Hokkaido 9-Day Relaxation and City Experience Rail Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrival at New Chitose Airport

You will land at New Chitose Airport, gateway to Sapporo, where you’ll grab your luggage and prepare for your first adventure.
Take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station; it takes around 40 minutes.
JPY 1,070, 40 mins

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel and refresh after your journey; I recommend the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo for its stunning views.
Take a short walk or a taxi from Sapporo Station.
JPY 15,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Indulge in Hokkaido’s specialty: miso ramen at Sapporo Ramen Republic showcasing various local ramen shops.
Take the subway from Sapporo Station to Namba Station, about 10 mins.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower

Explore the iconic landmark of Sapporo, a symbol of the city’s history and culture.
A 10-minute walk from the ramen republic.
JPY 200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Odori Park

Wander through this beautiful green space, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the atmosphere.
A 15-minute walk from the Clock Tower.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Soup Curry SAMURAI

Savor a bowl of delicious soup curry, a local Hokkaido favorite that will warm you up.
Take a taxi for around 10 minutes.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast buffet at the hotel, featuring fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido

Step back in time and learn about the region’s history through the open-air museum filled with historical buildings.
Take the JR train to Shinrin-koen Station, then a bus (30 mins total).
JPY 800, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hide Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood dishes at Hide, a small eatery known for its amazing sashimi bowls.
Return by bus and train to the city center (1 hour).
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sapporo Beer Museum

Visit the brewery and learn about the making process of this world-renowned beer while sampling fresh brews.
Take the subway from Sapporo Station to the museum (20 mins).
JPY 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Moerenuma Park

Marvel at this modern park featuring large sculptures and beautiful scenery, ideal for sunset views.
Take a taxi (20 mins).
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kanihonke

Indulge in a crab feast, a must-try when in Hokkaido, at this famous local restaurant.
Take a taxi (30 mins).
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de L’ambre

A quaint cafe famous for its aromatic coffee and pastries to fuel your day.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Otaru

Take the scenic train ride to Otaru, known for its picturesque canal and glassworks.
JR Train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (30 mins).
JPY 640, 30 mins

10:30AM

Visit Otaru Canal

Stroll along the charming canal lined with retro buildings and cafes, truly a photographer's paradise.
Walk 5 minutes from Otaru Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Street

Delight in fresh local sushi at one of the many restaurants along Otaru Sushi Street.
Walk along the canal for 10 minutes.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Music Box Museum

Explore the enchanting world of music boxes and even try making one yourself.
5-minute walk from lunch.
JPY 700, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping for Glass Art

Browse and purchase exquisite glass art pieces that Otaru is famous for at various shops.
Short walk around Otaru downtown.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at LeTao

End your day with a delicious dessert and light meal at LeTao, known for their sumptuous cheesecakes.
10 minutes walk from shopping area.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo by train after a fulfilling day.
Train from Otaru Station to Sapporo Station (30 mins).
JPY 640, 30 mins
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Furano

Furano, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kiosk Cafe

Enjoy a light breakfast featuring freshly baked bread, coffee, and local jams.
Near your hotel.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Furano

Board the train to Furano, known for its stunning countryside landscapes and flower fields.
JR Train from Sapporo Station to Furano Station (2 hours).
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Furano and check in at the Furano Prince Hotel for beautiful mountain views.
Short taxi ride from the station.
JPY 12,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Farm Restaurant Azemichi Yorimichi

Savor local produce and cheese at this farm-to-table restaurant, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
20-minute walk from the hotel.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Furano Cheese Factory

Discover the art of cheese-making while tasting various types of local cheeses.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Ningle Terrace

Stroll through this charming shopping area of wooden cottages, perfect for picking up local crafts.
A 15-minute walk from the factory.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kiyora

Dine at Kiyora, celebrated for its delicious seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.
Take a taxi back to town (10 mins).
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Biei

Biei, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your morning with a buffet breakfast at your hotel with local specialties.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Biei

Take the short train ride to Biei, famous for its beautiful rolling hills and flower fields.
JR Train from Furano to Biei Station (30 mins).
JPY 640, 30 mins

10:00AM

Visit Blue Pond

Explore this picturesque pond with mesmerizing blue waters that change hues with the weather.
Take a taxi from the station (15 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Biei Station Cafe

Enjoy a light meal with local ingredients at this cozy station café.
Return by taxi to Biei Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Photography Tour of Shikisai-no-Oka

Join a guided tour to capture breathtaking landscapes of colorful flower fields ready for spring.
Local tour provider will arrange transport to Biei.
JPY 3,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Furano

Head back to your hotel in Furano after a day of stunning sights.
JR train from Biei to Furano.
JPY 640, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Kato

Indulge in traditional Hokkaido cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients.
Short walk from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Asahikawa Sightseeing

Asahikawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in your accommodation featuring locally sourced dishes.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Asahikawa

Travel to Asahikawa, home to the famous Asahiyama Zoo.
Train from Furano to Asahikawa (1 hour).
JPY 1,700, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Asahiyama Zoo

Spend the morning exploring this unique zoo known for its interactive exhibits and animal experiences.
Bus from Asahikawa Station to the zoo (30 mins).
JPY 1,000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe de L'Asahiyama

Enjoy a delightful lunch at the zoo café with views of the animals.
In the zoo vicinity.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Asahikawa Ramen Village

Experience various ramen shops all in one place, representing different styles of the beloved dish.
Bus back into Asahikawa (30 mins).
JPY 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asahikawa Ramen Shingen

Sample authentic Asahikawa ramen, known for its rich flavor and unique toppings.
Walking distance from Ramen Village.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Furano

Travel back to Furano to relax at your hotel.
Train from Asahikawa to Furano.
JPY 1,700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a day of relaxation at your hotel with a hearty breakfast.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Noboribetsu

Make your way to the famous hot spring town of Noboribetsu, renowned for its sulfuric waters.
Take the train from Furano to Noboribetsu (3 hours).
JPY 3,500, 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Onsen Hotel

Relax and unwind at your onsen hotel; I recommend the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel.
Short taxi ride from Noboribetsu Station.
JPY 15,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy an exquisite buffet of local dishes at your onsen hotel.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

3:30PM

Experience Hell Valley (Jigokudani)

Take a scenic stroll and witness the geysers and hot steam vents at the famous Hell Valley.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Explore Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

Step back into its Edo-period theme park with mock samurai battles and traditional craft activities.
15-minute bus from the hotel.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

After a full day, enjoy a relaxing dinner in the elegant dining room of your hotel.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Hakodate Sightseeing

Hakodate, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a traditional Japanese breakfast at the onsen hotel.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakodate

Depart for Hakodate, famous for its bay area and historical sites.
Train from Noboribetsu to Hakodate (2 hours).
JPY 2,800, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hakodate Morning Market

Savor fresh seafood and local delicacies at the bustling morning market.
Short walk from Hakodate Station.
JPY 2,200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Goryokaku Park

Stroll through this star-shaped fort and enjoy views from the nearby tower.
Take tram from the market (30 mins).
JPY 900, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Hakodate Mountain

Ascend the mountain via cable car to bask in panoramic views of Hakodate.
Return to the base via tram (30 mins).
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Aoi Shokudo

Finish the day with a delightful meal featuring local Hakodate specialties.
Take a taxi (15 mins).
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Return to Noboribetsu

Travel back to Noboribetsu to rest after a fulfilling day in Hakodate.
Train from Hakodate to Noboribetsu (2 hours).
JPY 2,800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast of local favorites before packing up.
In-house dining.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo to conclude your Hokkaido adventure.
Train from Noboribetsu to Sapporo (2 hours).
JPY 2,800, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Susukino District

Explore the vibrant Susukino district, filling up on delicious local cuisine for lunch.
Cab from Sapporo Station (10 mins).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Spend your afternoon browsing the numerous shops along this historic shopping street.
Short walk from lunch.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Free Time in Sapporo

Enjoy your last evening at leisure, revisiting any favorite spots or grabbing last-minute souvenirs.
Explore the area at your own pace.
Free, 3 hours

8:00PM

Final Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Celebrate the end of your trip with a festive dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, enjoying local beer and grilled meats.
Take a taxi from Tanukikoji (15 mins).
JPY 3,500, 2 hours

10:00PM

Prepare for Departure

Return to your hotel for a restful night before departing Hokkaido the following day.
Back to the hotel (10 mins).
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability