Hokkaido 15 Days Itinerary-V

９：００

New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Hokkaido. First of all, please complete the reception procedure at the rental car counter at the airport. It takes about 15 minutes by free shuttle bus to the rental car company branch.

The mileage of this day is about 130km, so you can travel at a relaxing pace. If you can leave by about 13:00, you can go to Noboribetsu while sightseeing at some spots. However, if the drive departs in the afternoon, please consider skipping some spots.

９：４０

The first destination of this trip is [Lake Shikotsu]. It’s 30km west of the airport. You can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery of Lake Shikotsu there.

In addition to enjoying a walking at Lake Shikotsu, we recommend delicious cream puffs.

１２：００
You will arrive at the “National AINU museum and park UPOPOY”.
At UPOPOY, which opened in 2020, you can learn about the unique culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. There are also performances of unique musical instruments and dances, so don’t miss it.

１４：００

The biggest highlight of the day is Noboribetsu Jigokudani, which is also the place to stay. A desolate spectacle where sulfur vapor blows out spreads out. The walking path is 600m and you can walk in about 10 minutes.
It’s a 5-10 minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Inn to the entrance of Jigokudani, so it might be a good idea to check in and take a break before heading there.

“Noboribetsu” where you stay on this day is a famous hot spring that represents Hokkaido. Please relax and heal the tiredness of the first day.

The mileage is a long distance of about 200km. About 150km of this is an expressway. There are many attractions in Hakodate, so we recommend that you leave from 8:00 to 9:00, especially if you stay in Hakodate only for one night.

９：００
If you didn’t walk in Jigokudani yesterday, why not get up a little early and enjoy a walk in the morning?
It is about a 5-10 minutes walk from most of the inns in Noboribetsu Onsen to the entrance of Jigokudani. The walking path itself is 600m, and you can walk in about 10 minutes.

１１：００
[Yakumo Parking area(To Hakodate)] is highly recommended for a break.

It is a very pleasant parking area overlooking the Eruption Bay and the grasslands that spread from the hill.
From here, you can walk to restaurant “Harvester Yakumo”, where you can enjoy delicious fried chicken and pizza at a historic restaurant that was opened as an experimental farm for KFC(Kentucky Fried Chicken).

After lunch, you will head to Hakodate again on the expressway. It takes 2 hours to get to Hakodate, so please take a break on the way.

１４：００
If you arrive in Hakodate while it is bright, we recommend the Red Brick Warehouse.

If you have time, we recommend taking a walk in Motomachi, Hakodate, where old Western-style buildings are lined up on the cobblestone slopes.

The night view seen from Mt. Hakodate is one of the three major night views in Japan and it is wonderful

If you visit Mt. Hakodate, please use the ropeway as the road to the summit is closed during the winter season.

１０：００

This day is centered on sightseeing in the city, and the mileage is short at about 40km, so you can take it easy.

１１：３０

The first stop of the day is Goryokaku Park & Tower. This place is the first western-style castle in Japan surrounded by a star-shaped moat. From the observatory of the tower, you can enjoy not only Goryokaku Park, but also a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and Hakodate Bay.

There is the Lucky Pierrot Goryokaku Park Branch next to the parking lot, so it is highly recommended having lunch there. Lucky Pierrot is a crazy burger shop chain in Hakodate.

１２：３０

Next, you will head south and explore the Hakodate Motomachi Area. Hakodate was one of the first cities to open its ports after a long period of national isolation, and in this area you can see the Western-style buildings of each country that were built about 150 years ago. The main recommended spots are as follows.
●Former British Consulate
●Hakodate magistrate’s office ruins
●Former Souma House
●Former Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
●Funatama Shrine
●Hakodate Orthodox Church
●Hachiman-Zaka Slope

If you get tired of walking, there are many stylish cafes, so please take a rest.

１４：３０

After exploring the Motomachi Area, please head to the Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse. This is one of the most famous tourist spots in Hakodate city. There are many shops and cafes in old warehouses.

１６：００

Next, you will head to the Trappistine Convent, which is the first convent in Japan. The lovable structure of the convent is offset by the lovely scenery and the proximity to the ocean and the cliffs in the distance. The cookies here are delicious and famous.

１７：３０

If you have time and want to see the Sea of Hakodate, we recommend going to Cape Tachimachi, which is a scenic cliffside area. If the weather is nice and the air is clear, you can see Honshu (the main island of Japan) across the sea.

１８：２０

On this day, you will stay in Hakodate for consecutive nights following the previous day. Please relax and enjoy the night in Hakodate.

９：００

The mileage is long, about 175-220km including 125km of expressway driving.

９：０５

You will get up early on this day and visit [Hakodate Morning Market]. Breakfast will consist of fresh seafood such as famous squid, sea urchins, and crab is the best.
It is also okay to visit on foot from your inn if possible.

１０：１０

[Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse] is also nearby, so if you haven’t been there yet, please stop by.

１１：５０

After that, you will head to [Onuma National Park]. The winter scenery is beautiful and you can enjoy various winter activities there. There are also several recommended restaurants around Onuma Park, so please enjoy lunch around there.

１５：３０

After Onuma Park, it is a 2-hour drive on the expressway. The final destination of the day is “Mt. Usu Ropeway”. From the ropeway, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Showa Shinzan, which was created in 1944, Lake Toya, and the Pacific Ocean.
There is also Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch in the same place, so if you have children, please visit it as well.

１７：００

There are 3 recommended area for this day.
If you would like to stay snow resort for ski and snow activities, either Niseko or Rusutsu is recommended. If you don’t plan to do skiing, Lake Toya is recommended. Please refer below “Where to stay” part.

９：００

The mileage of this day is normal about 130km. But we recommend to leave the hotel at 9:00.

９：１０
If you haven’t visited, please visit [Mt. Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm]. After that, you will head north toward Niseko while looking at the magnificent view of Mt. Yotei.
There are observatories overlooking Lake Toya and a delicious ice cream shop along the way, so stop by and proceed.

１２：３０

Next you will head to [Fukidashi Spring Water Park] with the famous water that springs from Mount Yotei. A tremendous amount of water is springing out, and you can put water in your bottle and take it the hotel if you like.

１５：００

The final destination of the day is “Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery”. You can tour the historic distillery of Japan’s leading whiskey brand.

１６：４０

Otaru is your accommodation on this day, but most shops on Sakaimachihondori, which is the main street, close around 17:00, so you will take a walk here the next day. Instead, enjoy a stroll and Otaru sushi dinner with a spectacular night view of the canal.

９：００

The mileage is about 160km to Furano. Although you can drive most of the part by expressway, it is a long distance and the travel pace will be fast.

９：０５

First thing in the morning, please go to places in Otaru city that you couldn’t go to the day before. For parking in Otaru, please use the hotel where you stayed or [Otaru City Parking (小樽駐車場)].
In Otaru city, you will be sightseeing on foot. Here are some spots you will be interested to visit: the area around the “Otaru Canal” and the “Sakaimachi-dori shopping street” are the main areas.

After this, you will need to take a long drive to Furano, so please finish your tour of Otaru by noon at the latest and head to your next destination.

●[Otaru Canal] is a symbol of the city and a must spot. You can also have a fantastic and romantic time on a popular canal cruise.
●[Canal Plaza] (Otaru City Tourist Product Plaza)—Otaru is known as the city of glass, and representative works of art will be displayed in the Canal Plaza.
●[Denuki Koji]—A food stall village located at the Asakusabashi crossing of the Otaru Canal. You can climb the symbolic fire tower for free, and you can also see the beautiful Otaru Canal and the Otaru sea.
●[Taisho Glass Hall Main Store] displays and sells hand-made glass, mainly Japanese-style glassware.
●[Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Building] is a renovated stone warehouse that was built as a fishery warehouse and is designated as an Otaru Historic Building. The store offers a wide variety of glass products, from everyday glasses and tableware to accessories that are perfect for gifts.
●[Night Light] is installed at the “Marchen Crossroads” and is a reproduction of the wooden lighthouse on the hill in Nobukacho, Otaru City during the Meiji period.
●The [Steam Clock] installed in front of the Otaru Music Box Museum ticks the time with white smoke and a steam whistle every 15 minutes.

●The 3-story brick building [Music Box Museum] is a music box specialty store that boasts a large number of items.

１３：３０

Next, you will head to [Ishiya Chocolate Factory (Shiroi Koibito Park)], which is well-known as a museum and factory of “White Lover Chocolate”.

Near the Shiroi Koibito Park, there is [Sapporo market outside market], where you can buy various seafood, fruits, and souvenirs, so nice to stop by. If you haven’t had lunch yet, it is also a good place to have a fresh seafood lunch.

１７：００

[Ningle Terrace] is recommended. You can buy various works by local artists such as crafts and accessories at the log houses lined up in the woods.

It opens till 20:45 so it is also okay to visit after dinner.

１８：００

Furano has a limited number of shops that are open until late at night. It is recommended to include a supper when booking the inn or to go to the inn after having supper.

１０：００

The mileage is about 80km, so you can travel at relaxing pace. It is enough to leave the inn around 10 o’clock.

１０：１０

Furano has many attractions. First of all, you will head to the [Furano Marche]. This is a vast and diverse facility, but we especially recommend the shops and cafes that offer freshly made sweets and freshly baked bread. How about a slightly late breakfast with freshly baked delicious bread?

１３：００

Your next destination will be the famous [Blue Pond]. It has become known worldwide for being used as wallpaper for Mac on Apple Computer.

１４：３０

Your last destination of the day is [Shirahige Falls]. It is not well known, but it is worth a visit as well.

１６：２０

On this day, you will be staying in Furano for the second consecutive night. Please spend a relaxing time at the inn.

９：００

The mileage is about 95km, so you can travel at relaxing pace. However, if you want to spend a long time in Asahiyama Zoo, please leave as early as possible in the morning and try to arrive at least 2 hours before closing.

１０：００

Your first destination of the day is the famous [Blue Pond]. It has become known worldwide for being used as wallpaper for Mac on Apple Computer.

１１：１５

You will go to [Shirahige Falls] next. It is not well known, but it is worth a visit as well.

１２：３０

Next, you will head to [Seven Star Tree & Patchwork Hills]. The area around Biei’s Seven Star Tree is famous as Patchwork Hills in summer. In winter, too, the appearance of this tree dignifiedly standing in the wide snowfield is very tasteful. Please enjoy driving the hills around here.

１３：３０

The most famous zoo in Hokkaido, [Asahiyama Zoo], can be reached in about an hour and a half from Furano and about 20 minutes from Asahikawa (The snow road will take longer).

There are the following parking lots.
Main gate 1st parking(Free 65 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 856
Main gate 2nd parking(Free 125 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 856
East gate parking(Free 300 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 881

Please be careful that Asahiyama zoo closes very early.
Mid Nov – Beg Apr 10:30-15:30(Last Ently15:00)
Beg May – Mid Oct 9:30-17:15(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Oct – Beg Nov 9:30-16:30(Last Ently16:00)

Asahiyama Zoo in winter has a lot to offer, just like in summer.
● Asahiyama Zoo is famous for penguin walks, but it is much better in the snowy landscape.
● Drift ice plaza appears in the outdoor enclosure of the “Seal Museum” only during the cold winter season. It’s only in the cold winter that you can see their faces popping out of the holes in the ice floes.
● Monkeys don’t like the cold. On colder days, you can see monkey dumplings that cling together to keep warm.

● In early February, the opening hours of the zoo will be extended. You can experience Asahiyama Zoo at night under the snow light.
● Polar bears also look better in snow and ice.

If you would like to enjoy Asahiyama zoo at a relaxing pace, please consider staying one more night.

１７：００

Asahikawa, where you will stay tonight, is the second largest city in Hokkaido. Here you can enjoy various gourmet foods such as Genghis Khan and Asahikawa ramen.
There are many shops within walking distance that are open until late at night, so please check in before exploring the city.

９：００

The mileage is 230km, which is the longest on this trip, so we recommend leaving Asahikawa before 9:00 at the latest. You will be driving on the expressway (E39) for the first half and on the public road for the second half.

１１：３０

After driving a long distance on the expressway, please enjoy lunch at a sushi restaurant. This is a revolving sushi restaurant, but you can eat very fresh sushi at a more reasonable price than in Sapporo.

１４：１５

Next, you will head to Cape Notoro, which is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the beautiful and mysterious drift ice and the white world of icefalls. Road Abashiri Park Line, also known as the “Misaki Line”, is a scenic road where you can enjoy a comfortable drive even in winter. Drift ice can usually be seen from early February to early March.

１５：３０

After that, you will go to the Okhotsk drift ice museum and learn about drift ice, preparing for tomorrow’s drift ice cruise.

１６：３０

Abashiri, where we stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Since the number of restaurants is quite limited, it is recommended to make a reservation at a hot spring inn with a plan to half board. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 5 pm at the latest.

８：５０

The mileage is about 90km. You must have checked in for Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora by 9:15 on this day, so please leave the hotel by 8:50 at the latest. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/).

９：００

The first destination is [Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora], which is the biggest highlight of the day. This is a large ship that sails on the sea while breaking ice. You can see the ice floes that arrive every year off the coast of Abashiri Port up close, and you can enjoy a thrilling cruise as the vibrations and sounds of breaking the ice are transmitted directly to the boat.

Icebreaker Aurora departs at 9:30 most days. Please arrive at the platform by 9:00 and complete her check-in procedures. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/). The cruise time is a little over an hour.

１１：００

After enjoying a winter sea cruise, you will head to The Abashiri Prison Museum, where the Abashiri Prison buildings made in the Meiji era (1868–1912) are preserved and open to the public. 

１２：００

Please enjoy delicious seafood in Abashiri. We recommend “Okhotsk direct market Kaniya”.

１４：１０

After lunch, you will head to [Road to the Sky].  While driving on the road, it provides a terrific view of itself. Originally known only to local bikers, the name comes from the sight of a 28km straight road leading to the sky. Must see.

１５：４０

Next you will head to Yuhidai Observatory. Here, the surface of the sea, which is covered with drift ice, turns a golden color, creating a beautiful and impressive impression.

１６：２０

Shiretoko, where you stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Since the number of restaurants where you can have dinner is very limited, it is recommended to make a reservation at a hot spring inn with a plan with half board. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 5 pm at the latest.

８：００

The mileage on this day is 20km and you hardly drive a car. However, if you participate in the “Winter Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour”, you need to leave the hotel at 8:00 and wake up early in the morning. On the other hand, if you choose the RYUHYO (Drift Ice) Walk, the morning will be a little more leisurely.

８：００

Winter in Shiretoko, which is rich in nature, can be severely cold with drift ice drifting, but you can enjoy activities unique to winter to your heart’s content. A couple of options are shown below.

(Option 1) There are guided tours of the Shiretoko Five Lakes during the harsh winter season, where you can enjoy a walk in the wetlands and lakes that are not accessible during the summer season. In particular, [Winter Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour] by Shiretoko Nature Office is recommended. Reservations are required (please go to https://en.activityjapan.com/publish/plan/3379 for booking in English).
Depending on which Shiretoko tour you book, normally your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel at 8:00. The tour guide will then take you to the activity location and drop you off at your hotel after the activity. The duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours.

