10-Day Upcountry Hokkaido Itinerary: Local Food, Fish Markets & Beer Festivals

Day 1: Asahikawa Arrival

Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Start your trip with authentic Asahikawa-style ramen for breakfast, a rich soy-based broth perfect for warming up and energizing your day.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Asahikawa Fish Market (Asahikawa Rinkangai Market)

Visit this lively local fish market to taste fresh seafood snacks and observe lively trade, open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asahikawa Yakitori Alley

Enjoy a variety of grilled skewers featuring local meats, ideal for a flavorful and casual lunch.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Asahiyama Zoo

Explore one of Japan’s most popular zoos, famous for innovative enclosures and animal observation techniques, open 9:30am-5pm.
JPY1000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kamikawa Local Cuisine Restaurant

Savor local upcountry dishes made with fresh Hokkaido ingredients including wild vegetables and fresh fish.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Furano Flower Fields

Furano, Hokkaido, Japan on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Furano Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked bread and local dairy products to start your day pleasantly in Furano.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Farm Tomita Flower Gardens

Explore stunning flower fields and lavender gardens; the farm is open from 8am to 6pm, perfect for photography and relaxation.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Farm Restaurant Azemichi Yorimichi

Sample farm-fresh dishes including Hokkaido vegetables and Furano beef in a cozy setting next to flower fields.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Ningle Terrace

Visit this quaint shopping area of wooden cabins selling local crafts and snacks, open 10am-5pm.
Free entry, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Furano Beer Garden

Enjoy local craft beers paired with hearty upcountry specialties in a rustic beer garden setting.
JPY3500, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Biei Scenic Route

Biei, Hokkaido, Japan on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Light breakfast with seasonal local fruit and bread to prepare for a day of sightseeing.
JPY700, 30m

8:00am

Blue Pond (Aoiike)

Visit the mesmerizing Blue Pond with its vivid turquoise water surrounded by snowy trees, accessible daily.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Shikisai no Oka Flower Park

Walk or cycle through vast flower fields offering stunning panoramic views, open 8am to 6pm during spring.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at a Local Farm Café

Enjoy fresh farm-to-table meals that highlight Hokkaido’s agricultural bounty.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Panorama Road Driving Tour

Drive or take a bus tour through Biei’s rolling hills and iconic photo spots lasting approximately 3 hours.
JPY4000 (bus), variable if self-drive, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Experience traditional Japanese pub cuisine focusing on local fish and seasonal vegetables.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Sapporo & Beer Festival

Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Biei

Enjoy a filling breakfast with seasonal produce before heading to Sapporo.
JPY700, 30m

8:00am

Train from Biei to Sapporo

A scenic 2-hour train ride southwest to Sapporo, the bustling capital city of Hokkaido.
JPY2500, 2h

10:30am

Check-in & Freshen up at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and rest briefly before the festival.
Included in accommodation, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nijo Market

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at this vibrant market open from 7am to 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Attend Sapporo Beer Festival

Celebrate with a wide variety of local and craft beers at the festival, typically running May to early June, open 11am to 9pm.
Entry free; beer prices vary, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Festival Food Stalls

Enjoy festival specialties including grilled Hokkaido pork and seafood skewers paired with festival beers.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Sapporo

Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Morihico Coffee

Relax with locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries at this beloved Sapporo café.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Hokkaido Shrine

Visit one of Hokkaido’s most important Shinto shrines located in a serene forest park, open from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Odori Park Stroll

Walk through this central park that hosts seasonal festivals and has great views of TV Tower.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Soup Curry GARAKU

Taste a unique Hokkaido specialty – rich, spicy soup curry with plenty of fresh vegetables and chicken or seafood.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer brewing in Japan and get to sample fresh Sapporo Beer; open 11am to 7pm.
JPY500 (includes tasting), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Susukino

Explore the bustling nightlife and enjoy a variety of izakaya specializing in seafood and Hokkaido delicacies.
JPY3500, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day Trip to Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei, Hokkaido, Japan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Quick Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a light breakfast before leaving for Jozankei, including local dairy and bread.
JPY700, 30m

8:30am

Bus to Jozankei

Travel to the serene mountain hot spring town 1 hour southwest of Sapporo.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Relax at Jozankei Onsen

Enjoy natural hot springs and beautiful forest scenery, with many bathhouses open from 10am to 10pm.
JPY1200, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Onsen Ryokan Restaurant

Experience traditional kaiseki meals featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
JPY3000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Jozankei Nature Trails

Choose from short hikes along rivers and waterfalls with impressive mountain views, accessible anytime.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Bus Return to Sapporo

Return to the city after a refreshing day in nature.
JPY1000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Central Market

End your day with fresh sushi or sashimi at one of the market's popular restaurants open until 9pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Otaru

Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Sapporo

Enjoy a hearty Japanese-style breakfast before travel.
JPY700, 30m

9:00am

Train to Otaru

A short 40-minute train ride northwest to the historic port town known for canals and seafood.
JPY720, 40m

10:00am

Otaru Fish Market

Explore the bustling early morning market featuring fresh catches and tasty street food, with shops open from 7am to 4pm.
Free entry, 1h

11:30am

Otaru Canal Walk

Stroll along the picturesque canal lined with historic warehouses and cafes ideal for photos and shopping.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sakaimachi Street

Sample fresh sushi, local sweets, and seafood bowls at a variety of eateries on this lively shopping street.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Otaru Music Box Museum

Discover intricately crafted music boxes and enjoy live demonstrations in this charming museum open 9am to 6pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Kitaichi Glass Shops

Browse beautiful glassware creations in several shops showcasing Otaru’s glass-making tradition.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Otaru Sushi Street

Indulge in some of Hokkaido’s finest sushi for dinner at popular local spots known for fresh seafood.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Otaru Leisure & Brewery

Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LeTao Café

Try famous cheesecakes and coffee to start your day in this renowned local café.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Mt. Tengu Ropeway

Take the ropeway for expansive views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan; open 9am to 5pm seasonally.
JPY1200, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Brewery Restaurant Otaru Beer

Enjoy freshly brewed craft beers paired with locally inspired pub fare at the Otaru Beer brewpub.
JPY2500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Otaru Aquarium

Relax with marine life exhibits including seals and penguins, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1200, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping and Strolling

Spend late afternoon visiting artisan shops and sampling local snacks in town.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kaiseki Restaurant

Treat yourself to a refined multi-course meal highlighting seasonal Hokkaido seafood and produce.
JPY6000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Sapporo & Relax

Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Otaru

Enjoy a western or Japanese breakfast to start your last few days in Hokkaido.
JPY800, 45m

10:00am

Train to Sapporo

Return to Sapporo for your final two days, a convenient 40-minute train ride.
JPY720, 40m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Central Market

Revisit the market for last seafood delicacies or try other street food specialties in a lively atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Moerenuma Park

Relax or cycle through architecturally striking landscaped park designed by Isamu Noguchi, open 7am - 7pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Free Time & Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy some leisure time exploring shopping areas around Sapporo Station.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Celebrate with a last feast of Genghis Khan lamb BBQ and hand-crafted local beers.
JPY4000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a light meal and prepare for your departure with local snacks and drinks.
Included in accommodation, 30m

8:00am

Transfer to New Chitose Airport

Arrange for shuttle or train transfer to the airport for departure flights.
JPY1200, 1h
View Hotel Availability