A 4-Day trip to experience southern Hokkaido from strolling through the city to enjoying everything a remote island has to offer Arrive at and depart from Hakodate Airport

Your trip starts in Hakodate, a port town with a fascinating atmosphere. Enjoy shopping at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a popular sightseeing spot that was originally built as a warehouse for maritime trade, before taking a stroll through the eclectic Motomachi area lined with churches and Western-style houses.

Don’t forget to take a photo as a souvenir at Hachimanzaka, which offers a panoramic view of the sea from the top of the hill! Next, take the ropeway from Mt. Hakodate’s Sanroku Station to the observation deck at the top of the mountain. The view from the mountain summit is regarded as one of the three most beautiful night views in the world, and having dinner here while gazing at the starry night sky is an incredible experience. As night falls, relax and unwind at Yunokawa Onsen, a hot spring resort located not too far away from downtown Hakodate, before calling it a night.

After checking out of your accommodation, it’s time to rent a car and set off on a drive to enjoy the area’s beautiful nature! Your first destination will be Shirotai Farm, where you can enjoy delicious ice cream while watching cows roam free across the vast pastures.

After that, drive past the Shirotai Skyline that cuts through the farm towards Onuma Quasi-​national Park, one of the largest resorts in Hokkaido. You can stroll along the waterfront with seasonal flowers and plants in full bloom, enjoy canoeing, or spend your time here in any way you want. Before heading to your next destination, stop by the Roadside Station Shikabe Kanketsusen Park and enjoy a Japanese lunch made with the freshest seafood ingredients. After the meal, take a short break at the footbath that draws hot spring water from the geyser.

After your relaxing lunch, it’s time to make your way to the Funkawan Bay Panorama Park, a large park with lush forests and a magnificent panoramic view of Funkawan Bay. At this park which overlooks the picturesque Uchiura Bay (Funkawan Bay), you can enjoy picnicking, golfing, fruit-picking, and other activities to your heart’s content before returning to downtown Hakodate to finish the day with a bowl of Hakodate’s famous shio (salt) ramen.

As you enter the second half of the trip on its third day, depart for Okushiri Island by taking a 30-minute flight from Hakodate Airport. Located in southwestern Hokkaido, Okushiri Island is an island in the Sea of Japan blessed with abundant nature. Around 70% of the island still retains its forest cover, while it is also famous for its stunning sea known as “Okushiri Blue.” Rent a car and drive around the island to make the most of your time here!

First, take a photo at the island’s landmark of “Nabetsuruiwa” before making your way to the pristine waters for a swim, sea kayaking, fishing, or other activities.(*1) For lunch, indulge in the seasonal seafood available here such as sea urchin and abalone, which are local specialties of Okushiri Island. Once you are full, it’s time to head to the Kitaoi-misaki Koen Campsite,(*2) where you can enjoy camping in a memorable landscape that combines natural scenery with artistic monuments. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset, which paints the hills a beautiful shade of crimson red.

(*1) Sea kayaking and other marine leisure activities are offered by imacoco, a guesthouse on the island. Please visit the Okushiri Island Tourism Association website for more information.
http://unimaru.com/
(*2) The Kitaoi-misaki Koen Campsite is free to use with no reservations required. However, you need to bring your own camping equipment as no equipment is available for rental at the campsite.

It’s finally the last day of your trip. Wake up a little earlier to watch the sun rise over Okushiri Island. The magical sight of the Nabetsuruiwa lit up by the rising sun will certainly be one of your unforgettable memories of the island. If you are thinking of getting some souvenirs or gifts before you leave, you may consider the various local specialties of Okushiri Island, including processed seafood products such as kamaboko (fish cake), rice grown with the island’s all-natural water, and Okushiri wine that is produced entirely locally from the cultivation of grapes to its brewing process. Say goodbye to the beautiful island and fly to Hakodate Airport from Okushiri Airport. It’s time to head home with your wonderful memories of this enjoyable trip.