Summary
- Start
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Finish
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Mileage
Total 840km
170km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max.3 nights - Recommended Seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
This itinerary takes 5 days to circle southern Hokkaido.
Due to long daily mileage and no consecutive stay, the travel pace is fast.
If you want to stay in Sapporo after the road trip, you can return the car not to the airport but to Sapporo. Walking and the subway are more convenient for sightseeing in Sapporo.
New Chitose Airport – Noboribetsu(Sample)
Start: New Chitose Airport(新千歳空港)
Finish: Noboribetsu (登別)
Mileage:
From Sapporo: 130km
From Chitose Arirpot: 130km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day, you will head from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Noboribetsu, one of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts.
1
Rental car branch at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo
Parking MAPCODE:
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pixta_60494937_M-1024x682.jpg)
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 of this day is about 130km, so you can travel at a relaxing pace. If you can leave by about 13:00, you can go to Noboribetsu while sightseeing at some spots. However, if the drive departs in the afternoon, please consider skipping some spots.
40 min
2
Lake Shikotsu
Parking MAPCODE:
867 063 568What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_83501016_M-支笏湖に向かう道道中-1024x683.jpg)
9:40
The first destination of this trip is [Lake Shikotsu]. It’s 30km west of the airport and you can enjoy a drive through the beautiful woods.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pixta_32501396_Lake-Shikotsu-支笏湖-1024x682.jpg)
In addition to enjoying a walk or boating at Lake Shikotsu, we recommend delicious cream puffs.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_2126-1024x683.jpg)
Pattisier Labo
60 min
3
National AINU museum and park UPOPOY
Parking MAPCODE:
545 194 763What is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_12085277_M-1024x750.jpg)
12:00
You will arrive at the “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.
UPOPOY
Event time table
40 min
4
Jigokudani(Hell Valley)
Parking MAPCODE:
603 287 235*71What is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_35318069_JigokudaniHell-Valley-地獄谷-1024x682.jpg)
14:00
The biggest highlight of the day is Noboribetsu Jigokudani, which is also the place to stay. A desolate spectacle where sulfur vapor blows out spreads out. The walking path is 600m and you can walk in about 10 minutes.
It’s a 5-10 minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Inn to the entrance of Jigokudani, so it might be a good idea to check in and take a break before heading there.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_42855384_OyunumaNoboribetsu-大湯沼登別-1024x683.jpg)
If you have time until sunset, you can enjoy other interesting strolling spots.
If you walk about 20 minutes from Jigokudani, you will arrive at [Oyu-numa], where steam is coming out of the swamp. Blue is very beautiful.
If you walk for another 15 minutes from there, you will arrive at [Oyunuma River Natural Footbath]. As the name suggests, this is a rare place where the stream flowing from Oyunuma has become a natural footbath. If you go there, please bring a towel.
5 min
5
Inn in Noboribetsu
Parking MAPCODE:
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pixta_13901824_M-1024x686.jpg)
“Noboribetsu” where you stay on this day is a famous hot spring that represents Hokkaido. Please relax and heal the tiredness of the first day.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Noribetsu town(登別) which is the most famous Onsen town in Hokkaido. Many inns are located around “Jigokudani(Hell Valley)”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Noboribetsu – Hakodate 🔒
Start: Noboribetsu(登別)
Finish: Hakodate (函館)
Mileage:230km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will drive from Noboribetsu to Hakodate along the Funka Bay.
1
Inn in Noboribetsu
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
The mileage is a long distance of about 230km. About 150km of this is an expressway. There are many attractions in Hakodate, so we recommend that you leave from 8:00 to 9:00, especially if you stay in Hakodate only for one night.
9:00
If you didn’t walk in Jigokudani yesterday, why not get up a little early and enjoy a walk in the morning?
It is about a 5-10 minutes walk from most of the inns in Noboribetsu Onsen to the entrance of Jigokudani. The walking path itself is 600m, and you can walk in about 10 minutes.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_35318069_JigokudaniHell-Valley-地獄谷-1024x682.jpg)
Also, it is a 5-minute drive to [Oyunuma] near Jigokudani, so it is recommended to stop by when you leave Noboribetsu.
