Summary
- Start
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Finish
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Mileage
Total 990km
170km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max. 4 nights - Recommended Seasons
Dec,Jan,Feb,Mar,Apr
This itinerary takes 6 days to circle east and central Hokkaido.
Due to long daily mileage and by staying consecutive nights in 1 city only, the travel pace is fast.
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 – Asahikawa(Sample)
Start: New Chitose Airport or Sapporo(新千歳空港or札幌)
Finish: Asahikawa (旭川)
Mileage:
From Sapporo: 180km
From Chitose Arirpot: 200km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Asahikawa directly.
1
Sapporo or Chitose
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 180-200km. We recommend heading directly to Asahikawa on the expressway(E5).
Because of long driving, please take a rest at Service Area(SA) along the express way. “Sunagawa SA” is recommended.
150 min
2
Taisetsu Ji Beer
Parking MAPCODE:
79 344 185What is MAPCODE?
11:30
Firstly, you will visit Taisetsu Ji Beer, where you can enjoy various Hokkaido gourmet foods. The building here is an old brick warehouse that has been renovated and has a very nice atmosphere, where you can enjoy Hokkaido’s famous Genghis Khan barbecue. However, alcohol is absolutely prohibited for drivers (drink driving is severely punished in Japan).
30 min
3
Asahiyama Zoo
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer belowWhat is MAPCODE?
12:50
After that, you will head to the biggest highlight of the day [Asahiyama Zoo]. There are many winter-friendly animals, such as penguins, seals, polar bears and arctic foxes. Asahiyama Zoo is located about 30 minutes from the city center.
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
30 min
4
Otokoyama Sake Brewery
Parking MAPCODE:
79 469 197What is MAPCODE?
15:15
Afterwards, you will take a sake factory tour at the Otokoyama Sake Brewery. It is one of Hokkaido’s representative sake brewers and is also famous as a popular tourist facility.
Brewery website
15 min
5
Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:20
Asahikawa, where you will stay on this day, is the second largest city in Hokkaido. 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 check in before exploring the city.
Every year, in early February, the Asahikawa Winter Festival is held with the theme of “a festival of snow, ice and lights.” There are many snow sculptures made by citizens. At night, the snow sculptures are lit up, and projection mapping using the large snow sculptures is performed on a special stage. The festival is held on the banks of the Ishikari River on the north side of Tokiwa Park. About 2km north of Asahikawa Station. Please refer to the Drive Map for more information.
If you have time and are a bit hungry, It might be fun to visit Asahikawa Ramen Village. There, you may be able to find the one you like from among the various types of ramen.
Please refer to the driving map.
The driving map will show an additional 10-20 spots for the day. You will travel only to your favorite spots. Click the pin on the map and input the parking MAPCODE into your car navigation system (GPS). It will guide you to the nearest parking lot for each spot!
On this day, you will stay in Asahikawa city(旭川), which is the 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 – Abashiri 🔒
Start:Asahikawa(旭川)
Finish:Abashiri (網走)
Mileage:220km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day, you will head from Asahikawa to Abashiri.
1
Asahikawa
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is 230km, which is the longest on this trip, so we recommend leaving Asahikawa before 9:00 at the latest. You will be driving on the expressway (E39) for the first half and on the public road for the second half.
150 min
2
Revolving Sushi Toriton(Engaru)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:30
After driving a long distance on the expressway, please enjoy lunch at a sushi restaurant. This is a revolving sushi restaurant, but you can eat very fresh sushi at a more reasonable price than in Sapporo.
120 min
3
Cape Notoro
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:15
Next, you will head to Cape Notoro, which is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the beautiful and mysterious drift ice and the white world of icefalls. Road Abashiri Park Line, also known as the “Misaki Line”, is a scenic road where you can enjoy a comfortable drive even in winter. Drift ice can usually be seen from early February to early March.
25 min
4
Okhotsk drift ice museum
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:30
After that, you will go to the Okhotsk drift ice museum and learn about drift ice, preparing for tomorrow’s drift ice cruise.
10 min
5
Abashiri
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:30
Abashiri, where we stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Since the number of restaurants is quite limited, it is recommended to make a reservation at a hot spring inn with a plan to half board. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 5 pm at the latest.
Every year in early February, the Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival is held at Abashiri Port. It is highly recommended anyone traveling right around this time to go. Snow and ice sculptures are set up at the venue, and you can enjoy the taste of Abashiri along with various stage events. Abashiri Port is located 2.5 km east of Abashiri Station. Please refer to the Drive Map for more information.
The driving map will show an additional 10-20 spots for the day. You will travel only to your favorite spots. Click the pin on the map and input the parking MAPCODE into your car navigation system (GPS). It will guide you to the nearest parking lot for each spot!
On this day, you will stay at Abashiri(網走). The inns are spread from the east side of Lake Abashiri to the Abashiri station area.
- Inn Type
There are various styles of accommodations in Abashiri, from 3-star western-style hotels to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokan with an onsen. If you prefer a reasonably priced hotel, we recommend staying near Abashiri Station, and if you prefer a Ryokan with onsen, we recommend staying on the east side of Lake Abashiri. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for onsens 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.
Abashiri – Lake Akan 🔒
Start:Abashiri (網走)
Finish:Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
Mileage:160km
Travel Pace:Normal
On this day you will head from Abashiri to Lake Akan.
1
Abashiri
Parking MAPCODE:
8:50
The mileage on this day is 160km and normal, but it is early in the morning to get on the Icebreaker Aurora. Please arrive at the platform of the Icebreaker Aurora before 9:00 and complete the check-in procedures, so you will need to leave the hotel by 8:50 at the latest. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/).
10 min
2
Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
If you haven’t been yet, please take the [Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora] first thing of the day. This is a large ship that sails on the sea while breaking ice. You can see the ice floes that arrive every year off the coast of Abashiri Port up close, and you can enjoy a thrilling cruise as the vibrations and sounds of breaking the ice are transmitted directly to the boat.
Icebreaker Aurora departs at 9:30 most days. Please arrive at the platform before 9:00 and complete her check-in procedures. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/). The cruise time is a little over an hour.
Time table and detail about Aurora
80 min
3
Lake Kussharo (Bihoro Pass Observatory)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:00
Next, you will head to [Bihoro Pass Observatory]. This is a popular spot to view the Lake because from here visitors can experience one of the most panoramic views of Lake Kussharo. Especially in winter, you can see the mystical scenery of the sun shining on the surface of the lake in the morning.
National Route 243 has traffic restrictions on Bihoro Pass 1-3 times a year due to heavy snowfall, so be sure to check the weather and traffic information in advance. And even if there are no regulations, if you feel that driving on a mountain pass is dangerous, please skip this place without hesitation.
40 min
4
Lake Kussharo Sunayu
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:30
Next, you will head to [Lake Kussharo Sunayu]. This is a popular destination for photographers due to the abundance of swans and the stunning backdrop. Sunayu on the shores of Lake Kussharo is a natural hot spring. Therefore, the center of the lake is covered with ice in winter, but the lakeside is not frozen and becomes an open-air bath for swans. There is also a footbath here, so you can relax while watching the swans from the footbath.
20 min
5
Mt.Iou
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:20
Next, you will head to [Mt.Iou]. Mt. Iou is an active volcano covered in solidified lava and emits a great deal of smoke.
40 min
6
Lake Mashu
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
16:00
After enjoying Lake Kussyaro, you will head to [Lake Mashu]. The north side of Route 52 is closed in winter, so you will head to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observatory from the south side. Lake Mashu is famous as a beautiful lake with highly transparent water. Especially from the end of January to around February 20th every year, Lake Mashu is in the freezing season. It is especially beautiful to see the frozen ice in progress. The sapphire blue surface of the lake shines with the white frozen ice.
90 min
7
Inn in Lake Akan
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
18:30
Afterwards, you will head to Lake Akan via Route 241. There is also a mountain pass here on the way, so please drive carefully.
Lake Akan, where you stay on this day, is also a famous hot spring resort. Relax in the hot springs and rest your body.
7
Lake Akan AINU Kotan
Parking MAPCODE:
Walking distance from innsWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
Ainu Kotan Traditional Dance Schedule
10 min
If you are interested in activities in the snow, we recommend the snowshoe tours held at Lake Mashu or Lake Kussharo.
https://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/destinations/snowshoeing-under-the-lake-mashu-stars
The driving map will show an additional 10-20 spots for the day. You will travel only to your favorite spots. Click the pin on the map and input the parking MAPCODE into your car navigation system (GPS). It will guide you to the nearest parking lot for each spot!
On this day, you will stay at Lake Akan(阿寒湖) the tiny Onsen town that is famous for “Ainu Kotan”, the village of Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Many inns are concentrated on the south 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, be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Lake Akan – Lake Akan 🔒
Start:Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
Finish:Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
Mileage:0km
Travel Pace:Relaxing
On this day, you will stay in Lake Akan for the second consecutive night.
1
Inn in Lake Akan
Parking MAPCODE:
10:00
We recommend that you don’t drive on this day and just enjoy Lake Akan in winter.
2
Ice Land AKAN
Parking MAPCODE:
10:10
Why don’t you enjoy attractions that can only be experienced in winter at a leisure land called [Ice Land AKAN] on the frozen Lake Akan without driving a car on this day?
There are many fun attractions such as snowmobiles, banana boats, four-wheeled buggies, ice skating, walking skiing, and smelt fishing. During winter, such activities are held daily on the frozen Lake Akan.
The Lake Akan Ice Festival is held from early February to mid-March every year. There are fireworks in the cold weather, traditional Ainu ceremonies, eating and drinking corners, mini game corners on ice, and more. It starts at 19:30, so please go after dinner.
Source: Kushiro/Lake Akan Tourism Official Website 出典:釧路・阿寒湖観光公式サイト
3
Inn in Lake Akan
Parking MAPCODE:
17:00
On this day, you will stay in Lake Akan for the second consecutive night. Please enjoy the hot springs in the cold winter.
You are not driving on this day.
On this day, you will stay at Lake Akan(阿寒湖) the tiny Onsen town that is famous for “Ainu Kotan”, the village of Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Many inns are concentrated on the south 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, be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Lake Akan – Obihiro 🔒
Start:Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
Finish:Obihiro or Tomamu (帯広/トマム)
Mileage:
To Obihiro: 200km
To Tomamu: 250km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day you will head from Lake Akan to Obihiro or Tomamu.
1
Lake Akan
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is long and about 195km to Obihiro or 245km to Tomamu. Depending on the weather in Hokkaido in winter, road conditions can deteriorate, and road regulations may be tightened. Please be careful when driving.
Before checking out of the hotel, it is recommended to enjoy the natural phenomenon of the frigid Lake Akan. You may be able to see Frost Flowers, Diamond Dust, Kearashi (Frost smoke), etc. if the weather conditions are good in the early morning.
60 min
2
Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
Next, you will head to [Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary]. You can see red-crowned cranes here. Winter here is a photographer’s paradise. During the feeding season from November to March, photographers gather along the fence to capture the beauty of the red-crowned cranes in the viewfinder. Here you will find the scenery that symbolizes Hokkaido in winter.
30 min
3
Kushiro Marsh Observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:00
After seeing the red-crowned cranes, you head to the [Kushiro Marsh Observatory]. This is a representative base where you can see, learn about, and explore the Kushiro Marsh. From the observation room on the 3rd floor and the rooftop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the wetlands, the city of Kushiro, and the mountains of Akan.
120min
4
Ikeda Wine Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:00
Next, you will head to “Ikeda Wine Castle” via Expressway (E38). This is the most famous winery in Hokkaido, and you can see the inside of a brewery that imitates a castle in medieval Europe.
0:40
5
Obihiro
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
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. In particular, Obihiro is famous for pork rice bowls as a local gourmet. Please try it.
17:00
The driving map will show an additional 10-20 spots for the day. You will travel only to your favorite spots. Click the pin on the map and input the parking MAPCODE into your car navigation system (GPS). It will guide you to the nearest parking lot for each spot!
On this day, you will stay in Obihiro (帯広) city, located in the center of the vast Tokachi Plain and it is famous for its delicious agricultural products.
Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Obihiro Station
The inns are concentrated around Obihiro station. Convenient for dinner and walking around Obihiro City, but no inns offer onsen.
- 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.
②Tokachigawa Onsen(十勝川温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 10km east of Obihiro station. If you would like to stay in better accommodation with Onsen, here is recommended.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
Most inns provide an Onsen. Tokachigawa Onsen is a “Mall spring” which is among only a few places in the world good for skincare. - 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.
Obihiro – Sapporo/Chitose Airport🔒
Start: Obihiro (帯広)
Finish: Sapporo or New Chitose Airport (札幌or千歳)
Mileage:
To Sapporo: 210km
To Chitose Airport: 170km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Furano to New Chitose Airport or Sapporo.
1
Inn in Obihiro
Parking MAPCODE:
10:00
The mileage is about 170-210km. Depending on your fright schedule, Please adjust the time for snow activities for this day.
80 min
2
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:20
On this day, please enjoy some light snow activities at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Firstly, please take the gondola from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain and enjoy Muhyo (rime) Terrace. This place becomes Unkai (sea of clouds) Terrace in the summer. You can experience the superb view of Tomamu in winter. Enjoy the snow-covered trees and the majestic view of the snowy mountains.
You can also enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVksREPIKKk
If you want to enjoy more snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding in Tomamu, we recommend staying another night in Tomamu.
120min
3
Rental car branch at Sapporo or New Chitose Airport
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
16:30
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.
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.
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
Car Booking
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
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
- 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.