A Perfect 6 Days 5 Nights Summer Itinerary in Hokkaido (2024)

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, transforms into a summer paradise with its stunning landscapes, vibrant flower fields, and delectable cuisine. This detailed 6-day, 5-night itinerary will guide you through the best of Hokkaido's summer offerings, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo

Morning:

• 9:00 AM - New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City
  Arrive at New Chitose Airport and take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (approx. 40 minutes, ¥1,070). Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM - Odori Park
  Wander through Odori Park, a green oasis in the heart of Sapporo. In summer, the park is adorned with beautiful flower displays and hosts various events. Look for the fragrant roses and colorful tulips.

Evening:

• 6:00 PM - Sapporo TV Tower
  Enjoy a panoramic view of Sapporo from the Sapporo TV Tower. Admission is ¥720 for adults.
  Dinner Recommendation:
  7:30 PM - Sapporo Beer Garden
  Famous for its Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) and locally brewed beer.
  Address: 9-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0007, Japan
  Google Review: 4.2

Sapporo Beer

PHOTO:Unsplash/@youn98

Day 2: Exploring Furano and Biei

Morning:

• 8:00 AM - Train to Furano
  Take a train from Sapporo to Furano (approx. 2 hours, ¥4,290 round trip).

• 10:30 AM - Farm Tomita
  Visit Farm Tomita to see the breathtaking lavender fields in full bloom. The farm also has colorful fields of poppies, marigolds, and salvia. Entry is free.

Farm Tomita, Hokkaido

PHOTO:Unsplash/@jcs_chen

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM - Lunch at Farm Tomita
  Try the lavender ice cream and melon parfait at the café on the farm.

• 2:30 PM - Shikisai no Oka
  Head to Biei and marvel at the vibrant flower fields of Shikisai no Oka. Enjoy a tractor ride through the fields (¥500). The fields feature an array of flowers including sunflowers, lilies, and dahlias.

Evening:

• 5:00 PM - Blue Pond
  Visit the mystical Blue Pond in Biei, known for its striking blue water, especially vivid in the late afternoon light.
  Dinner Recommendation:
  7:00 PM - Furano Delice
  Try their delicious cakes and sweets made from local ingredients. The Furano cheesecake is a must-try.
  Address: 2156-1 Shimizuyama, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0048, Japan
  Google Review: 4.3

Blue Pond, Biei, Hokkaido

PHOTO:Unsplash/@ryo_nagisa

Day 3: Discovering Otaru

Morning:

• 9:00 AM - Train to Otaru
  Travel to Otaru (approx. 45 minutes from Sapporo, ¥750).

• 10:00 AM - Otaru Canal
  Take a leisurely stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, lined with warehouses that have been converted into shops and cafes.

Otaru Canal Sapporo Hokkaido

PHOTO:Unsplash/@sugarman_joe

Afternoon:

• 12:00 PM - Sakaimachi Street
  Explore Sakaimachi Street, lined with charming shops and cafes. Don’t miss the glassware and music box shops.
  Lunch Recommendation:
  1:00 PM - Otaru LeTao Pathos
  Famous for its Double Fromage Cheesecake.
  Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
  Google Review: 4.3

Otaru LeTao, Cheese Cake

PHOTO: memoirsoftaste.wordpress.com

Evening:

• 3:00 PM - Nikka Whisky Distillery
  Take a tour of the Nikka Whisky Distillery in nearby Yoichi. The tour is free, and you can sample some of the finest whiskies.
  Dinner Recommendation:
  6:30 PM - Otaru Masazushi
  Renowned for its fresh sushi.
  Address: 1-1-1 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024, Japan
  Google Review: 4.2

Day 4: Soaking in Noboribetsu

Morning:

• 8:00 AM - Bus to Noboribetsu
  Head to Noboribetsu (approx. 1.5 hours by bus from Sapporo, ¥1,200).

• 10:00 AM - Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
  Explore Hell Valley, a volcanic crater with steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. Entry is free.

PHOTO:Unsplash/@stefankst

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM - Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
  Visit this historical theme park to experience the Edo period through shows and activities (¥2,900).

Evening:

• 5:00 PM - Noboribetsu Onsen
  Relax in one of Noboribetsu's famous hot springs. Many hotels offer day-use hot spring baths.
  Dinner Recommendation:
  7:00 PM - Dai-ichi Takimotokan
  Enjoy rejuvenating onsen and a variety of dishes made with local ingredients.
  Address: Japan, 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, ５５
  Google Review: 4.3

Dai-ichi Takimotokan, Hokkaido

PHOTO:Dai-ichi Takimotokan 

Day 5: Touring Lake Toya

Morning:

• 9:00 AM - Bus to Lake Toya
  Travel to Lake Toya (approx. 2 hours by bus from Noboribetsu, ¥2,200).

• 11:00 AM - Lake Toya
  Take a scenic boat ride on this volcanic caldera lake (¥1,420). The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and picturesque surroundings.

Lake Toya, Hokkaido

PHOTO:Unsplash/@center999

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM - Lunch by the Lake
  Enjoy a lakeside lunch with fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

• 2:30 PM - Usuzan Ropeway
  Ride the ropeway to Mount Usu for spectacular views of the lake and surrounding areas (¥1,600 round trip).

Evening:

• 8:00 PM - Toyako Onsen Fireworks
  In the evening, enjoy the nightly fireworks display over Lake Toya.
  Dinner Recommendation:
  6:30 PM - Boyotei Restaurant
  Offers a variety of fusion of local and western dishes such as burgers, fried rice & western-style dishes.
  Address: 36-12 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721, Japan
  Google Review: 4.3

Day 6: Return to Sapporo

Morning:

• 9:00 AM - Historical Village of Hokkaido
  On your way back to Sapporo, stop by the Historical Village of Hokkaido (¥800). Learn about the island's past with preserved buildings and exhibits.

Afternoon:

• 12:00 PM - Sapporo Clock Tower
  Visit the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower and explore the surrounding area. Admission is ¥200.

• 1:00 PM - Lunch at Soup Curry GARAKU
  Enjoy a unique Hokkaido dish, soup curry. Choose from a variety of flavors and spice levels.
  Address: 2 Chome-1 Kita 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0002, Japan
  Google Review: 4.2

Sapporo Clock Tower/ TV Tower

PHOTO:Unsplash/@yokeboy

Evening:

• 3:00 PM - Tanukikoji Shopping Street
  Do some last-minute shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Popular souvenirs include Shiroi Koibito cookies, Royce chocolates, and local crafts.

Conclusion

Hokkaido in summer is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. This 6-day itinerary ensures you make the most of your visit, from the lavender fields of Furano to the hot springs of Noboribetsu. So pack your bags, and get ready to explore this enchanting island!