“Hokkaido Unveiled: A 7-Day Journey Through Scenic Beauty, Local Delights, and Hidden Gems”
Welcome to your ultimate guide for a breathtaking journey through Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant flower fields, and relaxing hot springs. This travel plan is tailored for a delightful visit in August, taking full advantage of the JR Hokkaido Pass to explore this beautiful region efficiently and affordably. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking for a serene escape, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of activities and experiences. Let’s embark on this adventure through Hokkaido, where every day brings new sights and flavors to savor.
// JR Pass Details:
- JR Hokkaido Pass (7-Day): ¥24,000 (~$220)
- Coverage: Unlimited travel on JR trains and some buses in Hokkaido
>> Book Now to Start Your Hokkaido Adventure Now
// Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo
Accommodation: Budget hotel or hostel (~$50-$100 per night)
Transportation: Airport shuttle or train to the city center
Morning:
- Visit Sapporo Beer Museum: Learn about the history of Japan’s oldest brewery and sample some beer.
Afternoon:
- Explore Odori Park: Relax in the central park, enjoy the green space, and grab a bite at local food stalls.
Evening:
- Dinner in Susukino: Try Hokkaido’s famous miso ramen at Ramen Alley. (~$10-$15 per meal)
- Stay: Budget accommodation in Sapporo.
Souvenirs:
- Shiroi Koibito Cookies: Famous Hokkaido cookies available at the airport or local shops (~$10-$20).
- Sapporo Beer Glass: A unique souvenir from the Sapporo Beer Museum (~$5-$10).
// Day 2: Day Trip to Otaru
Accommodation: Same as Day 1 (stay in Sapporo)
Transportation: Train from Sapporo to Otaru (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)
Morning:
- Explore Otaru Canal: Walk along the picturesque canal and enjoy the historical buildings.
Afternoon:
- Visit Otaru Music Box Museum: Discover beautifully crafted music boxes and other curiosities.
- Lunch: Fresh sushi at Otaru Sushi Street (~$20-$30 per meal)
Evening:
- Otaru Sakaimachi Street: Stroll down this charming street, visit glassware shops, and taste local sweets.
- Return to Sapporo: Evening train back to Sapporo.
Souvenirs:
- Otaru Music Box: Beautifully crafted music boxes available at the Otaru Music Box Museum (~$10-$50).
- Glassware: Unique glass items from Kitaichi Glass (~$10-$30).
>> Book Now to Start Your Hokkaido Adventure Now
// Day 3: Sapporo to Furano and Biei
Accommodation: Guesthouse or B&B in Furano (~$60-$120 per night)
Transportation: Train from Sapporo to Furano (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)
Morning:
- Travel to Furano: Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon:
- Explore Flower Fields: Visit Farm Tomita for vibrant lavender fields.
Evening:
- Visit Shikisai no Oka: Take in the breathtaking flower gardens and panoramic views.
- Dinner: Local restaurants in Furano, try Furano’s famous curry or omurice (~$15-$25 per meal).
Souvenirs:
- Lavender Products: Scented sachets, oils, and soaps from Farm Tomita (~$5-$20).
- Furano Wine: Locally produced wine from the Furano Winery (~$15-$30).
// Day 4: Biei
Accommodation: Same as Day 3 (stay in Furano)
Transportation: Rent a bicycle or car to explore Biei (~$20-$50 for rental)
>> Book Now to Start Your Hokkaido Adventure Now
Morning:
- Explore Patchwork Road: Cycle or drive through the beautiful rolling hills and colorful fields.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Biei’s local cafes, enjoy fresh local produce and dairy products (~$10-$20 per meal).
- Visit Blue Pond (Aoi Ike): Admire the surreal blue hues of this stunning pond.
Evening:
- Dinner: Relax at a local restaurant, try Hokkaido’s fresh dairy products and grilled meats (~$20-$30 per meal).
Rental Directions:
- Bicycle Rental: Biei Tourism Association offers bike rentals near Biei Station (~$20 per day).
- Car Rental: Nippon Rent-A-Car and Toyota Rent-A-Lease near Biei Station (~$50 per day).
Souvenirs:
- Blue Pond Cookies: Delicious cookies inspired by the Blue Pond, available at local shops (~$10-$15).
- Handmade Crafts: Local handmade crafts from Biei (~$10-$30).
>> Book Now to Start Your Hokkaido Adventure Now
// Day 5: Furano to Noboribetsu
Accommodation: Ryokan with onsen in Noboribetsu (~$100-$150 per night)
Transportation: Train from Furano to Noboribetsu (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)
Morning:
- Travel to Noboribetsu: Check into your ryokan and relax.
Afternoon:
- Explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley): Wander through the dramatic volcanic landscape.
- Lunch: Local eateries near Hell Valley, sample onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) and other local delicacies (~$10-$15 per meal).
Evening:
- Relax in Onsen: Enjoy the therapeutic hot springs at your ryokan.
- Dinner: Traditional kaiseki dinner at the ryokan (~$30-$50 per meal, often included in ryokan stay).
Souvenirs:
- Onsen Products: Bath salts and skincare items from local onsen shops (~$5-$20).
- Local Sweets: Yokan (sweet bean jelly) and other sweets from Noboribetsu (~$10-$15).
// Day 6: Noboribetsu to Lake Toya
Accommodation: Lakefront hotel or ryokan (~$80-$150 per night)
Transportation: Train from Noboribetsu to Lake Toya (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)
>> Book Now to Start Your Hokkaido Adventure Now
Morning:
- Travel to Lake Toya: Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon:
- Boat Cruise on Lake Toya: Enjoy scenic views and visit Nakajima Island.
- Lunch: Lake Toya’s local restaurants, try Hokkaido’s fresh seafood and soba noodles (~$15-$25 per meal).
Evening:
- Visit Mount Usu: Take the ropeway for stunning views and a short hike.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, sample local specialties like yakitori and fresh fish (~$20-$30 per meal).
Souvenirs:
- Lake Toya Onsen Manju: Sweet steamed buns filled with red bean paste (~$10).
- Volcanic Ash Products: Unique items made from volcanic ash, available at local shops (~$5-$15).
// Day 7: Return to Sapporo
Accommodation: Budget hotel or hostel in Sapporo (~$50-$100 per night)
Transportation: Train from Lake Toya to Sapporo (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)
Morning:
- Travel to Sapporo: Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon:
- Visit Asahiyama Zoo: (Optional) If time permits, take a day trip to Asahikawa to visit this popular zoo. (~$40 round trip, covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)
Evening:
- Final Dinner in Sapporo: Enjoy a memorable meal at one of Sapporo’s izakayas or seafood restaurants (~$30-$50 per meal).
Souvenirs:
- Marimo Moss Balls: Unique souvenirs from Hokkaido, available at various gift shops (~$10-$20).
- Hokkaido Cheese: High-quality cheese from Hokkaido’s dairy farms (~$10-$30).
>> Book Now to Start Your Hokkaido Adventure Now
// Budget Summary
- JR Hokkaido Pass (7-Day): ¥24,000 (~$220)
- Accommodation: ~$50-$150 per night, depending on location and type.
- Meals: ~$10-$50 per meal, depending on the restaurant.
- Activities and Entrance Fees: ~$50-$100.
- Souvenirs: ~$10-$50 per location.
// Total Estimated Budget for One Week:
- JR Hokkaido Pass: ~$220
- Accommodation: ~$350-$1,050
- Meals: ~$210-$700
- Transportation: Covered by JR Hokkaido Pass
- Activities and Entrance Fees: ~$50-$100
- Souvenirs: ~$70-$350
- Total: ~$900-$2,420
