20-Day Scenic Train Journey Through Hokkaido, Japan

Day 1: Arrival & Urban Exploration

Sapporo, Japan on May 2, 2025

10:30am

Breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey Sapporo

Enjoy a hearty and aesthetic vegan breakfast at this popular café, known for its pancakes and healthy dishes, perfect for starting your trip energized.
JPY1500, 1h0m

11:30am

Odori Park Walk

Stroll through the city’s central park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, fountains, and the TV Tower viewpoint, ideal for orienting yourself in Sapporo.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden

Taste local cuisine like Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) paired with fresh Sapporo beer in this iconic brewery restaurant.
JPY2500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Hokkaido Shrine

Explore this serene shrine surrounded by nature, offering insights into local culture and Shinto traditions.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel and rest

Relax and freshen up for your journey ahead at a centrally located hotel with good train access.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Ramen Alley

Relish authentic Hokkaido ramen with options like miso broth, a must-try local specialty.
JPY1000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Historic Port & Canals

Otaru, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LeTao Main Store Café

Indulge in famous cheesecakes and pastries at this well-known confectionery café, ideal before a day of sightseeing.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Otaru (40 minutes from Sapporo)

Take the JR Hakodate Line to the nostalgic port city Otaru, famous for its historic waterways and preserved architecture.
JPY640, 0h40m

10:30am

Otaru Canal Walk

Walk along the scenic canal lined with refurbished warehouses now hosting shops and cafes, perfect for photos and exploration.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kaisendon Sushimaru

Savor fresh seafood bowls featuring daily catches from Hokkaido waters, a highlight for food lovers.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Otaru Music Box Museum

Discover a charming collection of music boxes and enjoy the melodic atmosphere in this quaint museum open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY720, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sakaimachi Street Shopping

Browse local crafts, glassworks, and sweets boutiques along this historic shopping street.
Free to browse, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Sapporo via train

Head back to Sapporo for overnight stay, preparing for travel northward tomorrow.
JPY640, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU

Try Hokkaido’s famous soup curry, a spicy, warming dish perfect after a day of walking.
JPY1300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Nature & Wildlife

Asahikawa, Japan on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick hotel breakfast before the train journey to Asahikawa.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Asahikawa (1h30m)

Take the limited express train north to Asahikawa, gateway to natural wonders and wildlife sanctuaries.
JPY3820, 1h30m

10:15am

Asahiyama Zoo visit

Visit Hokkaido’s most famous zoo (open 9am-5pm), known for its innovative enclosures and close animal encounters.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Sample several styles of Asahikawa ramen from multiple vendors under one roof, open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along Ishikari River

Enjoy a relaxing stroll by Hokkaido's longest river with scenic views and fresh air.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Heiwa Street shopping and cafes

Browse local artisan shops and enjoy coffee at a cozy café in the city center.
Free to browse, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kamui Specialty

Dine on local Hokkaido dishes with fresh ingredients in a warm setting known for grilled fish.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Floral Landscapes & Farms

Furano and Biei, Japan on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before departing for Furano and Biei regions, famous for flower fields.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Train to Furano (approx 2h from Asahikawa)

Enjoy countryside views on the train headed to Furano, especially famous for its lavender fields (best mid-summer, but still scenic in May).
JPY1500, 2h0m

10:30am

Furano Cheese Factory visit

Discover local cheese-making processes and sample fresh dairy products in this unique factory open 9am to 6pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kamifurano 8 Factory

Enjoy casual dining with fresh farm-to-table ingredients near the flower fields.
JPY1600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Biei Panorama Road Tour by local bus

Ticket allows visiting famous spots like the Patchwork Road and Blue Pond (note Blue Pond may be a short taxi ride; open all day).
JPY1000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Furano town center

Relax and explore the boutique shops and cafes in Furano before heading back.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Furano Delice

Taste seasonal local cuisine and desserts in a welcomed restaurant highly praised for quality.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Mountain Hiking & Hot Springs

Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare with a filling breakfast before heading to the national park.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Train and bus to Daisetsuzan National Park (Sounkyo Onsen area)

Use Asahikawa to Sounkyo bus post train connection; total approx 2h travel to mountain hiking base.
JPY3000, 2h0m

10:30am

Hiking around Sounkyo Gorge

Hike along trails near waterfalls and cliffs, witnessing beautiful mountain scenery in this famous national park (trails vary in length).
Free, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sounkyo Onsen Hotel Restaurant

Relax with a traditional Japanese meal featuring local mountain vegetables and fish.
JPY2200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Soak in an Onsen

Unwind in one of the public hot springs in Sounkyo, open until late evening and perfect for sore muscles.
JPY600, 2h0m

6:00pm

Overnight at Sounkyo Onsen ryokan

Enjoy traditional tatami room stay with dinner included, experiencing Japanese hospitality fully.
Varies, Overnight
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Day 6: Northern Coast & Wildlife

Abashiri, Japan on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before travel.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Bus and train to Abashiri (around 3.5h travel)

Travel northeast crossing scenic coastal and rural landscapes to Abashiri, famous for drift ice in winter and maritime history.
JPY4000, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at local seafood market

Feast on fresh seafood directly sourced from nearby waters, including crab and scallops.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Abashiri Prison Museum

Tour this historical open-air museum detailing life in the Meiji-era prison; insightful and well preserved (open 9am-5pm).
JPY1030, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Abashiri Coastline

Enjoy coastal views and fresh sea air in the late afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Seaside Izakaya

Dine on grilled seafood specialties while enjoying views of the Sea of Okhotsk.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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