Japan Sample Itinerary thread

[ZigguratZ]

Hi Bros,

Will be heading to Hokkaido in early June to mid June. Sharing my itinerary - Any thought or suggestion on the flow?
Just thinking of whether to drive while at Hakodate or just park at the hotel and take public transport.


Day 1:
-Arrive at New Chitose Airport at 8.30am.Collect rental car and drive to Noboribetsu (1.5h drive).
-Jigokudani hell valley (10 mins away from hotel)
-Reach Noboribetsu hotel at around 2pm. Stay 1 night at Noboribetsu.

Day 2: Check out from Noboribetsu. Drive to Lake Toya (1 hr)to see sights followed by drive to Hakodate. Stay at Haokodate for 2 nights.

Day 3: Hakodate:

Day 4: check out from Hakodate. Drive to Onuma National Park. Then drive to Cape Kamui for sight seeing on route to Otaru. Stay at Otaru.

Day 5: Otaru sights. Stay at Otaru.

Day 6: check out from otaru. Drive to Furano (flowers)/Biei to view sights. Then drive to Asahikawa.

Day 7: Mt Ashahidake hiking

Day 8: Drive back to sapporo. Return car.

Day 9: Sapporo

Day 10: Sapporo other sights

Day 11: Sapporo other sights

Day 12: Sapporo. Leave for and stay at New Chitose Airport hotel so no need to rush for morning flight

Day 13: 1030am flight back to SG

 

[wongkc]

Hi Bros,

Will be heading to Hokkaido in early June to mid June. Sharing my itinerary - Any thought or suggestion on the flow?
Just thinking of whether to drive while at Hakodate or just park at the hotel and take public transport.


Day 1:
-Arrive at New Chitose Airport at 8.30am.Collect rental car and drive to Noboribetsu (1.5h drive).
-Jigokudani hell valley (10 mins away from hotel)
-Reach Noboribetsu hotel at around 2pm. Stay 1 night at Noboribetsu.

Day 2: Check out from Noboribetsu. Drive to Lake Toya (1 hr)to see sights followed by drive to Hakodate. Stay at Haokodate for 2 nights.

Day 3: Hakodate:

Day 4: check out from Hakodate. Drive to Onuma National Park. Then drive to Cape Kamui for sight seeing on route to Otaru. Stay at Otaru.

Day 5: Otaru sights. Stay at Otaru.

Day 6: check out from otaru. Drive to Furano (flowers)/Biei to view sights. Then drive to Asahikawa.

Day 7: Mt Ashahidake hiking

Day 8: Drive back to sapporo. Return car.

Day 9: Sapporo

Day 10: Sapporo other sights

Day 11: Sapporo other sights

Day 12: Sapporo. Leave for and stay at New Chitose Airport hotel so no need to rush for morning flight

Day 13: 1030am flight back to SG

Is your flight direct to CTS? If you are transiting at Tokyo...I suggest you enter via Hakodate and exit from Asahakiwa... less back tracking and less time on the road...

Hakodate > Lake Toya > Noboribetsu > Otaru > Sapporo > Furano > Asahikawa

 

[ZigguratZ]

Hi, its not direct.

we are flying via Thai airway hence will be transiting via BKK.

 

[Andrew833]

Hi Bros,

Will be heading to Hokkaido in early June to mid June. Sharing my itinerary - Any thought or suggestion on the flow?
Just thinking of whether to drive while at Hakodate or just park at the hotel and take public transport.


Day 1:
-Arrive at New Chitose Airport at 8.30am.Collect rental car and drive to Noboribetsu (1.5h drive).
-Jigokudani hell valley (10 mins away from hotel)
-Reach Noboribetsu hotel at around 2pm. Stay 1 night at Noboribetsu.

Day 2: Check out from Noboribetsu. Drive to Lake Toya (1 hr)to see sights followed by drive to Hakodate. Stay at Haokodate for 2 nights.

Day 3: Hakodate:

Day 4: check out from Hakodate. Drive to Onuma National Park. Then drive to Cape Kamui for sight seeing on route to Otaru. Stay at Otaru.

Day 5: Otaru sights. Stay at Otaru.

Day 6: check out from otaru. Drive to Furano (flowers)/Biei to view sights. Then drive to Asahikawa.

Day 7: Mt Ashahidake hiking

Day 8: Drive back to sapporo. Return car.

