An itinerary that covers everything from a tour of Sapporo
to Otaru and Hakodate
Recommended for first-time travelers to Hokkaido Arrive at New Chitose Airport and depart from Hakodate Airport

After landing at New Chitose Airport, take a bus to Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck. The view from this observation deck will make you realize just how vast Hokkaido really is. Don’t forget to take a photo with the statue of Dr. Clark here. Take the bus and transfer to the subway to get to Susukino, the downtown area of Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido with a population of around 1.9 million people. Have lunch here by choosing from delicious local specialties such as ramen, soup curry, and Mongolian barbecue. After lunch, head to central Sapporo and take a walk through Odori Park, a sprawling park lined with office buildings and department stores that is around 1.5km long from east to west. Stroll through Odori Park while enjoying its vibrant greenery and beautiful flowers as you stop by landmarks such as the TV Tower, the Clock Tower, and the Former Hokkaido Government Office on the way.

When you’re done, take the train directly from Sapporo Station to Otaru, the neighboring town. For dinner, it’s highly recommended that you try the sushi here. Take a stroll along the canal at night to finish the first day of your trip in the perfect way.

Take a break from the urban sights of Sapporo and Otaru on the first day by heading to the Niseko area on Day 2 where nature abounds. Boarding a leisurely local train and enjoying the surrounding scenery from the train window is the best way to experience the slower pace of Hokkaido. Get off the train at Kutchan, a resort town highly popular among tourists from around the world that is part of the Niseko area. Here, you can enjoy rafting and kayaking in the summer, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In addition to the many outdoor activities on offer, you can also drop by the cafés and workshops in this area. After enjoying a lunch that showcases the wonderful local ingredients, it’s time to take part in some activities of your choice. Do you prefer an adventurous activity amid the natural surroundings or something more laid-back? As night falls, choose your favorite accommodation from the many resort hotels, boarding houses, and hot spring resorts in the Niseko area and rest for the night.

On Day 3, head to Milk Kobo to indulge in the amazing flavors of nature. At the store directly managed by the farm, you can enjoy their popular soft-serve ice cream and colorful gelato made with fresh milk and seasonal fruits. Also popular are their cream puffs, which are filled with a generous amount of cream upon order. There is also a restaurant here that serves pizza and pasta, and a store selling processed agricultural products, making this the perfect spot for lunch and souvenir shopping. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a photo with Niseko’s iconic Mt. Yotei as your backdrop!

It’s time to say goodbye to Niseko and make your way to Hakodate. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the bay area and have a relaxing chat while taking in the world-famous night view of Hakodate. This is the last night of your trip, and you can head to Yunokawa Onsen to fully unwind.

Make the most of the time you have before your flight on the last day of your trip! First, visit the Hakodate Morning Market to experience the lively atmosphere of a port town. Take a look at seafood that has just been landed that morning before it is dispatched to the market, and have a seafood rice bowl or grilled fish set meal for breakfast. This is also a great spot to shop for gifts such as seafood and dried/salted products.

After leaving the morning market, head to Goryokaku Park, one of Hakodate’s most popular tourist attractions. Built in the late Edo period, the star-shaped five-pointed Western-style fort at this park is one of its kind in the entire world. You can take a closer look at its shape from the observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower. The area around Goryokaku Park has many restaurants that are frequented by locals, so try the delicious food Hakodate has to offer and make sure you have no regrets! After filling your stomach with local delicacies such as shio (salt) ramen, sushi, and the hamburgers of “Lucky Pierrot,” it’s time to make your way home from Hakodate Airport with wonderful memories of this trip.