20-Day Scenic Train Journey Through Hokkaido from Sapporo

Day 1: Explore Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on May 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey Sapporo

Enjoy a nutritious and tasty vegetarian breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey, open from 8:00 AM, to fuel up for your city exploration.
JPY1800, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Odori Park

Stroll through Odori Park, the green heart of Sapporo, to see fountains, sculptures, and seasonal flowers. The park is open all day and perfect for a morning walk.
FREE, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden

Taste local Hokkaido lamb 'Jingisukan' grilled at the famous Sapporo Beer Garden. Open from 11:30 AM, it’s an iconic dining experience.
JPY3000, 1h30m

1:45pm

Sapporo Clock Tower Visit

Tour the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, an emblem of the city with museum exhibits explaining Sapporo’s development. Open from 8:45 AM to 5:10 PM.
JPY200, 0h45m

3:00pm

Hokkaido University Botanic Garden

Explore the vast botanical garden known for its diverse plant species and peaceful atmosphere, open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY450, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sushizanmai Sapporo

Savor fresh, high-quality sushi at Sushizanmai, open until 11 PM, offering excellent seafood caught around Hokkaido.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Noboribetsu Hot Springs

Noboribetsu, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Train Sapporo to Noboribetsu

Take the train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, providing scenic views of Hokkaido countryside.
JPY2500, 1h20m

10:00am

Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Explore the dramatic volcanic crater valley with steam vents and sulfur springs, a must-see natural wonder. Open all day, trails are best visited in the morning.
FREE, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Daiichi Takimotokan Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal or buffet using local ingredients at this renowned hot spring hotel’s restaurant, open from 11:30 AM.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Noboribetsu Onsen Bathing

Relax in one of Noboribetsu’s famous hot spring baths. Many public and private onsens open through the afternoon, perfect for unwinding.
JPY1000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Noboribetsu Brewery

Have dinner and sample craft beers brewed locally in Noboribetsu Brewery, with hearty dishes to complement the brews. Open from 5 PM.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Lake Toya Nature

Lake Toya, Japan on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Train Noboribetsu to Toya

Travel by train from Noboribetsu to Toya Station, taking about 45 minutes with beautiful views of the volcanic region.
JPY1200, 0h45m

10:00am

Lake Toya Sightseeing Cruise

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Toya to admire the caldera lake and surrounding mountains. Cruises run from 9 AM to 4 PM.
JPY1500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Green Plaza

Dine on Japanese and Western fusion dishes with lakeside views, open from 11 AM to 3 PM.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mount Usu Ropeway

Ride the ropeway up Mount Usu volcano for panoramic views. Open 9 AM to 5 PM, the hike around the crater rim is a must.
JPY1500, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Toya Sun Palace Hotel

Enjoy a buffet dinner with regional specialties at the hotel, open typically from 6 PM.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hakodate History & Market

Hakodate, Japan on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Train Toya to Hakodate

Journey by train from Toya to Hakodate, approx. 2 hours, traveling southeast along the coast.
JPY3000, 2h0m

10:30am

Hakodate Morning Market

Visit the famous morning market for fresh seafood and local produce; open 7 AM to 12 PM, a great spot for a light snack or exploration.
FREE, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lucky Pierrot

Try Hakodate’s unique burger chains with quirky decor and delicious burgers, open all day until late evening.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hakodate Fort Goryokaku

Walk or take a tram to Goryokaku Park and climb the observation tower for views of the star-shaped fort, open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM.
JPY900, 1h30m

4:30pm

Mount Hakodate Cable Car

Ride the cable car to the summit of Mount Hakodate for stunning sunset city views, operating 9 AM to 10 PM in May.
JPY1280, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ajisai Ramen

Enjoy Hakodate’s rich miso and shio ramen varieties at this beloved local shop, open until 9 PM.
JPY1000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Asahikawa Zoo Visit

Asahikawa, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Train Hakodate to Asahikawa

Catch the limited express train for a longer journey northeast, around 4 hours, through scenic Hokkaido landscapes.
JPY5700, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch near Asahikawa Station

Grab a quick meal of local specialties such as ‘Asahikawa ramen’ at a restaurant near the station, open early afternoon.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Asahiyama Zoo

Spend the afternoon at Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its innovative enclosures and interactive animal displays, open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
JPY1000, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Kamui Asahikawa

Enjoy traditional Hokkaido cuisine served in a warm atmosphere, open until 9 PM.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Train Asahikawa to Sapporo

Take the express train back to Sapporo, approximately 1.5 hours, completing the loop and returning to the city hub.
JPY4500, 1h30m

11:00am

Brunch at Maruyama Pancake

Relax with fluffy pancakes and coffee at Maruyama Pancake, open from 9 AM, a nice start after the train ride.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Visit the museum showcasing contemporary artworks from Hokkaido and Japan, open 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping in Tanukikoji Arcade

Explore the covered shopping arcade for souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts; open until 7 PM.
FREE, 2h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Gotsubo

Dine on exquisite Hokkaido seafood and local dishes at Gotsubo, highly recommended and open until 10 PM.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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