20-Day Scenic Train Journey Across Hokkaido from Sapporo

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Sapporo, Japan on May 2, 2025

10:30am

Breakfast at Morihiko Coffee

Enjoy a rich coffee and light breakfast in this popular local café known for its relaxing atmosphere.
JPY800, 1h

11:30am

Visit Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower

Explore the spacious Odori Park at the heart of Sapporo and climb the TV Tower for panoramic city views.
JPY720, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Soup Curry Garaku

Taste Hokkaido’s famous soup curry, a hearty local specialty served with seasonal vegetables and chicken.
JPY1200, 1h

3:30pm

Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn the history of beer in Japan and sample unique brews in the historic Sapporo Beer Museum, open until 7pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Ramen Alley

Experience authentic Hokkaido ramen at this famous alleyway featuring several small shops specializing in miso ramen.
JPY900, 1.5h
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Day 2: Otaru Canal

Otaru, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Train to Otaru

Take the early train from Sapporo to Otaru, which takes approximately 45 minutes along a scenic route.
JPY640, 0h45m

9:00am

Breakfast at LeTAO Main Shop

Indulge in a delicious cheesecake and coffee at this famous Otaru patisserie known throughout Japan.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Otaru Canal Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the historic canal lined with Victorian-style street lamps and converted warehouses now housing shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kaisendon Sushi

Try fresh seafood bowls featuring local oysters, sea urchin, and crab at a top-rated sushi restaurant near the canal.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Otaru Music Box Museum

Visit this charming museum exhibiting antique music boxes and buy handcrafted souvenirs.
JPY600, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Sakaimachi Street

Browse local glass art shops and sweet shops along this popular street, open until about 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Otaru Beer Brewery

Close the day with freshly brewed beer and western-style pub food in a cozy brewery setting.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Asahikawa City

Asahikawa, Japan on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Morning Train to Asahikawa

Board the train from Otaru to Asahikawa, a journey of about 2.5 hours through scenic countryside.
JPY3200, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Indigo

Relax with a light Japanese breakfast and excellent coffee at this quaint café near Asahikawa Station.
JPY1000, 1h

11:30am

Visit Asahiyama Zoo

See unique animal viewing facilities including the famous penguin parade. The zoo opens at 9:30am and closes at 5pm.
JPY1000, 3h

3:00pm

Explore Asahikawa Ramen Village

Sample different styles of Asahikawa ramen in a village setting with multiple ramen restaurants.
JPY900, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kami no Oto

Experience refined Japanese cuisine with local ingredients in this highly rated restaurant in Asahikawa city center.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 4: Furano Lavender Fields

Furano, Japan on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Furano

Depart Asahikawa to Furano by train, a 1-hour journey passing beautiful flower fields in season.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Kamifurano Café Whereabouts

Start the morning with a delicious pastry and coffee in this charming café near Furano station.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Shikisai no Oka Flower Fields

Walk through vibrant multi-colored flower fields famous for their stunning seasonal displays, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY800, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Furano Delice

Try local cheese and fresh dairy products with a popular dessert, the Furano cheesecake.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Farm Tomita

Explore the iconic lavender farm with fragrant fields and a shop selling lavender-based products, open until 5pm.
JPY700, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Wangchuck

Enjoy hearty Hokkaido cuisine in a cozy restaurant famous for local vegetables and meat dishes.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Biei Scenic Views

Biei, Japan on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Local Bus to Biei

Take a short local bus ride to Biei, renowned for its rolling hills and patchwork farmland landscapes.
JPY500, 0h45m

9:45am

Breakfast at Patchwork Café

Breakfast with scenic views overlooking colorful hills and fresh, locally sourced food.
JPY1200, 1h

10:45am

Blue Pond Visit

Marvel at the surreal turquoise waters of the Blue Pond, a must-see natural attraction accessible by bus, open all day.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Biei Hillside Terrace Café

Relax with light meals and local coffee while enjoying panoramic views of the Biei countryside.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Drive or cycle the Panorama Road

Explore picturesque viewpoints including the famous ‘Zebra’ and ‘Ken and Mary’ trees, easily accessible by bicycle or taxi.
JPY1000 (bike rental), 3h

6:00pm

Return to Furano and Dinner at Tokachi Genghis Khan

Sample the beloved Hokkaido grilled mutton BBQ, a regional specialty not to be missed.
JPY2800, 1.5h
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Day 6: Kushiro Wetlands

Kushiro, Japan on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kushiro by train

Catch the early train from Furano via Asahikawa to Kushiro, approximately 5 hours with transfers; start early to maximize time in Kushiro.
JPY6500, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kushiro Washo Market

Enjoy fresh seafood bowls featuring local fish and crab at the bustling market, open daily from 7am to 6pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Explore Japan’s largest wetland by foot and boardwalk; open year-round with visitor center access until 5pm.
JPY430 (entry and parking), 3h

5:00pm

Visit Tancho Crane Observation Center

See the majestic red-crowned cranes up close at this center, open until 6pm during spring.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Washo Izakaya

Enjoy grilled fish and local specialties in a cozy izakaya near Kushiro station.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Coastal Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu, Japan on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Train to Noboribetsu

Take the train south to Noboribetsu, a 3-hour journey with a transfer at Sapporo, known for its hot springs and nature.
JPY4000, 3h

11:30am

Breakfast/Lunch at Hotel or Onsen Ryokan

Enjoy a combination of traditional Japanese breakfast or lunch at your accommodation with fresh local ingredients.
Included if staying at hotel, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Walk the dramatic volcanic valley with hot steam vents and sulfurous ponds, open all day as a natural park.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Springs

Relax in one of the small public or hotel baths to experience famous Noboribetsu thermal waters.
JPY1000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Onsen Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki multi-course meal showcasing Hokkaido delicacies, a highlight of staying at an onsen ryokan.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 8: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Train back to Sapporo

Take a 1.5-hour train ride back to Sapporo from Noboribetsu to enjoy the city’s final sights.
JPY1600, 1h30m

11:00am

Brunch at Kinotoya Bake

Sample the famous cream puffs and fresh bakery items in this well-known Sapporo bakery.
JPY800, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Hokkaido University Campus

Walk around the beautiful campus grounds with seasonal flowers and historic buildings, open all day.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Historical Village of Hokkaido

Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras, open until 5pm.
JPY830, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Dine on local Genghis Khan lamb barbecue complemented by beer brewed onsite; open until 9pm.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 9: Leisure and Shopping

Sapporo, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Akarenga Terrace

Enjoy coffee and pastries in a beautifully renovated brick building complex near Odori Park.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Explore this three-block long covered shopping arcade with souvenirs, crafts, and local snacks, open until 8pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nemuro Hanamaru Sushi

Experience one of Hokkaido’s most renowned conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, specializing in fresh local seafood.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Moerenuma Park

Explore this sprawling park designed by artist Isamu Noguchi with unique sculptures and landscape design, open 7am-7pm.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Relaxing Onsen Bath

End the day at a local onsen such as Jozankei Onsen, reachable by bus, to unwind after walking and shopping.
JPY1200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Kani Honke

A specialty crab restaurant offering excellent Hokkaido crab dishes in Sapporo, perfect for your final night meal.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 10-20: Flexible Exploration

Hokkaido, Japan on January 1, 1970

Varied

Additional Destinations

Consider visiting Hakodate with its night view and seafood markets, the scenic Shiretoko Peninsula for nature and wildlife, or Wakkanai for northernmost Japan views. Utilize the efficient Hokkaido train network for relaxing travel between these locations.
Varies, Varies
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