8-Day Self-Drive Adventure in Hokkaido, Japan

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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