In this Hokkaido road trip itinerary, we provide 9-day plan for visiting Hokkaido in summer.
Are you planning to experience Hokkaido’s breathtaking scenery either by rental car or motorcycle? Your road trip adventure in Hokkaido ensures you will have a great adventure with overwhelming memories along the way.
The best time for a road trip in Hokkaido, starting from Sapporo City, depends on the destination and activities you plan to visit and do. Although summer is the perfect time to enjoy a road trip in Hokkaido, many travelers also are interested in it during the autumn months.
Which road trip should you do? Here is the thing. It depends on what you really want to see and do.
This suggested road trip itinerary is fit for both summer and autumn. As a Hokkaido travel expert, I would share the most useful travel information through this blog post. Let’s dive in!
To learn about driving a car in Japan and what documents you need to have in Japan to ride a car, I recommend this guide. Learn traffic rules in Japan and have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Day 1: Sapporo
As you land at New Chitose Airport, your first destination will be Sapporo. So, hop on the train, which will take you to JR Sapporo Station.
Hotel to stay: I recommend three areas to stay in the city – around Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. Check into The Royal Park Canvas – Sapporo Odori Park hotel if you decide to stay near Odori Park. It’s a great and affordable hotel in the city.
If you arrive in Sapporo in the morning, you will have plenty of time to roam around the city. For you I recommend reading this itinerary.
But if your arrival time is in the evening, be sure not to go out for sightseeing much. It’s totally fine if you plan on enjoying a night walk in the Susukino area for dinner and shopping.
Sapporo highlights:
- Enjoy a stroll in Odori Park
- Try ramen as there are many ramen shops scattered throughout the city
- Taste beer at Hokkaido Beer Museum
- Don’t miss the panoramic views of Sapporo city from Mount Moiwa, Sapporo TV Tower, JR Tower Observation Deck T38, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, and Asahiyama Memorial Park.
- Attend a festival at Odori Park
- Visit Nijo Market for seafood breakfast
- Go out for shopping
- Pay a visit to Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park
- Discover the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower
- If you are visiting Sapporo with your little ones, take them to Shioi Koibito Park
Day 2 – Furano
Today is going to be an exciting day for you. Your Hokkaido road trip begins today!
Rent a car from the Nissan Rent a Car outlet: https://nissan-rentacar.com/en/shops/3B5K1
Motorcycle rental shop in Sapporo: https://rental819.com/store/56
Please make a reservation online before coming to Japan from your home country. It’s best if you can make a reservation online to secure your road trip.
Go to the car rental shop, pick it up, and drive it into Furano city. Depart Sapporo early and drive for 2.5 hours to central Hokkaido’s most popular destination – Furano city.
Farm Tomita is one of the best flower gardens in Furano. Most visitors to Furano will end up spending time at this beautiful floral spot. It’s where you can enjoy colorful flower fields, including lavender. Peak lavender season in Furano is between mid-July and early August.
There are so many fun things to do in Furano.
Furano highlights:
- Eat the famous lavender ice cream at Farm Tomita
- Make a stop at Furano Cheese Factory and try a verities of cheese and milk products
- Attend the Hokkai Heso festival in July, the most popular summer festival in Furano
- Enjoy fruit picking
- Take a leisurely stroll at Kazeno Garden
- Discover the beauty of Ningle Terrace in the evening
- Try local products grown in Furano at Furano Marche, a shopping complex
- For wine tasting visit Furano Winery
Hotel to stay in Furano: Furano Netulux Hotel (it has free parking facility)
Distance between Sapporo and Furano: 120 kilometers
Day 3 – Biei
For day 3, head to Shikisai no Oka. This is another picture-perfect scenic spot in Hokkaido. For many, this is Biei’s top tourist attraction. This part of Biei attracts hundreds of visitors per day.
This panoramic flower garden stretches across gently rolling hills. The fields are painted with rows of blooming flowers, including lavender, poppies, marigolds, sunflowers, and salvia. They look absolutely mind-boggling with Tokachi Mountain Range views in the background.
Visitors can take a stroll to enjoy the area or hop on tractor buses called “Norokko.” There is a shop near the entrance; it sells different kinds of products, including ice cream, snacks, flower seeds, beauty products, and lavender-themed products.
For the rest of the day, you can spend your time visiting the Blue Pond, Flower Land Kamifurano, and Hinode Park.
