This itinerary gives you a taste of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. First-time visitors to Hokkaido will want to check out the historic cities, onsen and local cuisine. Kick off your trip from Tokyo by the Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train).
⚫︎ Last updated: May 2024. Timetables, business hours and prices are subject to change. Check the latest information.
INDEX
✔️Checklist
⚫︎ Purchase the Japan Rail Pass at the JR-designated ticket office.
⚫︎ If you don’t have a reserved ordinary seat ticket on the limited express train Hokuto, Suzuran, Tokachi or Ozora, you can use vacant ordinary seats (if the seats are fully booked, you will have to stand).
⚫︎ Book the reserved seat tickets for the Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa.
⚫︎ Book the hotels in Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, Sapporo (2 nights) and Niseko in advance.
⚫︎ Check online for the train status information.
DAY 1
DISTANCE: 880.2km
Tokyo
→Hakodate
This 7-day train travel starts from Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and transfer to the liner train for Hakodate. Explore one of Japan’s first international trading port towns. Don’t miss the fantastic night view.
d. 8:18
Good morning! Buy a tasty bento (boxed lunch) for breakfast at Tokyo Station’s ekiben shop.
Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 7 for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.
a. 12:15 / d. 12:35
Welcome to Hokkaido! Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto is the terminus of the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
Take the rapid Hakodate Liner for Hakodate.
a. 12:50
Hakodate is Southern Hokkaido’s largest port town, with an East-meets-West culture and historic buildings. The train station has a good tourist information center.
13:00
Immediately to the right as you exit the station, the touristy Hakodate Morning Market has about 280 small stores that selling fresh seafood from all over Hokkaido. You can try a wide variety of seafood bowls at the eateries.
14:00
The main attraction in Hakodate is its atmospheric Motomachi, the hilly district of nostalgic buildings, churches and temples, with scenic slopes overlooking the harbor.
18:00 to 19:00
Hakodate-yama (334m) boasts one of the world’s most beautiful night views over the town. A ropeway takes you to the summit. There are also several hiking trails from Motomachi.
20:00
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (金森赤レンガ倉庫群) has been transformed into a tourist complex, with plenty of craft shops and restaurants set on a pretty harbor. Don’t miss the burger shop Lucky Pierrot or the Hakodate Beer.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
JR Inn Hakodate
JRイン函館
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Hakodate Station north gate
The JR Inn is a convenient location next door to JR Hakodate Station north gate. It has Western-style rooms, communal baths and a lounge overlooking the harbor. Breakfast is sushi.
DAY 2
DISTANCE: 244.8km
Hakodate
→Noboribetsu Onsen
On the second day, take the limited express train to Shiraoi, home to the Upopoy National Ainu Museum. Learn about Ainu culture or cycling around the lake. Finally, head to Noboribetsu, one of Japan’s best places to enjoy the onsen experience.
d. 8:48
Seafood for breakfast at your hotel or head to Hakodate Morning Market.
Take the limited express Hokuto 5 for Sapporo.
a. 11:41
The gateway to the Upopoy National Ainu Museum (10min walk). You will find a tourist information center (bike rentals are available) on the road.
➡︎ When Monday comes, hire a bike and cycling around the lake Poroto-ko, then soaking at the public onsen Maru-no-yu (〇湯) at the KAI Poroto. Otherwise, get off the train at Noboribetsu and transfer to the bus for Noboribetsu Onsen.
11:50
One of Hokkaido’s ‘must-see’ attractions facing the pleasant lake, the Upopoy (closed Mon) comprises the National Ainu Museum, experience-based cultural hall, craft studio, workshop and kotan (traditional Ainu village). There are also Ainu cuisine restaurants on-site.
d. 15:47
Take the limited express Hokuto 16 for Hakodate.
a. 15:59 / d. 16:10
The gateway to Noboribetsu Onsen. Round trip bus tickets for Noboribetsu Onsen are sold at a ticket vending machine in the train station.
Take the bus for Ashiyu-iriguchi (足湯入口) at the Sekisuitei, stopping at the major hotels in Noboribetsu Onsen, such as Dai-ichi-Takimoto-mae (第一滝本前).
a. 16:24
Noboribetsu is one of Japan’s best places to enjoy the onsen. The onsen town has a number of excellent hotels and ryokan, plus very few budget inns.
17:30
Jikoku-dani is Noboribetsu’s premier attraction, where sulfurous gases and water that spewing out from a 10-hectare old explosion crater. A 15-minute return boardwalk leads to a small geyser and it is lit up after dark until 9.30pm.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
第一滝本館
▶︎ 1min walk from Dai-ichi-Taimoto-mae bus stop / 5min walk from Noboribetsu-onsen bus terminal
One of Hokkaido’s grandest onsen hotels, Dai-ichi Takimotokan boasts 35 indoor and open-air baths filled with five different kinds of hot water. The indoor large tubs afford the stunning view over the Hell Valley. There is also a swimming pool with a kids pool, water slide and jacuzzi. Bring your own swimsuit (available for rent).
