Advice for 7D Hokkaido self-drive in May

[twosix]

Hi, as above. Any must-do or go things/destinations? Thinking of starting from Sapporo and end in Hakodate then take shinkansen to Tokyo.

Been to Sapporo once in winter.

Any tips/advice is welcomed.

 

[oceanicmanta]

shouldnt u start from Chitose, rather than Sapporo ?

I would just share some of those less well known but interesting places :

- hiking up Mt Tarumae ( relative easy , interesting landscape). Bring Bear bell

- Tomakomai is a fishing port. There is a very popular local restaurant Marutoma Shokudo. Go early or be prepared to Q. They have 2 outlets near each other. The newer setup has no Q but limited menu option.

- if early May, maybe still can see Sakura ...

at this place called Mori ( search for the Michi No Eki), about 45 mins before reaching Hakodate

also at Hokuto ( 30 mins before Hakodate ) has several sakura spots and a 300 year old sakura tree

- Onuma Park

- drive up Kijhikji Highlands for incredible panoramic view and look out for the " Melody Road " .. can hear a Japanese folk song as u drive over this stretch of road

- Otobe seaside cliffs ( 1.5 hrs drive from Hakodate )

 

[rrr2015]

Hi, as above. Any must-do or go things/destinations? Thinking of starting from Sapporo and end in Hakodate then take shinkansen to Tokyo.

Been to Sapporo once in winter.

Any tips/advice is welcomed.

May is sakura, shibazakura in hokkaido
Noboribetsu ~ bear park, hell valley
Murano ~ night scene, cliffs

have u been to cape kamui? though it at the other end, just something for u consider

 

[Andrew833]

Hi, as above. Any must-do or go things/destinations? Thinking of starting from Sapporo and end in Hakodate then take shinkansen to Tokyo.

Been to Sapporo once in winter.

Any tips/advice is welcomed.

Bro, only 2 persons help you ah.
I help you up the thread.

 

[twosix]

shouldnt u start from Chitose, rather than Sapporo ?

I would just share some of those less well known but interesting places :

- hiking up Mt Tarumae ( relative easy , interesting landscape). Bring Bear bell

- Tomakomai is a fishing port. There is a very popular local restaurant Marutoma Shokudo. Go early or be prepared to Q. They have 2 outlets near each other. The newer setup has no Q but limited menu option.

- if early May, maybe still can see Sakura ...

at this place called Mori ( search for the Michi No Eki), about 45 mins before reaching Hakodate

also at Hokuto ( 30 mins before Hakodate ) has several sakura spots and a 300 year old sakura tree

- Onuma Park

- drive up Kijhikji Highlands for incredible panoramic view and look out for the " Melody Road " .. can hear a Japanese folk song as u drive over this stretch of road

- Otobe seaside cliffs ( 1.5 hrs drive from Hakodate )

I want to tour sapporo first, then take car from there. No plan for chitose except shopping and eating in the airport.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look for more information.

The current plan is to go north west, Otaru, Cape Kamui, lake toya, noboribetsu, rusutsu, hakodate. Maybe next time then cover the east side.

 

[twosix]

May is sakura, shibazakura in hokkaido
Noboribetsu ~ bear park, hell valley
Murano ~ night scene, cliffs

have u been to cape kamui? though it at the other end, just something for u consider

Thanks man. Planning these locations u mentioned. Hopefully can catch sakura.

 

[twosix]

Bro, only 2 persons help you ah.
I help you up the thread.

Thank u sir. Any help or tips will help. Anything to note on hokkaido driving will help too.

I understand there is a tourist etc that pay a fix fee for the number of days. Should help to save some toll fees i guess?

Also any eki no michi or restaurant must visit, supermarket along the way, etc...

Feeling excited. Haha.

 

[thwysg]

I didn’t drive, but you can try taking a look at Tenguyama if your timing is right. We spent some time to feed and take pictures at chipmunk garden in early summer.

https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/リス公園は5-25日オープン/

 

[twosix]

I didn’t drive, but you can try taking a look at Tenguyama if your timing is right. We spent some time to feed and take pictures at chipmunk garden in early summer.

https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/リス公園は5-25日オープン/

Thanks. Near Otaru. Sounds good. How much time did u spend there?

 

[thwysg]

About 2hrs, including the ropeway rides. We skipped the canal street because we had limited time (about 5hrs). Was on a cruise.

At least this was something not so common among tourists. Most went to the popular areas.

 

[Andrew833]

Thank u sir. Any help or tips will help. Anything to note on hokkaido driving will help too.

I understand there is a tourist etc that pay a fix fee for the number of days. Should help to save some toll fees i guess?

Also any eki no michi or restaurant must visit, supermarket along the way, etc...

Feeling excited. Haha.

I can't help you on these. I'm still researching stage.
From my research, early May still got chance to catch sakura. Higher chance on late April.
In May, can see Tulips, Moss Phlox and Rape Blossoms in late May.

 

[oceanicmanta]

The current plan is to go north west, Otaru, Cape Kamui, lake toya, noboribetsu, rusutsu, hakodate. Maybe next time then cover the east side.

for this itin, you probably do not need the Hokkaido Expressway pass

the long drive with Eway is from Nobo to Hakodate, but the non-toll road is just as good and scenic

u can get the ETC if offered, if not, does not matter much as the 30% off toll on weekends & PH.

In Otaru, there is a less touristy seafood market Nantaru Market. Not bustling like Sankaku but more wallet friendly. Local aunties go morning shopping and salaryman lunch here.

After Kamui, u may want to check out Yoichi Nikka Whisky Factory, there is a cafe that serves good set lunches.
I hear now have to register online for free whisky sampling.

There is also a popular seafood restaurant/supermarket nearby within Yoichi.

Shibazakura - when in season, they r everywhere. For your itin, best place to view is Mishima's Garden in Kutchan and hopefully get to see Yotei in background.

I have not been to Rusutsu. I usually stay at Niseko Northern Annurpuri Onsen Resort .. damn worth it, for May shld be around SGD 120 per nite for 2 pax with breakfast. The BF serves good quality stuff eg) on site fresh baked croissant with home made jam

In the nearby town of Makkari, there is a highly rated local pork chop restaurant .. ichifuji. There are no tourists here ( the shop has a sign to say they dont speak English ) but we tried 3 times, either sold out or closed We did enquire inside before, and they do serve foreigners,just use G-translate.

Lake Toya - avoid Nonokaze, all the hype, costly but not worth. Avoid Sun Palace - lousy room n food.

7 days, with Sapporo n this itin, a bit of touch n go I feel ...

 

[Andrew833]

for this itin, you probably do not need the Hokkaido Expressway pass

the long drive with Eway is from Nobo to Hakodate, but the non-toll road is just as good and scenic

u can get the ETC if offered, if not, does not matter much as the 30% off toll on weekends & PH.

In Otaru, there is a less touristy seafood market Nantaru Market. Not bustling like Sankaku but more wallet friendly. Local aunties go morning shopping and salaryman lunch here.

After Kamui, u may want to check out Yoichi Nikka Whisky Factory, there is a cafe that serves good set lunches.
I hear now have to register online for free whisky sampling.

There is also a popular seafood restaurant/supermarket nearby within Yoichi.

Shibazakura - when in season, they r everywhere. For your itin, best place to view is Mishima's Garden in Kutchan and hopefully get to see Yotei in background.

I have not been to Rusutsu. I usually stay at Niseko Northern Annurpuri Onsen Resort .. damn worth it, for May shld be around SGD 120 per nite for 2 pax with breakfast. The BF serves good quality stuff eg) on site fresh baked croissant with home made jam

In the nearby town of Makkari, there is a highly rated local pork chop restaurant .. ichifuji. There are no tourists here ( the shop has a sign to say they dont speak English ) but we tried 3 times, either sold out or closed We did enquire inside before, and they do serve foreigners,just use G-translate.

Lake Toya - avoid Nonokaze, all the hype, costly but not worth. Avoid Sun Palace - lousy room n food.

7 days, with Sapporo n this itin, a bit of touch n go I feel ...

Agree, 7 days not enough time.

'Lake Toya - avoid Nonokaze, all the hype, costly but not worth. Avoid Sun Palace - lousy room n food."
So which hotel is the better choice, also more convenient in term of public transport.
Is Toya Kohantei good, the hotel has shuttle bus to Sapporo?

 

[oceanicmanta]

Agree, 7 days not enough time.

'Lake Toya - avoid Nonokaze, all the hype, costly but not worth. Avoid Sun Palace - lousy room n food."
So which hotel is the better choice, also more convenient in term of public transport.
Is Toya Kohantei good, the hotel has shuttle bus to Sapporo?

i have only stayed at these 2 hotels at Lake Toya

we met a SG group doing self tour, they stayed at Manseikaku and said it was very good

i think Kohantei shld be OK, it wld be dated, like most hotels there, but shld be well maintained

if possible, choose Japanese rooms .. usually these would not look as dated as Western style rooms ( if particular about rooms).

All rooms at such hotels have lakeview.

 

[twosix]

for this itin, you probably do not need the Hokkaido Expressway pass

the long drive with Eway is from Nobo to Hakodate, but the non-toll road is just as good and scenic

u can get the ETC if offered, if not, does not matter much as the 30% off toll on weekends & PH.

In Otaru, there is a less touristy seafood market Nantaru Market. Not bustling like Sankaku but more wallet friendly. Local aunties go morning shopping and salaryman lunch here.

After Kamui, u may want to check out Yoichi Nikka Whisky Factory, there is a cafe that serves good set lunches.
I hear now have to register online for free whisky sampling.

There is also a popular seafood restaurant/supermarket nearby within Yoichi.

Shibazakura - when in season, they r everywhere. For your itin, best place to view is Mishima's Garden in Kutchan and hopefully get to see Yotei in background.

I have not been to Rusutsu. I usually stay at Niseko Northern Annurpuri Onsen Resort .. damn worth it, for May shld be around SGD 120 per nite for 2 pax with breakfast. The BF serves good quality stuff eg) on site fresh baked croissant with home made jam

In the nearby town of Makkari, there is a highly rated local pork chop restaurant .. ichifuji. There are no tourists here ( the shop has a sign to say they dont speak English ) but we tried 3 times, either sold out or closed We did enquire inside before, and they do serve foreigners,just use G-translate.

Lake Toya - avoid Nonokaze, all the hype, costly but not worth. Avoid Sun Palace - lousy room n food.

7 days, with Sapporo n this itin, a bit of touch n go I feel ...

Yah, touch and go. Get a feel first, then go back next time for longer time. Cannot take long leaves.

 

[twosix]

I usually stay at Niseko Northern Annurpuri Onsen Resort .. damn worth it, for May shld be around SGD 120 per nite for 2 pax with breakfast. The BF serves good quality stuff eg) on site fresh baked croissant with home made jam

Anything to do in Niseko? I'm thinking of skipping it because it's a snow resort.

 

[thwysg]

Thought Nonokaze was okay. We had 2N there. But because it was during CNY period, the PRC groups spoiled the mood during meals (kaiseki and buffet) - no door in individual private rooms so practically could hear them talking loudly throughout two hours.

 

[oceanicmanta]

Anything to do in Niseko? I'm thinking of skipping it because it's a snow resort.

drive around the base of the mountain explore/visit various places eg cheese factory, milk kobo, collect spring water ( various points to collect ), visit the spring water park

explore small rural roads, which may lead views of Mt Yotei from different angles. enjoy the quiet of the countryside

we usually have a pan n portable stove, buy some nice meat, find a park, bbq campsite n cook

i find it more interesting than Toya, and cheaper during non-winter

dinner is a bit inconvenient .. have to drive 30mins to Kutchan for more options

 

[oceanicmanta]

Thought Nonokaze was okay. We had 2N there. But because it was during CNY period, the PRC groups spoiled the mood during meals (kaiseki and buffet) - no door in individual private rooms so practically could hear them talking loudly throughout two hours.

the rooms, decor, onsen were very nice with recent reno n modern touch .. service was good ( recall got valet parking )

we were let down mostly by the average quality food at the buffet, breakfast n dinner

mayb we had high expectations n resulted in disappointment

at that price point, the Tsuruga group hotels in Hokkaido would seem better value

 

[rrr2015]

Anything to do in Niseko? I'm thinking of skipping it because it's a snow resort.

if u coming from kamui i think niseko is good rest stop. if u staying a night in sapporo, u could do day trip to otaru which is more beautiful in the evening.