7-Day Family Adventure Road Trip Through Northern Japan

Day 1: Welcome to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at LeTAO

Start your journey with delectable pastries and coffee at LeTAO, famous for its cheesecakes.
Located in the city center, easily accessible from most hotels.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Sapporo Clock Tower

Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, a landmark dating back to 1878 which offers a glimpse into the city's past.
Just a short 10-minute walk from LeTAO.
JPY200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Soup Curry Garaku

Experience Hokkaido's famous soup curry at Garaku, loved by locals for its rich flavors.
Travel 15 minutes by car to the restaurant.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Odori Park

Stroll through Odori Park, a beautiful green space in the center of Sapporo, and let the kids run around.
5-minute drive from the restaurant, parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck

Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of the iconic Sapporo TV Tower.
A short 10-minute walk from Odori Park.
JPY720, 1 hour
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Day 2: Enchanting Otaru

Otaru, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Otaru Music Box Museum Café

Enjoy a whimsical breakfast experience surrounded by charming music boxes.
Drive 30 minutes from Sapporo to Otaru.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Otaru Canal

Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Otaru Canal, famous for its historic warehouses.
Located nearby the café, just a 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Glass Workshop Experience

Create your own glass art pieces in one of Otaru's famous glass workshops; a fun, hands-on activity for kids.
Short drive or walk to one of the workshops.
JPY3000 per person, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tenpura Date

Indulge in delicious tempura at this renowned local restaurant.
5-minute drive from the glass workshop.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Otaru Aquarium

Visit the Otaru Aquarium for an educational experience where kids can enjoy sea lion shows and interactive exhibits.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
JPY1500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Furano

Furano, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Farm Restaurant Pippu

Savor a farm-fresh breakfast with local produce at this delightful restaurant.
Drive 1 hour from Otaru to Furano.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Furano Cheese Factory

Visit the cheese factory where you can watch cheese-making demonstrations and enjoy tasting the delicious cheeses.
A short 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Biei Landscape

Drive through the stunning Biei Landscape with its rolling hills and flower fields, perfect for family photo ops.
Around 30 minutes drive from the cheese factory.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Kanno

Enjoy a hearty local lunch featuring Furano's delicious ingredients.
Drive back to Furano, approximately 40 minutes.
JPY1800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Furano Winery

Head to the Furano Winery for a tour and tastings—I suggest parents take charge while kids can enjoy grape juice sampling.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
JPY5000 for adults, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beautiful Biei

Biei, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Yoko

A cozy café with wonderful views and great breakfast options from pancakes to omelets.
Located centrally in Biei, easy drive.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Patchwork Road

Explore the scenic Patchwork Road, famous for its beautiful flower fields and landscapes ideal for family biking.
Drive 15 minutes to the area with bike rentals available.
JPY2000 (rental fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Biei Farm

This farm offers a selection of local dishes utilizing fresh produce from the region.
5-minute drive from the biking area.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shirogane Blue Pond

Visit the mesmerizing Shirogane Blue Pond, take pictures and wander through the surrounding nature trails.
30-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Flower Park Kamifurano

Wander through this colorful flower park, making it a lovely place for kids to explore while adults can relax.
20-minute drive away from Blue Pond.
JPY800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventures in Asahikawa

Asahikawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Angel's Heart

Start your day at this charming bakery known for its variety of fresh breads and pastries.
Drive approximately 40 minutes from Biei to Asahikawa.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Asahiyama Zoo

Visit the famous Asahiyama Zoo, where kids will love viewing the unique animal exhibits and interactive experiences.
A 30-minute drive from the café.
JPY1000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ramen Village

Enjoy a delicious ramen lunch in Asahikawa, known for its savory broth and flavors.
5-minute drive from the zoo.
JPY1300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Asahikawa Museum of Art

Explore the art galleries featuring local artists, great for educational and cultural immersion.
15-minute drive from Ramen Village.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Aeon Mall

Round off the day at Aeon Mall where kids can enjoy the arcade and families can shop for souvenirs.
10-minute drive from the Museum.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours
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Day 6: Mystical Kamikawa

Kamikawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kamikawa Café

Enjoy hearty breakfasts featuring local produce and delicious rice at this welcoming café.
Drive 1 hour from Asahikawa to Kamikawa.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Daisetsuzan National Park

Embark on a family-friendly hike in Daisetsuzan National Park where you can see beautiful scenery and wildlife.
20-minute drive from the café, get directions to the trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Choi's Kitchen

Savor healthy local cuisine at this beloved café with a cozy atmosphere.
Drive back through the park after your hike.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kamikawa Onsen

Experience relaxation at Kamikawa Onsen, where families can unwind in natural hot springs.
10-minute drive from the café.
JPY1000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Kamikawa Shrine

Visit the revered Kamikawa Shrine to immerse in local culture and history.
A quick 15-minute drive from the onsen.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de l’Ambre

Enjoy a calming last breakfast with exquisite coffee and pastries before heading back to Sapporo.
Drive 1.5 hours from Kamikawa to Sapporo.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Historical Village of Hokkaido

Experience the cultural heritage of Hokkaido by exploring this open-air museum showcasing traditional buildings.
A 20-minute drive from the café.
JPY820, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsubakiya

Feast on fresh sushi made from locally-sourced seafood in a relaxed environment.
10-minute drive from the village.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

End your adventure with some last-minute shopping at this historic shopping street lined with local shops.
15-minute drive from Tsubakiya.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Departure

Wrap up your memorable journey through Northern Japan as you prepare for your departure.
Return rental car and head to the airport.
Varies, 1 hour
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