Autumn foliage in Sapporo, Japan
Hokkaido Itinerary Kansai

9 Days in Osaka and Hokkaido Itinerary

Thinking of exploring two amazing destinations: Osaka and Hokkaido? There are plenty of passions to pursue both in Osaka and Hokkaido. We invite you to explore new activities that you can experience while visiting those iconic destinations by reading this suggested itinerary.

If you are looking for things to do in Osaka or in Hokkaido, then consider this travel itinerary and see how they can help you organize your upcoming Japan trip.

As Hokkaido prefecture is very large, it will be impossible to see all the beautiful spots in 9 days in Osaka and Hokkaido. Besides, I will feature what to do seasonally in Osaka and Hokkaido, so you get some ideas about what to see and do all year-round. Keep reading guys!

About Osaka to Hokkaido Flight

It is easy and less time consuming to reach Hokkaido from Osaka when you fly. Multiple airlines operate between Osaka and Sapporo on daily basis. Most of the flights use Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport and Kansai International Airport.

Jetstar Japan and Peach Aviation are two low-cost carriers you can rely on to save some money for your trip. Usually, flight duration is 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Osaka?

There are some very excellent places in Osaka to stay overnight. Namba, a bustling district in Osaka is a highly recommended place stay, though some travelers would prefer Umeda.

In Namba district, you can stay at APA Hotel Namba Shinsaibashi Nishi. It’s a cheap hotel in the area.

Day 1 – One Day in Osaka

Osaka Castle's cherry blossoms
Osaka Castle and Cherry Blossoms. Photo Credit: Tomoharu Mogami at Flickr.

Start your first day in Osaka with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle followed by Osaka Museum of History. These attractions are located adjacent to each other. So to move from Osaka Castle to the museum, all you need is a walk.

Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, Osaka Castle is the most popular place and one of the historic landmarks to explore in Osaka. A lot of tourists gather on its spacious grounds during the cherry blossom season in the spring. If you are to visit this Japanese castle in the autumn, it still worth it! The colorful fall foliage will leave you speechless.

Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin at Flickr.

You can enjoy views of Osaka Castle as you walk around Osaka Castle Park, but what if you experience a lovely view of the castle from the top floor of Osaka Museum of History? In fact, this museum is a must-see place if you want to learn about the history of Osaka City. I have enjoyed my time there and I bet you would too.

Before nightfall, I recommend you head over to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. This is one of the impressive shrines you would visit in entire Japan. You would not want to miss the wonderful architectural features of this Shinto shrine and the relaxing atmosphere it possesses throughout its complex.

In the evening, spend your time exploring the restaurants and shops in Namba District. Dotonbori area is crowded, but it does not mean you won’t go there; yes you must go and enjoy the nighttime there. 

Day 2 – Day Trip to Kyoto from Osaka

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
A Tunnel of Torii Gate, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto. Photo Credit: themonnie at Flickr

Whether you want to get to Kyoto by Shinkansen (Bullet train) or limited express train – it is all possible. It takes a 15-mintue by Shinkansen to reach Kyoto Station from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.

On the other hand, a 30-minute is required by limited express train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. Look, it does not take too long to reach Kyoto from Osaka.

Visiting Kyoto from Osaka is quite rewarding. In order to explore Kyoto’s top attractions you don’t have to stay there, especially when you can find cheap hotels around Osaka.

Autumn leaves at night, Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto.
Autumn leaves at night, Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto.

Since Kyoto is a very touristic area in the Kansai region. Many of the best gardens, temples and shrines, and famous landmarks in Kyoto can be included in one-day trips from Osaka, when you travel by train or bus. 

There are countless attractions to see in Kyoto indeed. My suggestion to you is visit the places that would amaze you, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofukuji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple.

After visiting these interesting attractions, head over to Gion and Higashiyama districts and enjoy your lunch there. Be sure to check out the famous Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park (visit during spring), and Chionin Temple.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Nara from Osaka

Todaiji Temple in Nara Park.
Todaiji Temple in Nara Park.

Here comes another easy day trip from Osaka! Your today’s destination is Nara, a renowned place for historic temples and friendly deer. I always visit Nara whenever I come to Osaka or Kyoto. It’s a must-see place for me in the Kansai region of Japan.

Nara Park is the main attraction of Nara City. It is the place where you will find the most impressive temples, gardens, freely roaming deer, and other interesting landmarks. You must visit Todaiji temple there, where you will see one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. It’s huge and impressive!

