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
Dear Takeshi san
Pls advise what are the days should we purchase the JR pass:
7/1/18 – 8am arrive Chitose airport to Tomamu
8/1/18- Tomamu
9/1/18- Tomamu
10/1/18-Tomamu to Noboribetsu
11/1/18-Noboribetsu to Hakodate
12/1/18-Hakodate
13/1/18-Hakodate to Sapporo
14/1/18-Sapporo – Asahikawa zoo package
15/1/18-Sapporo-day trip to Otari….
16/1/18-Sapporo-free & easy
17/1/18-Sapporo to Chitose airport
18/1/18-Depart from Chitose airport
Hi Cymphere san,
You may use Hokkaido Rail Pass Flex 4 days for 10, 11, 13 and 14.
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
Single ticket is okay for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
Tks for yr prompt reply.
If 4 days flexi used for 10, 11, 13 and 14, it is 4 trips so can I used for return trip on 14 back to Sapporo?
Hi Cymphere san,
Yes, you can. You can get unlimited ride on these four days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
Appreciate very much of your quick reply, tks.
Have a GOOD day ahead.
No worries, Cymphere san
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
In regards to my 4 days flexi pass to use on 14th from Sapporo to Asahikawa zoo, some said buying zoo package including zoo train & bus transfer with entry ticket is more worth, is this true? so should we buy this zoo package but how to utilize my 4 days flexi based on my itinerary, sorry to trouble you again, tks.
Hi Cymphere san,
That deal is a good one. But if you use it, you need to use one of 4 days of Flex pass for other days and you cannot get the worth of this 4 days pass. You need to include Sapporo to Asahikawa round trip in this 4 days usage. Other Hokkaido rail pass is 3, 5 and 7 days. You need to use these passes in consecutive days and it does not suit your trip plan. So you should use flex 4 days pass for Sapporo to Asahikawa round trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Tks always of yr quick reply & good advice!
Best regards
No worries, Cymphere san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
In regards to my 4 days flexi pass if we arrived new Chitose airport on 7/1/18 to Tomamu, as you suggest we start using fm the 10/1/18, but upon arrival of Chitose airport I understand we need to activate the pass can we request to start using on the 10/1/18, as on Tomamu station there is no JR counter , pls advise
Hi Cymphere san,
You can exchange the pass at New Chitose when you arrive. You can pick the date when you want to start using it. So you don’t need to do it at Tomamu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Tks for great info again!
Best Rgds
Cymphere
No worries, Cymphere san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
Good day!
Regarding JR 4 days flexi pass, so once I activated fm the day start is better for me to reserve this 4 days JR timing & reserve seat. But question is if I happen to miss that particular day of time can I just take the next train?
Also, can the booking of day & time can make amendment at JR counter?
Rgds
Cymphere
Hi Cymphere san,
You don’t need to book for all trips when you get the pass but it’s recommended.
If you miss the train, simply you can return your ticket and book for next one. There is no extra charge to do it. You also can take next one if you are on non reserved seat car.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
Tks for swift reply.
Rgds
Cymphere
No worries, Cymphere san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
What’s the best way to get to Lake Akan? Thanks!
Hi Denise,
Please see the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6805.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Can I return one day to sapporo – asahikawa -furano – biei -sapporo?
Thanks
Hi Maria,
Yes, you can. But it depends on what you want to do in each places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I am planning a trip in end september to early october and would like to visit sounkyo gorge, utoro and lake akan. We will be travelling by public transport. What do you suggest is the best way to get around these 3 locations and how do we go about?
1) Sounkyo gorge -> akan -> utoro -> asahikawa/sapporo
2) sounkyo -> utoro -> akan -> asahikawa/sapporo
Thank you
Hi Leah,
Option 2 is better. You can get Sounkyo from Asahikawa or Kamikawa. After that you can go to Shiretoko-Shari via Abashiri and then access to Utoro in Shiretoko. And then go to Kushiro and visit Lake Akan. You can get Sapporo from Kushiro directly.
This route is more smooth than option 1.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This probably had been asked 1000’s times, sorry!
However, can I use JR Pass for Hokkaido subways?
eg going to Susukino and Odori?
As I will be travelling from Tokyo using JR Pass, so I wonder if I need to buy Hokkaido Pass.
thank you!
Hi Feny,
JR pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass do not cover subway in Sapporo unfortunately.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI
In february 2017, I would like to do a trip using just public transport to cover east hokkaido. Could you advise how feasible this is.
I read online that the twinke bus is no longer available for east hokkaido in 2017, could you advise? thank you!
3-5 Feb Sapporo
5-6 Feb Sapporo to Kushiro (stop over in Obhiro for lunch)
6-7 Feb Visit the crane centre and thereafter arrive In Utoro
7-8 feb Utoro to Abashiri
8-9 Feb Abashiri to Asahikawa
9-10 feb Asahikawa to Sapporo.
Hi Diana,
Your itinerary is feasible. I don’t see any issues. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, is it feasible to do a free and easy trip using public transport in Hokkaido in Feb? I was told by the tour agency that public transport in quite infrequent in Hokkaido and that the train broke down from the hurricane incident.
Hi CC,
I think travel agent mentioned the closure between Obihiro and Tomamu. But this segment was back to normal on December 22nd. Now most of segments are okay to travel. In winter time, Hokkaido has very severe weather and train sometimes is late or cancelled. But train is still more reliable way to travel in Hokkaido during winter time.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Can you advise whether this proposed itinerary for Hokkaido (16 January to 24 January 2017 inclusive) is feasible. If so, which are the best train connections to take. Thanks.
