Summary
- Start
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Finish
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Mileage
Total 1220km
200km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max.4 nights - Recommended Seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
This itinerary takes 6 days to circle eastern Hokkaido. The shortest itinerary for east Hokkaido.
Due to long daily mileage and no consecutive stay, the travel pace is very fast.
If you want to stay in Sapporo after the road trip, you can return the car not to the airport but to Sapporo. Walking and the subway are more convenient for sightseeing in Sapporo.
Chitose Airport – Asahikawa(Sample)
Start: New Chitose Airport(新千歳空港) or Sapporo(札幌)
Finish: Asahikawa (旭川)
Mileage:
From Sapporo: 200km
From Chitose Arirpot: 220km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from New Chitose Airport to Asahikawa via Furano.
1
Rental car branch at New Chitose Airport
Parking MAPCODE:
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 is about 200-220km. We recommend heading to Asahikawa via Furano, but if you arrive in Chitose in the afternoon, consider skipping Furano area and heading directly to Asahikawa on the expressway(E5).
If you would like to visit Furano, staying overnight in Chitose is a good idea!
140 min
2
Farm Tomita
Parking MAPCODE:
349 276 713What is MAPCODE?
12:20
Head directly to Furano, which has many attractions. First of all, you will visit the very popular [Farm Tomita]. Lavender from mid-July to early August is very famous, but at other times, various flowers such as poppies and lupines bloom, and you can fully enjoy it from mid-April to mid-October.
25 min
3
Shikisai no Oka
Parking MAPCODE:
349 701 217What is MAPCODE?
13:30
After that, you will head to the biggest highlight of the day [Shikisai no Oka]. The colorful flower fields on the vast hills will be a lifetime memory. You can enjoy it from the end of May to the end of October, but especially in September and October, it is a wonderful place to visit.
In addition, the area from Kamifurano, where Shikisai no Oka is located, to Biei is dotted with farm restaurants, making it ideal for lunch.
20 min
4
Blue Pond
Parking MAPCODE:
349 569 454What is MAPCODE?
15:20
After that, if you still have time, head to the famous [Blue Pond]. It has become known worldwide for being used as wallpaper for Macs on Apple Computers.
60 min
5
Inn in Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:30
Asahikawa, where we will stay tonight, is the second largest city in Hokkaido. 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 check in before exploring the city.
Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most popular zoo in Japan because of their unique way to show the animals. However, you need to be careful that the zoo closes very early.
Beg May – Mid Oct 9:30-17:15(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Oct – Beg Nov 9:30-16:30(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Nov – Beg Apr 10:30-15:30(Last Ently15:00)
If you would like to visit here this day, please consider departing early and also skip some spots.
Or if you would like to enjoy Asahiyama zoo at a relaxing pace, you can consider staying at Asahikawa city one more night.
There are also amazing flower spots for Cherry Blossom and sunflowers along the drive route of the day.
[Sunflower field in Hokuryu town] is one of the best sunflower fields in Japan. If you will travel from end Jul-mid Aug, it is worth giving priority.
If you will travel from End Apr-Beg May, there is also amazing cherry blossom spots where is not well-known by foreign tourists and even local Japanese.
Please refer to the drive map and visit the place that suits your travel time.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Asahikawa city(旭川) which is 2nd largest city in Hokkaido.
The inns are concentrated on the north side of Asahikawa Station.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Asahikawa – Abashiri🔒
Start:Asahikawa(旭川)
Finish:Abashiri (網走)
Mileage:250km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day, you will head from Asahikawa to Abashiri.
1
Inn in Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
8:00
The mileage is 210km-280km, which is the longest on this trip, so it is recommended to leave Asahikawa to leave the latest at 9 o’clock.
90 min
2
Mt.Daisetsu Sounkyo Ropeway
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:30
The first destination is [Mt. Daisetsu Sounkyo Ropeway]. Especially in autumn, you can see the most magnificent autumn leaves in Hokkaido.
5 min
3
Ginga & Ryusei Falls
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:00
Also, 2km away from Sounkyo, there are two dynamic waterfalls, [Ginga & Ryusei Falls], with wonderful heights of 90m and 120m.
60 min
4
Kitakitsune Fox Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:00
After that, you will cross the Ishikita Pass for about 60km and head for [Kitakitsune Fox Farm]. The foxes with adorable fluffy coats will welcome you. The roadside station is also adjacent, so it’s perfect for a break.
120min
5
Cape Notoro
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:55
The last spot of the day is [Cape Notoro]. It is a spot where you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk.
15 min
6
Inn in Abashiri
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:10
Abashiri, where we stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 6 pm at the latest.
In addition, there are [Shibazakura Takigami Park] and [Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park] along the route of the day.