Oyunuma Parking Lot MAPCODE: 603 288 875
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_42855384_OyunumaNoboribetsu-大湯沼登別-1024x683.jpg)
50 min
2
Cape Chikyu
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_14722433_M-1024x680.jpg)
10:50
The first destination of this trip is [Cape Chikyu].
It is an observatory where you can feel that the earth is a sphere from the horizon that draws a slight arc.
It’s a very pleasant observatory, but if you want to spend a lot of time in Hakodate, please consider skipping it.
After this, you will take the Hokkaido Expressway(E5) for a long-distance drive along the Eruption Bay.
120 min
3
Yakumo Parking area(To Hakodate)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_1695-大-1024x683.jpg)
13:00
[Yakumo Parking area(To Hakodate)] is highly recommended for a break.
It is a very pleasant parking area overlooking the Eruption Bay and the grasslands that spread from the hill.
From here, you can walk to restaurant “Harvester Yakumo”, where you can enjoy delicious fried chicken and pizza at a historic restaurant that was opened as an experimental farm for KFC(Kentucky Fried Chicken).
After lunch, you will head to Hakodate again on the expressway. It takes 2 hours to get to Hakodate, so please take a break on the way.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Tall-and-generalToll-中-1024x684.png)
80 min
4
Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:20
If you arrive in Hakodate while it is bright, we recommend the Red Brick Warehouse.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_35334457_M-大-1024x683.jpg)
If you have time, we recommend taking a walk in Motomachi, Hakodate, where old Western-style buildings are lined up on the cobblestone slopes.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pixta_42130432_Hakodate-Motomachi-Area-函館市元町-1024x682.jpg)
Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse
10 min
5
Inn in Hakodate
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
The night view seen from Mt. Hakodate is one of the three major night views in Japan and it is wonderful
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_21334585_M-1024x682.jpg)
If you visit Mt. Hakodate between 17: 00-22: 00, please use the ropeway as parking for general vehicles is restricted.
You can drive to the top of the mountain after 22:00, so it’s a good idea to check in at the hotel and have dinner first. However, please drive carefully as you will be driving on a narrow mountain road in the dark.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay in Hakodate(函館) city which is famous for its magnificent night view and morning market. Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Hakodate Morning Market
Most of the highlights in Hakodate are located near the Hakodate Morning Market and it is very convenient for sightseeing. However, there is no Onsen in this area.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Some inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
Inns around the morning market don’t provide an onsen. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants for dinner. It is also a good idea to have breakfast at “Hakodate Morning Market”. Therefore, booking a plan with breakfast or without meals is fine.
②Yunokawa Onsen(湯の川温泉) area
This area is located 5km east of the center of Hakodate and near Hakodate airport.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with onsen. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Hakodate – Lake Toya🔒
Start: Hakodate(函館)
Finish: Lake Toya (洞爺湖)
Mileage:170km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Hakodate to Lake Toya.
1
Inn in Hakodate
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is a little long, about 170km including 125km of expressway driving.
5 min
2
Hakodate Morning Market
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_0424-2-大-中-1024x683.jpg)
9:05
You will get up early on this day and visit [Hakodate Morning Market]. Breakfast will consist of fresh seafood such as famous squid, sea urchins, and crab is the best.
It is also okay to visit on foot from your inn if possible.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/squid-1024x771.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0443-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_4571-中-1024x683.jpg)
5 min
3
Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:10
[Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse] is also nearby, so if you haven’t been there yet, please stop by.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_35334457_M-大-1024x683.jpg)
45 min
Once you depart Hakodate city, let’s drive along the hidden scenic road “Shirotai Skyline”.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pixta_43986719_M-1024x682.jpg)
4
Onuma National Park
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_5582432_23Oct-1024x768.jpg)
11:50
After that, you will head to [Onuma National Park]. The small islands floating in the swamp are connected by 18 bridges, and you can enjoy a very pleasant walk. You can also enjoy a 30-minute tour boat, rental boat, and cycling. There are several recommended restaurants around Onuma Park, so please enjoy lunch before taking a walk.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0473-Copy-1024x683.jpg)
120 min
5
Mt.Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_58951722_M-1024x377.jpg)
15:30
After Onuma Park, it is a 2-hour drive on the expressway. The final destination of the day is “Mt. Usu Ropeway”. From the ropeway, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Showa Shinzan, which was created in 1944, Lake Toya, and the Pacific Ocean.
There is also Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch in the same place, so if you have children, please visit it as well.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_49192807_M-1024x682.jpg)
10 min
Near Lake Toya, there is [Sobetsu Fruit Village] where 23 orchards are gathered.
You can enjoy fruit picking from Beg-Jun to End-Oct.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_54023200_M-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pixta_17505182_M-1024x682.jpg)
6
Inn in Lake Toya
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
On the south side of Lake Toya, there is the Toyako Onsen Hot Spring town, where a number of hot spring inns are gathered.
There are many inns where you can see Lake Toya from the open-air bath, so it is recommended to stay at one of them.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_50649739_M洞爺湖ロングラン花火-中-1024x683.jpg)
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay at Lake Toya(洞爺湖). Many Onsen Ryokans are concentrated from the south to the west side of the lake.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsens and most of the inns have one. You can enjoy an open-air Onsen with a lake view. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Lake Toya – Otaru🔒
Start: Lake Toya(洞爺湖)
Finish: Otaru (小樽)
Mileage:120km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from Lake Toya to Canal town Otaru.
1
Inn in Lake Toya
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
8:00
The mileage is about 120km, but if you go to the highlight, Cape Kamui, it will be very long, about 200km. In that case, we recommend that you leave from 8:00 to 9:00.
10 min
2
Mt.Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_58951722_M-1024x377.jpg)
8:10
If you haven’t visited, please visit [Mt. Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm]. After that, you will head north toward Niseko while looking at the magnificent view of Mt. Yotei.
There are observatories overlooking Lake Toya and a delicious ice cream shop along the way, so stop by and proceed.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_61933769_M-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_7462462_M-中-1024x681.jpg)
90 min
3
Shinsen Marsh
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:10
After that, you will head to [Shinsen Marsh]. After passing Niseko, you will enter the Niseko Panorama Line, which is the best drive route in Southern Hokkaido.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_77937353_Mニセコパノラマライン-大-1024x681.jpg)
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_56969245_M-大-1024x767.jpg)
Shinsen Marsh is at the end of the panoramic line. There is a 25-minute walk to the beautiful marshland. Autumn leaves are also wonderful.
80 min
From Shinsen Marsh to Cape Kamui, you can enjoy a winding drive along the coast with a view of the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan Peninsula.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_44625311_積丹海岸 神恵内村 国道229号線-大-1024x678.jpg)
4
Cape Kamui
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_34808262_M-1-1024x683.jpg)
13:30
After that, you will head north to Cape Kamui, the biggest highlight of the day. In the olden days, the cape was considered a sanctuary forbidden to women, and the cape that stretches out into the turquoise sea is breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoy walking in the magnificent scenery.
60 min
5
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_13156911_M-1024x662.jpg)
15:30
The final destination of the day is “Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery”. You can tour the historic distillery of Japan’s leading whiskey brand.
30 min
6
Inn in Otaru
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_26250465_M-1024x683.jpg)
Otaru is your accommodation on this day, but most shops on Sakaimachihondori, which is the main street, close around 17:00, so you will take a walk here the next day. Instead, enjoy a stroll and Otaru sushi dinner with a spectacular night view of the canal.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_39693560_M-中Sushi寿司鮨すし-1024x683.jpg)
In addition, there is [Mishima’s Shibazakura Garden-三島さんの芝ざくら庭園] the nice moss pink spot along the route of the day.
If you are traveling in the middle to end of May, we strongly recommend visiting.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_75686324_M-1024x682.jpg)
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay in Otaru city(小樽) which is famous for its canal and Sushi. Many inns are concentrated between Otaru Station and the canal. It is more convenient for sightseeing to stay as close to “Sakaimachi hondori street” as possible.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants in and around the hotel for dinner, so please make reservations according to your preference.
Otaru – Sapporo or Chitose🔒
Start: Otaru (小樽)
Finish: Sapporo or Chitose (札幌or千歳)
Mileage:
To Sapporo: 70km
To Chitose Arirpot: 110km
Travel Pace:Relax
On this day, you will back from Otaru to New Chitose Airport or Sapporo.
1
Inn in Otaru
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is about 70km to Sapporo and you can travel at a relaxing pace.
If you plan to fly from New Chitose Airport on this day, please see the end of the article.
5 min
2
Otaru City
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_42500188_M-1024x683.jpg)
9:05
First of all, please take a walk on Sakaimachihondori(境町本通り), which is the main street of [Otaru]. There are many attractions such as various sweets shops and the main building of Otaru Music Box Museum.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_58166488_M-1024x681.jpg)
It is also recommended to eat famous Sushi for lunch.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_39693560_M-中Sushi寿司鮨すし-1024x683.jpg)
10 min
3
Otaru Kihinkan Aoyama Bettei
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:15
We also recommend [Otaru Kihinkan Aoyama Bettei], which is about 5km north of the town of Otaru. You can see how prosperous the town of Otaru was with herring fishing.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pixta_2778683_Otaru-Kihinkan-Aoyama-Bettei-貴賓館青山別邸-1024x768.jpg)
35 min
4
Ishiya Chocolate factory(Shiroi Koibito Park)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_64436765_M-1024x682.jpg)
13:20
After that, take the expressway(E5A) to Sapporo. Just before Sapporo, there is [Ishiya Chocolate Factory (Shiroi Koibito Park)], which is the most popular chocolate museum and factory in Hokkaido. [Sapporo market outside market] is where you can buy various seafood, fruits, and souvenirs, so nice to stop by. You also can eat seafood there too.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_16673029_M-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0443-1024x683.jpg)
35 min
5
Mt.Moiwayama
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pixta_36922182_Mt.Moiwayama-藻岩山-1024x681.jpg)
15:00
Also, at dusk, [Mt. Moiwayama] is recommended. You can enjoy a vast night view from the observatory overlooking Sapporo, the largest town in Hokkaido.
35 min
6
Rental car branch at Sapporo or New Chitose Airport
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
16:20
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, shopping area in 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.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_3431325_M-1024x680.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pixta_57795659_M-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_38285049_Mスープカレー-大-1024x683.jpg)
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay in either Sapporo city, the capital of Hokkaido or Chitose town near the “New Chitose Airport”. Please choose the following options depending on your travel schedule.
①Staying in Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and there are hundreds of accommodations from Sapporo Station to the Susukino area, the entertainment district. It is convenient to stay either on the south side of Sapporo Station or around “Odori Park”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Because there are more than 9,000 restaurants in Sapporo, it is recommended to make reservations with a breakfast-only plan.
②Returning to New Chitose Airport
If your flight is a morning flight, staying near Chitose Airport is a good idea. There is some hotel in and around the airport.
Once you return the car, rental car company bring you to the airport by free shuttle bus.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
It is better to return your car first and take public transportation or a shuttle bus to these hotels. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Since there are many restaurants in the airport and around Chitose Station where you can have dinner, it is recommended to book breakfast only or stay overnight.
Unlock MAPCODE & Maps
We provide “Travel Kit” to make your journey much more attractive.
- Get “Hidden Gems” info along this itinerary
- Maximize travel time by parking MAPCODE for all spots
- Discover local delicacies with Restaurants List
Hotel&Car Booking
- Highly recommended to book a rental car first to book hotels with special discounts.
- Book hotels. Recommend hotels have parking and convenient locations for dining and strolling. Selected hotels can be booked with a single payment.
With rental car booking number, you can book hotels with exclusive discounts(Avg.18%, Max45% OFF)!
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
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Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
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- New Chitose Airport
The main international airport in Hokkaido. Recommended for Pick-up.
If you arrive after 14:00, consider staying overnight around the airport or in Sapporo and departing the next morning.
It takes 1 hour to Sapporo station by train. - Sapporo City
The capital and biggest city in Hokkaido. Most car rental shops are located around Sapporo Station.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at New Chitose Airport and return at Sapporo Station, and vice versa. Normally, the one-way charge is about JPY2000 only. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
If you travel from the beginning of November to the end of April, you must book a car with snow tires. It should be installed without requests from rental car companies in Hokkaido, but if you are concerned, you can double-check with them after making a reservation.