Hokkaido Japan: 4-day itinerary including Sapporo, national parks and whale watching
- Noa
Hokkaido is a perfect destination for anyone interested in getting to know Japan in depth and for lovers of Japanese nature and culture. You can arrive by flight or Shinkansen from Tokyo , Osaka and even Okinawa . Whether you are planning a trip to Hokkaido for the Winter Festival, trips to nature reserves or whale watching, here you will find all the information you need to plan the perfect visit to Hokkaido, Japan. The guide has recommendations for attractions in Sapporo, a trip to Hokkaido, national parks, affordable places to stay, how to get there and car rental.
This post contains affiliate links 🔗
If you choose to purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission. It won't cost you anything more, but it will allow me to continue sharing tips and information with the world. Thanks for your support🩷
Table of Contents
Hokkaido weather
The weather in Hokkaido changes dramatically between seasons, making it a different and interesting destination in every season.
Winter - December to February
Very freezing! With average temperatures ranging from -12°C to 2°C. The island is becoming a center of attraction for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. One of the most notable events is the Sapporo Snow Festival , which takes place every February and features giant ice sculptures and a variety of winter activities.
Spring - March to May
Spring brings with it the cherry blossoms (sakura) and allows for pleasant (but still cold) walks in relatively comfortable weather, with average temperatures ranging between 2°C and 17°C.
Summer - June to August
Summer in Hokkaido is cooler than the rest of Japan, with average temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C. The weather is pleasant and ideal for hiking in nature reserves. However, there are also quite a few rainy and gray days.
Autumn - September to November
Autumn brings gorgeous fall colors, with average temperatures ranging between 5°C and 18°C. It’s a great time for nature walks. However, note that September is the rainiest month of the year on the island.
How to get to Hokkaido?
Getting to Hokkaido is simple and convenient, with a variety of options to suit all types of travelers. The main destination for arrival is New Chitose Airport , located near the city of Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido.
Shinkansen
Hokkaido can be reached by the high-speed Shinkansen trains that connect the island with Honshu, the main island of Japan. The train offers stunning views along the way and can be an experience in itself. The journey from Tokyo to Sapporo takes about 8 hours.
flight
Sapporo is accessible by direct flights from several international destinations such as Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. In addition, there are direct domestic flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Domestic flights are a quick and convenient way to reach Hokkaido from all parts of Japan, with a flight time of only about an hour and a half from Tokyo.
Car rental in Hokkaido
Car rental in Hokkaido is a popular option for travelers who want to explore the island at their own pace and enjoy the stunning views along the way. In Sapporo and at the main airports, you will find a selection of local and international rental companies. It is recommended to compare prices using platforms such as RentalCars , which will allow you to find the most affordable offer according to your budget and needs.
Please note! Before renting a car, it is important to make sure that you have a valid international driving license, issued less than a year before renting the car . For example, if you issued your international license in June 2024, you can use it to rent a car in Japan until June 2025 (yes, even though the license is valid for three years).
Renting a car will allow you to easily reach more remote areas, where public transportation is less accessible, which will give you complete flexibility in planning your route.
It is important to note that driving in Japan is on the left.
Sapporo: The capital of Hokkaido
Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan and the capital of Hokkaido. It has the best ramen in Japan and some cute attractions. Since you will probably be there before you set off on a trip around the island, it is worth spending 2-3 nights there and enjoying the beautiful and relaxed city.
Attractions in Sapporo
The city is really convenient for day trips and has several interesting attractions:
Odori Park
A cute park in the center of Sapporo, marking the area where it is best to sleep. In winter, the park becomes the center of the Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see impressive ice sculptures and enjoy winter attractions.
Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Climbing to the observation deck at the tower will give you a magical view of Sapporo and the surrounding area, especially in the evening when the city is beautifully lit up. Don't forget to dress warmly!
Sapporo Beer Museum
If you are a beer lover, a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum is a must. The museum tells the story of Sapporo's famous beer, from the history of the brand to the production process. The visit ends, of course, with a tasting of the freshly brewed beer.
Tsukisamu Park
Near Misono train station, there is a huge park with a baseball field in the middle and a lake. There are hills around it and a stream runs through it. It is beautiful and pleasant there and on warm days it is very nice to have a picnic or rest there.
Accommodation recommendations in Sapporo
So, as mentioned, the most recommended area to stay is in the Odori Park area. Here are some accommodation recommendations for similar places, for a few different budgets:
Dormitories and rooms with shared bathrooms, at affordable prices. About a ten-minute walk from Odori Park.
⭐ Rating of 7.7 on Booking.com
✅ 8 minutes walk from Susukino Station
✅ Dormitory rooms
Book now:
A pleasant and comfortable three-star hotel, about a ten-minute walk from Sapporo Tower, at a medium budget.
⭐ Rating of 8.7 on Booking.com
✅ Central location
✅ Private rooms with bathtub
Book now:
For those looking for a traditional Japanese experience, Sapporo Ryokan is the perfect place to stay. Rooms feature traditional Japanese decor, and guests can enjoy traditional Kaiseki meals and very indulgent onsen (hot springs).
⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ Central location near Odori Park
✅ Sauna and hot springs at the hotel!
Book now:
Recommended food in Sapporo
There are lots of great restaurants around Sapporo. Japanese food has a unique northern twist, and if you order ramen or seafood, you're likely to find it at almost any restaurant. Here are some great restaurant recommendations:
Marusei Coffee
Perfect for breakfast. They specialize in excellent coffee and serve simple but wonderful sandwiches. From 11:00 is served with a hot and delicious soup, salad and American ice cream.
Umekichi Ramen
Ramen is amazing and rare in its taste. There is also spicy and you can ask for it without pork. In addition, the place offers perfect dumplings (stuffed pockets).
Yoshiyamashoten Soseibashiten Ramen
Another wonderful place to eat ramen of the highest quality. They have miso ramen with roasted sesame seeds that is considered one of the best there is.
Nijo Market
Nijo Fish Market is the perfect place for sushi and seafood lovers. The market offers a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood that you can eat in or take away.
Sushiro
A sushi conveyor belt is an experience that simply has no substitute. It's considered 'cheap' sushi (a pair of nigiri will cost you about 1.5$), but make no mistake – the freshness and quality of the fish and rice will provide you with a perfect sushi experience. Note that there is usually a wait of about an hour for the restaurant (as with most sushi conveyor belts).
Recommended day trips from Sapporo
If you're not interested in renting a car and traveling with it for a few days, you can book a trip to Hokkaido, Japan with guides, either privately or with a group, and make your life easier.
Why do I recommend Viator?
A personalized private tour! A full day in the nature of Hokkaido, flower fields and waterfalls. The route changes depending on the season, to reach the most recommended places for the same weather.
✅ 5/5 rating ⭐ on VIATOR
✅ Visit famous attractions like Shikisai no Oka and Blue Pond
✅ Meals and stops arranged according to the season
✅ Suitable for families, couples or small groups
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
A trip that takes in all the most beautiful places in Hokkaido in one day: Asahiyama Zoo, the famous Blue Pond in Biei, Shirahige Falls, and Ningle Terrace.
✅ 5/5 rating ⭐ on VIATOR
✅ Includes a visit to the famous Asahiyama Zoo
✅ Visit to the blue pool and snow falls – depending on the season
✅ Secure and comfortable transportation
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
A hiking trail in the beautiful nature of Shiretoku National Park, with a local guide.
✅ 5/5 rating ⭐ on VIATOR
✅ Includes an extended route to all five lakes
✅ Small group tour with a professional guide
✅ Full equipment included: binoculars, raincoats and custom-made pants
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
4 days trip to Hokkaido, Japan
The route we took included renting a car, and lasted 4 days . We drove from Sapporo, through four national parks:
- Daisetsuzan
- Akan-Mashu
- Shiretoko
- Kushiro Shitsugen
Day 1: Daisetsuzan National Park
This is the largest national park in Japan, located in the heart of Hokkaido. The park offers stunning mountain scenery, including active volcanoes, glacial lakes and wild forests. Of course, there are many more attractions and things to see in the area, but here are some particularly worthwhile recommendations from experience:
Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka
Huge expanses of flower fields. Full of colorful types of flowers spread across the hills and behind them the beautiful mountains of the area. It's impossible not to be photogenic in this place!
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
A beautiful, clear, azure lake with an unreal color, where the water flows from the mountains and creates a brilliant, soothing blue hue. The walk to the lake is really short, and you can walk around it and see it from different angles.
Ryusei Waterfalls
Powerful and tall waterfalls that flow into a wide and beautiful river. The road to the waterfalls is also full of water sources and mesmerizing nature, so there is never a dull moment in this area.
A hotel that attracts Japanese tourism from all over the country, because it has public hot springs outside with a perfect view of nature, and also hot springs inside with separation between women and men.
Check availability at Sounkyo Kankou ￬
Day 2: Akan-Mashu National Park
The park is particularly known for its Mashu and Akan lakes, which have mirror-clear waters. The area also has natural hot springs and views worth stopping for.
Ikeno-yu hot spring
A natural hot spring with a perfect view of Lake Kosharu. Note that sometimes there is a lot of algae in the water, which can be a bit slippery and unpleasant (but not dangerous in any way), but on the other hand the place is quiet and without people most of the time.
Kotan Onsen Hot Spring
The hot springs are very popular in the area, with amazing views of Lake Kosharu. What's more, many locals come to bathe during the day and have no problem doing so nude (which made it difficult for me to take a picture of the place).
Tsubetsu Pass Observatory
An amazing viewpoint over the lake and the national park. It is recommended to try to catch a day with few clouds and warm weather.
Day 3: Shiretoko National Park
One of Japan's most stunning and remote national parks, located on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido. The park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with wild landscapes of rocky shores, forests and powerful waterfalls. It is not at all uncommon to encounter wildlife, such as reindeers , brown bears and whales.
Whale watching cruise!
