Best of Japan's Hokkaido Island: Sapporo, Noboribetsu & Hakodate - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, Self-Guided Culinary Tour

Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan's wonderful northern island and region. After arriving at Sapporo airport, your private driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Spend the day resting and recovering from the journey before heading back out later for a culinary adventure that will be a hit with foodies. 

Sapporo is renowned for its array of Michelin-starred restaurants—there are more than 50 of them—and the unique dishes they and other restaurants serve. Of course, there are plenty of food stands, markets, and casual eateries to check out, too. On a self-guided food adventure, sample local favorites such as king, snow, and horsehair crab, filling ramen noodles, light and crispy tempura, and succulent lamb dishes at popular eateries around the city. Savor the flavors of northern Japan while exploring the city's thriving food scene in this gastronomic haven.

Day 2: Explore Sapporo City

After a good night's rest, get to know Sapporo better today on a city tour. Begin at the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, a symbol of the city and one of Sapporo's few remaining Western-style buildings. Then stroll to the spacious Odori Park in the heart of the city and wander among the park's beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures, where festivals and events often take place. Make your way to the eastern end of Odori Park, where you'll find the impressive Sapporo TV Tower. You can venture up to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the park and the cityscape.

In the afternoon, participate in some retail therapy at the bustling Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. This covered shopping street stretches across seven blocks and features over 200 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Your guide will help you navigate the maze of stores, pointing out unique local products and offering tips on where to find the best souvenirs or delicious Hokkaido treats.

Your final stop on the city tour is the enchanting Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park owned by the renowned Ishiya Chocolate Factory. Here, see chocolate and cookies being made and learn about the history of the factory and its signature treats. While there are many options to choose from, consider sampling the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies, which offer white chocolate sandwiched between two delicate butter cookies.

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru with Mount Tengu Ropeway

It's time to leave the city for a day trip to nearby Otaru, northwest of Sapporo, on Ishikari Bay. Start at the former Hokkaido Bank Head Office, a stone building from 1912 that is now a museum. Afterward, stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal, a waterway completed in the 1920s that had a significant impact on the development of this port city. Then make your way to Sakaimachi Street, a lively shopping area where you can find exquisite local glasswork, melodious music boxes, and sweet shops. 

Day 4: Drive to Noboribetsu, Explore Volcanic Attractions

Say goodbye to Sapporo today as you drive about 1.5 hours south to Noboribetsu, a town known for its geothermal attractions and natural hot springs. After your arrival, check out Noboribetsu Hell Valley, an explosion crater of Mount Kuttara. The valley features hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. Follow picturesque walking trails through the wooded hills above Noboribetsu for about half an hour to reach the Oyunumagawa River, a geothermal river flowing through the forest. Enjoy a natural foot spa for a quick pick-me-up.

Later in the day, head over to Noboribetsu Date Historic Village, a history-themed park that highlights the Edo Period (1603–1867), one of Japan's most famous historical eras and the time when settlers from other parts of Japan migrated up to Hokkaido. Sample some Edo Period cuisine and watch a traditional performance like the Ninja Experience.  

 

In the evening, return to your ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a rest or the public bathhouse in the town center to soak in the hot springs.

Day 5: Cruise & Hike in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Explore a different natural landscape today at the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which sits inland and between Noboribetsu and Sapporo. The mountainous park is known for its thermal springs and active volcano, Mount Usu. Take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Toya, which never freezes, despite its latitude, because of the volcanic activity here.

After the cruise, visit the nearby Toyako Volcano Science Museum to learn more about the area's geological history. Then head to Mount Usu, an active volcano and a prominent highlight of the area. Board the Usuzan Ropeway and ascend to the upper station, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan, a mountain that emerged in the 1940s from volcanic activity. If you're feeling energetic, embark on a 90-minute hike through an area devastated by Mount Usu's last eruption in the year 2000.

Day 6: Drive to Hakodate, Walk or Cycle in Onuma Quasi-National Park

Drive about three hours south to Hakodate today, a city on the southernmost tip of Hokkaido. Before spending time in the city, head to Onuma Park, a beautiful area just north of Hakodate. Known for its stunning lakes and the towering Mount Komagatake, you can enjoy various outdoor activities here, including canoeing, tennis, golf, and fishing.

You can also hike along the park's network of scenic trails across peninsulas and islands in the lakes. To get more active, rent a bicycle from near the park's entrance and follow the 6.2-mile (10 km) cycling course that encircles Lake Onuma. Or, for a more leisurely way of experiencing the park, embark on a 30-minute sightseeing boat ride during the warmer seasons. 

Day 7: Hakodate City Tour

Explore Hakodate today on a guided tour of the popular port city. Begin your day with breakfast at the Hakodate Morning Market. Branch out and try kaisendon, a fresh seafood donburi featuring ingredients like crabs, salmon roe, and sea urchin. Savor the flavors of the ocean as you fuel up for your day. Next, check out Fort Goryokaku, a star-shaped Western-style citadel constructed during the final years of the Edo Period. Wander through the grounds and make your way to the observation deck at Goryokaku Tower, where you can enjoy aerial views of the fortress and see its star shape.

Later, explore the charming Motomachi district at the base of Mount Hakodate. This area was once the residential hub for foreign traders. Look out for landmarks, including the Russian Orthodox Church, the Old British Consulate, the Chinese Memorial Hall, and the old Hakodate Public Hall. Finally, make your way to the summit of Mount Hakodate via the ropeway or by bus or car. Enjoy the views of the city and across the Tsugaru Strait that separates Hokkaido from Honshu.

Day 8: Depart Hakadote

It's time to say goodbye to Hokkaido! Depending on your departure flight, you might have time for one last Hokkaido-style breakfast before transferring to the airport for the next leg of your journey. Safe travels!

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