In case you’re dreaming of broad open landscapes, recent mountain air, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of big-city Japan, Hokkaido is the proper place to discover. Sam Singleton, Hokkaido skilled, has put this 7-day Hokkaido winter itinerary collectively for individuals who need to go to the island for the primary time.
I’ve lived in and travelled round Hokkaido for practically a decade, and I nonetheless can’t get sufficient of the island’s snow festivals, frozen lakes and idyllic open-air sizzling springs.
Every week-long Hokkaido journey presents the possibility to attempt a few of Japan’s nice out of doors experiences. You may go to snow-dusted cities that appear like one thing out of a postcard, try the well-known Sapporo Snow Competition, attempt snowshoeing in a nationwide park, soak in a snowbound onsen, and heat up with infinite bowls of buttery miso ramen and recent seafood.
Though Hokkaido is a well-liked vacation spot for winter sports activities, what continues to shock me is how peaceable it all the time feels. Exterior of the principle ski resorts, you’ll usually have whole streets, trails, and sizzling springs nearly to your self.
So should you’re planning a winter journey to Japan and wish one thing slightly totally different, this 7-day Hokkaido winter itinerary is a superb place to begin. It’ll take you thru a number of the greatest spots in Hokkaido, a winter wonderland that’s assured to have one thing particular ready for you.
Hokkaido Itinerary Overview & Map
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and the most important of all its prefectures. All that area means that there’s a lot of exploring to do, from the massive metropolis lights of Sapporo within the west to the wilds of the jap Shiretoko Peninsula.
This 7-day Hokkaido winter itinerary focuses on Hokkaido’s most well-known and well-travelled sights, that are helpfully clustered within the south-western peninsula that stretches down in direction of the island of Honshu. It’s what I personally advocate to anybody who’s visiting this stunning island for the primary time.
Observe the route map beneath for snow-covered landscapes, steaming out of doors onsen, and a number of the greatest cold-season experiences Japan has to supply.
7-day Hokkaido Itinerary for Winter
Right here is my 7-day Hokkaido itinerary, crafted for first-time guests coming in winter. You may copy this plan precisely, or make adjustments to match your journey type.
Sapporo (Day 1-2)
We begin our Hokkaido journey within the north island’s largest metropolis, Sapporo. Most travellers arrive at New Chitose Airport simply exterior of the town. Sapporo has by far the most important practice station in Hokkaido and loads of rental automotive choices out there, making it an amazing place to begin your Hokkaido journey.
From New Chitose Airport, you’ll be able to hire a automotive immediately or purchase bus and practice tickets to take you to Sapporo. Taxis are additionally an choice, however bear in mind that the drive takes about an hour and shall be fairly costly.
I personally advocate the practice, because it’s easy to search out the platform and purchase tickets. Trains to Sapporo run a number of instances per hour, so when you get a ticket, simply hop on the subsequent out there practice heading in that path.
As soon as in Sapporo, you’ll need to choose up both an area Sapica card or one other IC card, akin to Suica or Pasmo, as quickly as doable. These pay as you go e-money playing cards make it extra handy to make use of most public transport within the metropolis, and will also be used at merchandising machines and sure outlets.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to obtain a digital model of those playing cards in your cellphone and faucet it on the ticket barrier, similar to you’d a card.
The primary three days of this journey are based mostly in Sapporo with day journeys exterior of the town, so it’s a good suggestion to ebook one lodge in Sapporo for all three days and use it as your private home base. You may then go away your heavy baggage within the lodge and convey a day bag with you whereas exploring.
I all the time advocate staying as near the centre of downtown Sapporo as doable. Perfect areas are close to Sapporo Station, Odori Park, or Susukino.
Sapporo Station makes for straightforward entry to each main transit line within the metropolis, whereas Odori Park is a superb space inside strolling distance of most outlets and near most of the metropolis’s well-known landmarks. Susukino is full of eating places and bars, but it surely’s additionally the nightlife district so it may be noisy and crowded at night time.
Day 1 – Sapporo
Sapporo is a snow lover’s paradise with heavy snowfall all through the winter. Moderately than disguise from it, the locals have embraced the snow and crammed the town’s calendar with quite a lot of occasions that remember all issues wintertime.
