Hokkaido 11 Days Itinerary-C

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

１０：００
The mileage on this day is about 55km, so you can travel comfortably.

１０：３５

The first stop of the day is the [Nitori Sightseeing Orchard]. This is a very famous orchard and is highly recommended to visit. Depending on when you visit and the time of year, you will have different types of fruit to pick.

１２：２０

Next, you will head to [Old Villa (Bettei)] which is a very beautiful old home with a nice pretty Japanese garden. This villa has become a symbol of herring fishing and the Aoyama family was very successful because of the herring. The villa has a very lavish style and took 6 years to be completed. You can sit back and relax with a coffee at the Villa’s restaurant, Kihinkan(貴賓館).

１３：３０

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 you will be interested to visit: the area around the “Otaru Canal” and the “Sakaimachi-dori shopping street” are the main areas.
●[Otaru Canal] is a symbol of the city and a must spot. You can also have a fantastic and romantic time on a popular canal cruise.
●[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.
●[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 every day 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.

●The 3-story brick building [Music Box Museum] is a music box specialty store that boasts a large number of items.

１７：３０

You will stay in Otaru for the second consecutive night. Please spend a relaxing night in Otaru on the second day.

９：００

The mileage is about km 160 to Furano. Although you can drive most of the part by expressway, it is a long distance and the travel pace will be fast.

９：０５

First thing in the morning, please go to places in Otaru city that you couldn’t go to the day before. For parking in Otaru, please use the hotel where you stayed or [Otaru City Parking (小樽駐車場)].
In Otaru city, you will be sightseeing on foot. Here are some spots you will be interested to visit: the area around the “Otaru Canal” and the “Sakaimachi-dori shopping street” are the main areas.

After this, you will need to take a long drive to Furano, so please finish your tour of Otaru by noon at the latest and head to your next destination.

●[Otaru Canal] is a symbol of the city and a must spot. You can also have a fantastic and romantic time on a popular canal cruise.
●[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.
●[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.

●The 3-story brick building [Music Box Museum] is a music box specialty store that boasts a large number of items.

１２：３０

Next, you will head to [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.

１５：００

After that, take the expressway (E5) to Asahikawa direction. It is about 130 km from Sapporo to Furano 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.
Your next destination is [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.

１６：３０

[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.

１７：４０

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.

９：００

The mileage is about 60 to 100km, so you can travel at relaxing pace. However, if you want to go to Asahiyama Zoo, please leave as early as possible in the morning and try to arrive at least 2 hours before closing.

９：１５

If you haven’t been there yet, please visit [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.

１０：４０

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.

In addition, the area from Kamifurano, where Shikisai no Oka is located, to Biei is dotted with farm restaurants, making it ideal for lunch.

１３：００

After that, if you still have time, head to the famous [Blue Pond]. It has become known worldwide for being used as wallpaper for Mac on Apple Computer.
3 min driving from Blue Pond is Shirahige Falls. It is not well known, but it is worth a visit as well.

１５：００

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.

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.

１６：３０

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.

８：００

The mileage is 210km-280km, which is the longest on this trip, so it is recommended to leave Asahikawa to leave the latest at 9 o’clock.

９：３０

The first destination is [Mt. Daisetsu Sounkyo Ropeway]. Especially in autumn, you can see the most magnificent autumn leaves in Hokkaido.

１１：００

Also, 2km away from Sounkyo, there are two dynamic waterfalls, [Ginga & Ryusei Falls], with wonderful heights of 90m and 120m.

１３：００

After that, you will cross the Ishikita Pass for about 60km and head for [Kitakitsune Fox Farm]. The foxes with adorable fluffy coats will welcome you. The roadside station is also adjacent, so it’s perfect for a break.

１５：５５

The last spot of the day is [Cape Notoro]. It is a spot where you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk.

１７：１０

Abashiri, where we stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 6 pm at the latest.

９：００

The mileage is about 180km.

１０：００

The first destination is Lake Kussharo [Bihoro Pass Observatory], which is the biggest highlight of the day. The panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan and the second largest in the world, is called the “superb view of the world”, and from here you can see the Shiretoko mountain range and Mt. Daisetsuzan.

In addition, Route 243 from Bihoro Pass to Lake Kussharo is a road where you can enjoy an exhilarating drive, which is ranked 28th in the touring course ranking of a motorcycle magazine. Drive through the beautiful contrast between the green of bamboo grass and the blue of the lake.

１１：３０

While driving along Lake Kussharo, you will aim for the next destination [Mt. Iou]. The eruption that blows out while making a rumbling noise is very dynamic. You can also see yellow sulfur crystals.

１２：４０

It is recommended to have lunch around Mt. Iou. If you like ramen, please try the local ramen [Teshikaga ramen] that represents Eastern Hokkaido.

１４：１０

After lunch, you will head to the next lake, Lake Mashu. It is called Mashu Blue because of its second highest transparency in the world and a depth of 211m, and the appearance of the sky reflected on the surface of the lake is like a huge mirror. There are multiple observatories on Lake Mashu, but if you are traveling on a driving trip, the view of [Lake Mashu No.3 observatory], which is not accessible by bus, is the best, and parking is free, so it is recommended.

１６：００
After that, you will head to Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site. Stop by the observatory called “Road to the Sky” on the way. Originally known only to local bikers, the name comes from the sight of a 28km straight road leading to the sky. Must see.

１７：００
Utoro town in Shiretoko where you stay on this day is a hot spring resort. About 8km before Shiretoko, there is Oshinkoshin Falls just next to the coastal main road. It is recommended if you have time.

１０：００
The mileage on this day is about 30km, so you can travel comfortably.

１０：０５

The first sightseeing of the day is [Shiretoko Sightseeing Ships]. From mid-April to mid-November, sightseeing ship cruises are operated along the western coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula. You can see Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site, from the sea. Several companies operate ships, but we recommend Aurora, a large ship. Also, there are two types of courses, but the short course, which takes about two hours, is recommended.
The first 3 sightseeing sites are very close, so you can park your car at [Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku] and walk to these 3 sightseeing sites.

１２：３０

After enjoying the Shiretoko cruise, please enjoy the spectacular Shiretoko views from the [Oronko Rock Observatory].
The path leading up to the observatory is narrow and steep, so please be careful when climbing.

１３：１５

For lunch on this day, we recommend [Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku]. You can easily enjoy a wide variety of meals.

１４：３０

Your final stop of the day is the [Shiretoko Five Lakes]. The Shiretoko Five Lakes are five mystical lakes nestled in a virgin forest against the backdrop of the Shiretoko mountain range. It is also a habitat for many wild animals. It is known as a scenic spot that symbolizes the world’s natural heritage Shiretoko, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery such as the sea, forests, mountains, and lakes all at once.

１７：００

On this day, you will stay in Shiretoko for the second consecutive night. Please spend a relaxing time in Shiretoko, a World Heritage site.

９：００

The mileage is long and about 200km, and there is no expressway section. Also, since there are many highlight sites, we strongly recommend that you leave around 8 to 9 o’clock.

９：２０

The first destination is Shiretoko Five Lakes, a World Natural Heritage Site. You can stroll along the wooden path while watching Shiretoko’s magnificent mountains and lakes. If you want to see all five lakes, you must take a guided tour, so make a reservation in advance.
If you are lucky, you may also see wild brown bears along the way.

１２：００

We recommend [Roadside Station Rausu] and [Jun no Banya] for lunch. You can enjoy seafood such as sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, and Kinki(Rare deep-sea fish, very expensive) at a much more reasonable price than in Tokyo or Sapporo. We definitely recommend eating here.

Roadside Station Shiretoko Rausu-MAPCODE 757 353 737
Jun no Banya-MAPCODE 757 353 276

１４：３０

From here, drive along the sea to [Kaiyodai]. After passing through North Route 19, which is a farm road nicknamed Milk Road, there is Kaiyodai, which overlooks grasslands and farmland to the horizon. There is a famous yogurt drink shop nearby, so you can stop by.

１６：００
After that, it is a long drive of 85km to Lake Akan, about an hour and a half.
Because of long distance, please take rest at the road sidestation along the way.

Lake Akan, where you stay on this day, is also a famous hot spring resort. Relax in the hot springs and rest your body.

１９：３０

One of the highlights at Lake Akan is [Akan AINU Kotan]. A place where you can experience the culture of the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, you can not only see their traditional dances every night in the theater but also do shopping in various woodcraft shops.
The theater and shops open till night and you can visit them after dinner.

９：００

The mileage is about 160km.

９：２０

The first destination is [Onneto]. It is a beautiful lake famous for its different colors of water depending on the season and time, and it is also a famous spot for autumn leaves.

１２：００

After that, you will head to [Naitai Highland Farm]. It is a 90km long drive from Onneto on a general road for an hour and a half, so please take a break at a roadside station on the way. In particular, Road Station Kamishihoro is one of the most fashionable road stations in Japan, which opened in 2020. From the Naitai Terrace on the farm on the mountain at an altitude of 800m, you can enjoy the best view of Hokkaido overlooking the vast Tokachi Plain.

GPS may not be able to properly direct you to this place. Please follow the below way.
1.Key in MC:679 103 687
2. Turn left at this junction.
3.Key in MC:679 127 048

１４：４５

After lunch, you will drive south on the vast Tokachi Plain to Shichiku Garden. The garden, which was created by an old woman when she was 62 years old and has been built over 20 years, is now a famous place visited by more than 100,000 people a year.

１６：２０

Obihiro is one of the leading cities in Hokkaido. There are many restaurants and food stalls on the north side of the station, so please enjoy dinner while strolling after checking in at the hotel.

９：００

The mileage is as long as 210km to Sapporo. About 140km of this is an expressway trip, but we recommend that you depart between 8:00 and 9:00 because it’s a long-distance drive. We recommend leaving as early as possible, especially if you want to go to Otaru, as most stores close at 17:00.
If you plan to fly from New Chitose Airport on this day, please see the end of the article.

９：１０

First of all, in the morning, we recommend the wonderful bakery [Mugioto Bakery] located 4km south of Obihiro. You can have breakfast on the terrace, or take it out to eat in the car as it’s a long way to go on this day.

Shintoku Town, north of Obihiro, is a soba-producing region, so Shintoku Soba is also recommended for lunch.

１１：００

After that, head to [Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain]. There are several places in Hokkaido where you can see brown bears, but this is the most recommended because you can see bears living in a natural way on a private bus in a safari park format.

１６：２０
This concludes your Hokkaido road trip.

①Returning a car at New Chitose Airport
When heading to New Chitose Airport, 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.

②Returning a car in Sapporo
When you return to Sapporo, the distance from the airport is about 60 km, 1 hour. Please 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.