If you are traveling from early May to early June, we strongly recommend that you prioritize your visit to these locations. You can also enjoy coral grass in September and cosmos in October on this route.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay at Abashiri(網走). The inns are spread from the east side of Lake Abashiri to the Abashiri station area.
- Inn Type
There are various styles of accommodations in Abashiri, from 3-star western-style hotels to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokan with an Onsen. If you prefer a reasonably priced hotel, we recommend staying near Abashiri Station, and if you prefer a Ryokan with Onsen, we recommend staying on the east side of Lake Abashiri. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsens and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Abashiri – Shiretoko 🔒
Start: Abashiri(網走)
Finish: Shiretoko (知床)
Mileage:180km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Abashiri to Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, via beautiful lakes such as Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu.
1
Inn in Abashiri
2
Lake Kussharo(Bihoro Pass Observatory)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
The first destination is Lake Kussharo [Bihoro Pass Observatory], which is the biggest highlight of the day. The panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan and the second largest in the world, is called the “superb view of the world”, and from here you can see the Shiretoko mountain range and Mt. Daisetsuzan.
In addition, Route 243 from Bihoro Pass to Lake Kussharo is a road where you can enjoy an exhilarating drive, which is ranked 28th in the touring course ranking of a motorcycle magazine. Drive through the beautiful contrast between the green of bamboo grass and the blue of the lake.
40 min
3
Mt.Iou
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:30
While driving along Lake Kussharo, you will aim for the next destination [Mt. Iou]. The eruption that blows out while making a rumbling noise is very dynamic. You can also see yellow sulfur crystals.
10 min
4
Lunch
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:40
It is recommended to have lunch around Mt. Iou. If you like ramen, please try the local ramen [Teshikaga ramen] that represents Eastern Hokkaido.
20 min
5
Lake Mashu No.3 observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:10
After lunch, you will head to the next lake, Lake Mashu. It is called Mashu Blue because of its second highest transparency in the world and a depth of 211m, and the appearance of the sky reflected on the surface of the lake is like a huge mirror. There are multiple observatories on Lake Mashu, but if you are traveling on a driving trip, the view of [Lake Mashu No.3 observatory], which is not accessible by bus, is the best, and parking is free, so it is recommended.
70min
6
Road to the Sky
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
16:00
After that, you will head to Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site. Stop by the observatory called “Road to the Sky” on the way. Originally known only to local bikers, the name comes from the sight of a 28km straight road leading to the sky. Must see.
30min
7
Inn in Shiretoko
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
Utoro town in Shiretoko where you stay on this day is a hot spring resort. About 8km before Shiretoko, there is Oshinkoshin Falls just next to the coastal main road. It is recommended if you have time.
In addition, there are [Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park] the best moss pink spot in Hokkaido along the route of the day.
If you are traveling in May, we strongly recommend visiting.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Shiretoko(知床). Because of the schedule for the next day, it is better to stay at “Utoro(ウトロ)” town on the west side of the Shiretoko peninsula. Most inns are concentrated around “Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. There are few reasonably priced inns in Shiretoko. However, they all offer excellent food and hot springs, so we recommend that you stay at a better inn in Shiretoko even if you save money on lodging in other towns. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. You can enjoy an open-air Onsen and enjoy an Onsen with a magnificent view of the Sea of Okhotsk. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Shiretoko – Lake Akan🔒
Start:Shiretoko (知床)
Finish:Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
Mileage:200km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day you will head from Shiretoko to Lake Akan through a scenic road.
1
Inn in Shiretoko
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is long and about 200km, 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.
20 min
2
Shiretoko Five Lakes
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:20
The first destination is Shiretoko Five Lakes, a World Natural Heritage Site. You can stroll along the wooden path while watching Shiretoko’s magnificent mountains and lakes. If you want to see all five lakes, you must take a guided tour, so make a reservation in advance.
If you are lucky, you may also see wild brown bears along the way.
Shiretoko Five lakes
45 min
After leaving Shiretoko, cross the Shiretoko Peninsula and head toward Rausu town.
[Shiretoko Crossing Road] is a very popular route that ranks 13th in the touring course ranking of motorcycle magazines.
The Shiretoko Pass may be closed depending on the weather. If you can’t cross the Shiretoko Pass, return to the road you ran yesterday and head for Kaiyodai.
3
Lunch
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:00
We recommend [Roadside Station Rausu] and [Jun no Banya] for lunch. You can enjoy seafood such as sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, and Kinki(Rare deep-sea fish, very expensive) at a much more reasonable price than in Tokyo or Sapporo. We definitely recommend eating here.
Roadside Station Shiretoko Rausu-MAPCODE 757 353 737
Jun no Banya-MAPCODE 757 353 276
60min
4
Kaiyodai Observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:30
From here, drive along the sea to [Kaiyodai]. After passing through North Route 19, which is a farm road nicknamed Milk Road, there is Kaiyodai, which overlooks grasslands and farmland to the horizon. There is a famous yogurt drink shop nearby, so you can stop by.
80 min
5
Inn in Lake Akan
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:00
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.
6
Lake Akan AINU Kotan
Parking MAPCODE:
Walking distance from innsWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
Ainu Kotan Traditional Dance Schedule
10 min
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay at Lake Akan(阿寒湖) the tiny Onsen town that is famous for “Ainu Kotan”, the village of Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Many inns are concentrated on the south side of the lake.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. You can enjoy an open-air Onsen with a lake view. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Lake Akan – Obihiro🔒
Start: Lake Akan(阿寒湖)
Finish: Obihiro (帯広)
Mileage:160km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from Lake Akan to Obihiro.
1
Inn in Lake Akan
2
Lake Onneto
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:20
The first destination is [Onneto]. It is a beautiful lake famous for its different colors of water depending on the season and time, and it is also a famous spot for autumn leaves.
100min
3
Naitai Highland Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:00
After that, you will head to [Naitai Highland Farm]. It is a 90km long drive from Onneto on a general road for an hour and a half, so please take a break at a roadside station on the way. In particular, Road Station Kamishihoro is one of the most fashionable road stations in Japan, which opened in 2020. From the Naitai Terrace on the farm on the mountain at an altitude of 800m, you can enjoy the best view of Hokkaido overlooking the vast Tokachi Plain.
GPS may not be able to properly direct you to this place. Please follow the below way.
1.Key in MC:679 103 687
2. Turn left at this junction.
3.Key in MC:679 127 048
100min
After leaving Naitai Highland Farm, you will head south toward Obihiro. There is a photo spot with beautiful birch trees along the way, so why not stop by?
Obihiro is famous for its Butadon. The juicy pork grilled over charcoal has a good reputation, and some people come all the way from Sapporo to eat it. Highly recommended.
4
Shichiku Garden
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:45
After lunch, you will drive south on the vast Tokachi Plain to Shichiku Garden. The garden, which was created by an old woman when she was 62 years old and has been built over 20 years, is now a famous place visited by more than 100,000 people a year.
40 min
5
Inn in Obihiro
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:20
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.
There are many other famous places for flowers, autumn leaves, gardens, and museums in Obihiro, so please travel according to the season and taste.
You can also head to Obihiro via Kushiro on this day. The mileage is over 200km, but you can enjoy walking in the vast Kushiro Marsh and seafood at Kushiro Port. In that case, we recommend using the expressway from Kushiro to Obihiro.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Obihiro (帯広) city located in the center of the vast Tokachi Plain and it is famous for its delicious agricultural products.
Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Obihiro Station
The inns are concentrated around Obihiro station. Convenient for dinner and walking around Obihiro city but no inns offer Onsen.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
②Tokachigawa Onsen(十勝川温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 10km east of Obihiro station. If you would like to stay in better accommodation with Onsen, here is recommended.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
Most inns provide Onsens. Tokachigawa Onsen is a “Mall spring” which is among only a few places in the world good for skincare. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Obihiro – Sapporo or Chitose🔒
Start: Obihiro(帯広)
Finish: Sapporo or Chitose (札幌or千歳)
Mileage:
To Sapporo: 210km
To Chitose Arirpot: 180km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Obihiro to New Chitose Airport or Sapporo.
1
Inn in Obihiro
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is as long as 210km to Sapporo. About 140km of this is an expressway trip, but we recommend that you depart between 8:00 and 9:00 because it’s a long-distance drive. We recommend leaving as early as possible, especially if you want to go to Otaru, as most stores close at 17:00.
If you plan to fly from New Chitose Airport on this day, please see the end of the article.
10 min
2
Mugioto Bakery
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:10
First of all, in the morning, we recommend the wonderful bakery [Mugioto Bakery] located 4km south of Obihiro. You can have breakfast on the terrace, or take it out to eat in the car as it’s a long way to go on this day.
Shintoku Town, north of Obihiro, is a soba-producing region, so Shintoku Soba is also recommended for lunch.
80 min
3
Sahoro resort Bear Mountain
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:00
After that, head to [Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain]. There are several places in Hokkaido where you can see brown bears, but this is the most recommended because you can see bears living in a natural way on a private bus in a safari park format.
170min
It is 130km, about 2 hours, by expressway from here to New Chitose Airport, and another 30km from there to Sapporo. As it is long, please take a break in the parking area on the way. For those who want to enjoy shopping, we also recommend stopping by “Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima”.
4
Rental car branch at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
16:20
This concludes your Hokkaido road trip.
①Returning a car at New Chitose Airport
When heading to New Chitose Airport, 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.
