8 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 your second day here, contemplate the long history of Sapporo Clock Tower, make a trip to Otaru Canal, then enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, and finally stroll around Odori Park.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Sapporo online driving holiday planner.

Vancouver, Canada to Sapporo is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 17 hours. Traveling from Vancouver in September, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 20°C in Sapporo. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can go by car 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.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Hokuchin Memorial Museum, then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Asahiyama Zoo, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Asahidake Natural Hiking Route, and finally head outdoors with Patchwork no Michi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: walk around Hoppo Yasoen, then take in the exciting artwork at Okanomachi Koryukan Bi.Yell, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Shikisai no Oka, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Shirogane Blue Pond.

To find reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Asahikawa trip planner.

You can drive from Sapporo to Asahikawa in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. September in Asahikawa sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Noboribetsu.

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

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sat): laugh and play at Noboribetsu Date Historic Village and then take in the dramatic natural features at Jigokudani.

For traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Noboribetsu trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Asahikawa to Noboribetsu takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Asahikawa in September, plan for a bit warmer days in Noboribetsu, with highs around 24°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can drive 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.

On the 15th (Sun), take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Hakodate, take a pleasant ride with Dosanko Farm Hakodate, and then take in panoramic vistas at Goryokaku Tower.

To find photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Hakodate holiday maker site.

Traveling by car from Noboribetsu to Hakodate takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In September, daily temperatures in Hakodate can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can catch the flight back home.