8-Day Hokkaido Exploration: Sapporo to Hakodate, Lake Toya, and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival & Sapporo Stay

Sapporo, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:30pm

Check-in at Sapporo Washington Hotel

Arrive at Sapporo Washington Hotel to check in and settle into your comfortable room after your flight.
JPY0, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU

Enjoy a flavorful bowl of Hokkaido-style soup curry at this popular restaurant nearby; it is open until 10:30 pm, perfect for a late arrival dinner.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 2: Sapporo to Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sapporo Coffee Taku Taku

Start your day with fresh coffee and a light breakfast at this cozy cafe near your hotel; opens from 7:00am.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Pick up rental car

Pick up your rental car for flexible travel from Sapporo to Hakodate, approximately a 3.5-hour drive.
JPY7000, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ajisai Ramen in Hakodate

Enjoy world-famous Hakodate shio ramen at Ajisai, known for its light yet rich broth.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Check-in at OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resort

Settle into your stylish hotel in central Hakodate with modern amenities and easy access to city sights.
JPY0, 0h30m

3:00pm

Visit Hakodate Morning Market

Explore the vibrant market open until 6:00pm, featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and souvenirs.
Free (shopping varies), 1h30m

5:00pm

Hakodate Ropeway & Mt. Hakodate Night View

Ride the ropeway to the summit for one of Japan's top night views, best seen at sunset and after dark. Open until 10:00pm.
JPY1200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lucky Pierrot

Try Hakodate’s quirky famous burger chain with unique local flavors, open until 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 3: Hakodate to Lake Toya

Lake Toya, Japan on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at OMO5 Hakodate

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet with local ingredients before a day of scenic travel.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lake Toya

Set out on a 2.5-hour drive to Lake Toya, enjoying the beautiful coastal and mountainous views along the way.
Fuel approx. JPY2500, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Toya Ukigumo

Savor fresh seafood with lake views at this waterfront restaurant in Toyako Onsen.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in at The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort

Check into the resort with stunning panoramic views of the lake and Mount Usu.
JPY0, 0h30m

2:00pm

Visit Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan

Explore volcanic landmarks with walking trails; visitor center open until 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in Onsen at hotel

Unwind in the resort’s hot spring baths with serene lake views, open until 10:00pm.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal local ingredients served at the resort.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 4: Lake Toya to Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu, Japan on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a Japanese-style breakfast buffet featuring fresh fish and rice.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Noboribetsu

Enjoy an approximate 1.5-hour scenic drive to famous hot spring town Noboribetsu.
Fuel approx. JPY1500, 1h30m

10:30am

Check-in at Cafelodge Touch Wood hotel

Settle into your charming lodge-style accommodation in Noboribetsu.
JPY0, 0h30m

11:00am

Visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Explore this volcanic crater with steaming vents and sulfurous streams; trails open all day.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local soba restaurant

Taste handmade soba noodles, a specialty in the region with fresh mountain water.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Onsen Experience at Noboribetsu Onsen

Relax in public hot springs or private baths; try the sulfur-rich waters that promote healing. Most baths open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

A samurai-themed historical park offering cultural performances and exhibits, closing at 5:30pm.
JPY2200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel cafe

Dine on home-style Japanese comfort food and local specialties in the cozy lodge cafe.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 5: Return to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before returning the rental car and heading back to Sapporo.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Drive back to Sapporo

A scenic approximately 2-hour drive back to Sapporo with stops recommended along the way.
Fuel approx. JPY2000, 2h

11:30am

Return rental car

Return your rental car upon arrival at the designated Sapporo rental agency.
JPY0, 0h30m

12:30pm

Check-in at Sapporo Stream

Check into this stylish hotel conveniently located near downtown Sapporo.
JPY0, 0h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ramen Alley

Taste various regional ramen styles in the famous Sapporo Ramen Alley, open until 9:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Odori Park and TV Tower

A scenic urban park along central Sapporo with gardens and the iconic TV Tower, open 9am-10pm.
JPY720 (entry to TV Tower observation deck), 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping at Tanukikoji Arcade

Explore a covered shopping street with souvenirs, clothes, and local snacks, open till around 8pm.
Free (shopping varies), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Genghis Khan BBQ Daruma

Enjoy iconic Hokkaido lamb BBQ in a lively atmosphere, open until 11:00pm.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 6: Sapporo City Tour

Sapporo, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Morihico Cafe

Delight in artisan coffee and pastries at this popular local cafe, open from 7:00am.
JPY900, 1h

9:30am

Sapporo Beer Museum

Discover the history of beer brewing in Sapporo; museum opens 11am but adjacent Beer Garden opens 11:30am for tasting.
JPY0, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden

Experience a sample of local draft beer paired with lamb BBQ in a lively setting.
JPY3000, 1.5h

1:00pm

Visit Hokkaido Shrine

Relax in the tranquil shrine grounds and forest park, open year-round.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Moerenuma Park

Visit this expansive park featuring modern sculpture and nature trails, open until sunset.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Rest at your hotel or explore nearby cafes to refresh before dinner.
JPY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Suage+ Soup Curry

Sample one of Sapporo’s best-loved soup curries featuring rich, spicy broth, open until 9:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru, Japan on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple Japanese or Western style breakfast before your day trip.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Otaru by train (approx. 30 min)

Take a short train ride to the charming canal city of Otaru for a day of culture and shopping.
JPY640, 0h30m

9:45am

Explore Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street

Stroll alongside the historic canal and browse local glass shops and music box stores.
Free (shopping varies), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Tao Cheesecake Café

Enjoy creamy cheesecake and light meals at this famous local café.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Otaru Music Box Museum

Explore intricate music boxes and enjoy demonstrations; open 9am–6pm.
JPY600, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Sapporo

Head back to your Sapporo hotel to relax or explore more of the city.
JPY640, 0h30m

5:00pm

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower and surrounding area

View one of Sapporo’s oldest landmarks; opens 8:45am–5:10pm.
JPY200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nijo Market Seafood Restaurant

Delight in fresh sashimi and seafood bowls in this bustling market eatery, open until 8:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Sapporo, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast to start your day before departure preparations.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:00am

Last minute shopping or stroll near hotel

Take a final walk or shop for souvenirs close to your hotel before airport transfer.
Free (shopping varies), 2h

10:15am

Leave hotel for New Chitose Airport

Head to New Chitose Airport in time for your 1:45pm flight departure; take airport limousine bus or taxi.
JPY1100, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and relax at airport

Check-in for your flight and enjoy airport lounges or shopping until boarding.
Varies, 1h45m
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