(Option 2) Drift ice lands on the coast of Okhotsk in Hokkaido from around the end of January. Especially around Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula, the sea is covered with ice like a pure white land during the peak season. [RYUHYO (Drift Ice) Walk] is an activity unique to Utoro where you can experience such phenomena and sights like those in the Arctic Circle. You can see the activity in action in the video below.
https://youtu.be/XLZNBYvNYFY
Reservations are required (please go to https://shinrashiretoko.wixsite.com/shinra/ice-walking for booking in English).

１３：３０

For lunch on this day, we recommend [Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku]. You can easily enjoy a wide variety of meals.

１４：３０

After lunch, please enjoy the spectacular drift ice views from the Oronko Rock Observatory. You can go there on foot or by car. It takes about 10 minutes if you walk.

However, the path leading up to the observatory is narrow and steep, so if you think it is dangerous due to accumulated snow, please skip this observatory and enjoy the drift ice near the next waterfall. Please put safety first.

１５：３０

This spectacular waterfall, located just next to the coastal main road heading toward Shiretoko, provides visitors a unique experience. After a short walk up some stairs, you can enjoy the waterfall in all of its glory. An observatory is located at the top of the falls and provides a view of the Sea of Okhotsk.

There is also a sidewalk on the opposite side of the road from the parking lot. From there you can enjoy the drift ice of the sea of Okhotsk.

１６：３０

On this day you will stay at a hotel in Shiretoko following yesterday. Please spend a relaxing time in Shiretoko, a World Heritage site.

９：００

The mileage is long and about 185km, and there is no expressway section. Also, since there are many highlight sites, we strongly recommend that you leave around 8 to 9 o’clock.

１０：４０

Your first destination of the day is [Lake Kussharo Sunayu]. This is a popular destination for photographers due to the abundance of swans and the stunning backdrop. Sunayu on the shores of Lake Kussharo is a natural hot spring. Therefore, the center of the lake is covered with ice in winter, but the lakeside is not frozen and becomes an open-air bath for swans. There is also a footbath here, so you can relax while watching the swans from the footbath.

１２：００

Next, you will head to [Mt.Iou]. It is an active volcano covered in solidified lava and emits a great deal of smoke.

１３：３０

For lunch on this day, Teshikaga Ramen Main branch is recommended. Ramen is perfect for lunch on a cold winter trip.
We recommend trying the Seafood soy sauce(魚介たまり醤油) Ramen and Miso(味噌) ramen.

１４：３０

After enjoying lunch, you will head to [Lake Mashu]. The north side of Route 52 is closed in winter, so you will head to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observatory from the south side. Lake Mashu is famous as a beautiful lake with highly transparent water. Especially from the end of January to around February 20th every year, Lake Mashu is in the freezing season. It is especially beautiful to see the frozen ice in progress. The sapphire blue surface of the lake shines with the white frozen ice.

１７：００
After that, it is a long drive of 85km to Lake Akan, about an hour and a half.
Because of long distance, please take rest at the road sidestation along the way.

Lake Akan, where you stay on this day, is also a famous hot spring resort. Relax in the hot springs and rest your body.

１９：３０

One of the highlights at Lake Akan is [Akan AINU Kotan]. A place where you can experience the culture of the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, you can not only see their traditional dances every night in the theater but also do shopping in various woodcraft shops.
The theater and shops open till night and you can visit them after dinner.

８：３０

On this day you will have a relatively short driving distance of about 90km. However, depending on the weather in Hokkaido in winter, road conditions can deteriorate, and road regulations may be tightened. Please be careful when driving.

Before checking out of the hotel, it is recommended to enjoy the natural phenomenon of the frigid Lake Akan. You may be able to see Frost Flowers, Diamond Dust, Kearashi (Frost smoke), etc. if the weather conditions are good in the early morning.