Day 9: Sapporo

Day 10: Sapporo other sights

Day 11: Sapporo other sights

Day 12: Sapporo. Leave for and stay at New Chitose Airport hotel so no need to rush for morning flight

Day 13: 1030am flight back to SG

Initially plan similar to your plan, Hakodate to Otaru. I found out no bus or train for this route. So, I switch to Hakodate to Lake Toya. Sapporo to Otaru day trip.
Mine is by public transport, just a opinion.

 

[Andrew833]

Is your flight direct to CTS? If you are transiting at Tokyo...I suggest you enter via Hakodate and exit from Asahakiwa... less back tracking and less time on the road...

Hakodate > Lake Toya > Noboribetsu > Otaru > Sapporo > Furano > Asahikawa

I try to do this when booking, air ticket is more expensive then in out via same airport.

 

[wongkc]

Hi, its not direct.

we are flying via Thai airway hence will be transiting via BKK.

Oh... your route like all over the place... a lot of back tracking and long drive that I dun prefer... But considering the places that you want to visit... I think there really isn't really a good route to do all these places that minimize travelling... No right or wrong way... just do one that you are comfortable with...

 

[wongkc]

I try to do this when booking, air ticket is more expensive then in out via same airport.

I find it ok leh... their domestic air tickets quite cheap even for single trip... and it will save lots of time on the road... I mean if transiting at Tokyo this is just another option to explore... I remember last time my single trip from Tokyo>Haneda and Asahikawa>Tokyo is around $150+ per trip only... Maybe now more expensive... but if it is under $2-300 I think I will still take this route...

 

[Andrew833]

I find it ok leh... their domestic air tickets quite cheap even for single trip... and it will save lots of time on the road... I mean if transiting at Tokyo this is just another option to explore... I remember last time my single trip from Tokyo>Haneda and Asahikawa>Tokyo is around $150+ per trip only... Maybe now more expensive... but if it is under $2-300 I think I will still take this route...

I didn't check other domestic airline.
ANA promo I check my ticket price, cheapest to and return from New Chitose Airport.
I think to Hakodate and return from New Chitose Airport few hundreds more.
Sapporo to Hakodate train ticket only about 9400 yen - less than $80.

 

[Andrew833]

I planning to Asahikawa tour in May, anyone got any website link?
Now winter, I can't find any, before that I did found the tour but replace by winter tour.
Not looking for Klook tour, waste time.

 

[Sauron]

Hi Bros,

Will be heading to Hokkaido in early June to mid June. Sharing my itinerary - Any thought or suggestion on the flow?
Just thinking of whether to drive while at Hakodate or just park at the hotel and take public transport.


Day 1:
-Arrive at New Chitose Airport at 8.30am.Collect rental car and drive to Noboribetsu (1.5h drive).
-Jigokudani hell valley (10 mins away from hotel)
-Reach Noboribetsu hotel at around 2pm. Stay 1 night at Noboribetsu.

Day 2: Check out from Noboribetsu. Drive to Lake Toya (1 hr)to see sights followed by drive to Hakodate. Stay at Haokodate for 2 nights.

Day 3: Hakodate:

Day 4: check out from Hakodate. Drive to Onuma National Park. Then drive to Cape Kamui for sight seeing on route to Otaru. Stay at Otaru.

Day 5: Otaru sights. Stay at Otaru.

Day 6: check out from otaru. Drive to Furano (flowers)/Biei to view sights. Then drive to Asahikawa.

Day 7: Mt Ashahidake hiking

Day 8: Drive back to sapporo. Return car.

Day 9: Sapporo

Day 10: Sapporo other sights

Day 11: Sapporo other sights

Day 12: Sapporo. Leave for and stay at New Chitose Airport hotel so no need to rush for morning flight

Day 13: 1030am flight back to SG

Just to share, we drove to the star-shaped fort on the way out of Hakodate, the rest of the places like, the red brick warehouse, Mt Hakodate cable car, we actually went on foot as there are not too far away from our hotel

Otaru to Furano/Asahikawa seems like a long way. Be aware of animals and fog (in tunnels) if you plan to start your day early

 

[ZigguratZ]

Hi all, GXFC

thanks for all the inputs.

have revised my itinerary and removed Hakodate as we felt that it is a bit out of the way.
Welcome any comments or suggestions.

TIA

Day 1

Departure at 21:00 from Singapore

Plan: Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS) at 8:30 AM. Complete arrival procedures.

Collect pre-booked rental car. Drive directly to Asahikawa (~2 hours).

Check into hotel. Visit Asahikawa Ramen Village for dinner or explore Tokiwa Park

Day 2

Alpine Hike at Mount Asahidake

Plan: Drive from Asahikawa to Asahidake Ropeway (~1 hour). Full day hiking Mount Asahidake.

Enjoy the alpine scenery and free foot onsen at the ropeway base. Return to Asahikawa for overnight.

Drive: ~2 hours round-trip

Day 3

Zoo & Journey to Flower Fields

Plan: Check out. Visit Asahiyama Zoo (world-class animal exhibits). After lunch, drive to Furano area (~1.5 hours). Check into hotel. Evening at leisure.

Drive: ~1.5 hours

Day 4

Furano & Biei Exploration

Plan: Full day exploring at leisure. Visit Farm Tomita (early lavender season),

Furano Cheese Factory, Biei's Patchwork Road, Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, and the Blue Pond.

Day 5

Scenic Drive to Hell Valley

Plan: Check out. Drive from Furano to Noboribetsu. Check into onsen hotel.

Relax in therapeutic baths. Evening walk through Jigokudani (Hell Valley).

Drive: ~ 3 hour

Day 6

Volcanic Lake & Arrival in Otaru

Plan: Check out. Short drive to Lake Toya (~30 minutes). Enjoy lake views. Drive to Otaru (~2 hours). Check in.

Evening stroll along illuminated Otaru Canal.

Day 7

Otaru Music Box Museum - 9:00 AM to 6:00

Otaru Blue Cave Boat Ride (Approximately 90 minutes) - Regular schedules at 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30; sunset cruises available (17:00)

Otaru Aquarium - 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Day 8

Otaru's Charm & Transfer to Sapporo

Plan: Morning exploring Otaru's Sakaimachi Street (music boxes, glassware, LeTAO).

After lunch, drive to Sapporo (~40 minutes). Check into hotel. Return rental car at city location.

Drive: ~40 minutes (final car use)

Day 9

Sapporo City Highlights

Plan: Full urban exploration using subway/bus. Visit Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, Historical Village of Hokkaido, and Sapporo Beer Museum & Garden.

Plan: Full day to enjoy Sapporo at leisure. Suggested: Nijo Market breakfast, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, Nakajima Park, or revisit favorite areas.

Day 10

Sapporo Flexibility / Jozankei Onsen

Plan: Flexible day. Choose either:

Relaxed city day (shopping at Tanukikoji, Moerenuma Park, Hokkaido University)

Day 11

Final Sapporo Sights & Airport Transfer

Plan: Check out of Sapporo hotel. Store luggage.

Final shopping at department stores or Tanukikoji.

Late afternoon, take JR Rapid Airport train (~40 minutes) to New Chitose Airport. Check into airport hotel. Optional dinner at airport or visit Rera Outlet Mall.

Day 12

Departure

Plan: Check out of airport hotel. Short walk to terminal. Complete departure procedures for 10:30 AM flight back to Singapore.

 

[wongkc]

Hi all, GXFC

thanks for all the inputs.

have revised my itinerary and removed Hakodate as we felt that it is a bit out of the way.
Welcome any comments or suggestions.

TIA

Day 1

Departure at 21:00 from Singapore

Plan: Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS) at 8:30 AM. Complete arrival procedures.

Collect pre-booked rental car. Drive directly to Asahikawa (~2 hours).

Check into hotel. Visit Asahikawa Ramen Village for dinner or explore Tokiwa Park

Day 2

Alpine Hike at Mount Asahidake

Plan: Drive from Asahikawa to Asahidake Ropeway (~1 hour). Full day hiking Mount Asahidake.

Enjoy the alpine scenery and free foot onsen at the ropeway base. Return to Asahikawa for overnight.

Drive: ~2 hours round-trip

Day 3

Zoo & Journey to Flower Fields

Plan: Check out. Visit Asahiyama Zoo (world-class animal exhibits). After lunch, drive to Furano area (~1.5 hours). Check into hotel. Evening at leisure.

Drive: ~1.5 hours

Day 4

Furano & Biei Exploration

Plan: Full day exploring at leisure. Visit Farm Tomita (early lavender season),

Furano Cheese Factory, Biei's Patchwork Road, Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, and the Blue Pond.

Day 5

Scenic Drive to Hell Valley

Plan: Check out. Drive from Furano to Noboribetsu. Check into onsen hotel.

Relax in therapeutic baths. Evening walk through Jigokudani (Hell Valley).

Drive: ~ 3 hour

Day 6

Volcanic Lake & Arrival in Otaru

Plan: Check out. Short drive to Lake Toya (~30 minutes). Enjoy lake views. Drive to Otaru (~2 hours). Check in.

Evening stroll along illuminated Otaru Canal.

Day 7

Otaru Music Box Museum - 9:00 AM to 6:00

Otaru Blue Cave Boat Ride (Approximately 90 minutes) - Regular schedules at 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30; sunset cruises available (17:00)

Otaru Aquarium - 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Day 8

Otaru's Charm & Transfer to Sapporo

Plan: Morning exploring Otaru's Sakaimachi Street (music boxes, glassware, LeTAO).

After lunch, drive to Sapporo (~40 minutes). Check into hotel. Return rental car at city location.

Drive: ~40 minutes (final car use)

Day 9

Sapporo City Highlights

Plan: Full urban exploration using subway/bus. Visit Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, Historical Village of Hokkaido, and Sapporo Beer Museum & Garden.

Plan: Full day to enjoy Sapporo at leisure. Suggested: Nijo Market breakfast, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, Nakajima Park, or revisit favorite areas.

Day 10

Sapporo Flexibility / Jozankei Onsen

Plan: Flexible day. Choose either:

Relaxed city day (shopping at Tanukikoji, Moerenuma Park, Hokkaido University)

Day 11

Final Sapporo Sights & Airport Transfer

Plan: Check out of Sapporo hotel. Store luggage.

Final shopping at department stores or Tanukikoji.

Late afternoon, take JR Rapid Airport train (~40 minutes) to New Chitose Airport. Check into airport hotel. Optional dinner at airport or visit Rera Outlet Mall.

Day 12

Departure

Plan: Check out of airport hotel. Short walk to terminal. Complete departure procedures for 10:30 AM flight back to Singapore.

This route makes a lot more sense after taking out Hakodate… Enjoy your trip!

 

[ZigguratZ]

any bro here stayed at Asahikawa before?

thinking of whether to stay in Asahikawa city (probably needs to pay additional for parking) or to stay at Higashimachi where lodgings offer free parking since the highlight at Asahikawa is the hike at Asahidake Ropeway.

Is Asahikawa city worth exploring / shopping at given that we will be heading to Sapporo at the later part of the trip

​

 

[thwysg]

any bro here stayed at Asahikawa before?

thinking of whether to stay in Asahikawa city (probably needs to pay additional for parking) or to stay at Higashimachi where lodgings offer free parking since the highlight at Asahikawa is the hike at Asahidake Ropeway.

Is Asahikawa city worth exploring / shopping at given that we will be heading to Sapporo at the later part of the trip

I only stayed at Asahikawa during snow festival. Nothing much in the small town except for various ramen joints (Santouka originated from here) and Asahiyama Zoo.

 

[Carnage]

any bro here stayed at Asahikawa before?

thinking of whether to stay in Asahikawa city (probably needs to pay additional for parking) or to stay at Higashimachi where lodgings offer free parking since the highlight at Asahikawa is the hike at Asahidake Ropeway.

Is Asahikawa city worth exploring / shopping at given that we will be heading to Sapporo at the later part of the trip

I stayed in Asahikawa for 2 nights back in 2024 for the Asahiyama Zoo and to hike near Kamikawa to see waterfalls. I would advise to skip the ramen village, wasn't good to me or wife. There's a ramen joint along the Heiwa Shopping street that is frequented by the local salarymen, I still miss the taste.

 

[kraken_liu]

Hello everyone,

I am planning a self drive trip to Hokkaido in Mid Dec for 2.
Planning to book either Toyota Yaris Cross (Toyota-rent-a-car) / Subaru Crosstrek (Nippon-rent-a-car).
Choosing a AWD SUV after seeing drivers here recommending a higher ground clearance car.
Planning to have 2 28" and maybe 1or2 20" luggage.
Touching down on CTS at 12pm.

