Plaza (coffee & pastry) | ¥700 |
| Mount Usu Ropeway | ¥1,550 |
| Crater rim guided walk (local guide / signage) - self-guided usually Free | Free |
| Toyako Park paddleboat / lake cruise (per person) | ¥1,200 |
| Toyako Visitor Center | Free |
| Uwanai Observatory | Free |
| Puku Puku Café (tea & sweet) | ¥600 |
| The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort (dinner typical per person) | ¥4,000 |
| Wakasaimo Shop & Sweets Terrace (dessert) | ¥500 |
| Toyako Onsen Fireworks (seasonal) - if event: viewing usually Free | Free |
| Toya Kanko Hotel / Hot Springs terrace (onsen soak) | ¥1,000 |
| Jigokudani (Hell Valley) | Free |
| Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Edo-theme park) - entry | ¥2,200 |
| Sakuragaoka Café (coffee) | ¥600 |
| Oyunumagawa River Walk | Free |
| Onsen-manju (treat) | ¥200 |
| Noboribetsu Bear Park (ropeway + entry) | ¥1,400 |
| Dai-ichi Takimotokan (onsen day-use / evening soak) | ¥1,000 |
| Ginsuitei Takimotokan (private rotenburo typical surcharge per person) | ¥1,500 |
| Noboribetsu Onsen Street (souvenirs & street food) | ¥800 |
| Yukemuri-no-Yu Public Bath (evening soak) | ¥800 |
| Kappo Ryotei Enishi (izakaya dinner & sake flight) | ¥3,500 |
| Café Morihiko (breakfast coffee & pastry) | ¥900 |
| Nakajima Park (stroll) | Free |
| Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office) - self-guided visit | Free |
| Sapporo Esta Food Hall (omiyage shopping / quick lunch) | ¥1,200 |
| Moerenuma Park (entry free; bike rental optional) | Free |
| Hidamari observation pavilion (within Moerenuma Park) | Free |
| Bicycle rental at Moerenuma Park (optional) | ¥800 |
| Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (kaisen-don lunch) | ¥2,000 |
| Sosei Riverwalk cafes (coffee / last treats) | ¥800 |
| Sapporo Factory (beer hall / final dinner) | ¥2,500 |
| Soup Curry GARAKU (final dinner typical per person) | ¥1,500 |
| Maruyama Park (evening stroll) | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ¥66,350 |