８：４０

Source: TSURUGA GROUP official website　出典：TSURUGA GROUP公式サイト

After checking out of your hotel, why not try the [Bokke (Mud Volcano) Forest Snow Walk]? You can casually enjoy the charm of Lake Akan, a national park of forests and volcanoes.

１２：００

Source: SUPER FANTASTIC Kushiro Lake Akan Official Website　出典：釧路・阿寒湖観光公式サイト

Next, you will head to [Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary]. You can see red-crowned cranes here. Winter here is a photographer’s paradise. During the feeding season from November to March, photographers gather along the fence to capture the beauty of the red-crowned cranes in the viewfinder. Here you will find the scenery that symbolizes Hokkaido in winter.

１４：００

After seeing the red-crowned cranes, you will head to the [Kushiro Marsh Observatory]. This is a representative base where you can see, learn about, and explore the Kushiro Marsh. From the observation room on the 3rd floor and the rooftop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the wetlands, the city of Kushiro, and the mountains of Akan.

１６：００

On this day, you will stay in Kushiro, which is famous for its nature and gourmet food. For dinner, we recommend Robatayaki BBQ at “Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO”.

９：００

The mileage is as long as 175km. If you prefer to drive slowly, be sure to skip some of the recommended stops along the way.

１０：５５

The first destination is Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town. You will see “Jewelry ice” which can only be seen there during the harsh winter (mid-January to late February).

１１：４０

Next, you will head to “Ikeda Wine Castle”. This is the most famous winery in Hokkaido, and you can see the inside of a brewery that imitates a castle in medieval Europe.

１２：４５

Next, you will head to “Happiness Dairy”, which is a gelato shop directly managed by a ranch in the fields. It has been a popular shop for a long time.

１２：４５

After Happiness Dairy, you will head west to Obihiro. There is a small observatory called [Tokachigaoka Observatory] along the way, so you can stop by.

１５：１５

After the observatory, you will move to Downy Birch Avenue. A row of white birch trees continues straight for about 1.3 km from the entrance of Tokachi Ranch, and it is known as one of the scenery that represents Tokachi. From mid-January to February, the frost-covered trees look like they have been covered with white leaves, and you can enjoy a more beautiful view.

Obihiro is one of the leading cities in Hokkaido. There are many restaurants and food stalls on the north side of the station, so please enjoy dinner while strolling after checking in at the hotel. In particular, Obihiro is famous for pork rice bowls as a local gourmet. Please try it.

１６：３０

１０：００

The mileage is about 170-210km. Depending on your fright schedule, Please adjust the time for snow activities for this day.

１１：２０

On this day, please enjoy some light snow activities at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Firstly, please take the gondola from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain and enjoy Muhyo (rime) Terrace. This place becomes Unkai (sea of clouds) Terrace in the summer. You can experience the superb view of Tomamu in winter. Enjoy the snow-covered trees and the majestic view of the snowy mountains.

You can also enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVksREPIKKk

If you want to enjoy more snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding in Tomamu, we recommend staying another night in Tomamu.

１６：３０
This concludes your Hokkaido road trip.

①Returning a car in Sapporo
When you return to Sapporo, refuel, and then return the car to the car rental branch. Use the MAPCODE on the driving map for the nearest rental car stores and gas stations near Sapporo Station.
Sapporo offers a wide variety of culinary delights! For dinner, try Sapporo Miso ramen, Soup curry, Crab, and Sushi.

②Returning a car at New Chitose Airport
When heading to New Chitose Airport, the distance from Sapporo is about 60 km, about 1 hour. Make sure you arrive at the car rental company branch 3 hours before your flight. You need to take the shuttle bus from the company branch to the airport. In addition, New Chitose Airport is the best in Japan. There are restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of Hokkaido gourmet food and countless souvenir shops, so the waiting time for your flight feels short.