Planning a summer road trip in Hokkaido? Here’s my ultimate itinerary for you!
In this itinerary, we'll take you on a 7-day road trip through some of Hokkaido's most breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unique cultural experiences.
A road trip in Hokkaido is the perfect way to explore all of these wonderful attractions on the island.
Let’s dive in!
7-Day Hokkaido Road Trip
Useful Resources
✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner
This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my trip☕
7-Day Hokkaido Road Trip
Hokkaido is a perfect summer road trip destination for those who love nature, outdoor activities, and delicious food.
This road trip itinerary features some of the best destinations in Hokkaido, including things to do and hotel recommendations. It is a “packed” itinerary for 7 days as Hokkaido is huge and has so many destinations we don’t want to miss. If you feel this itinerary is too busy, you can customize it by adding a few more days to some destinations and enjoy a more relaxing trip. It’s all up to you!
🚗Looking for a car rental?
Rentalcars.com compares prices of many well-known international & Japanese companies. If you want to rent from a company that is familiar with international travelers and offers comprehensive support services, take a look!
Klook covers big international names as well as Japanese local companies. Sometimes you will find cheaper prices from the local ones, so make sure to check it out.
Day 1 - Furano
Furano is a picturesque town that's known for its stunning natural scenery. Its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer, attract visitors from all over the world. But Furano is more than just lavender - it's also home to local wineries, a hot air balloon ride over flower fields, and beautiful forests.
Itinerary for Day 1
Rent a car at New Chitose Airport and hit the road for the 140-kilometer, 2.5-hour drive to Furano. Along the way, make a stop at Ice Cream Kacha for some tasty Hokkaido ice cream or enjoy a pizza lunch. You can also drop by Yubari Merode to grab some fresh and affordable Hokkaido melons in June and July.
Once you arrive in Furano, head straight to Tomita Farm, which is one of the town's most famous attractions. While the lavender fields are at their peak from mid-July to early August, you can enjoy a variety of colorful flowers at the farm from April to October!
For a relaxing evening stroll, head over to Ningle Terrace, a cozy log house village surrounded by a forest that's lit up with warm and cute lights. Here you can find locally-made crafts and accessories that make great souvenirs.
✨TRAVEL TIP
If you want a guided tour rather than self-driving, join Guided One-Day Tours from Sapporo. The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more. You can visit many must-see places in one day while just relaxing in a car!
Where to stay
La Vista Furano Hills Natural Hot Spring
⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
Mountain view city hotel with hot spring
Shin Furano Prince Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring, 👨👩👧For Family
Prime location for Furano adventuresThe Furano Natulux Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design, 👩❤️👨For Couple
Cozy hotel near JR Furano Station, perfect for a relaxing stay
Day 2 - Biei & Asahikawa
Blue Pond
Day 2 is all about a scenic drive from Furano to Asahikawa, with a stop in Biei along the way! Biei is renowned for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, with vibrant flower fields that make it a photographer's paradise.
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and is famous for its food scene, with plenty of delicious local dishes to try.
Itinerary for Day 2
Head to Asahikawa, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Furano. Take your time and enjoy the scenic drive, as there are several beautiful roads with vast fields and forests along the way.
Make a stop at Shikisai no Oka in Biei, a stunning flower garden with colorful stripes over a hill. There are several farm restaurants in the area that make for a perfect lunch break.
After lunch, visit the famous Blue Pond, which is a 20-minute drive away from Shikisai no Oka. Its stunning blue color is the result of natural minerals in the water, making for a unique and memorable experience.
In Asahikawa, one of the main attractions is Asahiyama Zoo, which is known for its unique way of presenting how animals live in nature. Be sure to secure at least 2 hours to explore the zoo and see the animals up close. For dinner, head to a local restaurant to try Asahikawa shoyu ramen, a popular local specialty.