Day 1 16/1 Monday ETA 8.30am New Chitose Airport (overnight in Sapporo)
Day 2 17/1 Tuesday Sapporo – Noboribetsu (overnight at Noboribetsu)
-Onuma Park
-Hell valley
Day 3 18/1 Wednesday Noboribetsu – Hakodate (2 nights)
-Lake Toyako ??
Day 4 19/1 Thursday Hakodate
-Goryokaku Park
-Kanemori Red Brick House
-night view at the peak
-morning market
Day 5 20/1 Friday Hakodate – Otaru (overnight in Otaru)
-Otaru canal
Day 6 21 /1 Saturday Otaru – Sapporo (3 nights in Sapporo)
Day 7 22/1 Sunday Sapporo
Day 8 23/1 Monday Sapporo
Day 9 24/1 Tuesday Sapporo – Singapore (11am flight home)
Hi BS CHEW san,
Your itinerary is feasible and no problem at all. You may use Hokkaido rail pass 5 days for the first 5 days of your trip.
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 need to add single fare for Otaru to Sapporo and Sapporo to New Chitose. 7 days pass is too expensive for your trip. Even if you purchase it, it covers day 6, Otaru to Sapporo only. The fare is less than 700 yen for this trip.
You can find all train timetables in the link below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san, I have refined my itinerary to include Donan Coaches (from New Chitoso Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen & Toya Onsen) and JR Hokkaido for greater convenience.
Hokkaido Itinerary (16 January to 24 January 2017)
Day 1 16/1 Monday ETA 8.30am New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen (1 night in Noboribetsu — Transfer by Donan ¥1370)
Day 2 17/1 Tuesday Noboribetsu Onsen to Toya Onsen (1 night in Lake Toya — Transfer by Donan ¥1700)
Day 3 18/1 Wednesday Toya Onsen – Hakodate (2 nights in Hakodate — Transfer by Donan to Toya Station ¥330 and then by JR Toya Station to JR Hakodate ¥????)
Day 4 19/1 Thursday Hakodate
Day 5 20/1 Friday Hakodate – Otaru (1 night in Otaru — Transfer from Hakodate to Otaru via Niseko ¥????)
Day 6 21/1 Saturday Otaru – Sapporo (3 nights in Sapporo — Transfer by JR Otaru to JR Sapporo ¥640)
Day 7 22/1 Sunday Sapporo
Day 8 23/1 Monday Sapporo
Day 9 24/1 Tuesday Sapporo – Singapore 10am flight home (Transfer by Hokkaido Chuo Bus @Susukino ¥1030)
Thanks!! 😉
PS. Also, what is the cost of train ticket from Hakodate to Otaru if we go via Sapporo instead?
Hi BS san,
You may use Hyperdia to get a fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Train between Oshamanbe and Niseko is very few. Please see the link below to find the timetable:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
If you take Hakodate-Niseko-Otaru route, you must make sure the train timetable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks, Takeshi, for your speedy reply. Wow, fantastic information. Most helpful.
BS
No worries, BS san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I am planning to go to Japan next year spring season. My schedule are as follows:
March 24: arrive haneda airport at 22:00. Would it be possible to stay inside the airport to minimize hotel expense?
March 25-27: Tokyo
March 28: Depart Tokyo to Sapporo. Is an overnight train possible? I will start using my 7-Day Jr pass here. Can i use jrpass inside Sapporo?
March 29-30: Sapporo
March 31- depart Sapporo, arrive Tokyo. Again, is there an overnight train?
April 1: depart Tokyo, Arrive Osaka.
April 2-5: Osaka, Nara, Kobe
I would really appreciate it if you respond. Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Nadine
Hi Nadina,
You can stay in Haneda airport. It’s open for 24 hours. But mot of shops and restaurants are closed from 22:00 to 6:00. There are very few shops and restaurants available.
There is no overnight options available to Sapporo. You have to take day time train. Please see the link below to find all train connections to Sapporo.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/08.pdf
JR Pass does not cover city bus, streetcar and subway in Sapporo. Basically you need to add extra fare to visit most of places in Sapporo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Day 1, 20/11 Sunday : Chitose – Asahikawa (overnight at Asahikawa)
– Arrive in Shin-Chitose at 3pm, collect car and drive to Asahikawa
– Dinner at Asahikawa Raman Village
Day 2, 21/11 Monday : Asahikawa – Biei – Furano (overnight at Furano)
– Asahiyama Zoo
– Biei Senka
– Blue
Day 3, 22/11 Tuesday: Furano – Otaru (overnight at Otaru)
– Flower Land Kamifurano / Farm Tomita (Is it still worth to visit the farm since it is end of autumn?)
– Cheese Factory
– Otaru canal
Day 4, 23/11 Wednesday – Thursday: Otaru – Hakodate (2 nights in Hokodate?)
-Goryokaku park
-Kanemori red brick house
-night view at the peak
-morning market
Day 6, 24 Friday Hakodate – Lake Toyako – Noboribetsu (overnight at Noboribetsu, onsen hotel)
-Lake Toyako
-Onuma Park
-Hell valley
Day 7, 22/11, Saturday – Noboribetsu – Saporro (overnight at Saporro)
Day 8, 23/11, Sunday – shopping at Saporro then depart to Airport on 12 noon. Flight 4pm
Takeshi-san, Is my itinerary accessible by train? And which train package I should buy? Any improvement on my itinerary? Thanks
Hi SHT san,
Are you going to drive only on arrival day? If so, you may use Hokkaido Rail Pass Flex 4 days.
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 can use this 4 days pass for Asahikawa – Otaru, Otaru – Hakodate, Hakodate – Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu – Sapporo. Single ticket is okay for other segments. I think you can do this itinerary by one night stay in Hakodate. But if you stay in Hakodate for 2 nights, it’s easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com