10-Day Hokkaido Upcountry Road Trip Featuring Local Food, Fish Markets & Beer Festival

Day 1: Arrival & Market Visit

Sapporo, Hokkaido on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Nijo Fish Market

Explore Sapporo's famous Nijo Fish Market where you can taste fresh seafood and watch local vendors. It's a lively market ideal for getting a first taste of Hokkaido's ocean offerings.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at a Seafood Donburi Stall

Try a fresh kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) made from the market's catch, focusing on scallops, crab, and salmon roe.
JPY1500, 1h

12:00pm

Drive to Otaru

A scenic one-hour drive southwest to the charming canal city of Otaru, known for historic buildings and seafood.
Car rental and fuel approx JPY3000, 1h

1:15pm

Lunch at Otaru Sankaku Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or fried seafood specialties at local stalls open till 3 pm, ideal for tasting regional delicacies.
JPY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Otaru Canal Walk

Leisurely stroll along the picturesque canal lined with vintage warehouses now housing boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Otaru Beer Brewery

Taste local craft beers paired with Hokkaido seafood dishes at the brewery restaurant. Open daily 5pm-10pm.
JPY3000, 2h
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Day 2: Cultural & Nature Tour

Asahikawa, Hokkaido on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Asahikawa

Approximately 2-hour drive east to Asahikawa, the gateway to northern Hokkaido's natural beauty.
Fuel approx JPY4000, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Sample Asahikawa’s famous soy sauce ramen at one of the seven prominent ramen shops located inside.
JPY1100, 1h

12:00pm

Asahiyama Zoo Visit

Visit the unique Asahiyama Zoo famous for interactive exhibits and close-up animal viewing, including seals and penguins. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY1000, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Asahikawa Beer Brewery

Discover local craft beers with a tasting flight and a light snack menu in the brewery pub. Open 3pm-8pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at local Izakaya

Enjoy grilled Hokkaido seafood and vegetables with local sake at a casual izakaya popular with locals in Asahikawa center.
JPY2500, 2h
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Day 3: Flower Fields & Scenic Views

Biei and Furano, Hokkaido on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Biei

Short 40-minute drive south from Asahikawa to Biei, famed for rolling fields and photographic landscapes.
Fuel approx JPY1500, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Patchwork Road Café

Try local bakery items and fresh coffee at a cozy café overlooking Biei’s colorful farmland.
JPY1200, 1h

10:30am

Visit Blue Pond

Explore this iconic blue-hued pond famous for its surreal color created by natural minerals. Open year-round, outdoors.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Drive to Furano

A 30-minute drive to Furano, noted for flower farms and fresh produce.
Fuel approx JPY1000, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Furano Wine House

Savor a lunch featuring local vegetables and handmade pasta paired with Furano wine, open 11am-3pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Furano Cheese Factory

Tour the factory and sample artisanal cheeses, with cheese-making workshops offered on site. Open 9am-5pm.
Free entry, sampling extra, 1h

4:00pm

Drive back to Asahikawa for overnight

Return 1h drive to Asahikawa to rest before next day’s adventure.
Fuel approx JPY1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy locally inspired Hokkaido cuisine featuring fresh seasonal ingredients in Asahikawa hotel dining room.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Shiretoko Peninsula

Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Shiretoko Peninsula

Early 4-hour scenic drive northeast to Shiretoko, known for its unspoiled nature and wildlife.
Fuel approx JPY6000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Shiretoko Shari Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood like crab and salmon from the Sea of Okhotsk at a local spot near the park entrance.
JPY2200, 1h

1:00pm

Shiretoko Five Lakes Walk

Explore boardwalk trails around five crystal-clear lakes with views of Mt. Rausu. Open 8am-5pm, guided tours recommended.
Free; guided tours around JPY1500, 2h

4:00pm

Check into local ryokan

Stay in an authentic ryokan offering hot springs and traditional meals, perfect for relaxing after the drive.
JPY12000 per night, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Traditional kaiseki dinner featuring upcountry Hokkaido ingredients including mountain vegetables and local fish.
Included in ryokan stay, 2h
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Day 5: Wildlife & Local Flavors

Shari and Abashiri, Hokkaido on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Boat Tour Along Shiretoko Cape

Morning wildlife cruise to spot brown bears, eagles, and sea lions along the rugged coast. Tours operate from 8am to 5pm.
JPY4500, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Abashiri

