This itinerary includes most of popular spots of Hokkaido in 7 days. Departure and arrival places are Tokyo. You can start using 7 days JR pass when you leave Tokyo.
If you arrive and depart from either Narita or Haneda airports, you may use other deal.
Haneda airport access guide and the list of deals
The list of deals for Tokyo to/from Narita airport
You can use this itinerary for departure/arrival at Sapporo. I will tell you this at the end of the post.
Day 1 Tokyo – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto – Hakodate
06:32 Depart from Tokyo by Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 1
10:57 Arrive at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
11:10 Depart from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto by Rapid train Hakodate Liner
11:25 Arrive at Hakodate
After arrival at Hakodate, enjoy sightseeing.
(Overnight in Hakodate)
Day 2 Hakodate – Sapporo – Otaru – Sapporo
07:37 Depart from Hakodate for Sapporo by Limited Express Super Hokuto 3
11:27 Arrive at Sapporo
After arrive at Sapporo, enjoy sightseeing in Sapporo
If you are okay with the packed schedule, you may squeeze Otaru on this day. Otaru is only 45 minutes away from Sapporo by rapid train. It is very easy to access. If you plan to visit Otaru, please expect to spend at least 4 hours for return trip from Sapporo and sightseeing in Otaru. If you want to save your time in Sapporo, Otaru do not suit to your plan.
(Overnight in Sapporo)
Day 3 Sapporo – Asahikawa – Biei/Furano – Asahikawa
07:49 Depart from Hakodate for Sapporo by Limited Express Lilic 3
09:14 Arrive at Asahikawa
09:38 Leave Asahikawa by JR Furano line local train
10:14 Arrive at Biei
After arrive at Biei, enjoy sightseeing in Biei and Furano area.
16:29 Depart from Biei by JR Furano line local train
17:02 Arrive at Asahikawa
*You may skip Furano and Biei area and stay in Asahikawa all day. You can visit Asahiyama zoo. You can visit Asahiyama zoo on day 4 instead of Sounkyo.
(Overnight in Asahikawa)
Day 4 Asahikawa – Kamikawa – Sounkyo canyon – Kamikawa – Abashiri
08:35 Depart from Asahikawa for Abashiri via Sounkyo canyon by Limited Express Okhotsk 1
09:17 Arrive at Kamikawa
09:40 Depart from “Kamikawa Mori no Terasu Bus Touch” by Dohoku bus
*Kamikawa Mori no Terasu Bus Touch is the name of bus station in front of Kamikawa station.
10:20 Arrive at Sounkyo
Enjoy sightseeing in Sounkyo
15:40 Leave Sounkyo by Dohoku bus
16:10 Arrive at Kamikawa Mori no Terasu Bus Touch
*There is no better connections. You have to wait for 1.5 hours at Kamikawa station.
17:45 Depart from Kamikawa by Limited Express Taisetsu 3
20:49 Arrive at Abashiri
(Overnight in Abashiri)
Day 5 Abashiri – Shiretoko – Kushiro
06:41 Depart for Shiretoko-Shari by JR Senmo line local train
*If you miss this train, you cannot take Shiretoko tourist bus.
07:26 Arrive at Shiretoko-Shari
08:40 Ride on Shiretoko Tourist Bus. This bus is not covered by any rail passes. Please see the link below to find the information:
Yuyu Hokkaido Tour Bus information – Shari Bus
15:57 Depart for Kushiro by JR Senmo line local train
18:46 Arrive at Kushiro
(Overnight in Kushiro)
Day 6 Kushiro – Minami-Chitose – Date-Monbetsu – Lake Toya
08:23 Depart for Minami-Chitose by Limited Express Super Ozora 4
11:53 Arrive at Minami-Chitose and transfer to Limited Express Suzuran
11:59 Depart for Noboribetsu by Limited Express Suzuran 4
12:45 Arrive at Noboribetsu
13:00 Leave Noboribetsu by Donan bus
13:14 Arrive at Noboribetsu Onsen
Enjoy sightseeing and onsen bath in Noboribetsu
(Overnight in Noboribetsu)
Day 7 Noboribetsu – Lake Toya – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto – Tokyo
09:00 Take Express Bus “Iburi” from Noboribetsu Onsen
Bus fare is 1,700 yen. This is not covered by any rail passes.
10:13 Arrive at Toyako Onsen
13:35 Leave Toyako Onsen by Donan Bus local bus
13:56 Arrive at Toya station
14:07 Depart from Toya by Limited Express Super Hokuto 12
15:49 Arrive at Shin-Hakodate-hokuto and transfer to Hokkaido Shinkansen
16:17 Leave Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto by Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 34
20:32 Arrive at Tokyo
*You may skip Lake Toya and go back to Tokyo earlier if you like.