In Shiretoko national Park, you can watch all kinds of whales throughout the year through a variety of local agencies in the area. In general, the best season to go is from May to September, as this is when you have the most chances of seeing the most species. In addition, each species has its own preferred season:
Minke Whale : One of the most common whales in the area, it can be seen mainly from May to October, as it passes along the coast in search of food.
Humpback Whale : Humpback whales can be observed mainly in spring and early summer, from April to June, as they migrate north toward feeding areas.
Killer Whale (Orca) : Killer whales can be seen mainly in late spring and early summer, from May to July, when they come to the area in search of food.
Sperm Whale : These large whales are found in the area mainly during the summer months, June to September, when they swim in the deep waters around Shirotoku.
Kamuiwakka Hot Falls
A unique natural wonder of Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido. The waterfall has hot water flowing from geothermal springs. The hot water slides down the rocks, creating natural pools of varying temperatures along the way. Please note that it is not always possible to enter the waterfall, depending on whether there is a risk of an avalanche, and it is also worth booking a trip there in advance.
Shiretoko Goko National Park
The park offers well-maintained hiking trails between lakes, with bridges and paths adapted to all levels of difficulty. The hike between the lakes allows for a close encounter with the wild nature of the area, including sightings of wildlife such as brown bears and rare birds.
Oshinkoshin Waterfall
Very beautiful and impressive waterfalls, reached after a short walk from the parking lot and a few minutes up the stairs. The waterfalls spill into the sea and are among the most popular in the Hokkaido region.
A lovely and comfortable hotel with sea views, at nice prices. You can choose between Japanese rooms with mattresses on the floor or rooms with beds.
Check availability at LiVEMAX RESORT ￬
Day 4: Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Japan's largest national park dedicated to wetland conservation, located in eastern Hokkaido, near the city of Kushiro. The park covers an area of approximately 270 square kilometers and contains one of the most important nature reserves in Japan in terms of its unique ecosystem and rare habitat.
The Kushiro Marshes are home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including the rare Japanese crane, which is considered a national symbol of Japan. The park offers walking trails and boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the area comfortably, while observing the wildlife and marsh landscapes.
Onnenai Visitor Center
A starting point for hiking and exploring the surrounding reserves in the park. The center offers comprehensive information on the natural environment, wildlife, and the various trails that can be taken in the area. One of the most popular trails that starts at the center is the one that passes through the unique swamps and forests in the area. From there, you can start the On'nenai Mokudō boardwalk, which passes through landscapes of swamps and open spaces, where you can observe a variety of animals and rich vegetation.
The route is suitable for all levels of difficulty, and walking it is a relaxing experience that is also suitable for families with children.
Kushiro Marsh Observatory
An observation center located on a high point overlooking the Kushiro Marshes. In addition to the observation, the center offers exhibits detailing the unique ecosystem of the Kushiro Marshes and their importance for the conservation of local wildlife.
An excellent hotel for resting after long days of traveling and sightseeing. The rooms are small but comfortable, and in the morning you can enjoy a varied and delicious breakfast.
Check availability at Comfort Hotel Kushiro ￬
Matsuriya - Sushi conveyor belt in Koshiro
I've eaten at quite a few sushi restaurants around Japan, but this was one of the best. The employees are smiling and nice, the sushi is reasonably priced, and the fish is delicious, fresh, and of the highest quality.
More destinations in Japan after Hokkaido
After you have planned a Hokkaido itinerary and discovered the magic of Hokkaido, Japan, it is time to continue exploring other destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Tokyo – Japan’s crazy capital is an extraordinary combination of modernity and tradition
Nagoya – is a calmer city but full of attractions.
Mount Fuji – the famous, a must-see destination for travelers, and not far from Tokyo and Nagoya.
Kyoto – is among the most beloved and authentic destinations with lots of temples and traditional Japanese culture.
Nara – located not far away, full of nature, reindeers Free and special sushi.
Osaka – is one of the most fun cities there is and also a must-see destination in Japan.
Kyushu – an area full of nature, hot springs and amazing cuisine.
Okinawa – with exotic beaches and the highest life expectancy in the world
Questions and Answers
When is the best time to travel to Hokkaido, Japan? 🌤️
Depending on the type of trip you are looking for, Hokkaido weather is divided into four seasons:- Winter (December-February) : The period of the Sapporo Snow Festival and skiing.
- Summer (June-August) : The weather in Hokkaido is pleasant and cool, suitable for trips to national parks.
- Spring and Fall : The cherry blossoms in spring and the fall colors make the area a beautiful destination.
What attractions are there in Sapporo, Hokkaido? 🌇
It is worth getting to know these attractions in the city:- Nijo Market : Cool food market with fresh seafood.
- Sapporo Beer Museum : A great place to learn about the history of the delicious Japanese beer Sapporo.
- Odori Park : A perfect place for walks and seasonal festivals.
What should you include on a trip to Hokkaido, Japan with a car? 🚗
I recommend visiting the four national parks:- Daisetsuzan
- Akan-Mashu
- Shiretoko
- Kushiro Shitsugen
