This seductive summer travel itinerary takes you to the beautiful lakes, holiday resorts, flower gardens and dramatic cities. The slow-paced sightseeing trains follow the scenic rail routes. Kick off your trip from Tokyo by the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
⚫︎ 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.
⚫︎ The Norokko Trains (Kushiro Shitsugen, Furano & Biei) and the Furano Lavender Express are seasonal trains. Check the schedules and timetables. These seasonal trains have reserved seats.
⚫︎ 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 Toyako Onsen, Tomamu, Abashiri, Bibaushi (Biei), Sapporo and Hakodate in advance.
⚫︎ Check online for the train status information.
DAY 1
DISTANCE: 998.4km
Tokyo
→Toyako Onsen
This 7-day train travel starts from Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and transfer to the limited express train. Explore the picturesque Onuma Park, then head north to the lakeside Toyako Onsen. Don’t miss the daily fireworks festival.
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. 12:34
Welcome to Hokkaido! Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto is the terminus of the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
Take the limited express Hokuto 11 for Sapporo.
a. 12:44 / d. 15:29
The antiquated Onuma-koen Station is a good place to access the lake O-numa, Southern Hokkaido’s most beautiful resort. Take a boat and have lunch.
Take the limited express Hokuto 15 for Sapporo.
a. 16:53 / d. 17:05
Take the bus for Higashi-machi (東町) at the Toya Sunpalace Resort & Spa via Toyako-onsen Terminal, stopping near the major onsen hotels including Chuo-dori (中央通).
a. 17:23
On the southern shore of Toya-ko, this onsen town was founded in 1918 after the eruption of Usu-zan. The lakeside promenade is made for aimless ambles with nicest views of the islands and Yotei-zan.
20:45
From late April to late October, the fireworks (Toya-ko Long Run Hanabi-taikai) set off on the lake at 8.45pm every night. The fireworks cruise leaves at 8.35pm
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort
ザ レイクビュー TOYA 乃の風リゾート
▶︎ 2min walk from Chuo-dori bus stop / 6min walk from Toyako-onsen bus terminal
This renovated lakeside resort hotel offers a panoramic view from all rooms, rooftop open-air baths and a buffet restaurant serving local dishes.
DAY 2
DISTANCE: 219.5km
Toyako Onsen
→Tomamu
From Toya, take the limited express train to Shiraoi, home to the Upopoy National Ainu Museum. Learn about Ainu culture. After lunch, take the Hokuto to Minami-Chitose and transfer to the Ozora, and go to Tomamu, one of Hokkaido’s most inland resorts, for the night.
7:00
Good Morning! If the weather is perfect, take a stroll around the lakeside promenade.
d. 8:55
Take the bus for Sogo-fukushikan (総合福祉館) via Toya Station (洞爺駅前). The bus leaves from Higashi-machi at the Toya Sunpalace Resort & Spa via Toyako-onsen Terminal, stopping near the major onsen hotels including Chuo-dori (中央通).
a. 9:13 / d. 9:34
Take the limited express Hokuto 3 for Sapporo.
a. 10:27
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.
10:40
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. 13:37
Take the limited express Hokuto 9 for Hakodate.
a. 14:08 / d. 14:29
Take the limited express Ozora 7 for Kushiro. The JR Sekisho Line ventures deep into the forested Yubari Mountains.
a. 15:42
Tomamu is one of Hokkaido’s most accessible mountain resorts, with its own train station. Free shuttles buses make a few minutes run from JR Tomamu Station to the resort hotels.
15:50
Check-in at the hotel in Tomamu. Head to the tropical glass-fronted Mina-Mina Beach (ミナミナビーチ). Hoshino Resort guests can use it for free.
Have dinner and spend for the night.
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 3
Tomamu
→Yobito (Abashiri)
DISTANCE: 423.1km
Wake up early and climb the mountain to see the unkai (sea of clouds). Take the limited express Ozora to Kushiro, then transfer to the seasonal Norokko Train for Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. Back to Kushiro and have lunch for seafood. Take the JR Senmo Line for Abashiri. Overnight at the hilltop onsen resort near Yobito Station.
5:00
Tomamu’s longest gondola makes early morning runs up to the Unkai Terrace (sits at 1088m) from the Resort Center for breathtaking views over the unkai (sea of clouds) covered the mountains.
Have breakfast (the restaurant is open from 6am to 9am). Take the free shuttle buses to the train station.
d. 8:26
Take the limited express Ozora 1 for Kushiro.
a. 10:56 / d. 11:06
Eastern Hokkaido’s largest port town.
Take the seasonal Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train 2 (くしろ湿原ノロッコ2号) for Toro on the JR Senmo Line. The train follows the stream of Kushiro-gawa (in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park).
a. 11:32 / d. 12:38
Hosooka Viewpoint (細岡展望台) is easily accessible on foot from JR Kushiro-shitsugen Station (10min). The Hosooka Visitors Lounge has a cafe.
Back to the station, and take the seasonal Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train 1 (くしろ湿原ノロッコ1号) for Kushiro.
➡︎ If you don’t want to walk to Hosooka Viewpoint, take the Norokko Train to Toro (塘路) terminus. Then take the return train or spend time around the lake Toro-ko.
a. 13:05 / d. 14:13
A few minutes’ walk west of the train station, Washo Ichiba (和商市場) is best known for its katte-don (勝手丼: seafood bowl topped with a wide range of sashimi as you like it).
Back to the station, take the local train for Abashiri. The scenic JR Senmo Line from sea to sea takes you through the highlights of Eastern Hokkaido. For the best view, sit on the right side.
a. 17:18 / d. 17:47
Abashiri is a historical and cultural heart of Okhotsk Region.
