Summary
- Start
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Finish
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Mileage
Total 800km
160km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max.2 nights - Recommended Seasons
All year round
This itinerary takes 5 days to circle south and central Hokkaido.
Due to short daily mileage, although it doesn’t include consecutive stays, you can travel at a pace that is not too rushed.
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 – Lake Toya(Sample)
Start: New Chitose Airport(新千歳空港) or Sapporo(札幌)
Finish: Lake Toya (洞爺湖)
Mileage:165km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head to Lake Toya from New Chitose Airport via Noboribetsu.
1
Rental car branch at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo
Parking MAPCODE:
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 165-200km. 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.
45 min
2
National AINU museum and park UPOPOY
Parking MAPCODE:
545 194 763What is MAPCODE?
9:45
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.
30 min
3
Jigokudani(Hell Valley)
Parking MAPCODE:
603 287 235What is MAPCODE?
11:15
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.
45 min
4
Cape Chikyu
Parking MAPCODE:
159 195 015What is MAPCODE?
13:00
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.
45 min
5
Mt.Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
321 433 439What is MAPCODE?
14:45
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.
10 min
6
Inn in Lake Toya
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:30
Toyako (Lake Toya) Onsen is lined with a number of hot spring inns along the south side of Lake Toya.
There are many inns where you can see Lake Toya from the open-air bath, so it is recommended to stay at one of these.
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 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 Onsen 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:
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:
321 433 439What is MAPCODE?
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.
90 min
3
Shinsen Marsh
Parking MAPCODE:
398 551 606What 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.
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.
4
Cape Kamui
Parking MAPCODE:
932 582 268What is MAPCODE?
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:
164 635 785What is MAPCODE?
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
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.
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.
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 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 – Asahikawa
Start: Otaru (小樽)
Finish: Asahikawa (旭川)
Mileage:200km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day, you will head from Otaru to Asahikawa the 2nd largest city in Hokkaido.
1
Inn in Otaru
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 200km to Asahikawa. Although you can drive most of the part by expressway, it is a long distance and the travel pace will be fast.
5 min
2
Otaru City
Parking MAPCODE:
493 661 486 or walk from your innWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
It is also recommended to eat famous Sushi for lunch.
30min
3
Ishiya Chocolate factory(Shiroi Koibito Park)
Parking MAPCODE:
9 602 296What is MAPCODE?
12:30
After that, take the expressway(E5A) to Sapporo direction. Just before Sapporo, there is [Ishiya Chocolate Factory (Shiroi Koibito Park)], which is well-known as a museum and factory of “White Lover Chocolate”.
[Sapporo market outside market] is 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 fresh seafood lunch.
120min
Then, let’s skip Sapporo and head to Asahikawa. It is about 150 km from Sapporo to Asahikawa and takes about 2 hours. 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.
[Advice for those who want to travel Sapporo city]
Sapporo the Capitol of Hokkaido is a huge city. To avoid traffic jams and parking problems, traveling on foot in the city is more convenient.
If you would like to travel in Sapporo, it is better to return your car at Sapporo and stay there after the road trip.
4
Arashiyama Park Observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
79 456 019What is MAPCODE?
16:30
Once you reach Asahikawa city, this unknown observatory is recommended. If the weather is nice, you can see panoramic scenery with Asahikawa city and the amazing Daisetsuzan mountain range.
30min
5
Inn in Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
17:30
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.
Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most popular zoo in Japan because of their unique way to show the animals. Howeve, you need to be careful that Asahiyama zoo closes very early.
Beg May – Mid Oct 9:30-17:15(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Oct – Beg Nov 9:30-16:30(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Nov – Beg Apr 10:30-15:30(Last Ently15:00)
If you would like to visit here this day, please consider departing early and also skip some spots.
Or if you would like to enjoy Asahiyama zoo at a relaxing pace, you can consider staying at Asahikawa city one more night.
There are also amazing flower spots for Cherry Blossom and sunflowers along the drive route of the day.
[Sunflower field in Hokuryu town] is one of the best sunflower fields in Japan. If you will travel from end Jul-mid Aug, it is worth giving priority.
If you will travel from End Apr-Beg May, there is also amazing cherry blossom spots where is not well-known by foreign tourists and even local Japanese.
Please refer to the drive map and visit the place that suits your travel time.
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 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.
Asahikawa – Furano
Start: Asahikawa (旭川)
Finish: Furano(富良野)
Mileage:100km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day, you will leave Asahikawa and drive through the beautiful hills of Furano and Biei to Furano.
1
Inn in Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 60 to 100km, so you can travel at relaxing pace.
15 min
2
Asahiyama Zoo
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer belowWhat is MAPCODE?
9:30
The most famous zoo in Hokkaido, [Asahiyama Zoo], can be reached in 30 minutes from Asahikawa.
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.
Beg May – Mid Oct 9:30-17:15(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Oct – Beg Nov 9:30-16:30(Last Ently16:00)
Mid Nov – Beg Apr 10:30-15:30(Last Ently15:00)
If you would like to enjoy Asahiyama zoo at a relaxing pace, please consider staying one more night.
30 min
3
Blue Pond
Parking MAPCODE:
349 569 454What is MAPCODE?
12:30
After that, you will head to the famous [Blue Pond]. It has become known worldwide for being used as a wallpaper for Mac on Apple Computer.
On the way to Blue Pond, there is a road you should definitely take. It is a farm road called [Fujino Loute 2 (Daini)]. You can drive through the beautiful hills for 7km. This is a secret scenic road that Drive Japan luckily found that is not listed in guidebooks. There are no signs, so please refer to the MAPCODE on the drive map.
The Shirahige Falls is near Blue Pond. It is not well known, but it is worth a visit as well.
20 min
4
Shikisai no Oka
Parking MAPCODE:
349 701 217What is MAPCODE?
14:30
After that, you will head to the biggest highlight of the day [Shikisai no Oka]. The colorful flower fields on the vast hills will be a lifetime memory. You can enjoy it from the end of May to the end of October, but especially in September, and October, it is a wonderful place to visit.
25 min
5
Farm Tomita
Parking MAPCODE:
349 276 713What is MAPCODE?
16:00
Your last destination of the day is [Farm Tomita]. Lavender from mid-July to early August is very famous. Various flowers such as poppies and lupines bloom at other times, and you can fully enjoy them from mid-April to mid-October.
On the way to Farm Tomita, please go through the [Roller Coaster Road]. The 4.5km straight road that repeats ups and downs is a unique road named like a roller coaster.
25 min
6
Inn in Furano
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:30
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.
Along the drive route of the day, there are famous places of Kokia, Linaria, and lavender. Please refer to the drive map and visit the place that suits your travel time.
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 its 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 is 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 – Sapporo or Chitose
Start: Furano (富良野)
Finish: Sapporo or Chitose Airport (札幌or千歳)
Mileage: 140km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from Furano to New Chitose Airport.
1
Inn in Furano
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 140km. Depending on your fright schedule, you might skip some sightseeing sites we recommend here.
15 min
2
Farm Tomita
Parking MAPCODE:
349 276 713What is MAPCODE?
9:15
Your first destination of the day is [Farm Tomita] if you haven’t been there. Lavender from mid-July to early August is very famous, but at other times, various flowers such as poppies and lupines bloom, and you can fully enjoy it from mid-April to mid-October.
40min
3
Sandantaki Falles
Parking MAPCODE:
450 033 647What is MAPCODE?
11:00
Next, you will head to [Sandantaki Falles]. The waterfall proceeds in three stages (the name translates to a three-tiered waterfall) with rock formations creating interesting contrasts and a background of lush green forest adding even more depth.You can enjoy the autumn-colored leaves too.
90min
4
Kacha Ice Cream & Restaurant
Parking MAPCODE:
230 297 851What is MAPCODE?
13:30
Hokkaido is known for its delicious ice cream. It might be a good idea to drop by [Kacha Ice Cream & Restaurant]. Find and enjoy your favorites from various flavors of ice cream. If you haven’t had lunch yet, you can also enjoy kiln-baked pizza and curry.
If you are traveling in June and July, [Roadside Station Yubari Merodo] is another ideal spot for a break. You can enjoy seasonal Yubari melons at a reasonable price there.
15min
5
Rental car branch at Sapporo or New Chitose Airport
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
15:00
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.
It is also possible to go to [Otaru] on this day.
However, it takes 2 hours for a round trip from Sapporo to Otaru on the expressway. Even if you leave Asahikawa first thing in the morning and head straight, you will arrive at noon in Otaru, so please pay attention to the time allocation.
Also please note the following points.
・It is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for sightseeing in Otaru as there are many attractions.
・Most shops close at 17:00
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 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 are some hotels in and around the airport.
Once you return the car, the 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.