Hokkaido Road Trip: The Perfect 10-Day Hokkaido Itinerary

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a dream destination for road trippers. With its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and incredible food, a self-drive adventure is the best way to explore everything Hokkaido has to offer. Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms in spring, wildflowers in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, or snowy wonderlands in winter, this itinerary will guide you through an unforgettable 10-day Hokkaido road trip.

Hokkaido itinerary: a 10 day Hokkaido road trip

Table of contents

• Hokkaido itinerary: a 10 day Hokkaido road trip
• Why Choose a Hokkaido Road Trip?
• Road trip Hokkaido
• Hokkaido trip itinerary
• What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?
• Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo – The Gateway to Hokkaido
• Day 2: Sapporo to Furano – Flower Fields & Rolling Hills
• Day 3: Furano to Biei – Scenic Drives & Blue Pond
• Day 4: Biei to Asahikawa – Wildlife & Ramen
• Day 5: Asahikawa to Lake Akan – Ainu Culture & Nature
• Day 6: Lake Akan to Shiretoko – The Wild East
• Day 7: Shiretoko to Abashiri – Ice & Prison History
• Day 8: Abashiri to Otaru – Canal Town Charm
• Day 9: Otaru to Niseko – Outdoor Adventures & Hot Springs
• Day 10: Return to Sapporo – Last-Minute Shopping & Departure

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Why Choose a Hokkaido Road Trip?

Hokkaido’s well-maintained roads, breathtaking scenic routes, and less congested highways make it an ideal place for a self-drive holiday. Public transportation is available but limited in rural areas, so driving allows you to explore at your own pace. Plus, nothing beats the freedom of stopping at scenic viewpoints, hidden onsens, and local eateries along the way.

Road trip Hokkaido

When I was researching Hokkaido and our Hokkaido tour itinerary, I discovered not much has been written about driving in Hokkaido.

That's why I wrote an extensive post including everything you need to know more about renting a car

Find the best rental prices on luxury, economy, and family rental cars with FREE amendments in over 60000 locations worldwide, reserve online today!See prices and driving on Hokkaido (the speed limit, the Hokkaido Expressway, how to get and use an ETC card, etc.).

In this post, you'll find all the best things to do on Hokkaido, as well as practical tips and where to stay on Hokkaido. I hope this Hokkaido backpacking itinerary will help you plan your Hokkaido driving trip!

Here's your Hokkaido road trip map! It visually highlights your 10-day itinerary with key destinations and scenic routes.

Hokkaido trip itinerary

Hokkaido Travel Plan: Facts and Figures

• Area: 83,423 km² (Japan’s second-largest island)
• Population: ~5.3 million
• Best Travel Seasons: Summer (July-August) for flower fields, Winter (December-February) for snow festivals and skiing
• Road Conditions: Well-maintained highways, but winter conditions require snow tires or 4WD
• Fuel Cost: ~170-180 JPY per liter (prices may vary)
• Rental Car Cost: ~5,000-10,000 JPY per day, depending on car type and season
• Toll Road Costs: Varies by route, but expect to pay ~1,500-5,000 JPY for longer distances
• Average Driving Speed: 50-100 km/h (depending on road type)
• Emergency Number: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)

What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?

The best time to visit Hokkaido depends on what kind of experience you're looking for:

• Spring (April - June): Cherry blossoms bloom in late April to early May, making it a beautiful time for sightseeing.
• Summer (July - August): Ideal for flower fields in Furano and Biei, mild weather, and outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September - November): Stunning autumn foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.
• Winter (December - February): Perfect for skiing in Niseko, snow festivals like Sapporo Snow Festival, and magical winter landscapes.

Where to Stay in Hokkaido

Finding the right accommodation can enhance your Hokkaido road trip experience. Here are some recommended places to stay at each stop:

• Sapporo: JR Tower Hotel Nikko, Sapporo Grand Hotel, Cross Hotel Sapporo
• Furano: New Furano Prince Hotel, Hotel Naturwald Furano, Furano La Terre
• Biei: Pension Ken and Mary, Hotel Lavenir, Biei Guesthouse Sirogane no Yu
• Asahikawa: JR Inn Asahikawa, OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts
• Lake Akan: Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga, Lake Akan Tsuruga Wings
• Shiretoko: Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
• Abashiri: Dormy Inn Abashiri, Abashiri Kanko Hotel
• Otaru: Otaru Furukawa Hotel, Grand Park Otaru
• Niseko: Hilton Niseko Village, The Green Leaf Niseko Village

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons like winter and summer. Many hotels and ryokans offer traditional Japanese hospitality, including hot spring baths and exquisite local cuisine.

Check Availability and book ahead to get the best deal.

Book your hotel via our best partners for the best deals: WayAway.io | Trip.com

How to Find Accommodation During Golden Week

Golden Week (late April to early May) is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods, making it essential to plan ahead for accommodation in Hokkaido. Here are some tips to secure lodging during this peak season:

• Book Early: Hotels and ryokans fill up months in advance, so reserve your accommodation as early as possible.
• Consider Alternative Lodging: If hotels are fully booked, look for guesthouses, hostels, or rental apartments.
• Stay in Less Touristy Areas: Popular destinations like Sapporo and Otaru get booked quickly, so consider nearby towns with easier availability.
• Use Japanese Booking Sites: Websites like Rakuten Travel and Jalan.net sometimes offer more availability than international booking platforms.
• Flexible Dates: If possible, plan your trip slightly before or after Golden Week to avoid peak crowds and higher prices.

Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo – The Gateway to Hokkaido

Highlights:

• Explore Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower
• Visit Hokkaido Shrine
• Try the famous Sapporo Ramen at Ramen Yokocho
• Enjoy the nightlife in Susukino

Start your journey in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital. Pick up your rental car at New Chitose Airport and check in at your hotel. Stroll through Odori Park, visit Hokkaido Shrine, and warm up with a bowl of miso ramen. End the day exploring Susukino’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Sapporo to Furano – Flower Fields & Rolling Hills

Driving Distance: ~2 hours

Highlights:

• Shikisai no Oka Flower Fields
• Farm Tomita Lavender Fields (seasonal)
• Ningle Terrace

Drive east to Furano, famous for its flower fields and rolling countryside. Visit Shikisai no Oka and Farm Tomita if you're traveling in summer. Stroll through the charming Ningle Terrace in the evening before checking into your accommodation.

Day 3: Furano to Biei – Scenic Drives & Blue Pond

Driving Distance: ~1 hour

Highlights:

• Patchwork Road
• Shirogane Blue Pond
• Shirahige Waterfall

Take a leisurely drive through Biei’s scenic countryside along Patchwork Road, stopping at photo-worthy landscapes. Visit the mesmerizing Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall before heading towards your next stop.

Day 4: Biei to Asahikawa – Wildlife & Ramen

Driving Distance: ~45 minutes

Highlights:

• Asahiyama Zoo
• Otokoyama Sake Brewery
• Asahikawa Ramen Village

Asahikawa is home to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, where you can see penguins, polar bears, and red pandas. Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewery for a tasting session before indulging in Asahikawa’s renowned soy-based ramen.

Day 5: Asahikawa to Lake Akan – Ainu Culture & Nature

Driving Distance: ~4 hours

Highlights:

• Lake Akan & Ainu Kotan Village
• Hot spring (onsen) experience

Head east towards Lake Akan, a crater lake known for its mystical beauty and indigenous Ainu culture. Explore Ainu Kotan, a traditional village, and relax in an onsen.

Day 6: Lake Akan to Shiretoko – The Wild East

Driving Distance: ~3.5 hours

Highlights:

• Shiretoko Five Lakes
• Shiretoko National Park Wildlife Cruise

Drive to the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike around the Shiretoko Five Lakes and take a wildlife cruise to spot bears, eagles, and whales.

Day 7: Shiretoko to Abashiri – Ice & Prison History

Driving Distance: ~2 hours

Highlights:

• Drift Ice Museum (winter)
• Abashiri Prison Museum

Abashiri is famous for its history and winter drift ice. Visit the Abashiri Prison Museum to learn about Hokkaido’s past and check out the Drift Ice Museum for a unique experience.

Day 8: Abashiri to Otaru – Canal Town Charm

Driving Distance: ~5 hours

Highlights:

• Otaru Canal
• Sakaimachi Street shopping
• Try fresh seafood & LeTao cheesecake

Drive back towards the western coast to Otaru, a charming town with historic buildings and a picturesque canal. Indulge in sushi and Otaru’s famous sweets.

Day 9: Otaru to Niseko – Outdoor Adventures & Hot Springs

Driving Distance: ~2 hours

Highlights:

• Niseko’s ski resorts (winter)
• Annupuri Onsen

Enjoy Niseko’s outdoor activities, from skiing in winter to hiking and rafting in summer. End your day in an onsen with a view of Mount Yotei.

Day 10: Return to Sapporo – Last-Minute Shopping & Departure

Driving Distance: ~2 hours

Highlights:

• Tanukikoji Shopping Street
• Sapporo Beer Museum
• Souvenir shopping

Wrap up your trip by shopping for souvenirs and visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum before returning your rental car and heading to the airport.

Things to Know About a Hokkaido Road Trip

• International Driving Permit (IDP): If you're a foreign visitor, you’ll need an IDP along with your home country’s license.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Hokkaido experiences heavy snowfall in winter, making a 4WD vehicle essential. Summer roads are clear, but rural areas can be foggy.
• Toll Roads: Some highways require toll payments, so keep cash or an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card handy.
• Gas Stations: Fuel stations can be sparse in rural areas. Fill up when you get the chance, especially in the eastern regions.
• Parking: Most attractions have designated parking, but city parking in Sapporo and Otaru can be expensive.
• Language Barrier: Road signs are in both Japanese and English, but rural areas may have limited English speakers.
• Navigation: Google Maps and GPS in rental cars are reliable, but downloading offline maps can be helpful.
• Wildlife Caution: Watch for deer and foxes, especially on roads in national parks.

Final Tips for Your Hokkaido Road Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Summer (July-August) for flower fields, winter (December-February) for snow and drift ice.
• Driving Tips: Rent a 4WD in winter, obey speed limits, and check road conditions.
• Accommodation: Book early, especially in peak seasons.
• Food to Try: Hokkaido dairy products, seafood, miso ramen, and soup curry.

A Hokkaido road trip offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your journey across Japan’s northern gem

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