Monterey Hotel Sapporo Close to station, dine, shop
La Vista Kushirogawa Hotel Kushiro Waterfront location
How to change the itinerary for Sapporo to Sapporo
If you start this itinerary from Sapporo to Sapporo, you may change the itinerary on day 1, 2 and 7 as follows:
Day 1
08:39 Depart from Sapporo by Limited Express Super Hokuto 6
12:23 Arrive at Hakodate
Overnight at Hakodate
Day 2
08:54 Depart from Hakodate by Limited Express Super Hokuto 5
10:45 Arrive at Toya
10:54 Leave Toya by Donan Bus local bus
11:14 Arrive at Toyako Onsen
Sightseeing around Lake Toya
15:00 Depart from Toyako Onsen by Express Bus Iburi
16:11 Arrive at Noboribetsu Onsen
Overnight at Noboribetsu Onsen
Day 3
12:05 Leave Noboribetsu Onsen by Donan Bus local bus
12:17 Arrive at Noboribetsu station
12:36 Depart from Noboribetsu by Limited Express Super Hokuto
13:46 Arrive at Sapporo
14:13 Depart from Sapporo by Rapid train
14:47 Arrive at Otaru
*You can go back to Sapporo whenever you want. Train runs every 30 minutes until 23:00
Day 4 – use Day 3 itinerary
Day 5 – use Day 4 itinerary
Day 6 – use Day 5 itinerary
Day 7
08:23 Depart for Sapporo by Limited Express Super Ozora 4
12:26 Arrive at Sapporo
You may use Hokkaido Rail Pass 7 days for this Sapporo to Sapporo trip plan.
Hope this post gives you some tips and idea to build your trip plan1
Comments
Hi Takeshi
Kindly advise possible day trip from Sapporo (via JR) to
1. Asahikawa, Bibei, Furano
2. Abashiri
Anywhere via JR train that have good views for Autumn leaves
Thank you.
NMY
Hi NMY,
You can visit Furano, Biei and Asahikawa as day trip from Sapporo. Abashiri is too far and also this route is closed due to serious damage by heavy storm in August. It will be open in mid October but not 100% sure. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
You also find some more info about fall foliage by easy access at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/lets-take-the-train-easily-accessible-places-to-see-fall-foliage.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
We will be visiting Hokkaido for 7 nights the end of September. This is our first Visit so hopefully you can help us with our questions below. Please take a look at our planned itinerary and suggest which rail pass will be economical for our trip and also what type of a transit pass we should buy for sightseeing around Sapporo . We appreciate any advice or suggestions you can give us 🙂
We will arrive in Sapporo Chitose airport at 7:45 PM on September 27. Could you please suggest the best way to get to Bus centre Mae subway station at that time of night?
On day 3 we plan to take a day trip to Otaru, could you please let us know how to take the train there?
On day 4 we plan to take a day trip to Noboribetsu could you please let us know how to take the train there?
On Day 5 we are hoping to be able to take a day trip to Hakodate – I think it takes three hours each way, is it possible? Or will it be better for us to keep our One week hotel stay in Sapporo but spend a night in Hakodate Anyway then get back to Sapporo early next morning?
Our plane departs Sapporo chitose airport on October 5 at 7:30 AM , could you please suggest the best way to get there so early in the morning from Bus centre Mae subway station or should I simply get to the airport the night before and sleep there until boarding time?
Thank you very much for all your help in advance. Have a good day
Hi Bob san,
1. Bus center mae station
Please see the map below to find it.
https://www.city.sapporo.jp/st/english/routemap.html
2. Otaru, Noboribetsu
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6753.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6705.html
3. Hakodate
Day trip is possible. I recommend to stay there. Hakodate is very lovely city. The choice is yours.
4. Early departure
The first train is 6:20 from Sapporo and arrive in New Chitose at 6:51. You cannot get there earlier than this. I think you need to stay near airport.
Hokkaido Rail Pass 3 days is recommended for your trip. If you stay in Hakodnate, use 3 days pass for Hakodate and Noboribetsu. Otherwise you can use it for Hakodate, Noboribetsu and Otaru.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Konnichiwa Takeshi san,
Mind me asking this here, I cannot find more relavant post about Tōya-ko.
As we will be changing hotel from Sapporo to Hakodate, but with stop(s) at Noboribetsu and/or Tōya for a-few-hour trip. We think we need coin lockers, and information on Ticket Office and these two stations for seat reservation plan.
So,
– Are there coin lockers at Toya and Noboribetsu stations suitable for 4 medium-size baggage?
– Can we reserve seats at Toya and Noboribetsu stations? Or we have to do it from Sapporo station?
