6-Day Hokkaido Adventure: Exploring Nature, Culture, and Cuisine in August

Day Day 1: Sapporo City Highlights

Sapporo, Japan on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at Kinotoya Bake, famous for its Hokkaido cream puffs and croissants, perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast.
JPY600, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Odori Park

Explore Odori Park, the green heart of Sapporo stretching 1.5 kilometers, offering fountains, sculptures, and seasonal flower gardens. Great for a morning stroll and city views.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Sapporo Clock Tower

Visit the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower to learn about the city's pioneering history and architecture. Open from 8:45 am to 5:10 pm.
JPY200, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Enjoy a bowl of authentic Hokkaido ramen at this famous food theme park located in ESTA shopping mall. Open 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Sapporo Beer Museum

Discover the history of Japan's beer brewing tradition at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Guided tours run 10:30 am to 6:30 pm and tasting is available.
Free entry, tasting costs extra, 1h30m

4:00pm

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Take the ropeway up Mt. Moiwa for panoramic views of Sapporo city and sunset scenery. Ropeway operates until 10:30 pm in summer.
JPY1140 round trip, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Susukino District

Explore Susukino, Sapporo's lively entertainment district, and dine on fresh seafood or soup curry, two local specialties regularly featured in the area’s restaurants.
JPY2000-3000, 1h30m
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Day Day 2: Otaru Canal & Glass Art

Otaru, Japan on August 2, 2025

7:30am

Train to Otaru

Take a scenic 30 to 40-minute train ride from Sapporo to Otaru, a charming port city famous for its canal and historic buildings.
JPY640 one way, 0h40m

8:30am

Breakfast at LeTAO Main Store

Enjoy Swiss-style cakes and coffee at LeTAO, a renowned dessert café that originated in Otaru. Opens at 9:00 am, great for a sweet start.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:30am

Otaru Canal Walk

Stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal lined with charming warehouses, many converted into shops and cafes, capturing the nostalgic atmosphere of the city.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Otaru Music Box Museum

Explore a whimsical collection of music boxes and enjoy making your own. Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sanroku Sushi

Feast on freshly caught sushi at this local favorite, popular for its affordable and quality seasonal seafood, open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Glass Workshop Experience

Participate in a glass blowing or crafting workshop at Kitaichi Glass to create your own souvenir. Sessions available until 4:00 pm.
JPY2500-4000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Take the train back to Sapporo and rest before dinner.
JPY640, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) Restaurant

Try the famous Hokkaido grilled mutton barbecue called Genghis Khan in a cozy local eatery. Open until 11:00 pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day Day 3: Lavender Fields & Scenic Drives

Furano & Biei, Japan on August 3, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Furano

Rent a car or take a bus to Furano (approx. 2 hours). August is ideal for viewing spectacular lavender farms in full bloom.
Car rental approx. JPY10000/day, 2h

9:30am

Visit Farm Tomita

Explore sprawling lavender fields, colorful flower gardens, and try their famous lavender ice cream. Open 7:00 am to 6:00 pm in peak season.
JPY550, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Furano Delice

Enjoy casual French-inspired cuisine and their famed cheese tarts in a charming café setting.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Scenic Drive through Biei Patchwork Road

Drive through rolling hills covered with vivid patchwork of crops, a famous photographic spot, stopping at viewpoints like Shikisai no Oka.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Shikisai no Oka Flower Garden

Wander among fields of colorful seasonal flowers, open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in summer.
JPY500, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in to local accommodation

Stay overnight in a cozy pension or hotel in Furano or Biei area to enjoy peaceful nature.
JPY8000-12000, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Pension Restaurant

Many pensions offer homemade meals featuring local vegetables and dairy. Enjoy a warm, home-style dinner experience.
Included or approx. JPY2500, 1h
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Day Day 4: Asahikawa & Zoo Visit

Asahikawa, Japan on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Drive/Travel to Asahikawa

Short drive or bus ride (40-50 minutes) from Furano to Asahikawa, the second-largest city in Hokkaido.
Free (if driving), JPY1000 bus, 0h50m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Morihico

Enjoy a calm morning coffee and toast at this well-known local café, open from 8:00 am.
JPY800, 0h45m

10:00am

Asahiyama Zoo

Visit one of Japan’s most popular zoos famous for its innovative enclosures allowing close animal observation. Open 9:30 am to 5:15 pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Sample regional Asahikawa ramen, known for its soy-based broth and flavorful oils. Open 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Otoko Yama Sake Brewery Tour

Enjoy a guided tour and tasting of sake, experiencing traditional brewing methods. Usually open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm but confirm ahead.
Free or small fee for tasting, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Asahikawa Shopping Arcade

Browse boutique shops and local crafts along the covered shopping street.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kaji Asahikawa Branch

Enjoy an upscale izakaya dinner specializing in fresh seafood and local delicacies. Reservations recommended.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day Day 5: Noboribetsu Onsen Relaxation

Noboribetsu, Japan on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Asahikawa to Noboribetsu

Take train or drive roughly 3 to 3.5 hours south to Noboribetsu, famous for its hot springs and volcanic landscapes.
JPY4000 by train, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Onsen Ryokan Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal at your ryokan or a local restaurant, featuring seasonal Hokkaido ingredients.
JPY2500-4000, 1h

1:30pm

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Explore the dramatic volcanic crater area with steaming vents and hot springs on the walking trails. Open year-round with no admission fee.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

Visit this Edo-period historical theme park with traditional shows and crafts. Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY2700, 1h30m

5:30pm

Hot Spring Bathing

Relax in onsen baths at your accommodation or a public bath like Noboribetsu Onsen center, open until 9:00 pm.
JPY1000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner (kaiseki) highlighting fresh local ingredients in a serene atmosphere.
Included with stay or JPY4000+, 1h30m
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Day Day 6: Lake Toya & Departure

Lake Toya, Japan on August 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Lake Toya

Short 45-minute drive or train to Lake Toya, a scenic volcanic caldera lake with hot spring resorts.
JPY1000-1500 if public transport, 0h45m

9:00am

Lake Toya Gondola Ride

Take the Usuzan Ropeway gondola to Mount Usu summit for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY1500 round trip, 1h30m

11:00am

Breakfast/Brunch at Lakeside Café

Enjoy light meals and coffee with lovely lake views to unwind before the journey back.
JPY1200, 1h

12:30pm

Walk along Lake Toya

Stroll the lakeside promenades and visit the Toyako Visitor Center to learn about the volcanic geology and local nature.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Drive or take a train back to Sapporo in about 2 hours to conclude your trip.
JPY2000-3000, 2h

5:00pm

Early Dinner in Sapporo

Have a final meal at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market’s ‘Nijo Market’ stalls for fresh seafood bowls before departure.
JPY2500, 1h
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