Deer in Nara Park, Nara
Deer in Nara Park, Nara

Every time I went to Nara Park before, I spent much more time roaming in the park than being inside the Nara National Museum. It does not mean I don’t visiting museum, of course I do and I enjoyed my time seeing the important artifacts at Nara National Museum.

Kasuga Taisha Shine is another great place to explore in the park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for its gorgeous looking architecture, and thousands of stone lanterns. Apart from this, you should visit Kofukuji Temple. Its five-story pagoda is a magnificent landmark to behold.

For lunch, you may visit Kikusuiro. It’s a popular restaurant located near Nara Park, serving a wide range of traditional Japanese food.

Day 4 – Osaka Bay Area: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Cruise, and Shopping

Whale Shark at Osaka Aquarium, Osaka
Whale Shark at Osaka Aquarium, Osaka. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin at Flickr.

You can either visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan or Universal Stuidos Japan, though I personally prefer visiting Osaka Aquarium. How about you? Yes, you have to decide. In addition, today you would also visit Tempozan Ferris Wheel and take in the stunning views of Osaka Bay area from a height of 112.5 meters.

Note that if you are traveling with kids, you must spend a day at Universal Studios Japan. It’s the best theme park in Japan!

Those of you who follow my path of traveling, I mean solo or with a friend should head towards the aquarium. It’s one of the most impressive aquariums in Japan with 15 large tanks, each recreating a specific region of the Pacific Rim.

Dotonbori at Night in Osaka
Dotonbori at night, looking bright! Photo Credit: Marufish at Flickr.

To experience a diverse array of marine life in Osaka, you must spend half a day at the aquarium. It’s a very cool place to behold with different kinds of marine animals, and there are plenty of things to get educated by. The central tank, which represents the Pacific Ocean, houses a massive Whale Shark along with other creatures such as spotted eagle ray, and fishes.

Furthermore, you might take a cruise (The Santa Maria sightseeing boat) that cuts right through the landmarks of Osaka Bay area. The day cruise is about 45 minutes and it departs from Tempozan Harbor Village and Kaiyukan West Pier.

In the evening, spend your time on shopping in Minami or Kita district as Osaka is considered one of the best shopping destinations in Japan. Happy Shopping!

Day 5 – Osaka to Hokkaido

Sapporo TV Tower from Odori Park, Sapporo.
A view of Sapporo TV Tower from Odori Park, Sapporo.

Welcome to Hokkaido! You are in Sapporo now, the capital of Hokkaido. You can reach this beautiful city by train from New Chitose Airport in 40 minutes. Be sure to fly in the morning from Osaka to Sapporo, so you get enough time to explore the city’s attractions, food, and more.

When you come to Sapporo, the best area to stay in a hotel is around Odori Park.

You can check into this hotel, which is affordable for travelers and from there you can easily access to the major subway station of Sapporo Municipal Subway called Odori Station.

Sapporo Clock Tower, Hokkaido
This is Sapporo Clock Tower in early spring.

For you today, I would suggest only a few places to explore. For example, the iconic Sapporo TV Tower is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike.

From its observatory, you will be totally wowed by the surrounding views. You can see the entire Odori Park from there and the mountains in the distance look incredible!

After visiting the TV Tower, explore the famous Sapporo Clock Tower. It’s a wooden house, built in 1878. This is a historic landmark that the city can boast of, along with other sites located in and around Sapporo. The clock tower is a few minutes’ walk from the TV tower.

Sapporo Autumn Fest, Hokkaido
If you visit Sapporo in September, you can taste a wide range of Hokkaido local specialties during Sapporo Autumn Fest (food festival)

In the evening, spend your time eating popular Hokkaido food, and shopping around Susukino. MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten is a perfect place to enjoy shopping in Sapporo.

Sapporo is a ramen paradise, and my recommendation for a popular ramen restaurant near Don Quijote is Ichiran Ramen.

Day 6 – A Day in Sapporo

Maruyama Park in Sapporo
You can see many cherry trees in Maruyama Park during spring.

If you are looking for the perfect 1-day itinerary for Sapporo, then read this travel plan here, where I have created a 1 day itinerary that will cover some of the most fun parts of the city. Based on your preference and seasonal highlights, you can modify it on your own.

