10 Days Exploring Hokkaido and Tokyo: Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa & Tokyo Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on May 27, 2025

15:45

Arrive Tokyo Narita Airport

Land from Soekarno-Hatta Airport, proceed through immigration and baggage claim taking about 1 hour.
0 JPY, 1h0m

17:00

Transit to Domestic Terminal

Transfer from international to domestic terminal to catch the onward flight to New Chitose Airport.
0 JPY, 1h0m

18:00

Flight Narita to New Chitose Airport

Domestic flight of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Sapporo.
Varies, 1h45m

19:45

Arrival at New Chitose International Airport

Land and collect baggage, then take the Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station for about 45 minutes.
1070 JPY, 1h15m

21:15

Check-in hotel in Sapporo

Rest after a long day of travel at your chosen hotel near Sapporo Station.
Varies, Rest
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Day 2: Sapporo City Tour

Sapporo, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:00

Breakfast at Nijo Market

Enjoy fresh seafood breakfast at Nijo Market located about 15 minutes walk from the city center; market opens early providing great local cuisine.
Around 1000-2000 JPY, 1h30m

9:00

Visit Sapporo TV Tower

The tower opens at 9:00am, offering panoramic views over Odori Park and the city. A great start to the sightseeing day.
720 JPY, 1h0m

10:30

Walk through Odori Park

Leisurely stroll through the iconic park stretching through central Sapporo with gardens and fountains.
Free, 1h0m

11:30

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Explore the covered shopping arcade famous for souvenirs, local goods, and snacks within Susukino area.
Variable, 1h0m

12:30

Lunch in Susukino area

Choose from numerous eateries serving ramen or other local specialities in Susukino’s lively district.
Around 1000-1500 JPY, 1h0m

14:00

Train to Sapporo Beer Museum

Take a subway or JR train to the Beer Museum nearby, approximately 20 minutes travel time.
210 JPY, 0h20m

14:30

Sapporo Beer Museum Tour

Explore exhibits about beer making history, ideal for beer enthusiasts; entrance fee 1000 yen optional with tasting offered.
1000 JPY, 2h30m

17:00

Dinner: Genghis Khan BBQ at Beer Garden

Savor the popular Hokkaido specialty, grilled mutton, paired with local beer at the Sapporo Beer Garden.
Approximately 3500 JPY, 1h30m

19:00

Return to hotel

After a fulfilling day, return to your hotel in Sapporo to relax and rest.
Free, Rest
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Day 3: Otaru Day Trip

Otaru, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:30

Train to Otaru from Sapporo

Take JR Hakodate Line to Otaru station, journey takes about 75 to 90 minutes.
640 JPY, 1h30m

9:00

Otaru Canal Stroll

Stroll along the picturesque canal lined with historical warehouses; iconic for romantic and photo-worthy scenery.
Free, 1h15m

10:30

Sakaimachi Street and Music Box Museum

Explore charming Sakaimachi shopping street with glassware shops and visit the famous Music Box Museum.
Free entry, purchases optional, 2h0m

12:30

Lunch - Sushi in Otaru

Otaru is renowned for fresh sushi; enjoy a meal at one of the local sushi restaurants.
Around 2000-3000 JPY, 1h0m

14:00

Explore Dessert Cafes

Visit local dessert cafes known for delicious treats and sweets, perfect to relax after lunch.
Varies, 1h30m

15:30

Train back to Sapporo

Return journey to Sapporo station by train, approximately 1 hour.
640 JPY, 1h0m

17:00

Rest at hotel

Take some downtime to relax and recharge at your hotel.
Free, Rest

18:30

Dinner at Ramen Alley (Ganso Ramen Yokocho)

Experience authentic Sapporo ramen at the famous Ramen Alley featuring multiple ramen shops.
Around 1000-1500 JPY, 1h0m

20:00

Return to hotel

End your day by returning to the hotel for rest.
Free, Rest
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Day 4: Asahikawa & Asahiyama Zoo

Asahikawa, Japan on May 30, 2025

9:30

Train to Asahikawa

Take JR Limited Express train from Sapporo to Asahikawa, journey about 2 hours.
3200 JPY, 2h0m

12:00

Bus to Asahiyama Zoo

Catch a direct bus from Asahikawa station to the zoo; approx 40-minute ride.
430 JPY, 0h40m

13:00

Visit Asahiyama Zoo

Famous for its unique animal viewing facilities, this zoo offers interactive exhibits and is ideal for families and animal lovers.
1000 JPY, 2h0m

15:00

Check-in Apartment

Settle into your accommodation in Asahikawa for a comfortable stay.
Varies, Rest

18:00

Dinner at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Try Asahikawa-style ramen at this collection of local ramen shops offering diverse flavors.
Around 1000-1500 JPY, 1h0m
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Day 5: Biei & Furano Countryside

Biei and Furano, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:00

Drive to Biei

Rent a car and drive approximately 1 hour from Asahikawa to explore scenic Patchwork Road landscapes.
Car rental approx 8000 JPY/day plus fuel, 1h0m

8:00

Explore Patchwork Road

Admire colorful countryside views with rolling hills and flower fields popular with photographers.
Free, 1h30m

9:30

Visit Blue Pond & Shirahige Waterfall

Marvel at the stunning Blue Pond with its vivid blue water and the nearby Shirahige Waterfall.
Free, 2h0m

11:30

Optional drive to Furano

Continue scenic drive about 1 hour to Furano, famous for lavender in season and other flower farms.
Free, 1h0m

12:30

Visit Farm Tomita

Famous for its fragrant lavender fields (seasonal), blooming flowers, and farm produce shop.
Free entrance, 1h30m

