9 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): observe the fascinating underwater world at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, then explore the striking landscape at Jigokudani, then take in the natural beauty of Oku no Yu, and finally take in the natural beauty of Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath.

To find traveler tips, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Noboribetsu tour itinerary builder.

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. When traveling from Kuala Lumpur in September, plan for colder days in Noboribetsu, with highs around 24°C, while nights are slightly colder with lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) 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 3rd (Mon), stroll through Goryokaku Park, then take in panoramic vistas at Goryokaku Tower, and then take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate. Keep things going the next day: take a stroll through Motomachi, steep yourself in history at The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, then don't miss a visit to Hachimanzaka, then take an in-depth tour of Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples, and finally look for gifts at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

To find more things to do, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Hakodate sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Noboribetsu to Hakodate in 3 hours. Another option is to take a train. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in September, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) 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.

Take a break from Sapporo with a short trip to Otaru Canal in Otaru, about 46 minutes away. There's much more to do: walk around Odori Park, make a trip to Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, take an in-depth tour of Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura), and enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus.

To find reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the Sapporo travel route planner.

You can fly from Hakodate to Sapporo in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In September, daily temperatures in Sapporo can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to 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 8th (Sat): admire nature's wide array of creatures at Asahiyama Zoo, take in nature's colorful creations at Shikisai no Oka, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Shirogane Blue Pond.

For other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Asahikawa trip planner.

You can drive from Sapporo to Asahikawa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 18°C. On the 9th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.