Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 76 travelers

A Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Hokkaido

Saturday, April 6: Arrival in Hokkaido

Start your trip in Hokkaido by arriving at the New Chitose Airport. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Visit Odori Park, a beautiful urban park in the city center, and enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. In the afternoon, head to the Sapporo Beer Museum and learn about the history of beer brewing in Japan, followed by a visit to the Sapporo Clock Tower. In the evening, sample local Hokkaido cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the Susukino area.

  • Odori Park: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Sapporo Beer Museum: Entrance fee: 200 yen, 1-2 hours
  • Sapporo Clock Tower: Entrance fee: 200 yen, 30 minutes
  • Dinner in Susukino: 2,000-3,000 yen per person, 1-2 hours
Sunday, April 7: Lake Akan

Embark on a day trip to Lake Akan, a stunning caldera lake located in Akan National Park. In the morning, take a relaxing boat cruise on the lake and marvel at the picturesque scenery. After the cruise, visit the Ainu Kotan, a traditional Ainu village where you can learn about the indigenous Ainu culture and crafts. In the afternoon, hike up Mount Meakan for breathtaking views or enjoy a soothing dip in one of the hot springs in the area. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants.

  • Lake Akan Boat Cruise: 1,500 yen, 1-2 hours
  • Ainu Kotan: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Mount Meakan Hike or Hot Springs: Free or varies, 3-4 hours
  • Dinner at a local restaurant: 2,000-4,000 yen per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Cafe MOCO in Lake Akan for a cozy atmosphere and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
  • For lunch, try the fresh seafood dishes at Kibana Suisan in Lake Akan, known for its delicious seafood bowls and sushi. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 yen per person.
  • For dinner, indulge in a scrumptious meal at Marukoma Soba in Lake Akan, known for its traditional soba noodles made from local buckwheat. Average cost for a meal is about 2,000 yen per person.
Monday, April 8: Otaru

Travel to Otaru, a charming canal town known for its nostalgic atmosphere. Explore the Otaru Canal in the morning, lined with old warehouses that now host shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum and create your own music box as a unique souvenir. In the afternoon, stroll along Sakaimachi Street, famous for its glassware and sweets shops. Don't miss the renowned LeTAO and try their heavenly cheesecake. Finish the day with a seafood dinner at a local seafood market.

  • Otaru Canal: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Otaru Music Box Museum: Entrance fee: 300 yen, 1-2 hours
  • Sakaimachi Street and LeTAO: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Seafood dinner at Nijo Market: 2,000-3,000 yen per person, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, April 9: Asahikawa

Head to Asahikawa, the second-largest city in Hokkaido, known for its beautiful gardens and the popular Asahiyama Zoo. Spend the morning exploring Asahiyama Park and its stunning flower gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Asahiyama Zoo and get up close with various animals. Don't miss the famous Penguin March, where penguins walk through the zoo. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath at a local onsen.

  • Asahiyama Park: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Asahiyama Zoo: Entrance fee: 820 yen, 2-3 hours
  • Hot spring bath at a local onsen: 500-1,000 yen, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, April 10: Furano and Biei

Visit the picturesque towns of Furano and Biei, famous for their breathtaking landscapes and flower fields. Start the morning with a visit to Furano Flower Fields, where you can see vibrant fields of lavender and other beautiful flowers. In the afternoon, explore the Patchwork Road in Biei, known for its rolling hills and scenic views. Don't miss the Blue Pond, a natural phenomenon with striking blue water. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring Furano's local produce for dinner.

  • Furano Flower Fields: Entrance fee: 200-400 yen, 1-2 hours
  • Patchwork Road and Blue Pond: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dinner featuring Furano's local produce: 2,000-3,000 yen per person, 1-2 hours
Thursday, April 11: Noboribetsu

Venture to Noboribetsu, a town famous for its hot springs and Jigokudani (Hell Valley) geothermal area. Spend the morning exploring Jigokudani and witness the impressive volcanic activity up close. In the afternoon, relax and rejuvenate at one of the many hot spring resorts in the area. Don't miss the Oyunuma Pond, a stunning hot spring pond surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. Indulge in a traditional kaiseki dinner at your resort.

  • Jigokudani (Hell Valley): Free, 1-2 hours
  • Hot spring experience at a resort: 1,500-3,000 yen, 2-3 hours
  • Oyunuma Pond: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Kaiseki dinner at your resort: 5,000-10,000 yen per person, 1-2 hours
Friday, April 12: Departure from Hokkaido

After breakfast, spend your last morning in Hokkaido exploring the local markets in Sapporo, such as Nijo Market or Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Pick up some delicious seafood or souvenirs to take home. Depart from New Chitose Airport in the afternoon, bidding farewell to Hokkaido with wonderful memories.

  • Nijo Market or Tanukikoji Shopping Street: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While visiting Hokkaido, make sure to explore the beautiful Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Take a boat tour to see the Shiretoko Peninsula from the sea and go hiking to discover hidden waterfalls and hot springs. For a unique cultural experience, try ice fishing in Abashiri during winter or enjoy a relaxing farm stay in the picturesque town of Biei. These off the beaten path attractions and experiences will provide unforgettable memories for your family.

Check current hotel and flight prices here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version