8-Day Self-Drive Adventure in Hokkaido, Japan: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Discover Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Will Cafe

Start your day with a delicious selection of Japanese pancakes and coffee at Will Cafe.
Easily accessible in central Sapporo.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower

Explore the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower, a historical symbol of the city.
A short walk from the café.
JPY 200, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Stroll through Odori Park

Relax and enjoy the flowers and sculptures at Odori Park, which stretches through the city center.
Walk directly to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden

Savor Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) and draft beer in this unique dining atmosphere.
Short drive or taxi ride from the park.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido

Step back in time at the Historical Village, a museum with old buildings and exhibits showcasing Hokkaido's past.
Drive to the village, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY 500, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ramen Yokocho

Indulge in Sapporo's famous miso ramen at one of the many shops in Ramen Yokocho alley.
Return to the city center.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Nightlife Exploration

Experience Sapporo's nightlife by exploring Susukino, the vibrant entertainment district.
Short taxi ride to Susukino.
Free (varies with activities), 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Journey to Otaru

Otaru, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café de Lune

Enjoy a casual breakfast of pastries and coffee at Café de Lune.
Located in central Sapporo before departure.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Otaru

Head to Otaru, known for its historic canals and glassware.
Drive takes about 30-40 minutes.
Included in rental costs, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Otaru Canal

Stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal, lined with charming warehouses and shops.
Central Otaru, parking nearby.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Street

Delight in fresh sushi from Otaru's renowned sushi street featuring multiple eateries.
Walk to the sushi street from the canal.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Glass Workshops

Take part in a glassblowing workshop to create your own souvenir.
Many workshops are within walking distance.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Music Box Museum

Explore the enchanting Sakaimachi Street and visit the cute Music Box Museum.
A short walk from the glass workshop.
JPY 400, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tonkatsu Akane

Savor a delicious tonkatsu meal at one of Otaru's famous restaurants.
Short drive or taxi ride from the museum.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Night View from Otaru Tenguyama

Take the cable car up Tenguyama to enjoy stunning nighttime views of the city.
Drive to the cable car station.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure in Niseko

Niseko, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast included in your stay in Otaru.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Niseko

Set off for Niseko, renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
The drive takes about 2 hours.
Included in rental costs, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Hiking at Mt. Annupuri

Embrace the great outdoors with a morning hike on Mt. Annupuri.
Trailhead is easily accessible.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Niseko Pizza

Refuel with a gourmet pizza served fresh and hot after your hike.
Quick drive from the hiking area.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Relax at Onsen

Unwind at a local onsen and soak in the rejuvenating hot springs.
Several onsens located in Niseko.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Ezo Seafoods

Try fresh seafood at this renowned restaurant famous for its sashimi.
Short drive from the onsen.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Stroll in Hirafu

Walk around the vibrant village of Hirafu, lined with charming shops and cafes.
Easily walkable from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Relaxation at Lake Toya

Lake Toya, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast in Niseko before heading to your next destination.
Included in your hotel package.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Lake Toya

Head to the scenic Lake Toya, a crater lake known for its hot springs.
Drive takes approximately 1 hour.
Included in rental costs, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Lake Toya

Rent a bicycle or take a boat ride to explore the stunning lake views.
Rental facilities available on arrival.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Toya Onsen Restaurant

Dine with a view at the lakeside restaurant specializing in fresh local cuisine.
Located near the lake.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at Lake Toya Onsen

Unwind in the onsen facilities after enjoying various lake activities.
Onsen facilities are easily reachable.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Mt. Showa Shinzan

Discover the active volcano and its fascinating landscape with a close-up view.
Short drive from the onsen.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Lake View Resort

Enjoy a dining experience featuring local ingredients with stunning lake views.
Just a few minutes from the mountain.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Evening Relaxation

Take a calming stroll by the lake or relax at your accommodation.
Easily walkable location.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Experience in Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast included with your accommodation.
Dining area of the resort.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Hakodate

Travel to Hakodate, known for its historic buildings and famous night view.
The drive takes about 2 hours.
Included in rental costs, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Hakodate Morning Market

Stroll through the vibrant morning market while indulging in fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Convenient central location with parking.
Free entry, food varies, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Gaya Gaya Restaurant

Enjoy local seafood rice bowls featuring Hakodate’s famous squid.
Located close to the market.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Tour Goryokaku Park

Visit the star-shaped Goryokaku Park and climb the observation tower for panoramic views.
Short drive from the restaurant.
JPY 1,000, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Shoya

Dine at this cozy izakaya known for its Okonomiyaki and other delicious dishes.
Drive from the park back to the city center.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Night View from Mt. Hakodate

Take the ropeway to Mt. Hakodate for one of the most stunning night views in the world.
Cable car ride from the city center.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature and Wildlife in Asahikawa

Asahikawa, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey to Asahikawa.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Asahikawa

Travel towards Asahikawa, well-known for its zoo and beautiful landscapes.
The drive takes approximately 2 hours.
Included in rental costs, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Asahiyama Zoo

Experience unique animal exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo, an innovative zoo focused on natural habitats.
Easily accessible from the city.
JPY 1,200, 2.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Zoo Café

Enjoy casual cafeteria-style dining with views of the zoo.
Located within the zoo premises.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewery

Join a sake tasting tour at the Otokoyama Sake Brewery where you can learn about sake production.
Short drive from the zoo.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Genghis Khan Restaurant

Celebrate your day's adventure with a delightful dinner at a restaurant offering the popular Genghis Khan dish.
Short drive from the brewery.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Leisure at Asahikawa

Explore the vibrant streets of Asahikawa and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Get around easily by foot.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Floral Bliss in Furano

Furano, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have breakfast included in your stay before heading to your next destination.
Dining area at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Furano

Set off for Furano, famous for its beautiful flower fields.
The drive will take about 2 hours.
Included in rental costs, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Farm Tomita

Explore the iconic lavender fields and other seasonal flowers at Farm Tomita.
Located just outside of Furano.
JPY 500, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Lavender Farm Restaurant

Taste delicious lavender-flavored dishes made with local ingredients.
Restaurant is located on the farm.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore the Furano Cheese Factory

Learn about cheese production and enjoy cheese tasting at this famous factory.
Short drive within Furano.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Shiratori

Experience a delightful yakiniku dinner, grilling your own meats at the table.
Easily reachable from previous site.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Evening Relaxation

Relax and enjoy the calm ambiance of Furano, ideal for winding down.
Your accommodation or around town.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy your last breakfast in Furano before heading back to Sapporo.
Dining area at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive Back to Sapporo

Take the scenic route back to Sapporo, reflecting on your remarkable journey.
The drive will take about 2 hours.
Included in rental costs, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Soup Curry Garaku

Relish the famous Sapporo soup curry, a local specialty to celebrate your trip.
Located in Sapporo downtown.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Final Shopping at Sapporo Factory

Pick up last-minute souvenirs and enjoy shopping at Sapporo Factory.
Easily reachable from the lunch spot.
Varies, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at Your Accommodation

Unwind and prepare for your departure, reflecting on your adventure in Hokkaido.
Return to your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Misono

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring teppanyaki dishes and seasonal ingredients.
Located in central Sapporo.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Departure

Conclude your incredible journey in Hokkaido as you make your way to the airport.
Take a taxi to New Chitose Airport.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour
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