8-Day December Hokkaido Self-Driving Winter Adventure

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on December 1, 2025

10:30am

Smart Drive Pickup

Pick up your rental car from New Chitose Airport for convenient self-driving throughout Hokkaido.
JPY6000, 0h30m

11:15am

Breakfast at Morihico Sapporo

Enjoy a cozy coffee and traditional Japanese-style breakfast at this popular café to energize your day.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Odori Park

Stroll through this central Sapporo green space with winter illuminations and sculptures, a gateway to the city’s winter charm.
Free, 1h

1:45pm

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Sample iconic miso ramen from renowned Hokkaido shops in this indoor food theme park.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Sapporo TV Tower

Go up to the observation deck to get panoramic views of snow-covered Sapporo and Odori Park.
JPY720, 1h

4:30pm

Explore Susukino District

Visit Hokkaido’s famous entertainment and nightlife area, known for its illuminated streets and local shops.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Genghis Khan Daruma

Try Hokkaido’s specialty grilled lamb BBQ in this popular local restaurant, open till 10pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Otaru Day Trip

Otaru, Japan on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LeTao Main Shop

Taste some of Hokkaido’s best cheesecake and pastries with coffee before driving to Otaru.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Otaru

A scenic 40-minute winter drive northwest from Sapporo to the picturesque canal city of Otaru.
Fuel Cost Approx. JPY1000, 0h40m

10:15am

Otaru Canal Walk

Stroll along the historic canal lined with old warehouses lit beautifully against the winter backdrop.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Otaru Music Box Museum

Visit this charming museum showcasing intricate music boxes, with shopping for special souvenirs.
JPY600, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Kita-no-Eki Otaru Umaimonya

Enjoy fresh seafood donburi with Hokkaido crab and sea urchin specialties.
JPY2500, 1h15m

2:15pm

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Drive 30 minutes west to Yoichi to tour and taste at one of Japan’s iconic whisky distilleries.
Free, tasting fees extra JPY500, 1.5h

4:30pm

Return Drive to Sapporo

Drive back to Sapporo to relax and enjoy evening activities.
Fuel Cost Approx. JPY1000, 0h40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Sample freshly brewed beer and traditional Jingisukan lamb in historic surroundings, open until 9pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Asahikawa & Winter Fun

Asahikawa, Japan on December 3, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast in Sapporo before the drive to Asahikawa.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Asahikawa

A 2 hour scenic drive northeast to Hokkaido’s second largest city, famous for its zoo and winter landscapes.
Fuel Cost Approx. JPY3000, 2h

10:45am

Asahiyama Zoo

Explore Japan's most popular zoo noted for its innovative enclosures and winter animal exhibits.
JPY1000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Aoba Ramen

Enjoy Asahikawa’s famous soy-based shoyu ramen in a cozy local restaurant.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Asahikawa Winter Festival Grounds (if available in early Dec)

Visit the seasonal festival site with ice sculptures and snow activities, open early December with varying hours.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Biei

A short 30-minute drive to picturesque Biei, known for its rolling hills and snow-covered landscapes.
Fuel Approx. JPY800, 0h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Biei Bistro

Enjoy a hearty Hokkaido meal featuring locally sourced ingredients amidst the snowy scenery.
JPY3200, 1.5h
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Day 4: Biei & Furano Scenery

Biei & Furano, Japan on December 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a warm breakfast to prepare for outdoor exploration.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive picturesque Patchwork Road & Panorama Road in Biei

Drive and stop at scenic spots showing beautiful winter hill vistas and famous trees, perfect for photos.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Furano

A 30-minute drive to the nearby town of Furano, known for beautiful winter landscapes and skiing.
Fuel Approx. JPY800, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Furano Delice

Relax with gourmet curry rice and dessert at this famed local café, open 11am-6pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Furano Ski Resort Winter Activities

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing on well-maintained slopes for all levels, open until 4:30pm.
Lift pass approx JPY4000, 3h

5:30pm

Drive to Noboribetsu

A longer 2.5 hour drive south to Noboribetsu Onsen, perfect for an evening soak.
Fuel Approx. JPY3500, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel ryokan restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner at your Noboribetsu ryokan, many serve until 9pm.
Included in stay or approx JPY5000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Noboribetsu Onsen Relax

Noboribetsu, Japan on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

A delicious Japanese breakfast sets you up for a day of relaxation and sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Jigokudani Hell Valley Walk

Explore this dramatic volcanic valley with steam vents and sulfuric hot springs, open for self-guided tours anytime.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Oyunuma River Natural Footbath

Relax your feet in hot spring water along the river near Hell Valley, open all day, free of charge.
Free, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Daiichi Takimotokan Food Court

Casual dining with local specialties such as Hokkaido seafood and ramen, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Relax in Noboribetsu Onsen Public Baths

Spend the afternoon soaking in hot spring baths at a public onsen such as Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, open until 7pm.
JPY1000, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Lake Toya

A 1 hour scenic winter drive around Lake Toya to your accommodation.
Fuel Approx. JPY1200, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at hotel near Lake Toya

Enjoy lakeside views and fresh local fish dishes, with many dining options serving until 9pm.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Lake Toya & Winter Views

Lake Toya, Japan on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a peaceful lakeside breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Mount Usu Ropeway

Ride the cable car for panoramic views of volcanic craters and Lake Toya’s stunning winter landscape, open 9am-4pm.
JPY1500, 1h

11:00am

Lake Toya Sightseeing Cruise (Winter schedule permitting)

Enjoy winter lake views and nearby islands, cruises weather-dependent and typically run late Nov to early Apr.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lakeview Toya Restaurant

Try fresh Hokkaido seafood dishes with views over the snowy lake.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Hakodate

A 3 hour drive south to Hakodate, famous for its winter seafood and night views.
Fuel Approx. JPY4000, 3h

5:30pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into your Hakodate accommodation and prepare for an evening outing.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lucky Pierrot

Try local specialty hamburgers at this iconic Hakodate fast-food chain, open until 10pm.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 7: Explore Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hakodate Morning Market

Taste fresh seafood and local produce at this vibrant market open from early morning.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Motomachi District Walking Tour

Explore historic churches, red-brick warehouses, and scenic winter streets in this charming old town.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajisai Shio Ramen

Enjoy Hakodate’s famous salty shio ramen, a cozy spot open 11am-8pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Hakodate Ropeway to Mt. Hakodate

Take the ropeway for breathtaking panoramic night views, winter evenings start dusk, ropeway open 10am-10pm.
JPY1200, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Hakodate Bay Area Residences and Shops

Enjoy shopping and light sightseeing in the well-preserved bay area.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kaisendonya Hakodate

Dine on a fresh seafood bowl featuring local catches, open until 9pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Return & Depart

Hakodate to Sapporo, Japan on December 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy a quick breakfast before starting the drive back to Sapporo.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive back to Sapporo

Begin the approximately 4 hour drive back to Sapporo to return your rental car and prepare for departure.
Fuel Approx. JPY5000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Station

Grab a casual meal at one of the many eateries in Sapporo Station before heading to the airport.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Return Rental Car

Return your rental car at New Chitose Airport to complete your self-drive tour.
Included in rental, 0h30m

3:00pm

Airport Departure

Check in for your flight home with great memories of Hokkaido winter driving tour.
Varies, Varies
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