Biei highlights:
- Spend time at Flower Land Kamifurano
- Don’t forget to drive along the Panorama Road and Patchwork Road
- Head towards Tokachidake Observatory and enjoy the stunning views of the valley and mountains
- Take a cycling tour around the hills with stunning views
- Soak and relax your body in Shirogane Onsen
Hotel to stay in Biei: Mori no Shizuku RIN (it provides hot spring facility)
Day 4: Asahidake Ropeway
Many tourists visit Asahidake Ropeway in summer to enjoy the views of volcanic landscape and lush greenery. An hour’s drive from your hotel will take you to Asahidake Ropeway.
The most popular and easiest way to explore Daisetsuzan National Park is to take the Asahidake Ropeway. The ropeway takes you to the upper ropeway station, from where you can ascend Mount Asahidake through a designated hiking trail. This is Hokkaido’s highest peak (2,291 meters).
The day you visit Asahidake Ropeway, make sure to wear a good pair of hiking shoes. For those who will not ascend the mountain, they can hike along the Sugatami Pond Trail. With boardwalks winding through a volcanic landscape dotted with steaming vents and wildflowers, this trail helps you witness the nature of Daizetsuzan National Park.
After your visit, grab lunch at the restaurant located at the base station of Asahidake Ropeway.
Before you head to your hotel in Asahikawa, I recommend you visit Ueno Farm. It’s a beautiful English-style garden with a wide range of flowers to see in summer. The garden offers a shop from which you can purchase souvenirs, plant seedlings, and local dairy products.
There are many restaurants around JR Asahikawa Station. So don’t forget to try some delicious Asahikawa ramen dishes!
Asahikawa highlights:
- Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum and taste sake
- Walk through Tokiwa Park
- Try different kinds of ramen at Asahiakwa Ramen Village
- Meet the animals at Asahikawa Zoo
- Take a walk along Heiwa dori Shopping Street
- Shop at MEGA Don Quijote
- Attend the Asahikawa Winter Festival in February
Hotel to stay in Asahikawa: Dormy Inn Asahikawa (free parking and hot springs)
Distance between Asahidake Ropeway to Asahikawa: 45 Kilometers
Day 5: Otaru
Located northwest of Sapporo, Otaru is a popular day trip from Sapporo. This one-hour drive from Sapporo is worth every single minute because it is beautiful. You are not heading towards Otaru from Sapporo this time, but from Asahikawa.
Check out from your hotel and hit the road early in the morning. The entire journey from Asahikawa may take about two hours or more (depending on traffic conditions).
Upon your arrival in Otaru, head to the Sakaimachi Street to eat some delicious food. I recommend Doburi Chaya. After eating your lunch there, eat some delicious sweets at LeTAO Main Store. This famous shopping street in Otaru has several restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore.
Your Otaru trip will not be complete if you don’t take a walk along the Otaru Canal. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway.
Asahikawa highlights:
- Visit Otaru Aquarium
- Enjoy a 35 to 40-minute-long cruises on the Otaru Canal
- Go back in time at the Otaru Museum
- See the beautiful music boxes and glass figurines at Otaru Music Box Museum
- Pay a visit to Tanaka Sake Brewery
- Enjoy light meals (coffee, tea, desserts) at Kitaichi Hall and marvel at its stunning interior
- Explore the Blue cave
- Take a Rickshaw Tour
- Attend the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in February
Hotel to stay in Otaru: Stay`sOTARU
Distance between Asahikawa and Otaru: 172 Kilometers
Read: 1-Day in Otaru Itinerary, and the Best things to do in Otaru
Day 6: Shakotan Peninsula and Yoichi Town
Day 6 is all about a scenic drive to Shakotan Peninsula and a lot of outdoor activities. On the way back to Otaru from Shakotan, stop your car at Yoichi’s most famous tourist spot, called Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. In addition, if you are interested in fruit picking in Hokkaido, visit one of Yoichi’s fruit farms.
In Shakotan, there are a number of interesting places to discover, such as Cape Kamui, Shimamui Coast, Cape Ogon, Candle Rock, and so on. You can taste the most delicious sea urchin in Hokkaido at Tamura Gantaro Shoten, a popular seafood restaurant in Shakotan.
Shakotan and Yoichi highlights:
- See the Ebisu Rock and Daikoku Rock
- Take a boat ride and get panoramic view of the Shakotan Peninsula, tour offered by ZEMHOUSE
- Taste different kinds of seafood at Jun’s seafood restaurant
- Visit Yoichigawa River Cherry Blossom Trees in Late April/early May
- Explore Yoichi Space Museum (Space Dome)
- Enjoy camping at Ranshima Beach in summer
Hotel to stay in Otaru: Stay`sOTARU
Distance between Otaru and Shakotan Peninsula (Cape Kamui): 67 Kilometers
Day 7: Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Shikotsu-Toya National Park is one of the 6 national parks you can explore in Hokkaido, offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor experiences.
You will be blown away by the amazing things to do in this national park. One of the best ways to take in the incredible views here is a ride. I absolutely love cycling and biking around Lake Toya, allowing me to enjoy nature and relax my mind.
Similar to Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu is another caldera lake you would love to explore. Noboribetsu is the best hot spring resort town in Hokkaido. It’s part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park as well.
Well, it’s time for you to hit the road once again! Today’s route offers stunning views for a leisurely and enjoyable ride. You will be very happy when you see the iconic Mount Yotei from your car window as you drive towards Lake Toya.
From Otaru to Lake Toya, you have to drive about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Lake Toya highlights:
- Enjoy the views of Lake Toya from Lake Toya Silo Observation Deck
- Ride the Usuzan Ropeway
- Take a stroll along the Lake promenade
- Learn about the region’s volcanic activity and natural history at the Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum
- Eat food at Boyotei Restaurant
- Embark on a boat cruise to explore the lake’s four islands
- Enjoy free foot baths along the waterfront promenade
- Experience Horseback Riding at Lake Toya Ranch
Hotel to stay in Lake Toya: The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort
Distance between Otaru and Lake Toya: 105 Kilometers
Day 8: Lake Toya -> Noboribetsu -> Sapporo
Say goodbye to Lake Toya and drive an hour southeast to Noboribetsu. There, you just want to enjoy a day trip, and then at the end of the day you depart for Sapporo.
As mentioned earlier, Noboribetsu is the best hot spring resort town in Hokkaido; you can feel it when you visit the hell valley (Jigokudani). You will see the dramatic volcanic landscape with its steaming vents and sulfurous ponds.
At Noboribetsu, there are about 9 different types of hot spring water, each with unique properties and health benefits. Visitors can take a footbath at Oyunuma River Natural Footbath and relax their feet in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Before your departure, please be sure to experience a hot spring bath at one of the hotels in the area. Their therapeutic baths provide many health benefits. Visit Dai-ichi Takimotokan or Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, which offer hot spring baths for day visitors.
Noboribetsu highlights:
- Visit Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
- Discover Date Historical Village (Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura)
- Explore Oyunuma Pond
- Enjoy local cuisine at Onsen Ichiba
- Learn the culture and history of the indigenous Ainu people at Upopoy National Ainu Museum
- Check out the Orufure Pass Observatory on the way to Noboribetsu from Lake Toya
Hotel to stay in Sapporo: The Royal Park Canvas – Sapporo Odori Park hotel
Distance between Noboribetsu and Sapporo: 111 Kilometers, 1 hour and 25 minutes
Day 9: A Day in Sapporo
You are in Sapporo again! Explore those places that you could not manage to go on your first day in Sapporo. That’s my recommendation for you.
For those who want to visit some parks, I think you should consider visiting Moerenuma Park, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Nopporo Forest Park, Yurigahara Park, and the Hill of the Buddha (Atama Daibutsu).
Sapporo has amazing museums to discover, such as the Hokkaido Museum, the Historical Village of Hokkaido, the Sapporo Olympic Museum, Sapporo Art Park, and many more. Immerse yourself in history at those museums and make your Hokkaido trip a great adventure. A trip to those museums is fun and fascinating for sure.
If you are looking to get out and explore more hidden gems in Hokkaido, you will find some of them in our best things to do in Hokkaido guide. I wish you all the best; please enjoy your road trip in Hokkaido!
That’s all! Once you know your travel dates, it’s time to complete your rental car or motorbike online. You’re eligible to car rental in Japan when you have a valid driving license, International driving permit and passport. So bring these documents on the day you go to pick up your car.
Thank you for reading this article.