Where to stay
HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa
⭐4 stars, ✨Modern Design, 🏢Excellent Location
A newly-built modern hotel located 5 min walk from JR Asahikawa offering a public bath with a viewDormy Inn Asahikawa
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
A city hotel located 10 min walk from JR Asahikawa, with a natural hot spring and great breakfast buffet
Pro Tip
🚗Want to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at a different place? Then look for big names, such as Toyota Rental Car, Nissan Rental Car, Orix Rental Car, etc. They allow you to do that with an additional fee.
🛣️ Using tollway a lot? Look into Hokkaido Expressway Pass to enjoy unlimited highway access. The price starts at 3,700 yen for 2 days up to 11,500 yen for 14 days.
Day 3 - Abashiri
Milky Way Waterfall
Day 3 is a road trip from Asahikawa to Abashiri, so it's best to set off early in the morning as there are several must-see attractions along the way. You might even want to consider spending an extra night in Abashiri to explore the local museums and savor the fresh seafood.
Itinerary for Day 3
There are a few recommended stops on the way. Take the Sounkyo Ropeway to the top of Mount Kurodake, 1,300 meters above sea level, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. In autumn, the valley is a beautiful display of autumn colors from September to October.
Just a five-minute drive from the ropeway station, Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Waterfall) is a viewpoint that offers a stunning view of two waterfalls that fall from a height of 120 meters.
If you're traveling between May and June, make a detour to the Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto. You'll be amazed by the hills that are covered in pink with little Shiba Sakura flowers.
If you have the time, rent a bicycle from the Wakka Nature Center in Saroma and take a ride through the nature reserve. On a sunny day, you can enjoy a stunning sunset over Lake Saroma.
After a long day of driving, unwind and relax at an onsen hotel in Abashiri.
Where to stay
Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet
A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring the Ainu art in its well-designed interiorKagariya
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet
An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.Dormy Inn Abashiri
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring
A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby
One more day in Abashiri?
If you want to spend a little more time in Abashiri, check out this Abashiri itinerary for things to do - museum hopping, a flower garden, a nature reserve, etc!
THE ULTIMATE HOKKAIDO TRAVEL PLANNERS
These e-guidebooks will save your weeks of research!
Overview of major destinations
Ready-made itineraries
Things to do, hotel reccomendations
Useful travel tips & many more
Day 4 - Shiretoko
On Day 4, take a leisurely 1.5-hour drive from Abashiri to Utoro in Shiretoko along the beautiful Okhotsk Sea. As a designated World Nature Heritage site, Shiretoko offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the rich and untouched nature of Hokkaido.
Itinerary for Day 4
Start your day with a stop at Uminoba, a charming cafe with an ocean view located just a 10-minute drive from Abashiri's city center. Browse through their wide range of local souvenirs, including sweets, snacks, cooking ware, and T-shirts.
Next, head to Shari and visit the Road to Heaven, an iconic photo spot that can only be reached by car. Enjoy the scenic drive and take plenty of photos!
Once you arrive in Shiretoko, embark on a Nature Cruise to observe the local wildlife, including bears and dolphins. Alternatively, if you enjoy hiking, book a guided tour of the Shiretoko five-lake trail, which starts from the Shiretoko Nature Center. This hike offers stunning views of the beautiful mountain range in Shiretoko National Park.
Where to stay
Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring.Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🛁Private Onsen, 🍴 Great Meals
A cozy family-run onsen hotel with an ocean viewRoute Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Breakfast Buffet Available
An affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast
📍Pick up
Looking for a cozy hotel where you feel connected with a warm-hearted owner? Then Sekka Shiretoko is a perfect place to stay for you. Check out the blog post below for a deeper look!
Day 5 - Akan
Day 5 involves a 2.5-hour drive from Shiretoko to Akan, a charming onsen town situated on the shores of Lake Akan. Akan is known for its Ainu culture and offers opportunities to learn about the culture and history, and see traditional crafts.