14:00

Lunch in Furano

Enjoy local cuisine at a café or restaurant near Farm Tomita.
Around 1500-2500 JPY, 1h0m

15:00

Visit Furano Cheese Factory

Explore cheese making process and sample fresh dairy products in this popular attraction.
Free, 1h0m

16:00

Drive back to Asahikawa

Approximately 2-hour drive back to Asahikawa to return the rental car and rest.
Fuel approx 2000 JPY, 2h0m

18:00

Arrive apartment

Relax after a day of countryside exploration.
Free, Rest
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Day 6: Daisetsuzan National Park

Asahikawa and Daisetsuzan, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:30

Depart to Daisetsuzan National Park

Drive about 90 minutes to the Sounkyo Gorge area featuring impressive waterfall views and hiking paths.
Car rental or tour approx 8000 JPY/day, 1h30m

9:00

Explore Sounkyo Gorge & Waterfalls

Walk the scenic trails to experience picturesque waterfalls and rock formations within the park.
Free, 3h0m

12:00

Lunch in Sounkyo

Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants offering simple regional dishes.
Around 1200-2000 JPY, 1h0m

13:30

Optional Onsen Experience

Relax in a natural hot spring bath available in the area, perfect for soothing muscles after hiking.
Around 500-1000 JPY, 1h0m

15:00

Return to Asahikawa

Drive back approximately 1.5 hours to your apartment for an evening at leisure.
Fuel approx 1500 JPY, 1h30m

17:00

Free evening

Enjoy a relaxing evening in Asahikawa, dine locally or rest.
Varies, Rest
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Day 7: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 2, 2025

6:00

Depart Asahikawa early morning

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to New Chitose Airport to allow ample check-in time.
Fuel approx 3000 JPY, 3h30m

11:00

Arrive New Chitose Airport

Check-in for flight to Tokyo with 2 hours early arrival recommended.
0 JPY, 2h0m

13:40

Flight to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita)

Domestic flight taking around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Varies, 1h45m

15:25

Arrive Tokyo

Land and transfer to accommodation in Asakusa area.
1500 JPY to city center by train, 1h0m

17:00

Check-in apartment Asakusa

Settle in and enjoy a relaxing free evening in this historic district.
Varies, Rest
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Day 8: Tokyo Markets & Odaiba

Tokyo, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30

Visit Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy a breakfast of fresh sushi and Japanese street food at this famous market; best visited early when shops open at 7:00am.
1000-2000 JPY, 2h0m

10:00

Transfer to Odaiba

Take the Yurikamome line for a scenic 40-minute ride to the Odaiba district.
320 JPY, 0h40m

11:00

teamLab Planets

Visit this renowned digital art museum known for immersive interactive exhibits; pre-book tickets for guaranteed entry.
3200 JPY (approx), 3h0m

14:00

Lunch at DiverCity/Odaiba

Choose from many modern dining options around the shopping center.
1500-2500 JPY, 1h0m

17:00

Return to Asakusa

Travel back for a relaxed evening after a full day of art and shopping.
320 JPY, 1h0m

18:00

Rest at hotel

Evening at leisure.
Free, Rest
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Day 9: Tokyo Parks & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00

Visit Ueno Park and Ameyoko Market

Walk through the large Ueno Park and browse Ameyoko Market’s diverse stalls and eateries.
Free entry, purchases vary, 3h0m

11:00

Ueno Zoo/Museums

Optional visit to Ueno Zoo or museums like Tokyo National Museum; opening hours 9:30 to 17:00.
600 JPY - zoo, other museums vary, 2h0m

13:00

Lunch in Ueno

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or café around Ueno station.
1500-2000 JPY, 1h0m

14:30

Explore Akihabara

Famous for electronics and anime shopping, spend your afternoon browsing unique shops and themed cafés.
Variable, 3h0m

17:30

Return to Asakusa

Head back to accommodation to unwind.
320 JPY, 0h30m

18:00

Rest at hotel

Relax after a busy day.
Free, Rest
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Day 10: Tokyo Highlights & Departure Prep

Tokyo, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00

Visit Shinjuku

Explore Shinjuku’s shopping, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods in the morning.
Free, 3h0m

11:00

Ikebukuro: Sunshine City and Pokemon Center

Discover the large shopping complex Sunshine City and visit the popular Pokemon Center shop nearby.
Free entrance, shopping optional, 2h0m

13:00

Lunch in Ikebukuro

Dine at one of many restaurants in the area offering a range of Japanese and international cuisine.
1200-2000 JPY, 1h0m

14:30

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Visit the iconic busy intersection and the famous statue of Hachiko nearby.
Free, 2h0m

16:30

Optional: Nakano Broadway visit

Take a short train ride to Nakano Broadway for more anime and collectible shopping.
Varies, 1h0m

18:00

Ghibli Museum (if booked)

If you have a reservation, visit the magical Ghibli Museum in Mitaka area (tickets required in advance).
1000-10000 JPY (depending on ticket), 2h0m

20:00

Return to Asakusa

Return to hotel to rest and prepare for departure.
320 JPY, Rest
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Day 11: Departure Day

Tokyo, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:00

Wake up and pack luggage

Organize belongings and complete check-out preparations at the apartment.
Free, 4h0m

11:00

Check-out apartment

Leave accommodation and start transfer to airport.
Free, 3h30m

14:30

Transfer to airport

Travel to Haneda or Narita airport allowing ample time for international flight check-in.
1500-3000 JPY, 1h30m

17:50

Flight departs Tokyo

Board flight departing from Tokyo back to home or next destination.
Varies, Flight duration variable
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