>> We Google only to see Exchange Offices; not sure if they already “cover all stations with seat reservation capability”? (Is Exchange Office = Ticket Office = Midori no Madoguchi = View Plaza = JR Information Desk??? I guess no?)
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu~
Hi Independencer san,
Regarding locker, please see the links below:
Toya station http://locker1.exblog.jp/20656051/
Noboribetsu station hhttp://locker1.exblog.jp/20656087/
I don’t know actual size of these lockers. And I don’t know how busy these lockers are either. I think it can accommodate 4 medium. But I’m not sure you will be able to get it or not.
Both stations have Midori no Madoguchi. So you can book it there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Arigatou gozaimasu, Takeshi san
I wonder which website can I find whether a station has Midori no Madoguchi (or seat reservation capability)?
I have searched and the information is always for Exchange Offices. (which have only a few in Hokkaidō) That is a relief they have it at Toya & Noboribetsu.
Hi Independencer san,
There is no site that shows you the list of station that has Midori no Madoguchi. But the station where limited express stops has Midori no Madoguchi. In the cities, like Tokyo, Osaka, most of stations have Midori no Madoguchi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ah!? Sou nan desuka?
So that is the way of guessing which stations have Midori no Madoguchi?
Is there any exception?
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu.
Hi Independencer san,
The station where limited express train stop needs Midori no Madoguchi. The passengers need it when they take train from that station.
I can say most of major station have it. But it’s hard to explain which station has or not. There are huge number of stations in Japan. There is no way to guess actually.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi
Is the “Sample itinerary Hokkaido 7 days by Japan Rail Pass 7 days” suitable for travel in December?
Will all the natural attractions, including bus services, listed in the sample itinerary open in mid winter?
Thank you
Hi Dorothy,
You can do this itinerary in winter season too. All trains and buses are usually operated. But in Hokkaido, winter season is very severe. It’s not rare that trains and buses are late or suspended. If you do this, please keep it in your mind.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San
I am planning a 10 or 12-day itinerary based on your 7-day Hokkaido sample itinerary. My route is as follows:
Day 1 Singapore – Sapporo – Asahikawa
Day 2 Asahikawa
Day 3 Asahikawa – Abashiri
Day 4 Abashiri
Day 5 Abashiri – Shiretoko
Day 6 Shiretoko
Day 7 Shiretoko – Kushiro
Day 8 Kushiro
Day 9 Kushiro- Obihiro
Day 10 Obihiro
Day 11 Obihiro – Sapporo
Day 12 Sapporo- Singapore
Is there any JR pass suitable for my travel plan? Thank you.
Hi Dorothy san,
Hokkaido Rail Pass Flex 4 days is only available choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
You may use this pass for day 3, day 7, day 9 and day 11. You have to add single fare for day 1, day 5 and day 12. Day 5 and day 12 are short distance transfer. So single fare is quite affordable. But you have to pay around 6000 yen for day 1. But the pass is valid for 10 days only. You have to give up either day 1 or day 11. Day 11 is more expensive if you purchase single fare.
You may find the exact fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San
May I ask why Lake Mashu was chosen instead of Lake Akan in the “Sample itinerary Hokkaido 7 days by Japan Rail Pass 7 days”? If I can only visit one lake, which one would you recommend for visit in December? Thank you.
Hi Dorothy san,
Because Lake Mashu is easier to access in this itinerary. Lake Akan is two hours away from Kushiro. You will spend almost one full day to see the lake. It’s very hard to squeeze Lake Akan in this busy itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your earlier response, Takashi San,
If I may ask one more question, we will have a 7 day JR pass which will run out before the end of our stay in Hokkaido. Therefore the remainder of our trip will be (this is in 3 days)
Asahikawa -biei-furano -Sapporo – otaru
Is there another pass you recommend or is “pay as you go” a better choice?
Thank you!
Hi Jchan san,
Single fare is only option for this part of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I also have a question regarding Takinoue and Kamiyubetsu. If I take a train form engaru station, how much do you think taxi fair will cost in total from engaru station>Kamiyubetsu>takinoue>engaru station?
thank you for your help
Hi Jchan san,
I have no idea. But I guess it costs at least 2000 yen for getting Kamiyubetsu. Probably it costs more than 10000 yen to get Takinoue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Kindly give us your opinion on our following itinerary for a Hokkaido trip on July 16th – 25th 2016.
16th – Arrive at Chitose airport, visit Doremon land and shop in airport, stay in Sapporo
17th – Visit Sapporo hot spots
18th – Otaru day trip
19th – Rent a car and drive to Furano and Biei hot spots, then stay in Asahikawa
20th – Visit Asahikawa Zoo, then drive to Sounkyo Onsen Village
21th – Walk around Sounkyo area then drive back to Noribetsu (4 hour drive, which worries me a little but I don’t know how else to solve this problem)
22nd – Visit Noboribetsu hot spots
23rd – Drive to Lake Toya early morning, visit Mt Usuzan, then drive to Hakodate in the evening.
24th – Visit Hakodate hot spots
25th – Take Shinkansen to Tokyo.
Mr Takeshi, do you think we should drive back from Sounkyo and return the car in Sapporo, then take trains after that to Noboribetsu, then Lake Toya, then Hakodate? Or is driving all the way a better choice? There will be 3 of us (adults) travelling together.
Hi Ka,
Actually I have never driven in Hokkaido. I cannot compare which one is better for your trip, car or train.
Drive is more convenient than train but I have no idea about the cost of rent a car. So I cannot compare the cost either.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Sorry for contacting you again.
We, 2adults & 2kids, have finally planning holiday in Hokkaido between 28/July-4/Aug as the below itinerary:
– D1 (28/Jul): Arrive Kansai airport at 21:40 approximately
– D2 (29/Jul): Universal studio
– D3 (30/Jul): take early flight to Chitose airport –> Sapporo sightseeing –> Otaru sightseeing
– D3 (31/Jul): Otaru –> Asahikawa Zoo + Sightseeing
– D4 (1/Aug): Asahikawa –>Biei –> Farm Tomita (or Furano)
– D5 (2/Aug): In Sapporo (???)
– D6 (3/Aug): Flight to Tokyo, Narita –> Fuji-san
– D7 (4/Aug): Take flight at 9:15am leave for Bangkok
I am now confusing what kind of transportation to minimize cost in Japan. It’s our first time to travel to Japan, we appreciate if you could help and let us have your advise on our itinerary.
Thank you
Hi Jolie san,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka for staying in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
In Hokkaido, Hokkaido rail pass is available but single fare is cheaper than any deals.
You may use ICOCA for New Chitose – Sapporo – Otaru segments. But you cannot use it for Asahikawa, Furano and Biei.
Probably the following deal will be on sale in this coming summer too.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/mt-fuji-round-trip-ticket-is-back-in-2014-perfect-choice-for-just-trip-to-fuji-san.html
You need to add some deals between Narita and Tokyo. You may find it at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
The easiest one is NEX round trip ticket to take Narita Express to get Shinjuku.
I think you should stay near airport on day 6 because you need to be Narita in early morning. It takes one hour at least from Tokyo to Narita and transportation is very limited in early morning around 5 to 6 am. Narita Express does not run until 7:00. I show budget bus from Tokyo station in the link above. That is only way to get Narita from Tokyo in early morning. But if you use it, you cannot use NEX Round trip ticket and you need to pay single fare for both ways between Narita and Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Many thanks for your helpful information.
As your advice, we may cancel the trip to Fuji-san due to tight schedule.
For public transportation to Asahikawa, Furano and Biei, can you please give me some options because we love lavender and want to see it at blooming season.
Thank you again in advance
Hi Jolie san,
You can visit all places by train. You can find train timetables and route maps as JR Hokkaido official site:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi:
Here is my final itinerary for travel in April 2016:
Day 01 Hokkaido arrival
Day 02 Hokkaido train to Abashiri
Day 03 Abashiri
Day 04 Abashiri train to Utoro Hot Spring
Day 05 IS THERE A TRAIN THAT CAN TAKAE ME DIRECT FROM UTARO TO LAKE TOYA OR ANYBUS SERVICE ? IF SO THEN WE WILL STAY IN UTARO HOT SPRING
DAY 06 UTARO HOT SPRING
DAY 07 UTARO HOT SPRING TO HOKKAIDO
Please can you advise us ?
Thank you
Joseph Chan
Hi Joseph,
There is no direct transportation to Lake Toya from Utoro. There is a bus service to Sapporo from Utoro directly. But unfortunately info is available in Japanese only. I put the link just in case.
http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/highway/index.cgi?ope=det&n=6&o=1&t=73
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
I’m pretty excited cos we’ve just booked a flight to Sapporo.
Will arrive from Singapore on 20 Dec and will leave Chitose on 27 Dec.
It’s going to be my 2 daughters (aged 21 & 16)
It’s our 1st time in Sapporo:))
Any good proposal from you?
What’s the best advise about accomodation?
Hi Sharifah,
Please make sure where you want to go in Hokkaido first. There are lots of info in Japan Guide.
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1101.html
If you make your itinerary, I can answer which deal will suit your plan.
Sorry but I cannot answer about accommodation because it’s too many and my experience is not enough to tell about it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com