How many days do you need in Hokkaido?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Hokkaido, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Hokkaido?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Hokkaido. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Discovering Hokkaido: A 7-Day Adventure

Day 1: Sapporo Exploration

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nijo Market

Start your day with a fresh seafood breakfast at Nijo Market, known for its bustling atmosphere and array of delicious local dishes.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Odori Park

Take a leisurely stroll through Odori Park, a central green space in Sapporo famous for its seasonal flower displays and events.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ramen Alley

Indulge in a bowl of Sapporo's famous miso ramen at Ramen Alley, a narrow alley lined with cozy ramen shops.

1000 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sapporo TV Tower

Head to Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, offering a perfect photo opportunity.

700 JPY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Shop for souvenirs and local products at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, a bustling covered street filled with shops and restaurants.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Susukino

Experience Sapporo's vibrant nightlife and dine at one of the many restaurants in Susukino, the entertainment district of the city.

2000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Sapporo

Day 2: Otaru Day Trip

Otaru, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at LeTAO

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at LeTAO, known for its delicious pastries and sweets.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Canal Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing canal cruise in Otaru, taking in the charming canal area lined with historic warehouses.

2000 JPY, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sakaimachi Street

Savor fresh seafood at one of the restaurants along Sakaimachi Street, a bustling shopping street with a mix of food and souvenir shops.

2000 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Otaru Music Box Museum

Explore the enchanting Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can admire a wide selection of intricate music boxes and unique gifts.

600 JPY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Kitaichi Glass

Browse the exquisite glassware at Kitaichi Glass and shop for beautiful glass souvenirs to take home.

Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Otaru Sushi Street

Savor the freshest seafood at Otaru Sushi Street, a row of sushi restaurants offering the catch of the day.

3000 JPY, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Otaru

Day 3: Niseko Adventure

Niseko, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Green Farm Cafe

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Green Farm Cafe, known for its farm-to-table dishes and scenic views.

2000 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Skiing or Snowboarding

Hit the slopes of Niseko, renowned for its powder snow and varied terrain, offering a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.

4000 JPY (ski pass), 4 hours

2:00PM

Onsen Relaxation

Unwind after a day of skiing with a relaxing soak in an onsen, traditional Japanese hot springs known for their therapeutic benefits.

1000 JPY, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Niseko Village

Take a leisurely stroll through Niseko Village, a charming alpine resort village offering boutiques, cafes, and stunning views of Mount Yotei.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at An Dining

Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at An Dining, known for its fusion of Japanese and Western flavors using local Hokkaido ingredients.

5000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Niseko

Day 4: Furano Flower Fields

Furano, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Furano Marche

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Furano Marche, a local market offering fresh produce and artisanal goods.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Farm Tomita

Explore the vibrant lavender and flower fields of Farm Tomita, a picturesque spot famous for its colorful blooms and fragrant lavender fields.

1000 JPY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Furano Winery

Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Furano Winery, where you can sample local wines paired with seasonal dishes.

3000 JPY, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Ningle Terrace

Discover the charming handicraft shops and wooden cabins of Ningle Terrace, a serene forested area perfect for leisurely strolls and unique shopping.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Cheese Tasting at Furano Cheese Factory

Indulge in a cheese tasting experience at Furano Cheese Factory, where you can sample a variety of Hokkaido cheeses and dairy products.

1000 JPY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Furano Delice

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Furano Delice, a cozy restaurant known for its French-inspired cuisine and seasonal ingredients.

4000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Furano

Day 5: Biei Scenic Beauty

Biei, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panorama Road Station

Start your day with a scenic breakfast at Panorama Road Station, offering panoramic views of the countryside and delicious local dishes.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Photography at Patchwork Road

Explore the iconic Patchwork Road in Biei, known for its rolling hills, colorful fields, and picture-perfect landscapes that are a photographer's dream.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mild Seven Hill

Enjoy a picturesque lunch at Mild Seven Hill, a scenic spot with views of blue skies, green fields, and the iconic tree that featured in a famous cigarette advertisement.

2000 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Shikisai no Oka

Explore the vibrant flower fields and gardens of Shikisai no Oka, a colorful farm with seasonal blooms that create a stunning tapestry of colors.

500 JPY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Biei Blue Pond

Discover the mesmerizing blue waters of Biei Blue Pond, a natural phenomenon created by minerals in the water, offering a tranquil and surreal experience.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Farm Restaurant Cocolo

Savor a farm-to-table dinner at Farm Restaurant Cocolo, known for its seasonal Hokkaido dishes made from fresh local ingredients.

3000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Biei

Day 6: Historic Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Start your day with breakfast at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a historic building complex now home to various shops and cafes.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Goryokaku Park

Explore the star-shaped Goryokaku Park, a historic fort and now a popular park known for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.

840 JPY (entrance fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hakodate Morning Market

Feast on fresh seafood at Hakodate Morning Market, where you can try local specialties like sea urchin and squid served fresh from the sea.

2000 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ropeway to Mount Hakodate

Take a scenic ropeway ride to the top of Mount Hakodate for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

1280 JPY (round trip), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Motomachi District

Wander through the historic Motomachi district, lined with Western-style buildings and churches that reflect Hakodate's international past.

Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lucky Pierrot

Enjoy a quirky dinner experience at Lucky Pierrot, a local burger chain known for its unique menu items and colorful decor.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Hakodate

Day 7: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sapporo Beer Museum

Start your day with breakfast at Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of beer in Japan and enjoy a beer tasting.

1000 JPY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Explore the serene grounds of Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine nestled in the forested area of Maruyama Park.

Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ramen Yokocho

Satisfy your ramen cravings at Ramen Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with ramen shops offering a variety of regional styles.

1000 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Indulge in some last-minute shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade before heading back to the airport.

Variable, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Sapporo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discovering Hokkaido: A 7-Day Adventure

Day 1: Sapporo Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Otaru Day Trip

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Niseko Adventure

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Furano Flower Fields

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Biei Scenic Beauty

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Historic Hakodate

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Return to Sapporo

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

More About Hokkaido

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