Best Hokkaido Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary by a Local

Planning a road trip in Hokkaido? That’s a great idea! Traveling by car is the best way to explore the beautiful summer in Hokkaido.

Hi, my name is Yuuka, and I’m from Hokkaido. As a local travel expert, I’ve helped hundreds of people plan their dream trips over the years, including many road trips!

So I made this 7-day Hokkaido road trip itinerary that’s perfect for nature lovers. I packed this itinerary with many of my favorite places that I’ve enjoyed visiting, while growing up in Hokkaido.

In this itinerary, you’ll get…

• Both must-see spots and hidden gems
• Fun outdoor activities that you’ll love
• Practical travel tips from a Hokkaido local (me!)

Let’s dive in!

Overview: 7-Day Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary

This Hokkaido road trip features some of the best destinations in Hokkaido, including things to do and hotel recommendations.

Please note that this is rather a packed, fast-paced itinerary for 7 days, as Hokkaido is huge and has many destinations we don’t want to miss.

If this itinerary feels too tight for you, you can easily customize it. Just add a few more days to some destinations and enjoy a more relaxing trip. It’s all up to you!

Day 1 – Furano

Furano is a photogenic 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 did you know Furano is more than just lavender? It’s also home to local wineries, a hot air balloon ride over flower fields, and beautiful forests.

To get started, Rent a car at New Chitose Airport and hit the road for the 140-kilometer, 2.5-hour drive to Furano.

Farm Tomita

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.

I recommend visiting here in the morning before it gets crowded in the afternoon. There are cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the farm.

Information

• Opening hours: 7 am – 7 pm (May to October), 9 am – 6.30 pm (November to April)
• Admission & parking free

Enjoy Furano Melon

In summer, you can’t miss Furano Melon. It’s a fresh, juicy local specialty. There are many melon farms where you can try a slice or buy a whole melon.

Want to know the best spots? Check out these recommendations by a Furano local.

Ningle Terrace

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.

Information

• Opening hours: 11 am – 7.45 pm in summer, 12 pm – 8.45 pmin winter
• Admission & parking free

Day 2 – Biei & Asahikawa

Day 2 is all about a scenic drive from Furano to Asahikawa, with a stop in Biei along the way!

Biei is famous for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, especially its besautiful flower fields.

Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and is famous for its food scene, with plenty of delicious local dishes to try.

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.

Shikisai no oka

Make a stop at Shikisai no Oka in Biei, a stunning flower garden with colorful stripes over a hill.

There are farm restaurants that are perfect for a lunch break, a souvenir and local produce shop, and spacious bathrooms.

In summer, you can get on a tractor bus that takes you on a round tour of the park for 15 mins. This is a great way to enjoy the view efficiently, if you are with young kids or the elderly.

Information

• Opening hours: 8.40 am – 7.30 pm, depending on the season
• Admission fees: 500 yen/person, free for kids under 6 years old

Blue Pond

After lunch, visit the famous Blue Pond, which is a 20-minute drive away from Shikisai no Oka.

The bright blue color of this pond is the result of natural minerals in the water, making the view truly magical.

Information

• Opening hours: 7 am – 7 pm (May to October), 8 am – 9.30 pm (November to April)
• Parking fee: 500 yen
• Admission free, no public bathroom

Asahiyama Zoo

In Asahikawa, one of the main attractions is Asahiyama Zoo. It’s known for its “behavioral exhibition” approach, where animals live in environments that mimic their natural habitats.

This allows visitors to observe them up close and in action, making the experience feel incredibly immersive.

💡Fun fact: This zoo is a classic destination for school trips in Hokkaido! It’s both educational and fun for kids. Of course, I went there on my own school trip too.

There are 32 exhibits in total and each and every one is unique. It usually takes 2-3 hours to go through the entire zoo, but if you’re short on time, my top recommendations are polar bears, seals, penguins, chimpanzees, and giraffes!

For dinner, head to a local restaurant to try Asahikawa shoyu ramen, a popular local specialty.

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 – Drive to Abashiri

Day 3 is a road trip from Asahikawa to Abashiri. 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!

