Hokkaido, Japan 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS)

Arrive at Hokkaido's main international airport, pick up your rental car which is essential for your self-drive adventure.

Pre-book your rental car for a smooth pickup upon arrival. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit. Late April generally has good driving conditions.

Drive to Sapporo & Check-in

Enjoy your first scenic drive to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city, and check into your accommodation.

Lunch: Sapporo Soup Curry

Savor a warming bowl of Sapporo's famous soup curry, a delightful and flavorful local specialty.

Many restaurants offer different spice levels and toppings. Try 'Garaku' or 'Suage+' for popular choices.

Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower

Stroll through Odori Park, the green heart of Sapporo, and ascend the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Odori Park hosts various events throughout the year. The view from the TV Tower is especially beautiful at sunset.

Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan and enjoy fresh Sapporo beer and Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ) at the iconic Beer Garden.

The museum entrance is free, but beer tasting and Genghis Khan are paid. Reservations are recommended for the Beer Garden restaurants.

Dinner in Susukino

Experience Sapporo's lively entertainment district, Susukino, for a wide array of dining options.

From ramen alleys to izakayas, Susukino offers diverse culinary experiences. Try local Sapporo ramen or Kani Honke (crab dishes).

Breakfast at Nijo Market

Enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast bowl (Donburi) at the bustling Nijo Market, a local favorite.

Try a Kaisendon (seafood bowl) with fresh uni (sea urchin) or ikura (salmon roe).

Chopsticks Making Experience

Engage in a unique cultural activity by crafting your own pair of original chopsticks in Sapporo.

Perfect as a personalized souvenir. The experience is beginner-friendly and great for couples.

Drive to Otaru

Take a scenic drive along the coast to the charming port town of Otaru.

Otaru Canal Walk & Lunch

Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, admire the preserved warehouses, and enjoy lunch at a canal-side restaurant.

Consider a short canal cruise for a different perspective (seasonal).

Sea Kayaking Tour – Otaru Coastal Adventure

Paddle over pristine blue waters and explore the stunning Shakotan-Otaru coastline from a sea kayak with a guided tour.

This activity offers a unique perspective of Hokkaido's beautiful coastline. Dress appropriately for water activities. April water temperatures might be cool, so warm layers are advised.

Sakaimachi Street Exploration

Wander through Sakaimachi Street, known for its charming old buildings, glass workshops, music box museums, and dessert shops.

Don't miss the Kitaichi Glass Otaru and the Otaru Music Box Museum.

Dinner: Otaru Sushi

Indulge in some of Japan's freshest sushi, as Otaru is renowned for its excellent seafood.

Many high-quality sushi restaurants line 'Sushi Street' near the canal.

Drive back to Sapporo

Return to your Sapporo accommodation after a full day in Otaru.

Gluten-free Soba Making Experience

Participate in a hands-on workshop to make traditional Japanese soba noodles, with a gluten-free option available.

A unique culinary experience that allows you to enjoy your freshly made noodles afterward. Great for foodies.

Lunch in Sapporo

Enjoy a casual lunch in Sapporo after your culinary experience.

Many options available, from local ramen to Western-style cafes.

Drive to Jozankei Onsen

Take a picturesque drive from Sapporo into the mountains to Jozankei, a famous hot spring resort town.

Check-in to Onsen Ryokan

Settle into your traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) and prepare for a relaxing hot spring experience.

Many ryokans offer private onsen options for couples. Enjoy the tranquility of the mountain surroundings.

Jozankei Area Exploration

Explore the charming Jozankei area, including the Futami Suspension Bridge, Kappa淵 (Kappa deep pool), and scenic walks along the Toyohira River.

Look out for the many kappa (water imp) statues scattered throughout the town.

Onsen Relaxation

Indulge in the therapeutic hot springs of Jozankei, known for its mineral-rich waters.

Relax in public or private baths.

Remember onsen etiquette: shower thoroughly before entering the bath. Many ryokans have outdoor rotenburo baths.

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner

Savor a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner (Kaiseki) served at your ryokan, featuring seasonal and local ingredients.

A culinary highlight of a ryokan stay, often including fresh Hokkaido produce and seafood.

Morning Onsen & Breakfast

Enjoy a final morning soak in the onsen before a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan.

Scenic Drive to Lake Toya

Embark on a beautiful drive south from Jozankei to Lake Toya, a stunning caldera lake with volcanic scenery.

Lunch by Lake Toya

Enjoy lunch with views of the serene Lake Toya and its central islands.

Usuzan Ropeway & Volcanic Views

Take the Usuzan Ropeway for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the active volcano Showa Shinzan.

There are observation decks at the top offering stunning vistas. Spring can still have some snow on the peaks, adding to the beauty.

Lakeside Stroll & Foot Onsen

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shores of Lake Toya and dip your feet in one of the public foot onsens.

The foot onsens are a perfect way to relax after walking. Check for the lake's seasonal fireworks display in the evening (if applicable in late April).

Check-in to Lake Toya Hotel

Check into your hotel, many of which offer rooms with views of the lake and private or public onsen facilities.

Dinner at Lake Toya

Savor local Hokkaido cuisine for dinner, perhaps focusing on seafood or dishes made with local produce.

Many hotels also offer dinner options, often featuring buffets or set menus with fresh ingredients.

Morning at Lake Toya

Enjoy a final morning by the beautiful lake, perhaps another onsen bath or a leisurely breakfast.

Drive to Furano/Biei Region

Begin your self-drive journey towards Central Hokkaido, heading to the scenic Furano and Biei region.

Lunch En Route

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in one of the towns you pass through on your way to Furano/Biei.

Check-in Furano/Biei Accommodation

Arrive in the Furano/Biei area and check into your accommodation.

This will be your base for the next part of your trip.

Furano Town Exploration

Take a relaxed stroll around Furano town, known for its lavender fields (seasonal, but charm remains) and local cheese factory.

Visit the Furano Cheese Factory for local produce tasting, even if the lavender fields aren't in full bloom yet in April.

Dinner in Furano

Enjoy dinner at one of Furano's local eateries, known for fresh agricultural products.

Try local specialties like Furano wine, cheese, and fresh vegetables.

Drive to Furano

Enjoy a scenic self-drive journey from Western Hokkaido (e.

g., Lake Toya area) to Furano. The drive offers changing landscapes from volcanic regions to agricultural plains. Stop at viewpoints along the way.

Lunch & Local Produce at Furano Marche

Have lunch at Furano Marche, a popular local market offering fresh produce, dairy products, and various local delicacies.

It's a great spot to taste Hokkaido's agricultural bounty.

Try some Furano melon products (if available in season) or local cheese and wine.

Snowshoe & Onsen Adventure (Conditional)

Embark on a unique snowshoeing experience deep into Daisetsuzan National Park, followed by a relaxing onsen.

This tour is highly rated and offers a different perspective of Hokkaido's natural beauty. *Please check snow conditions for late April directly with the tour provider.* If snowshoeing is not suitable, consider a leisurely drive through the Furano countryside or a visit to a local winery.

Viator Product Code: 5550184P2. Booking is required. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear. For April, snow conditions can vary significantly; confirm suitability with the operator prior to booking.

Hotel Check-in & Relaxation

Check into your accommodation in Furano.

Unwind and enjoy the hotel's amenities, perhaps taking a dip in an available onsen to soothe muscles after your activities.

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local izakaya in Furano, savoring fresh Hokkaido ingredients, including local vegetables, meats, and perhaps some dairy-based dishes.

Biei Patchwork Road Drive

Drive through Biei's famous 'Patchwork Road,' a scenic route showcasing rolling hills and distinct fields. Visit iconic photo spots like the Mild Seven Hill and Ken & Mary Tree.

The fields might be less vibrant in early spring before planting, but the rolling hills still offer beautiful views. Respect private property and do not enter fields.

Visit Biei Blue Pond

See the enchanting Blue Pond, known for its vibrant blue hue created by natural minerals in the water.

The surrounding withered larch trees add to its unique charm.

The color intensity can vary depending on weather and season. It's especially beautiful on a clear, sunny day.

Shirahige Waterfall

Just a short drive from the Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall is known for its 'white beard' appearance as water cascades from cracks in the cliff face. Enjoy the view from the bridge.

Lunch in Biei

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local cafe or restaurant in Biei, perhaps trying some fresh local produce or a hearty ramen.

Biei Panorama Road Drive

Continue your scenic exploration with a drive along the Panorama Road, offering more expansive views of Biei's rolling countryside.

Visit spots like Shikisai-no-Oka (flower gardens, though early spring might have limited blooms).

Similar to Patchwork Road, enjoy the vistas. You can still appreciate the contours of the land even if flowers are not yet in full bloom.

Dinner & Onsen in Furano

Return to Furano for a relaxing evening.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner, then unwind with a soothing soak in your hotel's onsen or a public onsen in the area.

Leisurely Morning & Souvenirs

Enjoy a relaxed start to your final day.

Have breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. You might want to do some last-minute souvenir shopping for local crafts or delicacies.

Look for local lavender products (even in spring) or Furano cheese.

Check-out & Drive to New Chitose Airport

Check out from your hotel and begin your self-drive journey back to New Chitose Airport (CTS).

Allow ample time for the drive, car return, and airport procedures.

Rental Car Return & Airport Check-in

Return your rental car at New Chitose Airport (CTS) and proceed to check-in for your departure flight.

Ensure you have enough time to refuel the car before returning it, as per rental agreement.