36 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Hakodate: Hokuto (Trappist Monasteries & Houkiji Temple) and Nanae-cho (Shirotai Farm, Onuma Park Walking Path, &more). There's much more to do: take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, take a pleasant ride with Dosanko Farm Hakodate, make a trip to Hachimanzaka, and admire the striking features of Goryokaku Park.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read Hakodate trip maker website.

Tel Aviv, Israel to Hakodate is an approximately 21.5-hour flight. Traveling from Tel Aviv to Hakodate, you'll lose 7 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Tel Aviv in August, expect Hakodate to be a bit cooler, temps between 28°C and 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Kutchan-cho.

Kutchan-cho's reputation rests on two things: skiing and potatoes.

Venture out of the city with trips to Shakotan Peninsula (in Shakotan-cho), Rusutsu Resort Amusement Park (in Rusutsu-mura) and Yoichi-cho (Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery & Asadaen Farm). And it doesn't end there: take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Yotei, stroll around Fukidashi Park, take in nature's colorful creations at Mishima's Shibazakura Garden, and stop by Rhythm Base, Hirafu.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Kutchan-cho day trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Hakodate to Kutchan-cho takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of flight and train. In August in Kutchan-cho, expect temperatures between 27°C during the day and 25°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can drive to Noboribetsu.

Perhaps the island's best-known hot spring resort, Noboribetsu has a long history of tourism.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Noboribetsu: Hamada Marutome Fruits Gaden (in Sobetsu-cho), Cape Chikyu (in Muroran) and Lake Toya Ranch (in Toyako-cho). There's lots more to do: take in the dramatic natural features at Jigokudani, explore the activities along Lake Toya, don't miss a visit to Noboribetsu Date Historic Village, and get impressive views of Mt. Usu.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Noboribetsu trip planning site.

You can drive from Kutchan-cho to Noboribetsu in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Traveling from Kutchan-cho in August, plan for slightly colder nights in Noboribetsu, with lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Kushiro.

Kushiro first developed as an industrial hub thanks to its relatively ice-free harbor, and has since also become known as a transport hub for journeys to the east of the island.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Mon): have fun and explore at Kushiro Children's Museum Kodomo Yugakukan, then get to know the fascinating history of Kushiro Shitsugen Observatory Boardwalk, then step off the mainland to explore Churui island, and finally explore the activities along Akan Lake. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Onnenai Boardwalk, visit Tsurui Dosanko Farm, take in panoramic vistas at Kottaro Swamp Observatory, then take in panoramic vistas at Sarurun Observation Deck, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Hosooka Observation.

To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Kushiro online trip builder.

Traveling by flight from Noboribetsu to Kushiro takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In August, plan for daily highs up to 26°C, and evening lows to 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Teshikaga-cho.

A small town amid big scenery, Teshikaga-cho sits in a national park.

Venture out of the city with trips to Kiyosato-cho (Sakura Falls & Kaminoko Pond), Ajikoen (in Shibecha-cho) and Abashiri (Cape Notoro, Abashiri Prison Museum, &more). Spend the 16th (Wed) exploring nature at Akan-Mashu National Park. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Kussharo, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Io, witness a stunning natural landmark at Yoroushi Onsen, and take in panoramic vistas at Bihorotoge Lookout.

For photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our Teshikaga-cho trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kushiro to Teshikaga-cho takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In August, daily temperatures in Teshikaga-cho can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can go by car to Shari-cho.

Tourism in Shari-cho, a small town situated on Hokkaido's eastern tip, flourishes mainly because of its immediate proximity to the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): contemplate the waterfront views at Shiretoko Misaki, take in the dramatic scenery at Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall, explore the activities along Shiretoko Goko Lake, then take in the dramatic scenery at Oshin Koshin Falls, and finally don't miss a visit to Oshinkosin Observation Deck. Keep things going the next day: take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Rausu, identify plant and animal life at Shiretoko Peninsula, and then kick back and relax at Shiretoko Beach.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Shari-cho trip app.

Getting from Teshikaga-cho to Shari-cho by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. In August, daily temperatures in Shari-cho can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) so you can go by car to Kamikawa-cho.

Because of its proximity to Daisetsuzan National Park and its picturesque surroundings, many visitors opt for a vacation in Kamikawa-cho, looking to explore the pristine natural sights nearby.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Tue): take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Tomuraushi, stop by Asahidake Ropeway, then take in the awesome beauty at Daisetsuzan, then contemplate the waterfront views at Daisetsu Kogen Swamp, and finally take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Akadake Ginsendai. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed): trek along Sounkyo Gorge, take in the awesome beauty at Kurodake, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Midori, and finally explore the activities along Sugatami no Ike Lake.

To find maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Kamikawa-cho road trip planning website.

You can drive from Shari-cho to Kamikawa-cho in 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 29°C in August, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Asahikawa.

Perched on the confluence of four rivers and surrounded by green hills, Asahikawa combines a modern city experience with the pristine nature nearby.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Asahikawa: Biei-cho (Zerubunoka Atomunooka, Chiyoda Hill Lookout, &more), Asahidake Natural Hiking Route (in Higashikawa-cho) and Kanno Firm (in Kamifurano-cho). There's still lots to do: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Asahiyama Zoo, relax in the rural setting at Himawari no Sato, stop by Nihon Shoyu Kogyo Chokubaijo, and explore the activities along Uryunuma Moor.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read our Asahikawa tour itinerary site.

Traveling by car from Kamikawa-cho to Asahikawa takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Kamikawa-cho in August, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 26°C in Asahikawa. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Wakkanai.

The northernmost city in the country, Wakkanai experiences constant exposure to the elements, with windy and snow-covered winters perhaps its main claim to fame on a national level.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Wakkanai: Toyotomi-cho (Toyotomi Onsen Fureai Center & Sarobetsu Marsh Center). Next up on the itinerary: take in the dramatic natural features at Soya Hill Periglacial Landforms, don't miss a visit to Cape Noshappu, enjoy breathtaking views from Hamayuchi Rest House (Kohone House), and head outdoors with Yuhigaoka Parking Area.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Wakkanai travel route builder app.

You can drive from Asahikawa to Wakkanai in 4 hours. Another option is to take a train. Traveling from Asahikawa in August, plan for little chillier nights in Wakkanai, with lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) so you can fly 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Otaru Canal in Otaru (about 48 minutes away). Next up on the itinerary: stroll around Odori Park, take a stroll around Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town, take in the architecture and design of Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, and explore the activities along Moerenuma Park.

For maps, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Sapporo trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by flight from Wakkanai to Sapporo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In August in Sapporo, expect temperatures between 27°C during the day and 25°C at night. On the 6th (Wed), you're off to home.