②Returning a car in Sapporo
When you return to Sapporo, the distance from the airport is about 60 km, 1 hour. Please 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.
It is also possible to go to [Otaru] on this day.
However, it takes 2 hours for a round trip from Sapporo to Otaru on the expressway. Even if you leave Asahikawa first thing in the morning and head straight, you will arrive at noon in Otaru, so please pay attention to the time allocation.
Also please note the following points.
・It is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for sightseeing in Otaru as there are many attractions.
・Most shops close at 17:00
Also, at dusk, [Mt. Moiwayama] is recommended. You can enjoy a vast night view from the observatory overlooking Sapporo, the largest town in Hokkaido.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in either Sapporo city, the capital of Hokkaido or Chitose town near the “New Chitose Airport”. Please choose the following options depending on your travel schedule.
①Staying in Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and there are hundreds of accommodations from Sapporo Station to the Susukino area, the entertainment district. It is convenient to stay either on the south side of Sapporo Station or around “Odori Park”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Because there are more than 9,000 restaurants in Sapporo, it is recommended to make reservations with a breakfast-only plan.
②Returning to New Chitose Airport
If your flight is a morning flight, staying near Chitose Airport is a good idea. There is some hotel in and around the airport.
Once you return the car, rental car company bring you to the airport by free shuttle bus.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
It is better to return your car first and take public transportation or a shuttle bus to these hotels. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Since there are many restaurants in the airport and around Chitose Station where you can have dinner, it is recommended to book breakfast only or stay overnight.
Your Perfect Travel Companion!
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What is DJ Travel Kit?
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What’s Inside:
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Kit 1: Day-by-day Driving Map
Plan your perfect road trip day-by-day with our Google Maps-based driving maps. Each day’s itinerary, such as “Day.1 Tokyo to Hakone,” is packed with curated routes featuring 15-20 sightseeing spots and restaurants along the way, each pinpointed with a MAPCODE(Kit 2).
Sample Day-by-day Driving Map(Tokyo – Hakone)
- Scenic Routes:
We designed for scenic drives, not just the shortest path, ensuring a memorable journey. - Flexibility:
Spend your time only on your preferred tourist spots and dining venues. - Safety First:
Routes are optimized for appropriate driving distances, avoiding risky roads for a secure road trip. - Find Hidden Gems:
Discover spots Google misses or public transport can’t reach.- Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
This photogenic shrine is located along the route from Fukuoka to Yufuin, and within 20 minutes you can have the wonderful scenery all to yourself. Few Japanese, let alone foreigners, know about it, and its inconvenient location makes it difficult to visit except by car.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ENmDp69E6V7V3B49
Drive Japan day-by-day driving map will introduce you the these hidden gems everyday and make your road trip more wonderful experience!
- Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
Kit 2: Parking MAPCODE
Tired of hunting for parking? Enter MAPCODE instead of addresses in your car’s navigation system! It lead you straight to the most convenient parking at each tourist hotspot, ensuring you spend less time circling and more time adventuring.
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With MAPCODE, you’re guided straight to the parking spots, not to the middle of a lake or inside a garden! For road trippers visiting 5-6 destinations each day, accurate parking guidance is crucial to make the most of your journey. - Time is Money:
Why waste precious travel time searching for parking or researching routes? International travel is an investment, costing an average of USD 16 per person per hour. For a group of three on a 7-day trip, that’s over 10 hours lost to parking hunts alone. Let MAPCODE streamline your travels, so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying your adventure!
Kit 3: Restaurant List
Explore curated restaurant lists for each town you stay in, featuring recommended dining options.
Sample Restaurant List(Asahikawa)
- Local Cuisine:
Taste regional specialties and must-try dishes at our handpicked spots. We do not accept advertising fees from restaurants. Our selected restaurants are chosen solely based on their appeal and our firsthand experience. - Convenience:
Easily access Google Maps links for each restaurant, allowing quick checks on photos and operating hours. - Practical Advice:
Provides things you should know about dinner in the town you’re staying in, such as “towns with few restaurants” and “towns with very fast last orders by ordinance.”
Car Booking
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
- New Chitose Airport
The main international airport in Hokkaido. Recommended for Pick-up.
If you arrive after 14:00, consider staying overnight around the airport or in Sapporo and departing the next morning.
It takes 1 hour to Sapporo station by train. - Sapporo City
The capital and biggest city in Hokkaido. Most car rental shops are located around Sapporo Station.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at New Chitose Airport and return at Sapporo Station, and vice versa. Normally, the one-way charge is about JPY2000 only. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
If you travel from the beginning of November to the end of April, you must book a car with snow tires. It should be installed without requests from rental car companies in Hokkaido, but if you are concerned, you can double-check with them after making a reservation.