Hokkaido 3 Days Itinerary-X

９：００

New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Hokkaido. First of all, please complete the reception procedure at the rental car counter at the airport. It takes about 15 minutes by free shuttle bus to the rental car company branch.

The mileage is about 160-205km. There is the Hokkaido Expressway(E5) along the route, so it is recommended to use the expressway if the GPS guide it. If you depart in the afternoon, please consider skipping some spots.

１０：００

The first destination is [National AINU museum and park UPOPOY]. At UPOPOY, which opened in 2020, you can learn about the unique culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. There are also performances of unique musical instruments and dances, so don’t miss it.

１１：４５

After leaving Upopoi, head to [Noboribetsu Jigokudani]. You can enjoy short walking and see the desolate sight of sulfur vapors.
There is a restaurant on the way where you can grill Hokkaido seafood with charcoal, so it is ideal for lunch. Please refer driving map.

１３：４５

If you have time, stop by [Cape Chikyu].
It is an observatory where you can feel that the earth is a sphere because the horizon draws a slight arc.

１５：４５

Please drop in at [Mt. Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm], which is right next to Lake Toya, where you will stay for the day.
From Mt.Usu Ropeway, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Showashinzan which was suddenly made in 1944, Lake Toya, and the Pacific Ocean.
Also, there is Showashinzan Bear Ranch in the same place, so if you have children, nice visit it as well.

１７：３０

There are 3 recommended area for this day. If you would like to stay snow resort for ski and snow activities, either Niseko or Rusutsu is recommended. If you don’t plan to do skiing, Lake Toya is recommended. Please refer below “Where to stay” part.

１０：００
If you are staying at Lake Toya on this day, the mileage is 100km. If you are staying at Niseko or Rusutsu Ski Resort, you don’t need to drive.

１１：００

Please enjoy winter sports in [Niseko or Rusutsu Ski Resort] on this day. In Niseko or Rusutsu, you can enjoy a wide range of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow rafting, horseback riding, and smelt fishing.
(Reference site)
Niseko
Rusutsu

１６：００

Spend your second night at Lake Toya relaxing while enjoying the hot springs.

９：００

The mileage is about 150km from Lake Toya to Sapporo via Otaru and about 170km to the airport.
If you plan to fly from New Chitose Airport on this day, please see the end of the article.

９：１０

If you haven’t visited, please visit [Usuzan Ropeway & Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch].

１１：５０

After that, you will drive north while looking at the magnificent Mt. Yotei and head for [Fukidashi Spring Water Park]. In the park, where 80,000 tons of underground water from Mt. Yotei springs up a day, you can get mellow and sweet natural water containing abundant minerals.

１４：００

After that, you will head north for 60km to Otaru, the highlight of today. Since the distance is long, please take a break at the roadside station on the way.
There is [Kenashiyama Observatory] just before Otaru. You can overlook the streets of Otaru and Ishikari Bay, so please stop by.

１５：００

[Otaru] is famous as a canal town, but the main walk is Sakaimachihondori. Attractions such as the music box hall, sweets like LeTAO and Kitakaro, and Kitaichi Glass are lined up along the street. Also, sushi is definitely recommended. Both are within walking distance, so park your car and take a walk. It is safe to plan for at least 3 hours including meals.
Most shops in Otaru close at 17:00. Please make sure to arrive at Otaru by 15:00 at the latest.

１８：３０
This concludes your Hokkaido road trip.

①Returning a car in Sapporo
When you return to Sapporo, refuel and then return the car to the car rental branch. Use the MAPCODE on the driving map for the nearest rental car stores and gas stations near Sapporo Station.
Sapporo offers a wide variety of culinary delights! For dinner, try Sapporo Miso ramen, Soup curry, Crab and Sushi.

②Returning a car at New Chitose Airport
When heading to New Chitose Airport, the distance from Sapporo is about 60 km, about 1 hour. Make sure you arrive at the car rental company branch 3 hours before your flight. You need to take the shuttle bus from the company branch to the airport. In addition, New Chitose Airport is the best in Japan. There are restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of Hokkaido gourmet food and countless souvenir shops, so the waiting time for your flight feels short.