A Complete Hokkaido Itinerary: 6 Days, 5 Nights

Nowadays, many travelers go on a Hokkaido trip without joining a tour. Some rely on reviews and figure it out by trial and error, while others research and plan their own trip. This can lead to small mistakes, such as going back and forth between places, which can cost more money and travel time than necessary. So we'd like to recommend a 6-day, 5-night Hokkaido itinerary that covers all the popular spots, focusing only on the southern and central parts of the island, which are easy and convenient to travel to. This way, first-timers or beginners won't need to worry too much about getting around. The itinerary also isn't too packed, so you'll have time to take it slow — or if you're up for it, you can add more to the plan.

▌Day 1

Morning : Your flight should arrive at New Chitose Airport in the morning, around 7:00-9:30 AM. From there, take the JR train, changing at Minami-Chitose Station, to Hakodate Station — about a 3-hour journey. You'll reach Hakodate around 12:00-13:00. Since it's your first day and you're full of energy, plan for a busy day of sightseeing.

Afternoon : Visit Fort Goryokaku, the five-pointed star fort, an Edo-period fortress now open to the public in the area where the magistrate's office once stood at the fort's center, plus a tower offering a clear view of the fort's five-pointed star shape. Take tram line 2 or 5 to Goryokaku Koen Mae, then walk north another 750 meters.

In the late afternoon or evening, head to Mount Hakodate for the view, one of the three most beautiful night views in Japan. Take a bus from Hakodate Station straight to the summit (about 30 minutes).

By the time you've visited Fort Goryokaku and Mount Hakodate, it will be evening. We recommend shopping and having dinner at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, which feels very much like walking through old Japan. Once you're full and worn out, head back to your accommodation in Hakodate for the night before continuing on the next day.

▌Day 2

Morning : Walk around Hakodate Morning Market for fresh seafood. The recommended dish here is uni-ikura don, a rice bowl topped with sea urchin and salmon roe, or you can try catching a live squid and having it prepared right there. The market is not far from Hakodate Station — just walk to the right and cross the street to reach it. Afterward, check out of your accommodation and take the JR train to Sapporo Station, about 3.5 hours (arriving around 12:00-13:00 is best). Once you arrive, leave your luggage at Sapporo Station.

Afternoon : Head to the hot spring town of Jozankei Onsen, known as "Sapporo's living room" for its beautiful backdrop of scenery. Take bus number 7 or 8 from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to Jozankei Onsen, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Evening : After walking around or soaking until you feel relaxed, head back to Sapporo the same way by bus, then go shopping at Tanuki Koji by taking the Namboku subway line to Susukino Station, then leave through Exit 1 and walk until you find the penguin-shaped archway. Once you've walked enough, have ramen in Susukino, not far from Tanuki Koji. After you're full, stay overnight in Sapporo.

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▌Day 3

Morning-Afternoon : Travel to the town of Otaru, a small former port town that still retains its traditional Japanese charm. Take the JR train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (about 1 hour). Take in the view along Otaru Canal, lined with museums and Japanese restaurants in a romantic atmosphere. You could stroll around from morning until late afternoon, then explore Sakaimachi, a small shopping street where you can find fresh seafood and pick up the glassware this charming town is known for as a souvenir.

Evening : Head back to Sapporo and stay overnight. If you still have time, we recommend walking around the JR Sapporo Station area to pick up a few things from the well-known department stores there.

▌Day 4

Today you have an option. If you're traveling during peak flower season, we recommend going to Furano - Biei; otherwise, we recommend Noboribetsu.

Visiting during flower season: Furano-Biei:

Morning : Travel to the town of Furano to see the flower fields. Take the train to Kami-Furano Station, then walk up the hill — or if that's not convenient, you can take a taxi, about 5 minutes. You'll find flower fields of stunning beauty with the Tokachi mountain range as a backdrop. You can walk around or ride a tractor-pulled cart through the fields to admire the scenery, whichever you prefer.

Afternoon : Continue on to Aoiike, or Blue Pond. Take the train from Kimifurano Station to Biei Station, then take a bus to Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi. You'll find a bright blue pond formed by certain minerals from the volcano (this can be skipped if you're feeling too tired). Once you're done sightseeing, head back to Sapporo and stay overnight.

At other times: visiting the hot spring town of Noboribetsu:

Morning - Afternoon : Head to Noboribetsu Onsen, said to be the most famous hot spring in Hokkaido, thanks to its 9 different types of mineral hot springs. Take the JR train to Noboribetsu Station, then a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen. Soak in the onsen for a while, or just walk around taking photos, whichever you prefer. Then continue walking north and you'll find Jigokudani, the "Hell Valley," a striking natural valley that is the source of the Noboribetsu hot springs.

Evening-Night : You can head back to your favorite area of Sapporo, such as Susukino, Odori, Tanuki Koji, or Sapporo Station, since you probably haven't finished exploring them yet.

▌Day 5

Morning + Afternoon : To wrap up your trip, explore Sapporo further before heading home. You can choose where to go yourself, so here's a list of great spots:

Go on the Chocolate Factory Tour (Shiroi Koibito) For anyone who loves sweets, especially the white chocolate-filled butter cookies that are a famous Hokkaido treat, we recommend trying the Shiroi Koibito chocolate factory tour at least once, since you'll get to see every step of making these delicious cookies, and you can also buy other sweets at a special price to try. From Odori Station, take the Tozai subway line to Miyanosawa Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the factory.

Stop by Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo's broadcasting tower, standing 144 meters tall, offering views of the city from a height of 90 meters. If you're lucky enough to catch a festival happening at the time, you'll see the lively crowds and parade. You can also walk around the park at the base of the tower. To get there, take the train to Odori Station, Exit 27, then walk another 5 minutes.

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, the most famous beer museum in Japan (and the beer is one of the best-selling in Japan too). Inside, you'll find the history of the brand, the beer-making process, and best of all, beer tastings (for a fee). If this sounds like your kind of thing, take the train to Odori Station, then transfer to the Loop 88 Factory bus to reach the museum.

Evening : Take the ropeway up Mount Moiwa (Moiwayama), a famous mountain in Sapporo, to enjoy the city view. We recommend reaching the summit before it gets fully dark for the most beautiful views.

Once you've finished sightseeing, stay overnight in Sapporo again before preparing to head home the next day.

▌Day 6

On the last day, head to New Chitose Airport for your flight home.

And that's the 6-day, 5-night Hokkaido travel itinerary. However, this is just a rough plan, and you can adjust it as you like. We're confident this Hokkaido trip won't disappoint you.

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