Read: https://www.kyuhoshi.com/one-day-in-sapporo-itinerary/

On your second day in Sapporo, it’s time to see some of the most iconic sites that the city is known for. You already visited some sites on your first day in Sapporo, so where to go in the morning today?

Spend a morning in Odori Park, then head to Nijo Market, where you can enjoy breakfast eating fresh seafood. From there, walk around Maruyama Park and explore Hokkaido Shrine. To access Maruyama Park, head over to Odori Subway Station on the Tozai Line and reach Maruyama Station in 5 minutes.

Torii Gate, Hokkaido Shrine
This is one of the Torii gate of Hokkaido Shrine.

After exploring for a few hours, make sure to take a break and head up to the famous Sapporo Beer Museum. This is a perfect place to enjoy your lunch today. Many visitors are interested in having Jingisukan with Sapporo Beer.

For more information about Sapporo Beer Museum including access, please read this page: https://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/brewery/s_museum/

In the early evening, visit Mount Moiwa Ropeway. It’s a beautiful and a great stop! From its observatory you will get stunning night views of Sapporo city. Then end your day in Susukino.

If you want to taste miso ramen, soup curry and other renowned dishes in Sapporo, be sure to check this out.

Day 7 – A Day Trip to Otaru

One Day in Otaru Itinerary
Otaru Canal in Otaru City, Hokkaido

Visiting Otaru city from Sapporo is absolutely easy and rewarding. Otaru in Hokkaido is one of the most popular tourist destinations. This is a beautiful port city with old impressive looking building, gift shops, and seafood.

How to enjoy a day in Otaru? Please follow this 1-Day in Otaru Itinerary and explore its iconic and hidden spots including activities within a day. It’s impossible to visit most of Otaru’s sightseeing spots but it’s possible to cover the best ones (based on what time of the year you are going to visit).

Read: https://www.kyuhoshi.com/one-day-in-otaru-itinerary/

If you visit Otaru during the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in February, I recommend spending the evening walking along the famous Otaru Canal.

And if you come to Otaru in the spring, my most recommended place to discover is Temiya Park. With lots of cherry trees on its grounds, this park is said to be the best hanami spot in Otaru.

Day 8 – Sapporo to Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya

Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido, Japan
Lake Shikotsu in March, Hokkaido

Rental cars are the most common and convenient way to get around Hokkaido. Not every tourist wants to drive in Hokkaido. For those looking for one day sightseeing bus tour from Sapporo should consider exploring some of Hokkaido’s most scenic spots by bus.

Chuo bus offers such bus tours for tourists. You can check this guided tour: https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/311

This tour takes you to two popular lakes in Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. If you go there by a rental car from Sapporo, you will have plenty of time to travel around. You can take a cruise on the lake to take in the views. Driving itself would be a great joy as you will come across stunning landscapes.

Lake Toya and Mount Yotei, Hokkaido, Japan
Lake Toya and Mount Yotei, Hokkaido

At Lake Toya, it can feel very romantic to walk along the shore and enjoy majestic views of Mount Yotei. A lot of hotels, spas, and restaurants you can find here.

If you want to stay a night at this hot spring resort, I recommend The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort. I have stayed two nights there, and honestly, this has become my favorite hotel in the area.

Day 9 – Lake Toya/Sapporo to Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu hot spring baths
One of Daiichi Takimotokan’s hot spring bath.

Noboribetsu is awesome! If you ask me why, I think that it’s because of its hot spring waters. In fact, this is the most famous hot spring resort in Hokkaido. A visit to Hokkaido is not complete until you get to Noboribetsu and soak your body in one of its hot spring baths.

At Noboribetsu, the onsen (hot spring) waters are believed to have healing properties for various ailments, including skin conditions, lower blood pressure, joint pain, and muscle aches.

Hell Valley at Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
Hell Valley at Noboribetsu, Hokkaido during early winter.

Stay overnight at Daiichi Takimotokan and experience a variety of hot spring baths, including both indoor and outdoor hot springs.

To enjoy views of the surrounding landscape at Noboribetsu Onsen, you have to walk and explore on your own. Jigokudani, the Hell Valley is a prime tourist spot here, though you can also enjoy natural foot bath at Oyunumagawa Natural Foot Bath. Besides, Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, and Noboribetsu Bear Park are worth your time.

Important Notice!

From September 1st, 2023, the location of the regular sightseeing Chuo Bus Sapporo ticket counter and boarding area has changed to “Sapporo Station (North Exit of the West Concourse).”

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