Sapporo is a fairly large metropolis and you might spend all seven days exploring it should you needed. However should you’re excited to discover the remainder of Hokkaido, two days gives you an amazing general impression of Sapporo and help you see most of the highlights of this wintry metropolis.
Here’s what I like to recommend doing in your first day in Sapporo:
- Take images on the Clock Tower: Inbuilt 1878, Sapporo’s Clock Tower is a beloved native landmark. Make a short cease throughout your journey to study slightly about Sapporo’s historical past and snap a photograph with this image of the town.
- Go to the Sapporo Snow Competition: In case you’re fortunate sufficient to go to in early February, you’ll be capable of catch the Sapporo Snow Competition, one among Japan’s hottest winter occasions. Unfold over a number of websites, the pageant options big snow sculptures and concert events at Odori Park, in addition to smaller, intricate ice sculptures displayed in Susukino. Go to within the daytime to see all the particulars or at night time for spectacular mild exhibits. Simply bear in mind to wrap up heat!
- View the Christmas decorations at Sapporo Manufacturing unit: The Sapporo Manufacturing unit leisure complicated is nice for procuring, however many individuals don’t know that it additionally hosts a number of the greatest Christmas decorations within the metropolis. Look out for the massive tree within the atrium and the large Santa sliding down the outdated smokestack exterior.
- Take a tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum: Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer in Japan, and Sapporo beer is without doubt one of the oldest and hottest Japanese manufacturers. You may study extra about the place Japan’s love affair with beer began on the Sapporo Beer Museum, positioned subsequent to Sapporo Manufacturing unit. The museum presents every day excursions with a beer tasting session on the finish.
- Take pleasure in Odori Park from above at Sapporo TV Tower: Whether or not you go to in the course of the Snow Competition or not, the Odori Park is a superb place to discover within the heart of Sapporo. Purchase tickets for the TV Tower on the east finish for unrivalled views of the park and surrounding downtown space.
- Heat up with some soup curry: In any case of that exploring exterior within the chilly, it’s time to heat your self up with a bowl of scrumptious soup curry. My private favourites are Suage Soup Curry and Rojiura Curry SAMURAI, however you actually can’t go mistaken anyplace. Make certain to regulate the spiciness to your personal tolerance whereas ordering.
Day 2 – Sapporo
Your second day in Sapporo is a superb alternative to dive into the town’s culinary and procuring scenes, whereas catching some extra nice views of the snow-covered metropolis. Here’s what I like to recommend doing in your second day in Sapporo:
- Take breakfast at Nijo Seafood Market: This public market presents super-fresh seafood from 7:00 am day-after-day of the week, making it good to seize an early morning kaisendon, or seafood bowl. Make certain to attempt the native specialties: crab and sea urchin.
- Store at Sapporo Station: Sapporo Station isn’t simply the town’s practice hub; it’s additionally one of many largest procuring facilities in Hokkaido. This sprawling complicated is stuffed with distinctive choose outlets and model names promoting every little thing you might think about. It’s an amazing place to choose up souvenirs or discover fashionable Japanese merchandise.
- Journey the Mount Moiwa Ropeway: Head to the summit of Mount Moiwa for a number of the metropolis’s most spectacular panoramic views. Take the native Shiden tram to the Ropeway Iriguchi cease after which catch the Moiwayama Ropeway gondola as much as the summit. In case you’re prepared to courageous the chilly, the view is even higher at night time!
- Eat, drink and be merry in Susukino: After a protracted day of exploring, it’s time to summon that final little bit of vitality and head to Susukino. With a whole lot of bars, izakaya and eating places coupled with an electrical environment, Susukino is the place to be as soon as the solar goes down.
- Strive a bowl of Sapporo’s specialty miso ramen: Whereas butter corn ramen will get quite a lot of consideration from Japanese gourmets, Sapporo’s true signature ramen flavour is miso. Head to Ramen Alley (Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho) close to Susukino and select any store that piques your curiosity; they’re all glorious!
- Sit down for a jingisukan BBQ: If you wish to be a bit extra adventurous, you may as well attempt one other Hokkaido native specialty referred to as jingisukan, a grilled mutton BBQ named after the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan. It’s a favorite amongst locals and you will discover jingisukan eating places all around the metropolis.
Alternatively, Sapporo has a couple of glorious ski resorts very near the town should you’d want to hit the slopes for the day. You may skip the procuring and head straight by bus to both of the 2 closest resorts to Sapporo: Teine or Kokusai. Teine is a little more accessible and beginner-friendly, however I personally assume that Kokusai has higher ski runs general.
Otaru Day Journey (Day 3)
After exploring Sapporo, it’s time to go to the neighbouring city of Otaru. This charming port city is nestled between the ocean and mountains with a picturesque canal working proper by the center. It’s well-known for its speciality glass-blown gadgets and music containers, in addition to tremendous recent seafood.
Whereas you may get lodging in Otaru, it’s so near Sapporo that I like to recommend most individuals keep in a single day in Sapporo and make this a day journey as a substitute.
Otaru is simply accessible by way of bus or practice from downtown Sapporo. In case you select to take the bus, you’ll need to use the Hokkaido Chuo Bus line. The journey will take about one hour and a one-way fare prices ¥730.
Alternatively, there are trains departing from Sapporo Station a number of instances per hour alongside the JR Hakodate Primary Line that’ll take you to Otaru as effectively. Fast trains will take about half-hour whereas native trains will take round 50 minutes. A one-way practice ticket will price ¥800 per particular person.
Listed below are a number of the greatest issues to see and do on a day journey to Otaru:
- Take a stroll alongside Otaru Canal: Strolling alongside the canal presents an amazing little stroll by city, previous quite a lot of native outlets you can pop into on the best way. In February, Otaru holds the Snow Mild Path Competition, the place practically your entire metropolis turns into embellished with lanterns and snow statues. The very best views in the course of the pageant are proper alongside the canal.
- Go to a Kitaichi Glass store: Kitaichi Glass is a storied glass maker that originates in Otaru. There are 18 shops positioned all through the town and selecting up a few of their well-known glassware makes for a wonderful, if fragile, memento.
- Discover Otaru Music Field Museum: Otaru can also be well-known for its music containers and the Otaru Music Field Museum, proper off the principle Sakaimachi procuring avenue, is the perfect place to study in regards to the craft. Whilst you’re there, choose up one of many numerous types of intricately handcrafted music containers they’ve on the market.
- Strive a bowl of recent kaisendon: A lot of Sapporo’s recent seafood is delivered to shore in Otaru. Whereas right here, you’ll be able to seize a bowl of kaisendon from any of the quite a few little eating places downtown. Every bowl contains the native catch of the day, and adjustments with the seasons. Throughout wintertime look out for the recent yellowtail, jumbo botan shrimp and even some native oysters.
- Tour Nikka Whiskey Distillery: It’s price taking a brief journey out of Otaru to the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, positioned in close by Yoichi. Admission is free and you are able to do a self-guided tour with English informational shows at every cease. There’s additionally a tasting room on the finish of the tour the place you’ll be able to pattern numerous Nikka whiskies for a charge. If you wish to expertise the distillery in full and luxuriate in a free tasting, take into account reserving a spot on a guided tour – simply bear in mind that every one excursions are performed in Japanese. From Otaru, it’s greatest to take a 30-minute native practice from Otaru Station to Yoichi Station after which stroll proper down the road to the distillery.
Niseko (Day 4)
Hokkaido is known for a number of the greatest powder on the planet and Niseko is without doubt one of the greatest locations to search out it on the island. Whether or not you’re an skilled skier or simply beginning out, you’ll need to make time to hit the slopes at this internationally acclaimed ski resort.
You can also make a day journey from Sapporo to Niseko and again, however you’ll probably really feel rushed and have a restricted period of time on the mountain. It’s significantly better to keep one night time in Niseko to spend as a lot time as doable on the slopes.
From Sapporo there are a couple of choices to get to Niseko with no automotive. Through the winter months, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Niseko Direct Shuttle and Hokkaido Resort Liner, all run immediately from Sapporo metropolis centre or New Chitose Airport to Niseko. One-way fares usually vary from ¥2,500-6,600 per particular person and the journey takes about three hours.
Another choice is to take the JR Prepare from Sapporo Station to Kutchan Station after which a bus or taxi to Niseko Village. The practice portion is totally lined by the JR Go and Hokkaido Rail Go, or one-way tickets will set you again about ¥2,500.
In case you take the practice, you’ll have to switch at Otaru Station to the JR Hakodate Line in direction of Kutchan. When you arrive at Kutchan Station, you’ll nonetheless have to take a bus, taxi or prearranged lodge shuttle into Niseko village close to the ski resort.
I like to recommend making a one-way journey to Niseko and reserving a lodge within the space. That manner, you’ll be able to hit the slopes as early as you need the subsequent morning with out coping with the lengthy trek into Niseko.
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya (Day 5-6)
For the fifth and sixth days of our itinerary, it’s time to relaxation these sore legs and loosen up in a world-famous onsen within the mountains of Hokkaido.
Noboribetsu Onsen is Hokkaido’s most well-known onsen sizzling spring resort. It presents a number of the greatest pure sizzling springs in Japan and spectacular pure parks such because the Jigokudani “Hell Valley”.
Lake Toya is a picturesque lake initially created from the caldera of an enormous volcanic eruption over 100,000 years in the past. Now, it’s a fashionable resort city with enchanting views of the lake and entry to tons of outside actions. The lake is a private favourite of mine and I all the time discover time to go to or camp there yearly.
From Niseko, you’ll be able to head to both Noboribetsu Onsen or Lake Toya. Staying for two nights at both place gives you the time it’s good to loosen up and discover the gorgeous environment. You can additionally keep in every place for a single night time and get the perfect of each worlds.
There’s lots to see and do when you’re within the space:
- Hike by Jigokudani “Hell Valley”: Positioned simply fifteen minutes on foot from the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal, Jigokudani is a crater valley stuffed with effervescent sulphuric sizzling springs and volcanic steam plumes. There are many effectively maintained mountain climbing paths by the valley and surrounding woodlands. I additionally extremely advocate stopping to soak your drained ft within the River Oyunuma Pure Footbath.
- Soak in Noboribetsu Onsen: Noboribetsu is full of onsen so that you can take pleasure in. I like to recommend both the Daiichi Takimotokan or Noboribetsu Grand Resort. The Daiichi Takimotokan is a very good selection, because it presents a number of swimming pools fed from totally different sources, every with assorted mineral contents and reported well being advantages. Keep in mind that most onsen require you to wash bare and also you’ll have to cowl up any tattoos earlier than getting into.
- Go to Upopoy Nationwide Ainu Museum and Park: The Ainu individuals have been the unique inhabitants of what’s now Hokkaido and the Upopoy Nationwide Ainu Museum and Park is the perfect place to study their wealthy historical past. Whilst you’re there, try the standard village space to get some hands-on expertise of Ainu tradition. The museum is a 10-15 minute stroll from Shiraoi Station which might be reached by native practice from Noboribetsu.
- Discover Lake Toya: This stunning little city sits on the sting of Lake Toya, a donut-shaped lake shaped from an historic volcanic eruption. You may take a stroll alongside a portion of the lake, take a ferry to Nakanoshima within the centre of the lake, or hire some snow sneakers and discover the encompassing mountain trails.
Hakodate (Day 7)
We’re nearing the tip of our week in Hokkaido, so we’ll end the journey in one of many island’s most well-known cities. Hakodate is the northernmost endpoint for the Hokkaido Shinkansen line, however this historic port metropolis has a singular character all its personal.
To get to Hakodate from Noboribetsu Onsen, it’s best to take a bus into city and take the Hokuto Restricted Categorical from Noboribetsu Station. The journey takes roughly 3-3.5 hours and prices ¥8,240 one-way.
You too can catch the Hokuto Restricted Categorical from Toya Station close to Lake Toya. From right here, the practice prices ¥6,250 and takes round two hours. All JR Restricted Categorical trains between Sapporo and Hakodate cease at each Toya Station and Noboribetsu Station and are lined by the Japan Rail Go.
Right here’s how it’s best to spend your day in Hakodate:
- Catch the Mount Hakodate night time view: A famend panorama of the town might be seen from the summit of Mount Hakodate at night time. You may attain the Mount Hakodate Observatory by ropeway or automotive.
- Go to Fort Goryōkaku: This star-shaped fort was constructed on the finish of the Edo interval (1603–1868) and was the positioning of the ultimate battle of the Boshin Struggle, which ended the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and ushered in Japan’s fashionable period. These days, it’s a beautiful public park with hundreds of cherry bushes lining the intricate moats. Springtime supplies the perfect viewing, however even in winter the fort could be very scenic.
- Seize a burger at Fortunate Pierrot: This hamburger and quick meals chain is unique to Hakodate and every retailer within the metropolis has a distinct theme. It makes for an amazing lunch spot the place you’ll discover locals and travellers alike lining up for the well-known Chinese language Rooster Burger.
- Take pleasure in a bowl of shio ramen: Hokkaido is known for 3 forms of ramen: miso, soy sauce, and salt, or shio in Japanese. Hakodate is the house of shio ramen and I extremely advocate attempting it when you’re there.
Find out how to Get Round Hokkaido
Renting a automotive is the simplest option to get round Hokkaido. The island is deceptively massive and getting between areas can take time, particularly should you’re travelling to locations like Shiretoko Nationwide Park or Wakkanai. The very best locations to hire a automotive are both Sapporo or at New Chitose Airport.
Whereas public transit between all of those locations is feasible, it normally requires a number of connections and received’t be practically as handy as having your personal car. In case you’re nervous about driving in Japan, take coronary heart in the truth that Hokkaido has a number of the least crowded roads in all of Japan.
In case you do determine to forego the rental automotive, then I extremely advocate choosing a rail go throughout your keep. The Japan Rail Go will cowl you for all trains between areas on this itinerary. For extra details about whether or not the go is best for you, try our JR Rail Go information.
In case you’re solely visiting Hokkaido or simply need to get a rail go for these seven days, you’ll be able to go for a Hokkaido Rail Go as a substitute. Supplied in 5, seven, or ten-day intervals, this go covers all JR practice rides in Hokkaido. You’ll need the total Hokkaido Rail Go to observe this itinerary, however you might additionally attempt the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Space Go and Sapporo-Furano Space Go should you’re searching for a shorter, cheaper and extra targeted go.
How Many Days is Sufficient for Hokkaido?
One week is sufficient to see a number of the main highlights of Hokkaido. This gives you sufficient time to totally discover the south of the island from Sapporo to Hakodate, whereas experiencing the perfect of the wealthy tradition, meals and out of doors actions the island has to supply.
Hokkaido is an enormous island, and you might simply spend much more time exploring. Outside lovers specifically could take pleasure in bear recognizing in Shiretoko Nationwide Park or viewing sea ice on a cruise within the Okhotsk Sea close to Abashiri. Nevertheless, these locations require a day or extra of driving to entry.
In case you solely have one week, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in a style of what Hokkaido has to supply. However don’t be stunned should you go away dreaming of your subsequent journey to the north of Japan.
Conclusion – Is Hokkaido Price Visiting?
Whereas most individuals consider Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto once they plan their journey to Japan, Hokkaido is effectively price a devoted journey in its personal proper. It presents a distinct view of Japan, a pure respite away from all the hustle and bustle of the massive cities.
Having lived right here for simply shy of a decade, I wholeheartedly advocate exploring Hokkaido to expertise one other aspect of Japan. Each season has one thing particular: cherry blossoms within the springtime, huge lavender fields and mountain climbing galore in the summertime, unrivalled fall foliage in autumn, world-class snowboarding within the wintertime, and a few of Japan’s greatest seafood year-round.
Hokkaido is a superb alternative should you’re eager to get off the overwhelmed path and discover a few of Japan’s different islands. However this northern wonderland shouldn’t be the one various journey Japan has to supply. Try our Kyushu and Shikoku itineraries to find extra of Japan’s islands and expertise a distinct aspect to this distinctive nation.