Itinerary for Day 5
Take a quick stop at Oshinkoshin Waterfalls, a stunning waterfall located near Utoro. The viewpoint offers a great photo opportunity, and just 20 minutes is enough time to spend here.
On the way to Akan, visit Mount Io, an active volcano that lets you observe geothermal activity up close, and Lake Mashu, known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.
In Akan, stroll through Ainu Kotan to explore local Ainu crafts and culture. Visit a theater to see traditional Ainu performances. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the town's many hot springs and savor some delicious local cuisine at your hotel.
Where to stay
Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
⭐4 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍷Fine Dining
All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view.Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various optionsHotel Gozensui
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A classic Japanese-style onsen hotel overlooking the lake
Day 6 - Obihiro
Day 6 involves a 2-hour drive from Akan to Obihiro. Obihiro is a lesser-known destination among international travelers, but it is a gourmet paradise that is worth a visit. Located in the fertile Tokachi Plain, it is known for its fresh, locally grown produce, including grilled pork rice bowl, delightful sweets, and local wines.
Itinerary for Day 6
Begin the day by visiting Lake Onneto, a hidden gem that is a 20-minute drive from Akan. This tranquil lake is surrounded by a forest and offers stunning views of the mountains and the water.
After that, drive for 1.5 hours to Naitai Farm, a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the Tokachi Plain. You can have lunch at the terrace restaurant there and try local dishes such as burgers, beef curry, and roast beef made with Tokachi beef.
Next, head to Obihiro, a food lover's paradise. Enjoy local specialties such as Butadon, a grilled pork rice bowl, and Hokkaido sweets from famous brands like Rokkatei and Ryugetsu. Don't miss the chance to explore the local food stall village and try some street food.
Where to stay
Sanyoan
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality
A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa OnsenHotel Grand Terrace Obihiro
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location,🍴Breakfast Buffet
A convenient city hotel located near JR Obihiro StationHotel Nupka
⭐2 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design
A simple, budget hotel with complimentary breakfast, located near the station.
Useful Resources
✨Planning a trip? Grab my Ultimate Travel Planner & Itineraries
✨Looking for places to stay? Check out my Hotel Recommendations
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
Day 7- Sapporo
On Day 7, you have the option to either drive from Obihiro for 3 hours to Sapporo and spend a few days there if you like, or drive for 2.5 hours to New Chitose Airport to catch your flight back home.
Itinerary for Day 7
If you are an early riser, you can start your day with a 1.5-hour drive from Obihiro to Unkai Terrace. This scenic spot offers stunning views of a "sea of clouds" when the weather conditions are right. Even without the clouds, you can still enjoy the cafe, bar, and walks with amazing views.
Before reaching Sapporo or heading to the airport, you might want to make a quick stop at the Mitsui Outlet Park if you enjoy shopping. This outlet mall offers a wide variety of brands at discounted prices.
Sapporo TIP
🍶 Want to enjoy the night like a local? Join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! Their local guides have been carefully selected to give you an authentic experience. They are friendly and outgoing, and enjoy meeting international travelers. A small group tour makes your experience much more personal.
✨ If you are tired of driving, join Guided One-Day Tours from Sapporo, including transporation. You can just relax and enjoy excursions to Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more!
Where to stay
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🏢Excellent Location
Urban city hotel with a great location directly connected to JR Sapporo stationSolaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo
⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🍴Great Breakfast
City hotel with beautiful urban views, newly opened in February 2021Sapporo Grand Hotel
⭐4 stars 🧴Good Amenities 🏢Excellent Location
Family-friendly Western-style hotel directly connected to JR Sapporo Station
NEED ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP PLAN?
I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!
I’ve been helping international travelers plan their dream trips to Hokkaido for the past 3 years. I’d be happy to plan your itinerary with you for Eastern Hokkaido as well as other regions.
Check out what you can ask me & why you should plan with a local expert like me.