The Itinerary that Im planning:
- Furano/Biei - Stay 1 night
- Asahikawa - Stay 3 night
- Otaru - day trip - Niseko
- Niseko - Stay 2 night
- Lake Toya - Stay 1 night
- Noboribetsu - day trip - Sapporo
- Sapporo - 3nights

Can I get advise if this route is better or start from Noboribetsu is better?
Can I also get recommendation if spending 1 night in Furano/Biei and 2 nights in Niseko are worth it?
If its not that worth it, can share your suggestions and experience?
Hoping to get more suggestions and tips from senpais here..

Thanks in advanced !

 

[oceanicmanta]

Hello everyone,

I am planning a self drive trip to Hokkaido in Mid Dec for 2.
Planning to book either Toyota Yaris Cross (Toyota-rent-a-car) / Subaru Crosstrek (Nippon-rent-a-car).
Choosing a AWD SUV after seeing drivers here recommending a higher ground clearance car.
Planning to have 2 28" and maybe 1or2 20" luggage.
Touching down on CTS at 12pm.

The Itinerary that Im planning:
- Furano/Biei - Stay 1 night
- Asahikawa - Stay 3 night
- Otaru - day trip - Niseko
- Niseko - Stay 2 night
- Lake Toya - Stay 1 night
- Noboribetsu - day trip - Sapporo
- Sapporo - 3nights

Can I get advise if this route is better or start from Noboribetsu is better?
Can I also get recommendation if spending 1 night in Furano/Biei and 2 nights in Niseko are worth it?
If its not that worth it, can share your suggestions and experience?
Hoping to get more suggestions and tips from senpais here..

Thanks in advanced !

Either direction is fine

.. I wld do anti clock-wise, stay at Noboribetsu ( shorter drive directly from Chitose on arrival, enjoy the hotel ) .. i m also guessing Hotel prices at Niseko will be higher closer to Xmas

i hv driven Chitose to Biei on arrival, in May, using non toll road .. it was long n tiring ( besides Expressway only goes half the way )

also done Niseko to Asahikawa, it is an even longer drive .. take note, winter sun set is like 4pm

Otaru to Niseko, u will have to pass through some moutain areas. I recall some sections may be closed during winter ( last trip in Jan, there was a nearby road that is closed from 7pm to 7am). Given a choice, I would do this leg during daytime.

 

[kraken_liu]

Either direction is fine

.. I wld do anti clock-wise, stay at Noboribetsu ( shorter drive directly from Chitose on arrival, enjoy the hotel ) .. i m also guessing Hotel prices at Niseko will be higher closer to Xmas

i hv driven Chitose to Biei on arrival, in May, using non toll road .. it was long n tiring ( besides Expressway only goes half the way )

also done Niseko to Asahikawa, it is an even longer drive .. take note, winter sun set is like 4pm

Otaru to Niseko, u will have to pass through some moutain areas. I recall some sections may be closed during winter ( last trip in Jan, there was a nearby road that is closed from 7pm to 7am). Given a choice, I would do this leg during daytime.

Very informative !

I'm considering your proposed route too, anti clockwise direction, hoping able to attend the penguin march in Asahiyama Zoo.. Hahaha

Yaaa.. Quite a number of people are suggesting me to just stay 1 night in Niseko due to price and what they actually got to offer..

 

[oceanicmanta]

Very informative !

I'm considering your proposed route too, anti clockwise direction, hoping able to attend the penguin march in Asahiyama Zoo.. Hahaha

Yaaa.. Quite a number of people are suggesting me to just stay 1 night in Niseko due to price and what they actually got to offer..

think Noboribetsu zoo also has a Penguin Walk.

Are u planning to ski ?

off peak, Niseko area is actually quite nice to explore, drive around Mt Yotei, nice scenery, no crowds

Can consider visiting Mt Asahidake since u have a few days in Asahikawa. Go only when weather is good.

Bring water bottles. Can collect natural spring water from Niseko, Kyogoku and Daisetsuzan areas. So far i drink without boiling and no issue.

 

[Carnage]

Has anyone been to Fukui? Is there alot to do there? I'm torn between 2 scenarios:
1) Driving direct to Fukui from Gifu to spend 3D2N there
2) Drive further north to Toyama and swing by Kanazawa before going to Fukui for 2D1N