45-minute drive south to Abashiri, a town famous for its prison museum and drift ice in winter.
Fuel approx JPY1200, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Abashiri Fish Market

Eat seasonal seafood freshly prepared at market stalls; open daily till 3 pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Abashiri Prison Museum

Explore the historic prison with exhibits showcasing Meiji-era penal history. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive towards Lake Akan, check into accommodation

Drive about 1h30m west to Lake Akan for lakeside stay and onsen experience.
Fuel approx JPY3000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lake Akan Hotel

Delicious local trout and wild game specialties accompanied by Hokkaido craft beers.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 6: Lake Akan & Ainu Culture

Lake Akan, Hokkaido on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Traditional Japanese breakfast featuring local produce to fuel your day.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Ainu Kotan Village Visit

Explore this Ainu cultural village to learn about indigenous traditions, crafts, and dance performances. Open daily 8am-6pm.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Ainu Eatery

Taste traditional Ainu dishes featuring fish, wild herbs, and natural ingredients.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Akan Canoe Ride

Relaxing canoe trip on crystal-clear lake water, viewing the surrounding forested hills.
JPY2500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Onsen Relaxation at Hotel

Enjoy the mineral-rich hot spring baths available at your accommodation.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Another kaiseki-style meal, focusing on fresh lake fish and seasonal vegetables paired with local beers.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 7: Kushiro Wetlands Exploration

Kushiro, Hokkaido on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Kushiro

60-minute drive from Lake Akan to Kushiro, home to the largest wetland in Japan.
Fuel approx JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Kushiro Morning Market

Sample freshly grilled seafood and enjoy the bustling market atmosphere. Open 6am-12pm.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Hiking and birdwatching at Japan’s largest marshland, home to iconic red-crowned cranes. Park open year-round, best visited in daylight.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Seafood Izakaya

Savor grilled salmon and other Hokkaido seafood paired with local sake.
JPY2500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Noboribetsu

3-hour drive southwest to Noboribetsu, famous for its hot springs and volcanic landscape.
Fuel approx JPY5000, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Noboribetsu Ryokan

Enjoy a hot spring bath followed by a lavish local dinner featuring fresh seafood and vegetables.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 8: Hot Springs & Beer Festival

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Traditional Japanese breakfast to start your day after a hot spring soak.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Walk one-hour trail through hot spring steam vents and volcanic fumaroles. Open year-round from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

Experience this Edo-period amusement park including samurai performances and local crafts. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY2200, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Village Restaurant

Eat period-inspired cuisine featuring local Hokkaido ingredients.
JPY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Attend Noboribetsu Beer Festival

Sample local craft beers and enjoy live music at the annual spring beer festival, open 3pm - 9pm.
Entry JPY1000 plus drinks, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Festival

Casual dining with festival food stalls serving grilled seafood, meats, and street food specialties.
JPY2000, 2h
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Day 9: Southern Hokkaido & History

Hakodate, Hokkaido on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Hakodate

Approximate 3-hour drive south to the historic port city of Hakodate.
Fuel approx JPY4000, 3h

11:30am

Breakfast at Hakodate Morning Market

Enjoy fresh crab, sea urchin, and fish in a lively morning market setting.
JPY1800, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Goryokaku Fortress and Tower

Explore Japan’s unique star-shaped western-style fort and view it from the observation tower. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY900, 2h

3:00pm

Check into hotel and rest

Relax before evening activities in Hakodate.
Variable, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hakodate Seafood Restaurant

Sample specialties like hotate (scallops), squid sashimi and local sake.
JPY3000, 2h

8:30pm

Hakodate Ropeway Night View

Take the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for spectacular night views - open until 10pm.
JPY1300, 1h
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Day 10: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Hokkaido on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Hakodate

Light breakfast featuring Hokkaido dairy products before departure.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Drive back to Sapporo

About a 3.5-hour drive back to Sapporo to conclude your trip.
Fuel approx JPY4000, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Soup Curry Restaurant

Enjoy Hokkaido’s famous spicy soup curry at a local eatery, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Last Minute Shopping and Relaxation

Explore Sapporo downtown shops or relax at a café before your departure.
Variable, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Relish a final feast of grilled lamb (Jingisukan) paired with iconic Sapporo beers at the historic Beer Garden, open till 9pm.
JPY3500, 2h
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