8 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

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

On the 3rd (Mon), observe the fascinating underwater world at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, take in the dramatic natural features at Jigokudani, and then witness a stunning natural landmark at Oku no Yu.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Noboribetsu trip planner.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Noboribetsu is an approximately 11-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Noboribetsu. While traveling from Kuala Lumpur, expect much colder days and a bit cooler nights in Noboribetsu, ranging from highs of 24°C to lows of 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to 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 4th (Tue), stroll through Goryokaku Park, enjoy breathtaking views from Goryokaku Tower, then take in the pleasant sights at Ono River Cherry Blossom Avenue, then take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, and finally make a trip to Hachimanzaka.

To see other places to visit, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read our Hakodate itinerary planner.

You can drive from Noboribetsu to Hakodate in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. September in Hakodate sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Take a break from Sapporo with a short trip to Otaru Canal in Otaru, about 46 minutes away. The adventure continues: walk around Odori Park, wander the streets of Susukino, enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, and get great views at Mt. Moiwa.

To find where to stay, reviews, photos, and tourist information, use the Sapporo sightseeing planning app.

You can fly from Hakodate to Sapporo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in September, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sat): get to know the resident critters at Asahiyama Zoo, then take in nature's colorful creations at Shikisai no Oka, and then explore the activities along Shirogane Blue Pond.

For traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read our Asahikawa attractions planner.

Getting from Sapporo to Asahikawa by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in September, and nighttime lows around 18°C. On the 9th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.