Hokkaido is a fantastic destination, offering stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, wildlife, onsen, and delicious food. Have you ever considered visiting Hokkaido in June?
If you are planning a trip to Hokkaido in June, you can follow this suggested itinerary as we have packed each day with adventure and lots of amazing discoveries.
June is too early to see tons of lavender and rainbow flower fields in Hokkaido. Don’t worry; you will still see beautiful flowers here and there as you travel around Hokkaido to uncover the best of Hokkaido in June.
When does summer start in Hokkaido? Summer in Hokkaido starts in June and ends in late August. Summer is the best time to visit Hokkaido!
Planning your itinerary in advance can help you make the most of your trip. So let’s get started!
Day 1 – New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City
Welcome to Hokkaido!
At New Chitose Airport, you’ll find plenty of shops for dining and shopping. You can also conveniently collect your travel SIM card or pocket WiFi at the Japan Post Office counter within the airport. Remember to withdraw some cash from the ATM booths. A Seven Bank ATM is located on the 2nd floor near the International Arrival Gate.
From New Chitose Airport, Sapporo is about 35 minutes train ride by JR Rapid trains. Don’t need to purchase a ticket if you have IC Card/Japan Rail Pass/Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Hotel to Stay in Sapporo: Sapporo Grand Hotel.
Start your Hokkaido trip with a walk in Odori Park in the evening. Your hotel is located next to the park so it’s easy to go there. Then you should make your way to Susukino, a perfect place to enjoy your dinner in the city. There are many restaurants to be found in this neighborhood, offering delicious food such as Soup Curry, Jingisukan, Ramen, and fresh seafood.
Our top pick for best ramen restaurant in Susukino is Ichiran Ramen. Get there and order a bowl of yummy ramen! This Sapporo food guide will help you discover the best dishes to try.
Day 2 – Sapporo in a Day
Sapporo is not a small city and you won’t be able to see and do all the things the city has to offer you in a day.
I would like to share one of our favorite itineraries: 1-Day in Sapporo Itinerary.
This full-day itinerary details how to see Sapporo in a day. It consists of a morning visit to a popular local market where you can try fresh seafood; spend some times in a historic building located next to Odori Park, and much more. In addition, the final stop for the day will be Mount Moiwa! This must-see attraction is said to be one of the best places to enjoy Sapporo night views.
Yosakoi Soran Festival is held in early June. On the other hand, the Hokkaido Shrine Festival takes place in mid-June every year. You may experience these renowned summer festivals if you’re supposed to be traveling around Sapporo in early June to mid-June.
Day 3 – Enjoy a Road Trip to Shakotan and Yoichi – Hokkaido Road Trip
From Sapporo, many locals and tourists alike flock to the Shakotan Peninsula to enjoy stunning coastal views and eat fresh seafood. While in Yoichi town, you can explore some fruit farms in June and enjoy fruit picking there.
If you have a valid driving license, then driving in Japan is quite easy. Though make sure that you are well aware of Japanese traffic rules and signs.
In the Shakotan Peninsula, the Cape Kamui, Cape Ogon, and Shimamui Coast are said the most scenic spots. When you have a car, visiting these attractions is relatively very easy. With amazing views and welcoming locals, you will have a driving adventure to remember.
After spending half a day in the Shakotan Peninsula, you will head towards Yoichi Town. There, Yamamoto Orchard is a popular fruit picking spot in Hokkaido. From the middle of June, this fruit farm offers strawberry picking. So, enjoy strawberry picking while they are available.
This self driving tour shows off Hokkaido’s unique landscapes and fun outdoor activities like fruit picking in just 1 day!
Day 4 – Sapporo to Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Train is the only public transport available to reach Hoshino Resorts Tomamu from Sapporo. The entire ride takes about 100 minutes. Get off at Tomamu Station and then take the shuttle bus to the resort. For your overnight stay, visit this page and complete your online reservation.
You are visiting Hoshino Resorts Tomamu primarily for one major attraction: Unkai Terrace. It is a stunning destination in Hokkaido, where visitors can witness the mesmerizing “sea of clouds” phenomenon. Located at an elevation of 1,088 meters, the terrace offers panoramic mountain views and a breathtaking sea of clouds that appears in the early mornings from May to October.
Upon arrival at the resorts, you can choose any of these fun outdoor activities, and enjoy some fun time with your family. For a perfect dining experience, visit one these restaurants.
If you don’t stay a night there, you hardly can see Unkai. It means you have to wake up early in the morning and visit the terrace on time. Have a sound sleep tonight and wake up early tomorrow.
Day 5 – Hoshino Resorts Tomamu to Furano
Don’t worry about getting to Unkai Terrace from your hotel; a shuttle bus service runs from both Tomamu The Tower and RISONARE Tomamu.
To reach the terrace, guests take the Unkai Gondola, a roughly 13-minute aerial journey. The terrace features unique attractions like the Cloud Walk, a suspension bridge-like structure with a 210-degree view of the clouds.
The Unkai Terrace also offers a Cloud Cafe, serving cloud-themed drinks and sweets. With its stunning views, unique experiences, and serene atmosphere, the Unkai Terrace is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in Hokkaido.
After spending a lovely morning at the resorts, it is time to head over to Furano. Unfortunately, moving to Furano from Tomamu is not easy, especially if you don’t have a rental car. Also there is no direct train to Furano from Tomamu and if you have to get there on train, the only option you have is to go back to Sapporo and change trains.
There is an alternative though, this company offers private transfer from Tomamu to Furano. Please contact them or visit Toyota Rent A Car at Tomamu Office.
In Furano, the hotel you are going to stay is Furano Natulux Hotel. It’s a good hotel and most importantly located within walking distance from JR Furano Station.
Places you would like to explore for the day in Furano are Kaze no Garden (Wind Garden), Ningle Terrace, Furano Cheese Factory, and Furano Marche.
Day 6 – Spend a Day Discovering the scenic spots in and around Furano
Late June is when lavender starting to bloom in Furano and the surrounding areas. If you travel to this part of Hokkaido around mid-June for example, you certainly won’t be able to spot them.
Central Hokkaido’s well-maintained roads and low traffic volumes make driving the perfect way to discover the region’s unspoiled natural beauty at your own pace.
The absence of lavender at Farm Tomita does not mean there is nothing to see there; in fact, there are many kinds of spring flowers to enjoy, making it well worth a visit for anyone looking to experience flower gardens in Furano.
Furano and Biei offer a picturesque self-drive experience, with rolling hills, colorful flower fields, and stunning mountain views. Explore attractions like Farm Tomita, known for its lavender and other blooms, and the serene Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike). Enjoy the freedom to stop at scenic spots and capture breathtaking shots!
So, start your day with a visit to Farm Tomita! You can get there by a rental car. Toyota Rent A Car office is located near JR Furano Station. Alongside viewing flower gardens there, try soft-serve ice cream at the café and also other delicious cakes, buns and drinks.
Next destination is Flower Land Kamifurano. This flower farm offers fantastic views of flower fields and mountains in the distance. In mid-June you will see tons of lupines there and that alone makes it worth the trip.
Your final destination for today is Biei, a picturesque town with eye-catching rolling hills and vast fields. Its biggest draw is its Shikisai no Oka – panoramic flower gardens, offering stunning landscape you will love to experience.
The town’s Patchwork Road and Panorama Road offer stunning views of the countryside so get there and enjoy the vistas. In addition, don’t miss visiting the Shirahige waterfalls and the Blue pond in the area.
Day 7 – Furano to Sapporo
To get to Sapporo from Furano this morning, take the train to Takikawa Station from JR Furano Station and then make a transfer to Sapporo Station. It’s very easy!
In Sapporo, you will stay your final days at this hotel. It ensures a pleasant stay for you and your family.
Today, you would do nothing much, but a visit to Shiroi Koibito Park makes your day perfect. For your little ones (if traveling with family), this place is truly rewarding for them. This park offers a unique experience where you can see, know, taste, and experience the art of confectionery making.
Later, if you feel not tired and want to explore one more place before you call it a day, I recommend you going to JR Tower Observation Deck. This observatory offers a stylish and panoramic view of Sapporo from 160 meters above ground. The illuminated skyline of central Sapporo is particularly spectacular at night. So enjoy the night views guys!
Day 8 – A Day trip to Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya
A sightseeing bus tour is fantastic way to explore amazing places on the outskirts of Sapporo City with convenience and flexibility. There are some famous caldera lakes in Hokkaido and today you will explore two: Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya by bus tour.
Check out this tour (lunch included) and make online reservation in advance to ensure your trip.
Lake Shikotsu, located in Chitose, Hokkaido, is a beautiful caldera lake well-known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. It’s the second deepest lake in Japan, with a maximum depth of 363 meters.
Famous for its hot springs, Lake Toya is another stunning caldera lake, offering picturesque surroundings that visitors truly appreciate. It is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the area also offers various outdoor activities, such as cruising, hiking, cycling, and fishing. Please note that the bus tour includes a trip to Mount Usu Ropeway. It’s cool right!
Day 9 – A Day trip to Otaru
Consider taking a day trip to Otaru as it is renowned for its fresh seafood, stunning canal, old buildings, glassware, and music boxes. It’s a must-visit destination anyone exploring Hokkaido.
You can reach Otaru by rapid train from Sapporo Station, which takes about 30 minutes.
What to do in Otaru? In general, the best thing you can do is to take a stroll along the canal, explore Sakaimachi Street, try local food and drinks, and enjoy shopping. Furthermore, you can visit Otaru Aquarium, the Otaru City General Museum or Mount Tengu!
If you’re interested in learning about the history, nature, science, technology, and transportation of Otaru and Hokkaido, I believe the best option is to visit the Otaru City General Museum.
Whether you’re interested in glassware, food, picturesque old buildings, coastal views, or music boxes, a day trip to Otaru is sure leave a memorable adventure!