DAY 3
Noboribetsu Onsen
→Kawayu Onsen
DISTANCE: 461.5km
Take the limited express Hokuto from Noboribetsu to Minami-Chitose, then transfer to the limited express Ozora. Ikeda is best known for its winemaking. From Kushiro, take the local train on the Senmo Line and visit Kawayu Onsen, one of Eastern Hokkaido’s best hot spring resorts.
5:30
If the weather is good, take a walk around Oyu-numa (closed in winter) or Oyunuma-gawa Brook Natural Footbath (24hr year-round) before breakfast.
d. 8:15
After breakfast, walk to the bus terminal and take the bus for Muroran (室蘭) via Noboribetsu Station.
a. 8:27 / d. 8:37
Take the limited express Hokuto 1 for Sapporo.
a. 9:18 / d. 9:26
Take the limited express Ozora 3 for Kushiro. The JR Sekisho Line ventures deep into the forested Yubari Mountains.
a. 12:00 / d. 14:34
Walk to the Wine Castle (ワイン城) diagonally behind the train station. It has a wine cellar, maturing room, shop and rooftop observatory. Have lunch at the restaurant or nearby park overlooking the Tokachi Plain.
Take the limited express Ozora 5 for Kushiro.
a. 15:50 / d. 16:29
Eastern Hokkaido’s largest port town. Prepare food and drink at the station kiosk.
Take the local train for Abashiri on the JR Senmo Line. The train follows the stream of Kushiro-gawa (in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park).
a. 18:15 / d. 18:20
Take the bus for Kawayu-onsengai, stopping near the major hotels in Kawayu Onsen.
a. 18:32
The bus arrives in front of Taiho Sumo Museum. You will find the popular convenience store Seicomart opposite the bus terminal.
One of Eastern Hokkaido’s best hot spring resorts, the rustic Kawayu Onsen boasts sulfur-rich water supplied to all hotels. Let’s relax.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura
お宿欣喜湯 別邸 忍冬
▶︎ 2min walk from Kawayu-onsengai bus stop
This newly renovated onsen boasts luxury mix of Japanese- and Western-style rooms and a stylish buffet. Pick-up from JR Kawayu-onsen Station is possible (free), if you request in advance.
DAY 4
DISTANCE: 454.3km
Kawayu Onsen
→Sapporo
Take the scenic JR Senmo Line north to Abashiri. Explore the historical and cultural heart of Okhotsk Region. Visiting the cultural museums or take an icebreaker. At evening, take the limited express train for Sapporo on the JR Sekihoku Line.
6:00
If the weather is good, Kawayu’s most popular nature trail (May-Nov) makes an hour hike (2.5km) from Kawayu Onsen to the surfer mountain of Io-zan (硫黄山), surrounded by white iso-tsutsuji (wild rosemary). There are also short trails.
d. 10:00
Take the bus for Kawayu-onsen Station in front of the Taiho Sumo Museum, stopping near the major hotels in Kawayu Onsen.
a. 10:12 / d. 10:29
Take the local train (called Shiretoko-Mashu-go) for Abashiri. The scenic JR Senmo Line takes you through the highlights of Eastern Hokkaido, such as Shari-dake and Sea of Okhotsk. For the best view, sit on the right side.
a. 11:59 / d. 17:27
Abashiri is one of Eastern Hokkaido’s most popular destinations. You will have enough time to explore the town, such as Abashiri Prison Museum and Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples. In winter, the icebreaker Aurora runs on the frozen sea.
Take the limited express Okhotsk 4 for Sapporo on the JR Sekihoku Line. Get an ekiben (boxed lunch) at Abashiri Station.
a. 22:51
Good evening! Welcome to Hokkaido’s prefectural capital. Book a hotel for two nights.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Hotel Gracery Sapporo
ホテルグレイスリー札幌
▶︎ 2min walk from Sapporo Station south gate
Directly connected to Sapporo Station’s Apia underground shopping mall, this 16-story glazed chain hotel has 433 contemporary rooms. The Reception is on the 7th floor, and breakfast is served on the ground floor.
DAY 5
DISTANCE: 24.7km
Sapporo
Spend the day in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Pack lightly. Explore the Botanic Garden, Sapporo Outer Market, Sapporo Beer Museum, and the Historical Village of Hokkaido. Enjoy the nightlife in Susukino or Hokkaido Ball Park.
9:00 (29 Apr-3 Nov)
About a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station south gate, Hokkaido University Botanic Garden was established in 1886. The 13-hectare exterior garden contains samples of many Hokkaido and plant species in the calm forest.
This is an option for a morning stroll. Note: closed on Monday.
10:00
Surrounded by a picturesque garden, this impressive American neo-baroque red-brick building with its octagonal tower dates from 1888 and is called Akarenga (red-brick). A conservation work viewing deck is open from 8.45am.
d. 10:45
The bus stop (No.16) is a 5-minute walk east of Old Hokkaido Government Office Building. Look for North 4 West 3 crossroads sign on Kita-4jo-dori.
Take the JR Bus 52 for Kotoni-kogyo-koko-mae (琴似工業高校前). Japan Rail Pass is available.
a. 10:59 / d. 12:00
South side of the Central Wholesale Market is this roadside outer market. Some 60 welcoming seafood, vegetable and fruit shops within the area. It is also a popular place to eat sushi and kaisen-don (seafood bowls).
Take the JR Bus 52 for Sapporo Station. Japan Rail Pass is available.
a. 12:05 / d. 12:15
Get off the JR Bus at Soen Station (桑園駅前), three stops from Sapporo-jogai-shijo.
Take the local train for Iwamizawa. It is a rare diesel train (kiha 201). Pay attention to a specific sound.
a. 12:29
You can easily walk to Sapporo Beer Museum from Naebo Station via the footbridge (8min walk).
12:40
Inside the magnificent old red-brick brewery, this popular beer museum displays the history of Sapporo Beer from the Meiji period. Inside, you can tasting draft beer at the Star Hall. It takes about 45 minutes.
d. 13:46
Take the local train for Ebetsu.
a. 13:57 / d. 14:09
Shinrin-koen is the nearest station of Hokkaido Museum and the Historical Village of Hokkaido.
Take the JR Bus 22 for Kaitaku-no-mura (開拓の村) from the station’s east gate, stopping at Hokkaido Museum. Japan Rail Pass is available.
a. 14:20 / d. 16:30
In the attractive historical village of Kaitaku-no-mura is a fine open-air museum. Built from the Meiji to early Showa periods, over 50 buildings from around Hokkaido were moved or restored in Nopporo Forest Park.
Hokkaido Museum is about a 10-minute walk from Kaitaku-no-mura.
Take the JR Bus 22 for Shin-Sapporo Station via Shinrin-koen Station, stopping at Hokkaido Museum. Japan Rail Pass is available.
a. 16:50 / d. 16:59
Take the rapid Airport 131 for Otaru.
➡︎ If you want to visit the Hokkaido Ball Park, take the rapid Airport 142 (d. 16:58) for New Chitose Airport to Kitahiroshima (a. 17:06). The baseball season runs from early March to early October (most weekday games start at 6pm). The Ball Park is open to all throughout the year.
a. 17:08
Have dinner. On the 38th-floor of the JR Tower at Sapporo Station south gate has a cool observation deck, with 360-degree views over the city.
➡︎If you want to go to Moiwa-yama, take the JR Bus 50 (37min) from Sapporo Station stop 13, located in front of the Nissay Sapporo Building (Noasis 3.4). Japan Rail Pass is available. The return bus back to Sapporo Station is at 19:58 and at 20:58.
19:30
One of Japan’s legendary nightlife districts, Susukino has thousands of eating and drinking options. The grand-scale Susukino Crossing at the tram stop is highly photogenic night spot.
DAY 6
DISTANCE: 93.0km
Sapporo
→Niseko
Take the rapid train and explore the nostalgic port town Otaru, then continue on to Kutchan, the gateway to the Niseko Mountains. Spend the night in the Niseko Village.
d. 9:33
Take the rapid Airport 31 for Otaru. The train travels on the rugged coastline of the Sea of Japan.
a. 10:07 / d. 15:09
Otaru is a nostalgic port town, with an atmospheric, hilly setting. The highlights include Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi-dori shopping street. Have lunch at a sushi restaurant or a beer pub.
Take the local train for Kutchan.
a. 16:32 / d. 16:50 (or 16:59)
Kutchan serves as a transport hub for the bustling ski resort on the Niseko Mountains.
Take the Niseko Bus for the Hilton Niseko Village via Hirafu Welcome Center.
➡︎ Hilton Niseko Village operates free shuttle buses from Kutchan Station. Check the latest schedule on the official website.
a. 17:33
One of Niseko’s most popular ski hotels, the Hilton Niseko Village offers a grand view from each room and open-air onsen. It has golf courses, restaurants, bars and Japanese-style shopping streets.
Frequent free shuttle buses connect with Kutchan Station.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Hilton Niseko Village