9 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Royce' Chocolate World. Change things up with these side-trips from Sapporo: Otaru (Otarunai Lake, Otaru Canal, &more). There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and design of Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, examine the collection at Hokkaido Museum Morino Charenga, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Sapporo St. Michael's Church, and walk around Odori Park.

To see photos, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Sapporo road trip tool.

Singapore, Singapore to Sapporo is an approximately 13-hour flight. The time zone changes from Singapore Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Singapore in November; daily highs in Sapporo reach 6°C and lows reach 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (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 2nd (Sat): witness a stunning natural landmark at Oku no Yu, then take in the dramatic natural features at Jigokudani, then get in on the family fun at Noboribetsu Date Historic Village, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yuzawa Shrine.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Noboribetsu trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from Sapporo to Noboribetsu takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 3°C, and evening lows to -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can drive to Kutchan-cho.

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

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): identify plant and animal life at Kagaminuma, get out on two wheels at White Isle Niseko, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then head outdoors with Niseko Village Ski Resort, and finally see the winter wonderland with Hokkaido Backcountry Club.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Kutchan-cho online journey planner.

Drive from Noboribetsu to Kutchan-cho in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. Traveling from Noboribetsu in December, you will find days in Kutchan-cho are little chillier (0°C), and nights are about the same (-2°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) early enough 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 (Mon), take in panoramic vistas at Mt. Hakodate Observatory, take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, take a stroll through Motomachi, then don't miss a visit to Hachimanzaka, then look for gifts at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, and finally steep yourself in history at Goryokaku Park. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of St.John's Church Hakodate and then make a trip to Goryokaku Tower.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Hakodate trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kutchan-cho to Hakodate takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and flight. In December in Hakodate, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly back home.