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8-Day Self-Drive Adventure in Hokkaido, Japan

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Sapporo Exploration

Sapporo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Le TAO

Start your trip with a delicious breakfast of freshly baked pastries and unique cheesecakes at this famous café.
Located in the city centre; drive from your accommodation.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower

Explore this iconic symbol of Sapporo and learn about its history at the small museum inside.
Short drive or a 15-minute walk from Le TAO.
JPY 200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Dive into Hokkaido's famous ramen at this themed food hall featuring multiple ramen shops.
Short drive from the Clock Tower.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Odori Park

Stroll through this beautiful park, perfect for relaxing and enjoying various flower displays.
Drive or walk; it’s centrally located.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the brewing process of Japan's oldest beer and sample some brews in the tasting room.
Short drive to the museum.
JPY 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sapporo Night Market

Enjoy street food delicacies including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local specialities.
Drive to the Night Market; parking available nearby.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

8:30PM

Return to accommodation

Relax after a fulfilling first day of exploring Sapporo.
Drive back to your accommodation.
Varies, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Sapporo

Day 2: Otaru Adventure

Otaru, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Indulge in freshly baked bread and artisanal coffee to energize you for the day.
Drive to Otaru; scenic 1-hour drive from Sapporo.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Otaru Canal Walk

Stroll along the picturesque canal lined with historic warehouses and quaint shops.
Short drive to the canal area; parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Otaru Music Box Museum

Discover unique music boxes and even create your own to take home.
Walk from the canal area; about 10 minutes.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sushi Street

Try fresh sushi at one of the many sushi restaurants along the famous street.
Short walk from the Music Box Museum.
JPY 3,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Glasswork Shops

Experience Otaru's famous glass art by visiting local shops and galleries.
Drive to the glasswork district; parking available.
Free to browse, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo and refresh before dinner.
1-hour scenic drive back to Sapporo.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nijo Market

Savour local seafood and fresh produce at this bustling market with various dining options.
Short drive from accommodation.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Otaru

Day 3: Niseko Fun

Niseko, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Barn

Enjoy breakfast at this chic restaurant serving local ingredients in a cozy setting.
Drive to Niseko; about 2 hours.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Enjoy Winter Sports or Hiking

Depending on the season, indulge in winter sports or take a scenic hike in the beautiful countryside.
Drive to the ski area or hiking trail.
Varies, 3-5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at An Dining

Unwind with a delicious meal featuring farm-to-table ingredients.
Short drive from the activity location.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Niseko Village

Explore this charming village with shops, cafes, and leisure activities.
Drive to Niseko Village area.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Niseko Pizza

Enjoy fresh, homemade pizzas while relaxing after a day of activities.
Short drive from the village area.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Relax at your accommodation

End your day unwinding at your hotel or indulge in an onsen experience.
Drive back to your accommodation.
Varies, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Niseko

Day 4: Shiretoko Nature

Shiretoko, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before the drive.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Shiretoko National Park

Experience the stunning landscapes on your way to one of Japan's most beautiful national parks.
Approximately a 4-5 hour drive.
Varies, 4 hour drive

1:00PM

Lunch at a local diner

Stop by a local diner along the way and taste freshly caught seafood.
Find a dining spot en route.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Shiretoko Five Lakes

Enjoy the natural beauty of the five lakes and the surrounding wildlife.
Short drive within the national park.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check into accommodation

Unwind at your lodge or hotel, set against the backdrop of nature.
Drive to your accommodation.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at your accommodation

Enjoy a fresh seafood-inspired dinner showcasing local ingredients.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Shiretoko

Day 5: Asahikawa Adventure

Asahikawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at the lodge.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Asahikawa

Embark on a scenic drive towards Hokkaido's second-largest city.
Approximately a 3-hour drive.
Varies, 3 hour drive

12:00PM

Lunch at Asahiyaki Ramen

Relish the local specialty of Asahikawa ramen, known for its rich broth and toppings.
Drive into the city centre.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Asahikawa Zoo

Engage with wildlife at one of Japan’s most popular zoos, noted for its unique enclosures.
Short drive from lunch location.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Snow Crystal Museum

Discover the beauty of snowflakes and learn interesting facts about them.
Drive to the museum.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Daizen

Enjoy grilled meat dishes at a popular Yakiniku restaurant.
Short drive from the museum.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to accommodation

Rest after an engaging day exploring Asahikawa.
Drive back to your accommodation.
Varies, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Asahikawa

Day 6: Furano and Biei

Furano, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Furano

Enjoy a scenic drive past beautiful countryside and flower fields.
About a 1.5-hour drive.
Varies, 1.5 hour drive

10:00AM

Visit Farm Tomita

Explore this picturesque lavender farm, perfect for stunning photos.
Drive from the main road.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Lavender Farm Restaurant

Savor local dishes featuring lavender and seasonal ingredients.
On-site dining.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Biei Blue Pond

Visit the famous blue pond and take in the surreal sight and beautiful scenery.
Short drive from Furano.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive through Patchwork Road

Enjoy a scenic drive along this picturesque route filled with rolling hills and fields.
Self-drive; following road signs.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pasta di Nappa

Indulge in handmade pasta and seasonal dishes at this beloved restaurant.
Drive back to Furano.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Relax at your accommodation

Spend a peaceful evening unwinding at your hotel.
Drive back; about 10 minutes.
Varies, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Furano

Day 7: Hakodate Excursion

Hakodate, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up for the day with a Korean-style breakfast buffet at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Hakodate

Travel the scenic route toward the southern coast of Hokkaido, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
Approximately a 2.5-hour drive.
Varies, 2.5 hour drive

11:30AM

Lunch at Hakodate Morning Market

Savour fresh seafood and Hokkaido delicacies in a vibrant atmosphere.
Drive directly to the market.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Goryokaku Park

Explore the star-shaped fort park and its beautiful grounds.
Short drive from the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cabin of the Red Brick Warehouse

Shop and wander around these historic buildings transformed into shops and eateries.
Short drive from the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Lucky Pierrot

Enjoy the famous local burger chain for a fun and casual dining experience.
Short drive from the Red Brick Warehouse.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Mount Hakodate Night View

End the day with a breathtaking view of the city from the ropeway.
Drive to the ropeway station.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hakodate

Day 8: Sapporo Departure

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Sapporo

Enjoy the scenic trip back to Sapporo for your departure.
Approximately a 4-hour drive.
Varies, 4 hour drive

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Sample local dishes while shopping for souvenirs within this lively arcade.
Drive to the arcade; central location.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Last-minute shopping in Sapporo

Pick up any final souvenirs and gifts as you stroll around the city.
Drive to a shopping area.
Varies, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return your rental car

Wrap up the trip by returning your rental car at New Chitose Airport.
Drive to the airport.
Varies, 1 hour

5:30PM

Departure from New Chitose Airport

Bid farewell to Hokkaido with beautiful memories as you head home.
Check in for your flight.
Varies, Varies
Find Hotels in Sapporo
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