Sounkyo

Sounkyo is a small onsen town located in a valley, about a 1.5-hour drive from Asahikawa.

There, you can 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 colored with beautiful foliage from September to October.

I’ve taken this ropeway with my family a few times over the years. Every time, we’re amazed by the views of the forests below (especially in autumn with colorful foliage). At the top, we always enjoy strolls in the fresh air!

Also, just a five-minute drive from the ropeway station, Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Waterfall) is a nice viewpoint that offers a stunning view of two waterfalls that fall from a height of 120 meters.

From Sounkyo to Abashiri is a 2.5-hour drive.

Shiba zakura park in Higashi Mokoto

If you’re traveling in May, you don’t want to miss Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto. It’s a little bit of detour on the way to Abashiri, but you’ll be amazed by the beautiful hills covered in pink with little Shiba Sakura flowers.

If you have time in Abashiri, you can visit unique local museums there. If your schedule allows, it would be also nice to add a day in Abashiri to explore more.

My favorite museum in Abashiri has always been the Drift Ice Museum. A highlight is -15°C drift ice room where you can see and touch real drift ice, collected from the nearby coast! It’s especially nice and refreshing to visit in summer.

When I was a kid, I loved swinging the wet towel the y give you and watching it freeze in the air. It was such a fun little science experiment!

After a long day of driving, unwind and relax at an onsen hotel in Abashiri!

Day 4 – Shiretoko

On Day 4, we’ll take an easy 1.5-hour drive from Abashiri to Utoro in Shiretoko, along the beautiful Okhotsk Sea.

As a designated World Nature Heritage site, Shiretoko is perfect for experiencing the untouched nature of Hokkaido. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers!

This is one of my favorite destinations in Eastern Hokkaido. I’ve taken many weekend trips there over the years. Whether it’s in summer or winter, and I’m always moved by the beautiful nature of Shiretoko.

Drive to Shiretoko

We’ll drive to Shiretoko! First, let’s make a quick stop at Uminoba, just 10 mins from Abashiri’s city center. It’s a charming cafe with an open ocean view. They have a 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!

Shiretoko five lake trail

For Shiretoko, I have two outdoor activity recommendations. One is the Shiretoko five-lake trail.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Shiretoko that you should definitely try. You will enjoy Shiretoko’s untouched nature with incredible views of lakes and mountains.

There are three different routes to accommodate any physical level. Since the National Park is also home to wild brown bears, it is required to book a guided tour or to get a safety briefing at the Shiretoko Nature Center during certain seasons.

• Protected walkway (a 1.6-km round trip) – An easy-to-walk pathway protected from wild bears with high-voltage wires, passing the first lake only. No guide required. Accessible all year around.
• Small loop route (1.6 km) – A trail going through the forest and viewing the first and second lakes. Guided tour required from May to July. Safety briefing required for a self-guided walk from August to November.
• Big loop route (3 km)- includes all five lakes for the best experience. Safety requirement is the same as the small loop.

Find more details on the Five-Lake official website.

✅ Book a guided tour for the Shiretoko Five Lake Trail here

Nature Cruise

Another activity that I love in Shiretoko is Nature Cruise.

The tour takes you on a trip along the peninsula’s coast for a couple of hours. The view is spectacular – beautiful waterfalls, huge cliffs, and hidden natural bays.

During summer months, you’ll have a high chance (about 80%) of spotting wild animals. I’ve once seen a pack of dolphins swimming along with our cruise ship. That was amazing! I’ve also spotted bears a couple of times, thanks to the cruise staff who are super good at finding them in bushes far away.

• Gojiraiwa Kanko
• Aurora Cruise
• Shiretoko Boat Tour FOX

Option: ONE Day trip to Rausu

If you can spend another day in Shiretoko, why not add Rausu? Rausu is another small port town on the other side of the peninsula from Utoro.

Once you get to Rausu, get on a nature cruise tour at 1 pm. The town is known for whale and dolphin watching, and summer is the best season for it!

The driveway between Utoro and Rausu is fantastic – crossing the peninsula for 27 km, you will see lush greenery and the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range and Mount Rausu.

💡Pro Tip: The road between Utoro and Rausu is closed during winter due to heavy snow, from early November to late April. The only way to access Rausu from Utoro is to go around the southern part of the peninsula (112 km).

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.

This is also my go-to weekend getaway spot. I usually stay at an onsen hotel with a lake view. It’s the perfect place to relax, especially after a busy week.

Many hotels here offer great buffet meals, and that’s a big part of the reason I keep coming back! My husband, who is not from Hokkaido, was once blown away by the all-you-can-eat ikura (salmon roe) at the breakfast buffet. He went back for like three rounds.

💡Pro tip: There aren’t many restaurant options outside the hotels for dinner. I always recommend booking a hotel plan that includes dinner.

Oshinkoshin Waterfall

In just 10 mins from Utoro, take a quick stop at Oshinkoshin Waterfall, a stunning waterfall located near Utoro. The viewpoint offers a great photo opportunity, and just 20 minutes is enough time to spend here.

Information

• Opening for 24 hours
• Admission free
• Google Maps

Things to do in Akan

There are a few things to do in Akan. Here are for you to pick and choose!

• Lake Akan Cruise: A leisurely cruise around Lake Akan for 80 min. It includes a 15 minute-stop at an island on the lake for you to visit an exhibition of Marimo, green moss balls which Lake Akan is famous for.
• Stroll through Ainu Kotan to explore local Ainu crafts and culture
• Visit the Ainu 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.
• Eco Museum Center: The center offers exhibits about nature in and around Akan, focusing on forests, lakes, and volcanos.
• Bokke Walk: Starting from the Eco Museum Center, a 1.5 km loop path to Bokke, a mud volcano steaming from underground, which is a unique nature phenomena in this area.
• Mount Hakuto Observatory Hike: A 4-km round trip (2-2.5 hours) with a beautiful lake & mountain view. I did this trail two years ago and loved it! The first part of the trail, which is on a ski slope during winter, is a little steep and the most challenging section of the trail. After that, it goes into a forest up to the observatory with a rewarding summit view.

Suggestion #1: ONE Day triP to Lake Kussharo Area

If you have one more day to spend here, I would recommend making a day trip to the Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu area, which is just one hour by car from Akan.

I call this area “a bonus area” because there are diverse nature sites in one area.Lakes, mountains, a volcano, and hot springs—in ONE DAY!

Suggestion #2: A Coastal Road trip in Eastern Hokkaido

If you have a few more days you could spend, head to the Notsuke Peninsula on the east coast of Hokkaido from Akan and spend a night there. This is a lesser-known area of Eastern Hokkaido, but offers beautiful, untouched nature.

Hit the road along the coast, stopping by some panorama-view capes (detailed itinerary here — Check Day 2 and Day 3). Then you can spend another night in Kushiro, which is 2 hours away to Obihiro to continue to Day 6 of this itinerary below.

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.

Lake Onneto

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.

Information

• Opening for 24 hours
• Admission free
• Google Maps

Naitai Farm

After visiting Lake Onneto, drive for about 1.5 hours to Naitai Farm, a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the Tokachi Plain.

There is an observation deck at the very top of the ranch, about 800 meters above sea level. From there, you can see the entire pasture, the wide Tokachi Plain, and even the mountains of Akan in the distance.

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.

Information

• Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm (the restaurant is open until 5 pm, closed during winter)
• Admission free
• Google Maps

What to eat in Obihiro

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.

There are also many local bakeries proud of using 100% wheat sourced in the region – check out my recommendations here.

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.

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 Tips

🍶Want to enjoy the night like a local? Check out this guide to Sapporo’s most popular izakaya areas.

Also join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! The friendly and outgoing local guides provides you a small group tour to make your experience much more personal and authentic.

✨ 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!

Your next steps

Hope you are now ready to plan your Hokkaido road trip!

If you want to look around more itineraries like this, my favorites are the 5-day Eastern Hokkaido itinerary and the 2-week all Hokkaido itinerary.

If you are with your children, this is also a perfect itinerary with young kids.

Got a quick question? You can throw it at me in Eastern Hokkaido Travel Group on Facebook.

Happy trip planning!