8-Day Hokkaido Self-Driving Adventure: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine in August 2024

Day 1: Discover Sapporo

Sapporo, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sapporo Beer Garden

Start your day with a hearty breakfast while enjoying local flavors at the iconic Sapporo Beer Garden.
Drive to the Beer Garden, which has parking facilities.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower

Admire the classic architecture of Sapporo Clock Tower, a symbol of the city.
Short 5-minute drive from the Beer Garden, parking available nearby.
JPY 200, 30 minutes

10:30 AM

Explore Odori Park

Stroll through Odori Park, enjoying its beautiful flower beds and shady trees.
Easy drive, parking available at nearby structures.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Savor authentic Sapporo-style ramen at this popular dining spot.
Drive to the ramen location with ample parking.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Hokkaido Shrine

Explore the historic Hokkaido Shrine, set in a serene wooded area.
A straightforward drive, with parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Sapporo TV Tower

Head up to Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Short drive with parking available nearby.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Seafood Market

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at the famous Sapporo Nijo Market.
Drive back to the city center, parking available.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening stroll in Susukino

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Susukino with its numerous shops and bars.
Short drive from the market; parking available.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Culture and History

Sapporo, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Maruyama Café

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with locally brewed coffee and croissants.
Drive to Maruyama Park, parking available.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Maruyama Park

Wander through the beautiful Maruyama Park with its various trails and greenery.
Easy walk since the café is in the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido

Learn about Hokkaido's history at this open-air museum featuring traditional buildings.
Drive to the village with ample parking on site.
JPY 800, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Farm Restaurant ZU-I

Dine on fresh farm-to-table cuisine in this charming restaurant.
Short drive from the village.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Sapporo Art Park

Explore the outdoor sculpture park and galleries showcasing local art.
A pleasant drive, parking available.
JPY 700, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Genghis Khan Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Genghis Khan barbecue at one of Sapporo's famous restaurants.
Drive back to the city center, parking available.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Sapporo and sample some brews.
Drive to the museum, easy parking.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru, Hokkaido

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at your hotel to kickstart your day.
Included in your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Otaru

Take a scenic drive along the coastline to Otaru, enjoying the beautiful views.
Drive from Sapporo, scenic coastal route.
JPY 1,000 (fuel cost), 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Otaru Canal

Walk along the picturesque Otaru Canal, lined with historic buildings.
Parking available near the canal.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum

Discover a fascinating collection of music boxes in this charming museum.
Short drive or walk from the canal.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Street

Indulge in fresh sushi at the famous Otaru Sushi Street.
Just a few blocks from the museum, parking available nearby.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Kitaichi Glass Otaru

Shop for beautiful glassware and watch artisans at work.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Varies, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Stroll through Otaru's Historic Cheeses

Sample and buy local cheese products in the charming shop.
Nearby the glass shop.
Varies, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Otaru Unga Dori

Relax and enjoy a lovely meal with views of Otaru's canal.
Take a short walk from the cheese shop.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Drive Back to Sapporo

Enjoy the evening drive back to Sapporo, reflecting on the day's highlights.
Drive back along the same scenic route.
JPY 1,000 (fuel cost), 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Furano and Lavender Fields

Furano, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation.
Included in your hotel package.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Furano

Take a scenic drive to Furano, famous for its stunning lavender fields.
Easy drive with scenic views along the way.
JPY 1,500 (fuel cost), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Farm Tomita

Explore the picturesque lavender fields at Farm Tomita and enjoy some lavender ice cream.
Plenty of parking available on-site.
JPY 800, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Farm Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table dining with delicious local ingredients at the on-site restaurant.
Located within Farm Tomita, no need to drive anywhere.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Furano Cheese Factory

Learn about cheese-making and sample various cheeses at this interactive factory.
Take a short drive from the restaurant.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Shikisai no Oka

Wander through the vibrant flower fields and enjoy beautiful vistas.
Convenient drive, plenty of parking available.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Your Hotel

Return to your hotel in Furano for a relaxing dinner.
Self-arranged transportation as needed.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Biei Blue Pond and Countryside

Biei, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a great breakfast before heading to Biei.
Included in your accommodation package.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Biei

Take a scenic drive to Biei, renowned for its picturesque landscapes.
Straightforward drive, parking is available.
JPY 1,000 (fuel cost), 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Blue Pond

Marvel at the stunning blue waters of the Blue Pond, perfect for photographs.
Parking available at the site.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Biei Soba Restaurant

Savor delicious soba noodles in a traditional setting.
Short drive from the pond.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Shirogane Blue Pond

Take a scenic hike to the nearby Shirogane Blue Pond for more breathtaking views.
Drive to trailheads, parking available.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Biei Patchwork Road

Take in the rolling hills and colorful fields along the famous Patchwork Road.
Biking or driving along the route, parking available at various points.
JPY 1,000 (bike rental optional), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Your Hotel

Return to your accommodation for a delightful dinner after a busy day.
Self-arranged transportation.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Asahikawa and Wildlife

Asahikawa, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before heading to Asahikawa.
Included in your accommodation package.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Asahikawa

Catch a short drive to Asahikawa, known for its local zoo.
Join the local roads for a direct route.
JPY 1,500 (fuel cost), 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Asahikawa Zoo

Visit one of Japan's most famous zoos, known for its polar bears and penguin parade.
Parking available at the zoo.
JPY 1,800, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Sample various styles of ramen in this unique dining complex.
Short drive from the zoo.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewery

Tour the brewery and sample fine Japanese sake.
A short drive from the ramen village.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Asahikawa's Starffin Park

Wander through this beautiful park and relax by the decorative installations.
A quick drive from the brewery.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Your Hotel

Refuel with dinner back at your accommodation.
Self-arranged transportation.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Noboribetsu Hot Springs

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your journey to Noboribetsu.
Included in your accommodation package.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Noboribetsu

Take a local highway to Noboribetsu, famous for its hot springs.
Parking is available at various hot spring sites.
JPY 1,500 (fuel cost), 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Hell Valley (Jigokudani)

Explore the dramatic volcanic landscape and sulfur vents of Hell Valley.
Easy access with ample parking once you arrive.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Noboribetsu Onsen

Dine on traditional Japanese dishes in the onsen area.
Short drive or walk to reach various restaurants.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Relax in Onsen

Unwind in the rejuvenating hot springs and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Various onsen options available with easy parking.
JPY 1,500, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious dinner at your onsen accommodation.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening Stroll near Oyunuma Pond

Take a peaceful evening stroll around Oyunuma Pond, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Short drive from the hotel with parking available.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Hokkaido

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your accommodation before returning to Sapporo.
Included in your hotel package.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive Back to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo, reflecting on the beauty of Hokkaido during your journey.
Direct drive with scenic views.
JPY 1,500 (fuel cost), 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Explore the shops and find unique souvenirs at this bustling shopping arcade.
Drive to the arcade with parking available nearby.
Varies, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Soup Curry Restaurant

Try a delicious bowl of Hokkaido-style soup curry for lunch.
Nearby the shopping area; easy transit.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Moerenuma Park

Discover the unique landscape architecture of Moerenuma Park designed by Isamu Noguchi.
Drive to the park with plenty of parking.
JPY 450, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Your Accommodation

Return to your hotel to unwind and pack for departure.
Drive back to your hotel, parking available.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at a Sushi Restaurant

Indulge in a farewell dining experience with fresh sushi at a renowned local restaurant.
Easy drive from your accommodation with parking available.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Departure

Conclude your memorable adventure in Hokkaido as you prepare for your departure.
Drive to the airport, parking available for travelers.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability