Hokkaido 7-Day 6-Night Itinerary: Popular Spots, Food, and Shopping

Nowadays, many travelers explore Hokkaido independently without joining a tour. Some rely on reviews and figure things out through trial and error, while others research and plan their own trip. This can lead to small mistakes, such as backtracking between locations, which wastes both money and time. That's why we recommend this 7-day, 6-night Hokkaido itinerary covering all the popular spots. It focuses only on the southern and central parts of the island, which are easy and convenient to reach, so first-timers or beginners won't have to worry too much about getting around. The itinerary also isn't too packed, leaving room to explore at a relaxed pace — though if you're up for it, you can always add more to the schedule.

▌Day 1

Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport in the morning, around 07:00 - 09:30. From there, take a JR train and change at Minami-Chitose Station for Hakodate Station (about 3 hours), arriving around 12:00–13:00. Since it's your first day, make the most of it with an active start.

Afternoon: Visit Goryokaku Fort, the five-pointed star fort, an Edo-period fortress. Today you can tour the former magistrate's office at its center and climb the observation tower for a clear view of the fort's star shape. Take tram Line 2 or Line 5 to Goryokaku Koen Mae, then walk north for about 750 meters.

In the late afternoon or evening, head up to see the view from Mount Hakodate, one of Japan's three best night views. Take a bus from Hakodate Station to the summit (about 30 minutes).

After visiting Goryokaku Fort and enjoying the view from Mount Hakodate, it should be evening — a good time to go shopping and have dinner at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, which feels like stepping back into old Japan. Once you're full and worn out, head back to your accommodation in Hakodate for the night before continuing the next day.

▌Day 2

Morning: Walk around Hakodate Morning Market for fresh seafood. A recommended dish here is uni-ikura don, a rice bowl topped with sea urchin and salmon roe. You can also try squid fishing and have it prepared fresh on the spot. The market is close to Hakodate Station — just walk right and cross the street. Afterward, check out of your accommodation and take a JR train to Sapporo Station (about 3.5 hours; arriving around 12:00 - 13:00 is ideal). When you arrive, store your luggage at Sapporo Station.

Afternoon: Head to Jozankei Onsen, known as "Sapporo's living room" for its beautiful natural backdrop. Take bus No. 7 or No. 8 from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to Jozankei Onsen (about 1 hour 15 minutes).

Evening: After relaxing and soaking in the hot spring, take the bus back to Sapporo and go shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Take the Namboku Subway Line to Susukino Station, exit 1, and walk until you spot the penguin-shaped archway. Once you're tired of walking, grab ramen in Susukino, not far from Tanukikoji. After dinner, stay overnight in Sapporo.

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▌Day 3

Morning to afternoon: Travel to Otaru, a small former port town that still retains its traditional Japanese charm. Take a JR train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (about 1 hour). Stroll along Otaru Canal, lined with museums and Japanese restaurants in a romantic setting. You can spend from late morning until late afternoon exploring here, then head to Sakaimachi Street, a small shopping street perfect for finding fresh seafood or picking up the town's signature glassware as souvenirs.

Evening: Return to Sapporo and stay overnight. If you have extra time, take a walk around JR Sapporo Station and pick up a few things from the well-known department stores in the area.

▌Day 4

Today you have two options: if you're visiting during summer when the flowers are in full bloom, head to Furano and Biei. Otherwise, visit the hot spring town of Noboribetsu.

If visiting during flower season: Furano-Biei

Morning: Head to Furano to see the flower fields. Take a train to Kami-Furano Station, then walk up the hill (or take a taxi if you prefer, about 5 minutes). You'll find stunning flower fields with the Tokachi mountain range as a backdrop. You can walk around or ride a tractor-drawn cart through the fields to admire the scenery.

Afternoon: Continue to Blue Pond (Aoiike). Take a train from Kami-Furano Station to Biei Station, then a bus to Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi. There you'll find a striking bright blue pond formed by volcanic minerals. (You can skip this if you're feeling too tired.) After sightseeing, head back to Sapporo for another overnight stay.

If visiting at other times: Noboribetsu Onsen

Morning - afternoon: Visit Noboribetsu Onsen, said to be Hokkaido's most famous hot spring area, with 9 different types of mineral-rich waters. Take a JR train to Noboribetsu Station, then a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen. Take some time to soak in the hot springs, or simply walk around and take photos. Continue north to reach Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a striking natural valley that is the source of Noboribetsu's hot spring water.

Evening: Head back to your favorite area in Sapporo — Susukino, Odori, Tanukikoji, or around Sapporo Station — since there's probably still more to explore.

▌Day 5

Today we'll visit a ski resort — a trip to Hokkaido wouldn't be complete without seeing the snowy slopes up close. Hokkaido is world-renowned for its ski resorts, drawing visitors from around the globe to its ski towns. The resort we recommend is Kiroro Ski Resort, a well-known resort not far from Sapporo. Getting there is easy: from Sapporo, take the JR Rapid Airport Line to JR Otaru Chikko Station (S13), about 13 minutes. From there, a free hotel shuttle bus is available. Non-skiers can spend about half a day here.

Afternoon: Head back into Sapporo to visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, Japan's most famous beer museum, run by one of Japan's best-selling beer brands. Inside, you'll learn about the brand's history and brewing process, and best of all, enjoy free beer tastings. To get there, take a train to Odori Station, then transfer to the Loop 88 Factory bus, which will take you right to the museum.

As evening falls, stop by Sapporo TV Tower, a 144-meter broadcasting tower, and enjoy the view of Sapporo from 90 meters up. If you happen to visit during a festival, you'll see lively crowds and parades, and you can also stroll through the park at the base of the tower. To get there, take the train to Odori Station, Exit 27, then walk 5 minutes.

▌Day 6

Morning: Visit the Chocolate Factory Tour (Shiroi Koibito). If you love sweets, especially the white chocolate butter cookies that Hokkaido is famous for, this factory tour is worth trying. You'll see every step of how these delicious cookies are made, and you can also buy other treats at special prices. Start from Odori Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Miyanosawa Station, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the factory.

Afternoon: Round out your Sapporo sightseeing with a visit to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building and the Sapporo Botanical Garden, or head to Maruyama Zoo instead, Sapporo's city zoo. Both are worth a visit — it's up to your preference, though the former is free.

Evening: Take the ropeway up Mount Moiwa, a well-known mountain in Sapporo, to enjoy the city view. It's best to reach the summit before it gets completely dark for the most beautiful scenery.

After a full day out, stay overnight in Sapporo once more before preparing to head home the next day.

▌Day 7

If your return flight is in the afternoon, spend some time at Rera Outlet Mall, a large outlet mall near New Chitose Airport. A shuttle bus from the airport takes just 10 minutes to get there.

Note: Chitose Outlet Mall Rera ended its business as an outlet mall on November 1, 2024. Only a few shops are still open.

And that's our 7-day, 6-night Hokkaido itinerary. Keep in mind this is just a rough plan — feel free to adjust it to your liking. Either way, your trip to Hokkaido is sure to be a memorable one.

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