8-Day Scenic Driving Adventure Through Hokkaido, Japan

Day 1: Explore Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on April 5, 2025

9:00AM

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a symbol of the city and features a museum exhibiting local history. Its picturesque exterior is perfect for photos.
JPY200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Liang's

Start your day with a delicious spread featuring traditional Japanese breakfast items at Liang's, open from 7:00 AM.
JPY1500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Odori Park

Stroll through Odori Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city, famous for its seasonal flowers and sculptures.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Soup Curry Garaku

Enjoy delicious soup curry at Garaku, one of Sapporo's best spots for this unique dish. It’s open from 11:00 AM.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan and taste Sapporo's famous beer at this interactive museum.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Historical Village of Hokkaido

Explore this open-air museum showcasing buildings from Hokkaido's past and gain insight into the region's history.
JPY820, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nijo Market

Savor dinner at Nijo Market, where you can choose from fresh seafood options and local delicacies. Open until 7:00 PM.
JPY2800, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Scenic Otaru

Otaru, Japan on April 6, 2025

8:30AM

Drive to Otaru (1 hour)

Enjoy the scenic drive from Sapporo to Otaru along the coast, known for its beautiful ocean views.
Fuel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at LeTAO

Indulge in famous cheesecakes and pastries at LeTAO, a beloved café in Otaru, open from 9:00 AM.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Otaru Canal

Take a leisurely walk along Otaru Canal, lined with charming warehouses and boutiques, perfect for photographs.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Street

Sample some of Hokkaido's freshest sushi at Otaru Sushi Street, renowned for its quality and variety. Open from 11:00 AM.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Music Box Museum

Discover the charming Otaru Music Box Museum, showcasing a vast collection of music boxes and handmade souvenirs.
JPY700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Glass Workshops Tour

Participate in a glass-making workshop to create your own unique piece, a great memento from your trip.
JPY3000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hokkaido Ramen Zakan

End your day with Hokkaido-style ramen at this popular eatery in Otaru. Open until 8:00 PM.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Relax in Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu, Japan on April 7, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Noboribetsu (1 hour)

Travel to Noboribetsu, home of the famous hot springs. Enjoy the scenic route to unwind.
Fuel cost, 1 hour

9:00AM

Breakfast at Noboribetsu Grand Hotel

Start your day with a buffet-style breakfast at the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, open from 7:00 AM.
JPY2500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hell Valley (Jigokudani)

Visit Hell Valley, situated right in Noboribetsu, where steam vents and hot springs create a surreal landscape.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Mahoroba

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Hotel Mahoroba, known for its kaiseki meals, open from 11:30 AM.
JPY3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Noboribetsu Onsen

Relax in the therapeutic waters of Noboribetsu Onsen, known for its variety of minerals that offer health benefits.
JPY1000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dai-ichi Takimotokan Tour

Take a tour of Dai-ichi Takimotokan, one of the largest ryokans in Noboribetsu. Learn about its history and soaking areas.
JPY600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yamada Farm

Savor a farm-to-table experience at Yamada Farm, focusing on hearty, homemade dishes. Open until 7:30 PM.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Explore Lake Toya

Lake Toya, Japan on April 8, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Lake Toya (30 minutes)

Short drive to beautiful Lake Toya known for its stunning views and hot springs.
Fuel cost, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Breakfast at Lake Toya Resort

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast overlooking the lake at Lake Toya Resort, open from 7:00 AM.
JPY2000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cruise on Lake Toya

Take a scenic cruise across Lake Toya, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
JPY1700, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Toyako Onsen

Enjoy local seafood specialties at the restaurants in Toyako Onsen area, famous for its views. Open until 2:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Showa Shinzan

Visit the volcanic activity site Showa Shinzan, known for its unique lava formations and history.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Usuzan Ropeway

Take the Usuzan Ropeway for panoramic views of the area, a perfect spot for photographs.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Lake View Restaurant

Dine in style with views of Lake Toya. Enjoy a fusion of Western and Japanese cuisine. Open until 7:00 PM.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Vibrant Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan on April 9, 2025

9:00AM

Drive to Hakodate (2 hours)

Drive south to Hakodate, known for its history and night views from Mount Hakodate.
Fuel cost, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Lucky Pierrot

Start your day at Lucky Pierrot, a colorful local burger chain famous for its unique flavors. Opens at 10:00 AM.
JPY1200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Fort Goryokaku

Visit Fort Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress with a historic pavilion. Explore its beautiful gardens.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Hama Ricchi

Enjoy fresh seafood at Hama Ricchi, a local treasure that's open until 3:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Mount Hakodate Ropeway

Take the ropeway to the top of Mount Hakodate for breathtaking views of the harbor and city.
JPY1300, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Oysters Bar

Relish exquisite oysters and other seafood at the Oysters Bar, renowned for fresh dishes. Open until 9:00 PM.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Scenic Furano

Furano, Japan on April 10, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Furano (2 hours)

Venture northeast to Furano, famous for its picturesque landscapes and flower field.
Fuel cost, 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Farm Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast amidst stunning views at a local restaurant, opens at 9:00 AM.
JPY2000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Furano Cheese Factory

Explore the Furano Cheese Factory, sample various cheeses, and learn about production processes.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Farm Tomita

Indulge in soft-serve ice cream and local produce at Farm Tomita, open until 5:00 PM.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nikka Whiskey Distillery

Learn about Japanese whiskey production and enjoy tastings at the famous Nikka Whiskey Distillery.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Shikisai No Oka

Visit Shikisai No Oka for spectacular flower fields, particularly famous for lavender in summer.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Oka No Ue Restaurant

Dine at Oka No Ue, known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Open until 7:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Discover Biei

Biei, Japan on April 11, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Biei (30 minutes)

Make a quick drive to Biei, well-known for its lovely picturesque landscapes.
Fuel cost, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Breakfast at Biei Farm

Enjoy a homey breakfast at Biei Farm, serving local and fresh produce. Opens at 7:30 AM.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shirogane Blue Pond

Witness the striking blue waters of Shirogane Blue Pond, an Instagram-worthy location surrounded by scenic views.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Biei Farm Restaurant

Dine at the Farm Restaurant, which offers a unique farm-to-table experience. Open until 3:00 PM.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Panorama Road Drive

Take a scenic drive along Panorama Road, lined with colorful patchwork fields and rolling hills.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Zerubu Hill

Visit Zerubu Hill for stunning views of Biei and the surrounding landscapes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Shirogane Onsen

Enjoy a traditional dinner at Shirogane Onsen, known for its soothing hot springs and beautiful views. Open until 9:00 PM.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Drive Back to Sapporo (2 hours)

Take the scenic route back to Sapporo, enjoying the last views of Hokkaido's splendid landscapes.
Fuel cost, 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Lune

Relax at Cafe de Lune for a beautiful breakfast option, offering various pastries and coffee. Open from 9:00 AM.
JPY1500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Sapporo Factory

Explore the Sapporo Factory, a shopping and entertainment facility created from a former brewery.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Soup Curry King

Savor a bowl of flavor-packed soup curry at The Soup Curry King, open until 2:30 PM.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Wander through this lively shopping arcade packed with unique shops, eateries, and souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Susukino

Conclude your trip with dinner in Susukino, known for its vibrant nightlife and local izakayas. Enjoy a variety of dining options.
JPY3000, 2 hours