Summary
- Start
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Finish
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Mileage
Total 550km
140km per day - Travel Pace
Normal - Onsen Stay
Max. 1 nights - Recommended Seasons
Dec,Jan,Feb,Mar,Apr
This itinerary takes 4 days to circle central Hokkaido.
Due to standard daily mileage, you can travel at a pace that is not too rushed.
In winter, the sun sets by 4-5 pm, so arrive at your inn before dark!
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.
Chitose Airport/Sapporo – Furano(Sample)
Start: New Chitose Airport or Sapporo(新千歳空港or札幌)
Finish: Furano (富良野)
Mileage: 155km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from New Chitose Airport to Furano famous for Snow resort and blue pond.
1
Rental car branch at New Chitose Airport
Parking MAPCODE:
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pixta_60494937_M-1024x682.jpg)
10:00
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 155km. Please use the expressway (E38) on the way to shorten the travel time. If you arrive in Chitose in the afternoon, consider skipping some spots.
150 min
2
Glass Forest In FURANO
Parking MAPCODE:
550 798 046What is MAPCODE?
12:30
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1547879844.jpg)
First of all, you will visit [Glass Forest In FURANO]. Many handmade glass products such as glasses and accessories are sold. Because of the elaborate glass work, people tend to think that it is expensive, but all the products in this shop are reasonably priced, making them ideal gifts.
30min
3
Furano Cheese Factory
Parking MAPCODE:
550 840 171What is MAPCODE?
14:00
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image45.jpg)
Next, you will head to [Furano Cheese Factory]. At this cheese factory, you can see the production room and aging warehouse through the glass. At the direct sales corner on the 2nd floor, you can sample cheese, and cheese made at the cheese factory, milk, and sweets made with butter are sold.
This place is popular and should be booked in advance. Please make a reservation in advance at the email address below.
cheese@furano.ne.jp
10min
4
Ningle Terrace
Parking MAPCODE:
919 553 423What is MAPCODE?
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pixta_43224180_M-1024x682.jpg)
15:30
[Ningle Terrace] is recommended. You can buy various works by local artists such as crafts and accessories at the log houses lined up in the woods.
It opens till 20:45 so it is also okay to visit after dinner.
10 min
5
Inn in Furano
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:40
Furano has a limited number of shops that are open until late at night. It is recommended to include a supper when booking the inn or to go to the inn after having supper.
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 Furano town(富良野) which is famous for beautiful hills and flower fields.
The inns are spread over a wide area around Furano Station.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
Most inns don’t have Onsen. If you would like to stay in an inn with an Onsen, the “New Furano Prince hotel” is recommended. It is located just next to Ninngle Terrace and convenient. - Meal Plan Reservations
Because Furano is not a big city, restaurants that are open late at night are limited to the area around Furano Station. If you are not staying near Furano station, we recommend a plan with dinner and breakfast.
Furano – Asahikawa 🔒
Start: Furano(富良野)
Finish: Asahikawa (旭川)
Mileage:95km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day, you will leave Furano and drive through the beautiful hills of Furano and Biei to Asahikawa.
1
Inn in Furano
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 95km, so you can travel at relaxing pace. However, if you want to spend a long time in Asahiyama Zoo, please leave as early as possible in the morning and try to arrive at least 2 hours before closing.
60 min
2
Blue Pond
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_37837338_青い池17Jan-大-1024x683.jpg)
Your first destination of the day is the famous [Blue Pond]. It has become known worldwide for being used as wallpaper for Mac on Apple Computer.
10 min
3
Shirahige Falls
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:15
You will go to [Shirahige Falls] next. It is not well known, but it is worth a visit as well.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_5883407_M-1024x682.jpg)
45 min
4
Seven Star Tree & Patchwork Hills
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:30
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_19283674_Dec-大-1024x683.jpg)
Next, you will head to [Seven Star Tree & Patchwork Hills]. The area around Biei’s Seven Star Tree is famous as Patchwork Hills in summer. In winter, too, the appearance of this tree dignifiedly standing in the wide snowfield is very tasteful. Please enjoy driving the hills around here.
45 min
5
Asahiyama Zoo
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer belowWhat is MAPCODE?
13:30
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_36561678_M-大-1024x683.jpg)
The most famous zoo in Hokkaido, [Asahiyama Zoo], can be reached in about an hour and a half from Furano and about 20 minutes from Asahikawa (The snow road will take longer).
There are the following parking lots.
Main gate 1st parking(Free 65 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 856
Main gate 2nd parking(Free 125 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 856
East gate parking(Free 300 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 881
Please be careful that Asahiyama zoo closes very early.
Mid Nov – Beg Apr 10:30-15:30(Last Ently15:00)
Beg May – Mid Oct 9:30-17:15(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Oct – Beg Nov 9:30-16:30(Last Ently16:00)
Asahiyama Zoo in winter has a lot to offer, just like in summer.
● Asahiyama Zoo is famous for penguin walks, but it is much better in the snowy landscape.
● Drift ice plaza appears in the outdoor enclosure of the “Seal Museum” only during the cold winter season. It’s only in the cold winter that you can see their faces popping out of the holes in the ice floes.
● Monkeys don’t like the cold. On colder days, you can see monkey dumplings that cling together to keep warm.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_15128547_M-大-1024x683.jpg)
● In early February, the opening hours of the zoo will be extended. You can experience Asahiyama Zoo at night under the snow light.
● Polar bears also look better in snow and ice.
If you would like to enjoy Asahiyama zoo at a relaxing pace, please consider staying one more night.
45min
6
Inn in Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
17:00
Asahikawa, where you will stay tonight, is the second largest city in Hokkaido. Here you can enjoy various gourmet foods such as Genghis Khan and Asahikawa ramen.
There are many shops within walking distance that are open until late at night, so please check in before exploring the city.
![](http://orion-jp.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Ramen-shoyu-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_22909357_Mジンギスカン-大-1024x683.jpg)
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.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay in Asahikawa city(旭川) which is 2nd largest city in Hokkaido.
The inns are concentrated on the north side of Asahikawa Station.
- 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
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Asahikawa – Otaru 🔒
Start: Asahikawa (旭川)
Finish: Otaru (小樽)
Mileage:185km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day, you will head from Asahikawa to Otaru.
1
Inn in Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 185km to Otaru. Although you can drive most of the part by expressway, it is a long distance and the travel pace will be fast.
We recommend leaving Asahikawa before 9:00 at the latest.
150 min
2
Ishiya Chocolate factory(Shiroi Koibito Park)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_39498529_M-大-1024x683.jpg)
11:30
Please take the expressway (E5) to Sapporo direction. It is about 150 km from Asahikawa to Sapporo and takes about 2 hours (snow roads are slower). There are not many spots to see and take the expressway(E5). It is a long journey and please take a rest at Service Area (SA) along the expressway.
Just after Sapporo, there is [Ishiya Chocolate Factory (Shiroi Koibito Park)], which is well-known as a museum and factory of “White Lover Chocolate”.
Near the Shiroi Koibito Park, there is [Sapporo market outside market], where you can buy various seafood, fruits, and souvenirs, so nice to stop by. If you haven’t had lunch yet, it is also a good place to have a fresh seafood lunch.
![](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)
60min
3
Otaru City
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:00
Next you will head to Otaru. For parking in Otaru, please use the hotel where you plan to stay or Otaru City Parking (小樽駐車場).
In Otaru city, you will be sightseeing on foot. Here are some spots I would like you to visit: the area around the “Otaru Canal” and the “Sakaimachi-dori shopping street” are the main areas.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pixta_29517903_M-大-1-1024x696.jpg)
●[Otaru Canal] is a symbol of the city and a must spot, but in winter, the snow-covered bricks make you feel like you are in the northern country. The highlight of the annual “Otaru Yuki Monogatari” event is the “Blue Canal” (from early November to late January), where blue LED lights are applied. You can also have a fantastic and romantic time on a popular canal cruise.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_54277098_M-大-1-1024x683.jpg)
●[Canal Plaza] (Otaru City Tourist Product Plaza)—Otaru is known as the city of glass, and representative works of art will be displayed in the Canal Plaza. The Wine Glass Tower (from early November to mid-February), which is made up of 2,000 wine glasses, changes to 6 colors and is very impressive.
●[Denuki Koji]—A food stall village located at the Asakusabashi crossing of the Otaru Canal. You can climb the symbolic fire tower for free, and you can also see the beautiful Otaru Canal and the Otaru sea.
●[Taisho Glass Hall Main Store] displays and sells hand-made glass, mainly Japanese-style glassware.
●[Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Building] is a renovated stone warehouse that was built as a fishery warehouse, and is designated as an Otaru Historic Building. The store offers a wide variety of glass products, from everyday glasses and tableware to accessories that are perfect for gifts.
●[Night Light] is installed at the “Marchen Crossroads” and is a reproduction of the wooden lighthouse on the hill in Nobukacho, Otaru City during the Meiji period.
●The [Steam Clock] installed in front of the Otaru Music Box Museum ticks the time with white smoke and a steam whistle every 15 minutes.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pixta_1298444_M-大-1024x683.jpg)
●The 3-story brick building [Music Box Museum] is a music box specialty store that boasts a large number of items.
It is also recommended to eat famous Sushi.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_39693560_M-中Sushi寿司鮨すし-1024x683.jpg)
5min
4
Inn in Otaru
Parking MAPCODE:
17:30
Otaru is your accommodation on this day. Please enjoy a stroll and Otaru sushi dinner with a spectacular night view of the canal.
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.
![](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(堺町本通り)” 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 Airport (札幌or千歳)
Mileage:
To Sapporo: 70km
To Chitose Arirpot: 110km
Travel Pace:Relaxing
On this day, you will back from Otaru to New Chitose Airport or Sapporo.
1
Inn in Otaru
Parking 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/2023/04/pixta_29517903_M-大-1-1024x696.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.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_60828686_M-大-1024x768.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?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pixta_39498529_M-大-1024x683.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
Sapporo Beer Museum
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/index-main_img01-1024x530.jpg)
15:00
If you have time, please stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum. This is the only beer museum in Japan, where you can experience the history of Hokkaido’s development and the thoughts of their predecessors who poured their passion into brewing Japanese beer.
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 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
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
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rentalcars.jpg)
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RentalcarMap-SapporoChitose-1024x765.jpg)
- 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.