Ultimate 8-Day Hokkaido Travel Itinerary: Explore Nature, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Introduction

Sapporo, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:30pm

Arrival at New Chitose Airport

Land at New Chitose Airport and transfer to your hotel in Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido.
JPY0, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Enjoy authentic Jingisukan (grilled mutton) at this iconic restaurant paired with freshly brewed Sapporo Beer. Open until 10:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

10:00pm

Night Walk at Odori Park

Stroll through Odori Park to admire illuminated fountains and cityscape, offering a relaxing introduction to Sapporo's atmosphere.
JPY0, 30m
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Day 2: Otaru Canal and Heritage

Otaru, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Morihico

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries in a charming cafe setting.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Train to Otaru

Take a scenic 40-minute train ride from Sapporo to Otaru along the coast.
JPY640, 40m

10:15am

Otaru Canal Walk

Explore the historic Otaru Canal lined with preserved warehouses converted into museums, shops, and cafes.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sushi Tanaka

Savor fresh seafood sushi at this highly-rated local restaurant famous for its generous portions and quality.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Otaru Music Box Museum

Visit a fascinating museum showcasing a vast collection of antique music boxes and buy unique souvenirs.
JPY700, 1h

2:45pm

Kitaichi Glass Shopping

Browse beautiful glassware in historic buildings, an iconic Otaru craft you can purchase as gifts.
JPY0, 45m

4:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Travel back to Sapporo for evening activities.
JPY640, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Sample diverse styles of Hokkaido ramen under one roof; open until 9:30pm.
JPY1100, 1h
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Day 3: Furano and Biei Scenic Tour

Furano and Biei, Japan on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out on a day tour.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Furano

Travel about 2 hours east of Sapporo to Furano, famous for its flower fields and landscapes.
JPY0 (assuming rental/transport included), 2h

10:30am

Furano Flower Fields

Visit colorful flower fields such as Lavender East Farm (open 8am-6pm), offering iconic Hokkaido views.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Furano Cheese Factory

Enjoy fresh cheese dishes and desserts; the factory tour adds an educational twist. Open until 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Biei’s Patchwork Road

Explore rolling hills and picturesque farms along Biei’s scenic roads, ideal for photos.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shikisai No Oka

Visit this panoramic flower park featuring seasonal blooms and panoramic views of the Tokachi Mountains.
JPY450, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Drive back to Sapporo for a restful evening.
JPY0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Soup Curry GARAKU

Taste the local favorite soup curry with rich spices; open until 10pm.
JPY1300, 1h
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Day 4: Asahikawa Zoo and City

Asahikawa, Japan on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for a day excursion to Asahikawa.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Asahikawa

Travel about 1.5 hours by train from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
JPY3500, 1h30m

10:00am

Asahiyama Zoo

Visit one of Japan’s most famous zoos, known for innovative animal enclosures like the Penguin Walk. Open 9:30am-5:15pm.
JPY1000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Santoka

Taste Asahikawa-style soy sauce ramen, famous for its rich broth, near the zoo.
JPY900, 1h

2:30pm

Asahikawa Winter Festival Museum

Learn about Asahikawa’s famous winter festival even in summer; interesting displays and history.
JPY300, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo for dinner and rest.
JPY3500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Sushizanmai

Experience fresh sushi in the heart of Sapporo with a friendly atmosphere. Open till 11pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan on June 18, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Start early with breakfast at your hotel and depart to the UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko Peninsula.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Drive to Shiretoko (around 5 hours)

A scenic drive to Shiretoko with beautiful landscapes en route.
JPY0, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch in Utoro

Enjoy fresh seafood lunch in Utoro town, gateway to Shiretoko National Park.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Shiretoko Five Lakes Walk

Guided hike around the Shiretoko Five Lakes, famed for pristine nature and wildlife. Note: Guided tours available from 8am-4pm; park access may require reservations.
JPY700, 2h

4:00pm

Boat Tour of Shiretoko Coast

Enjoy a 1.5-hour boat tour spotting sea eagles and maybe brown bears along the rugged coastline.
JPY4000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Stay Overnight at Shiretoko Onsen

Relax in hot springs at your ryokan overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, perfect after an active day.
JPY15000 (including dinner), Evening
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Day 6: Lake Akan and Ainu Culture

Lake Akan, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast served at the ryokan to start your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lake Akan

Travel about 2.5 hours south to Lake Akan, noted for its serene waters and indigenous Ainu culture.
JPY0, 2h30m

11:30am

Ainu Kotan Village Visit

Experience the culture and crafts of the Ainu people, Hokkaido’s indigenous community with traditional performances and souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kanoe

Try local delicacies including freshwater fish dishes along Lake Akan, with lovely lakeside views.
JPY1800, 1h

1:45pm

Lake Akan Cruise

Take a relaxing 40-minute boat cruise around the lake to see marsh marigolds and pristine nature.
JPY1200, 40m

2:45pm

Akan Mashu National Park Walk

Explore scenic trails with options for easy walks featuring volcanic landscapes and sulfur vents.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Ryokan or Nearby Hotel

Check into accommodation for a restful evening with hot springs.
JPY12000, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy traditional kaiseki dinner with seasonal Hokkaido ingredients at your accommodation.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 7: Noboribetsu Hot Springs

Noboribetsu, Japan on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning meal before checking out.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Noboribetsu (approx. 3.5 hours drive)

Head southwest to renowned Noboribetsu, famous for its hot springs and Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
JPY0, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Noboribetsu Onsen Center

Light meal options at the onsen center near Hell Valley to refresh after your journey.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Walk

Explore steaming volcanic crater valleys with walking paths open year-round showcasing vivid geothermal activity.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:15pm

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

Visit this Edo-period historical theme park with samurai shows and craft experiences. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY2900, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Noboribetsu Onsen Ryokan

Relax in hot spring baths and enjoy amenities at your guesthouse.
JPY15000, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring regional specialties.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure Day

Sapporo, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy your final Japanese-style breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo from Noboribetsu, approx 1.5-hour drive to prepare for departure.
JPY0, 1h30m

10:00am

Last-minute shopping at Sapporo Station

Explore shops inside Sapporo Station for souvenirs and snacks before heading to the airport.
JPY0, 1h

11:30am

Transfer to New Chitose Airport

Make your way to the airport allowing enough time to check in for your 1:45pm flight.
JPY0, 1h

1:45pm

Departure

Fly back home with unforgettable memories of Hokkaido.
JPY0, 0h
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