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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Hilton Niseko Village