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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo