15 days in Chitose, Tomakomai & Sapporo Itinerary

With the largest international airport on the island, Chitose serves for most visitors as a way in or a way out, rather than a destination in itself.

Step out of the city life by going to Kiushito Wetland and Chidorigataki Falls. Get some cultural insight at Nibutani Ainu Museum and Kan Yausda Sculpture Museum, Arte Piazza Bibai. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Chitose: Old Mitsui Bibai Dai 2 Kosentanjo (in Bibai), Takikawa (Takikawa Folk Museum Annex, Tondenheioku & Takikawa Maruka Kogen Auto Camp Site) and Biratori-cho (Shigeru Kayano Nibutani Ainu Museum & Old Munro House). The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Royce' Chocolate World, stop by Bolta Kobo, tee off at The North Country Golf Club, and kick back and relax at Denshin Beach.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Chitose trip planner.

Melbourne, Australia to Chitose is an approximately 17-hour combination of flight and car. Traveling from Melbourne to Chitose, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Melbourne in January, with highs in Chitose at -1°C and lows at -14°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can go by car to Tomakomai.

Tomakomai is a city and port in Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Start off your visit on the 7th (Thu): admire nature's wide array of creatures at Noboribetsu Bear Park, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, explore the striking landscape at Jigokudani, then witness a stunning natural landmark at Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath, and finally engage your brain at Tomakomai City Science Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 8th (Fri): pick up some local products at Michinoeki Utonaiko, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center, tee off at Tomakomai Golf Resort 72, tee off at Hokkaido Brooks Country Club, then play a few rounds at Nidom Classic Course, and finally make a trip to Tarumaesan Shrine.

To find ratings, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Tomakomai attractions planner.

You can drive from Chitose to Tomakomai in an hour. In January, daily temperatures in Tomakomai can reach -1°C, while at night they dip to -14°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Fri) so you can drive to Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town and Wakura. Get in touch with nature at Earth Dream Kakuyama Farm and Kagaminuma. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Sapporo: Otaru (Otaru Miyakodori Shopping District, Oshoro Annular Stone, &more), Yoichi-cho (Yoichi Wine Brewery, Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, &more) and Rusutsu Resort Amusement Park (in Rusutsu-mura). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Sapporo Clock Tower, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hokkaido Jingu, hit the slopes at Okurayama Lookout, and shop like a local with Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read Sapporo journey planner.

You can drive from Tomakomai to Sapporo in 1.5 hours. Traveling from Tomakomai in January, expect somewhat warmer with lows of -6°C in Sapporo. You will have some time to spend on the 15th (Fri) before leaving for home.