10 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

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.

On the 26th (Wed), wander the streets of Susukino, ponder the world of politics at Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, walk around Odori Park, then steep yourself in history at Sapporo Clock Tower, and finally take a stroll around Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, take in the spiritual surroundings of Hokkaido Jingu, get outside with Okurayama Lookout, then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Maruyama Zoo, then admire the landmark architecture of Akino Sohonten Pharmacy, and finally take some stellar pictures from Sapporo TV Tower.

For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our Sapporo trip planner.

Chitose to Sapporo is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Chitose in April, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 7°C in Sapporo. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Toyako-cho.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Fri): enjoy breathtaking views from Silo Viewing Platform, get your bearings at Toya Mizunoeki, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Toya, then walk around Mt. Usu Funka Memorial Park, then boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, and finally get impressive views of Showashinzan. On the 29th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: try out the rides at Noboribetsu Date Historic Village and then explore the striking landscape at Jigokudani.

For other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Toyako-cho online tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Sapporo to Toyako-cho in 2 hours. Expect slightly colder evenings in Toyako-cho when traveling from Sapporo in April, with lows around 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Sun): hunt for treasures at Hakodate Morning Market, make a trip to Hachimanzaka, look for gifts at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Goryokaku Park, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Goryokaku Tower.

To find photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Hakodate holiday builder app.

Traveling by car from Toyako-cho to Hakodate takes 2.5 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Hakodate can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) to allow time to fly to Otaru.

The port city of Otaru has long attracted domestic visitors, drawn in by the city's many historic buildings, and has started to garner international attention, too.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Mon): get into the urban bustle at Otaru City Meeting Hall, get in on the family fun at Otaru Denuki Koji, explore the activities along Otaru Canal, contemplate the long history of The Site of Temiya Line, then hunt for treasures at Sankaku Market, and finally make a trip to JR Otaru Station.

To find reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Otaru road trip planning app.

Fly from Hakodate to Otaru in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In May, daytime highs in Otaru are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 14°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Furano.

Situated in the center of the island, Furano has become known for its idyllic rural landscape, and the drastic changes it experiences as seasons shift.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Tue): see the interesting displays at Furabi, then admire the natural beauty at Garden of Wind, then don't miss a visit to Ningle Terrace, and finally hit the slopes at Furano Ski Resort. On the 3rd (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stop by Seven Stars Tree, explore the activities along Shirogane Blue Pond, admire the sheer force of Shirahige Falls, then enjoy breathtaking views from Tokachidake Bogakudai Observation Tower, and finally soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Furano trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Otaru to Furano takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. While traveling from Otaru, expect a bit warmer days and little chillier nights in Furano, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive back home.