Take the local train for Kitami on the JR Sekihoku Line.
a. 17:56
Catch the free shuttle to the Hokuten-no-Oka Abashiri-ko Tsuga Resort (need to book ahead by phone by the day before). Otherwise, it is a 15-minute walk from the station (1km).
➡︎ If you don’t stay at the Hokuten-no-Oka, you will find several budget inns around Yobito Area or Abashiri Station.
18:00
Located on the scenic hilltop, this onsen resort contains the tower hotel, annex and independent villas.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Hokuten-no-Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort
北天の丘 あばしり湖鶴雅リゾート
▶︎ 15min walk or take a free shuttle from Yobito Station
Located on the scenic hilltop, this onsen resort contains the tower hotel, annex and independent villas. The lounge is filled with sculptures and art related to the Okhotsk Culture.
DAY 4
DISTANCE: 276.4km
Abashiri
→Bibaushi (Biei)
Explore Abashiri. Visiting the cultural museums, cycling in the countryside, or kayaking on the lake. Afternoon, take the limited express train for Asahikawa and transfer to the local train on the JR Furano Line. Get off the train at Bibaushi and admire the sunset on the scenic hill.
7:00
Have breakfast at the restaurant.
Take the free shuttle to Yobito Station.
➡︎ If you like outdoor activities, the on-site Tsuruga Adventure Base SIRI offers bike rentals and kayak tours on Abashiri-ko. Check out the official website or ask at the reception.
d. 8:53
Take the local train for Abashiri.
➡︎ If you enjoy outdoor activities around the Hokuten-no-Oka in the morning, take the local train for Engaru (d. 12:23) and transfer to the limited express Taisetsu 4 at Kitami (a. 13:13 / d. 13:27).
a. 9:02 / d. 9:09
Take the tourist attractions sightseeing bus for Hana Tent (はな・てんと).
a. 9:21 / d. 10:22
On the summit of Tento-zan (天都山), the Drift Ice Museum offers informative exhibits of real sea ice and local fishes, with a dramatic film. There is an observation deck on the top floor with breathtaking views over the ocean and three lakes.
Take the tourist attractions sightseeing bus for Abashiri Terminal.
a. 10:27 / d. 12:17
The grand-scale Abashiri Prison Museum has 25 historical and reconstructed buildings from Abashiri Prison. The penological museum shows old artifacts and reproduced present isolation cells. There is also a dining hall.
Take the tourist attractions sightseeing bus for Abashiri Terminal.
a. 12:26 / d. 12:37
Take the limited express Taisetsu 4 for Asahikawa on the JR Sekihoku Line. Get an ekiben (boxed lunch) at Abashiri Station.
a. 16:16 / d. 16:30
Northern Hokkaido’s largest city. The train station has a good souvenir kiosk.
Take the local train for Furano.
a. 17:11
Have dinner or prepare food at Maruhachi Sato Shoten (佐藤商店: closed Wed) in front of the train station, then check-in at Bibaushi Liberty Youth Hostel behind the train station.
18:00
Bibaushi area has scenic roads run across the rolling hills and valleys. Several places are easily walkable from the train station. The fields are beautifully colored by the setting sun.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOSTEL (SPONSORED)
Bibaushi Liberty Youth Hostel
美馬牛リバティユースホステル
▶︎ 1min walk from Bibaushi Station
This hostel is right next door to JR Bibaushi Station’s platform and a good place to stay for railway travelers. It has bunk-style dorms and private rooms, with shared facilities. Note: meals are no served and there is no kitchen, it is wise to bring any deli. Check-in is available by the last train arrives.
DAY 5
DISTANCE: 162.3km
Bibaushi (Biei)→Sapporo
Explore the Biibaushi’s scenic Panorama Road by bike. Take the seasonal Norokko Train to visit Farm Tomita, Hokkaido’s most famous lavender garden. Stroll around Furano, then take the seasonal Lavender Express for Sapporo. Explore one of Japan’s most dynamic cities at night.
8:00
Explore the Panorama Road (パノラマロード) by bike or on foot. Bike rentals are available in front of the train station (from 8am). About 2km southeast of JR Bibaushi Station, Shikisai-no-Oka (四季彩の丘) is Biei’s most popular flower garden on a scenic hill overlooking the mountains. Otherwise, Kanno Farm (かんのファーム) flower garden is walkable from the train station.
10:53
Take the seasonal Furano & Biei Norokko Train 1 (富良野・美瑛ノロッコ1号) for Furano.
a. 11:13
In summer, Furano-Biei Norokko Train stops at JR Lavender Farm Station, about 500m northeast of Farm Tomita.
11:20
Hokkaido’s most famous flower garden, Farm Tomita is the birthplace of lavender tourism in Furano Region. The best timing to see lavender is in July. Have lunch.
d. 13:43
Take the seasonal Furano & Biei Norokko Train 3 (富良野・美瑛ノロッコ3号) for Furano.
a. 13:59 / d. 16:55
Furano is said to mark the geographical center of Hokkaido. Tourist-friendly attractions, such as Furano Cheese Factory and Highland Furano lavender garden, are dotted around the city. Hire a bicycle or take a taxi.
Take the seasonal limited express Furano Lavender Express (フラノラベンダーエクスプレス) for Sapporo.
a. 18:50
Welcome to the capital of Hokkaido!
The 38th-floor of the JR Tower at Sapporo Station south gate has a cool observation deck, with 360-degree views over the city.
Have dinner and enjoy the nightlife in Susukino.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo