This classic travel itinerary takes you to the best of Hokkaido, such as atmospheric Noboribetsu and Kawayu Onsen, the cities of Asahikawa and Hakodate, the beautiful lakes of Toya-ko and O-numa, as well as the National Ainu Museum and Ikeda Wine Castle. Kick off your trip from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido.
⚫︎ Last updated: May 2024. Timetables, business hours and prices are subject to change. Check the latest information.
INDEX
✔️Checklist
⚫︎ Purchase the Hokkaido 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).
⚫︎ Day 2: The limited express train Sarobetsu 4 will be suspended for several days a year. Check the schedule.
⚫︎ Book the hotels in Wakkanai, Asahikawa, Kawayu Onsen, Tomamu and Hakodate in advance. Note that Hoshino Resort Tomamu is closed in April and November.
⚫︎ Check online for the train status information.
DAY 1
DISTANCE: 443.8km
Sapporo→Wakkanai
⚫︎ Explore the beautofi countryside of Biei by bike. In winter, head to the Blue Pond by bus.
⚫︎ If you want to visit Asahiyama Zoo, take the bus from Asahikawa Station. Don’t miss penguin walk in winter.
⚫︎ Take the limited express for Wakkanai on the JR Soya Line.
⚫︎ Take a photo at Japan’s northernmost train station of Wakkanai.
⚫︎ Have dinner at local izakaya in Wakkanai.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Dormy Inn Wakkanai
天然温泉 天北の湯 ドーミーイン稚内
▶︎ 2min walk from JR Wakkanai Station
Overlooking the harbor from the ocean-view rooms, this 12-story hotel is Wakkanai’s finest choice. A variety of comfortable rooms furnished in sea ice design. On-site restaurants offer Japanese and Western dishes using local ingredients. It is conveniently attached to the train station.
DAY 2
DISTANCE: 259.4km
Wakkanai→Asahikawa
⚫︎ Take the bus to Soya-misaki, the northernmost tip of mainland Japan.
⚫︎ Take the limited express Sarobetsu 4 (suspended for several days a year) for Asahikawa on the JR Soya Line.
⚫︎ Enjoy the nightlife, ramen, beer and sake in Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second largest city.
Photo: Jalan.net
SPONSORED
JR Inn Asahikawa
JRイン旭川
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Asahikawa Station
The JR Inn is a good sleeping option adjacent to JR Asahikawa Station in the same building of the Aeon shopping mall. It has Western-style rooms with city views, communal baths and a lounge. Reception is on the 5th floor.
DAY 3
DISTANCE: 317.5km
Asahikawa→Kawayu Onsen
⚫︎ Take the limited express Okhotsk 1 for Abashiri on the JR Sekihoku Line.
⚫︎ Explore Abashiri, one of Eastern Hokkaido’s most popular destinations.
⚫︎ Admiring the scenic views of the sea and the lake.
⚫︎ Staying at Kawayu Onsen.
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: 292.5km
Kawayu Onsen→Tomamu
⚫︎ Walking around Kawayu Onsen early in the morning.
⚫︎ Take the local train for Kushiro on the scenic JR Senmo Line.
⚫︎ Have seafood breakfast at Washo Market in front of Kushiro Station.
⚫︎ Explore the Wine Castle in Tokachi Ikeda. Have lunch.
⚫︎ Staying at Hoshino Resort Tomamu (closed April and November). Enjoy the Mina Mina Beach.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Hoshino Resort Tomamu The Tower
星野リゾート トマム ザ・タワー
▶︎ 5min by shuttle bus from Tomamu Station
At the heart of the resort, Hokkaido’s tallest twin towers hotel (37-storey), which opened 30 years ago, exudes a handsome modern feel with standard family-oriented rooms overlooking the mountains.
DAY 5
DISTANCE: 166.3km
Tomamu→Noboribetsu Onsen
⚫︎ Take the Tomamu’s longest gondola to the Unkai Terrace (mid May to late September) early in the morning.
⚫︎ Learn about Ainu culture at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum in Shiraoi.
⚫︎ Staying in Noboribetsu Onsen. Experience the ‘onsen heaven‘ at the Dai-ichi Takimotokan.
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 6
DISTANCE: 207.0km
Noboribetsu Onsen→Hakodate
⚫︎ Explore around Jigoku-dani early in the morning.
⚫︎ Take the boat on the picturesque lake Toya-ko.
⚫︎ Explore Onuma Park, Southern Hokkaido’s most beautiful resort.
⚫︎ Spend for the night in the romantic port town of Hakodate.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
La Vista Bay Hakodate