Summary
- Start
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Finish
New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station - Mileage
Total 700km
180km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max.3 nights - Recommended Seasons
All year round
This itinerary takes 4 days to circle southern Hokkaido.
Due to long daily mileage and no consecutive stay, the travel pace is fast.
If you want to stay in Sapporo after the road trip, you can return the car not to the airport but to Sapporo. Walking and the subway are more convenient for sightseeing in Sapporo.
New Chitose Airport – Noboribetsu(Sample)
Start: New Chitose Airport(新千歳空港)
Finish: Noboribetsu (登別)
Mileage:
From Sapporo: 130km
From Chitose Arirpot: 130km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day, you will head from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Noboribetsu, one of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts.
1
Rental car branch at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Hokkaido. First of all, please complete the reception procedure at the rental car counter at the airport. It takes about 15 minutes by free shuttle bus to the rental car company branch.
The mileage of this day is about 130km, so you can travel at a relaxing pace. If you can leave by about 13:00, you can go to Noboribetsu while sightseeing at some spots. However, if the drive departs in the afternoon, please consider skipping some spots.
40 min
2
Lake Shikotsu
Parking MAPCODE:
867 063 568What is MAPCODE?
9:40
The first destination of this trip is [Lake Shikotsu]. It’s 30km west of the airport and you can enjoy a drive through the beautiful woods.
In addition to enjoying a walk or boating at Lake Shikotsu, we recommend delicious cream puffs.
Pattisier Labo
60 min
3
National AINU museum and park UPOPOY
Parking MAPCODE:
545 194 763What is MAPCODE?
12:00
You will arrive at the “National AINU museum and park UPOPOY”.
At UPOPOY, which opened in 2020, you can learn about the unique culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. There are also performances of unique musical instruments and dances, so don’t miss it.
UPOPOY
Event time table
40 min
4
Jigokudani(Hell Valley)
Parking MAPCODE:
603 287 235*71What is MAPCODE?
14:00
The biggest highlight of the day is Noboribetsu Jigokudani, which is also the place to stay. A desolate spectacle where sulfur vapor blows out spreads out. The walking path is 600m and you can walk in about 10 minutes.
It’s a 5-10 minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Inn to the entrance of Jigokudani, so it might be a good idea to check in and take a break before heading there.
If you have time until sunset, you can enjoy other interesting strolling spots.
If you walk about 20 minutes from Jigokudani, you will arrive at [Oyu-numa], where steam is coming out of the swamp. Blue is very beautiful.
If you walk for another 15 minutes from there, you will arrive at [Oyunuma River Natural Footbath]. As the name suggests, this is a rare place where the stream flowing from Oyunuma has become a natural footbath. If you go there, please bring a towel.
5 min
5
Inn in Noboribetsu
Parking MAPCODE:
“Noboribetsu” where you stay on this day is a famous hot spring that represents Hokkaido. Please relax and heal the tiredness of the first day.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Noribetsu town(登別) which is the most famous Onsen town in Hokkaido. Many inns are located around “Jigokudani(Hell Valley)”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Noboribetsu – Hakodate
Start: Noboribetsu(登別)
Finish: Hakodate (函館)
Mileage:230km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will drive from Noboribetsu to Hakodate along the Funka Bay.
1
Inn in Noboribetsu
Parking MAPCODE:
The mileage is a long distance of about 230km. About 150km of this is an expressway. There are many attractions in Hakodate, so we recommend that you leave from 8:00 to 9:00, especially if you stay in Hakodate only for one night.
9:00
If you didn’t walk in Jigokudani yesterday, why not get up a little early and enjoy a walk in the morning?
It is about a 5-10 minutes walk from most of the inns in Noboribetsu Onsen to the entrance of Jigokudani. The walking path itself is 600m, and you can walk in about 10 minutes.
Also, it is a 5-minute drive to [Oyunuma] near Jigokudani, so it is recommended to stop by when you leave Noboribetsu.
Oyunuma Parking Lot MAPCODE: 603 288 875
50 min
2
Cape Chikyu
Parking MAPCODE:
159 195 015What is MAPCODE?
10:50
The first destination of this trip is [Cape Chikyu].
It is an observatory where you can feel that the earth is a sphere from the horizon that draws a slight arc.
It’s a very pleasant observatory, but if you want to spend a lot of time in Hakodate, please consider skipping it.
After this, you will take the Hokkaido Expressway(E5) for a long-distance drive along the Eruption Bay.
120 min
3
Yakumo Parking area(To Hakodate)
Parking MAPCODE:
687 488 840What is MAPCODE?
13:00
[Yakumo Parking area(To Hakodate)] is highly recommended for a break.
It is a very pleasant parking area overlooking the Eruption Bay and the grasslands that spread from the hill.
From here, you can walk to restaurant “Harvester Yakumo”, where you can enjoy delicious fried chicken and pizza at a historic restaurant that was opened as an experimental farm for KFC(Kentucky Fried Chicken).
After lunch, you will head to Hakodate again on the expressway. It takes 2 hours to get to Hakodate, so please take a break on the way.
80 min
4
Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse
Parking MAPCODE:
86 041 707*37What is MAPCODE?
15:20
If you arrive in Hakodate while it is bright, we recommend the Red Brick Warehouse.
If you have time, we recommend taking a walk in Motomachi, Hakodate, where old Western-style buildings are lined up on the cobblestone slopes.
Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse
10 min
5
Inn in Hakodate
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
The night view seen from Mt. Hakodate is one of the three major night views in Japan and it is wonderful
If you visit Mt. Hakodate between 17: 00-22: 00, please use the ropeway as parking for general vehicles is restricted.
You can drive to the top of the mountain after 22:00, so it’s a good idea to check in at the hotel and have dinner first. However, please drive carefully as you will be driving on a narrow mountain road in the dark.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Hakodate(函館) city which is famous for its magnificent night view and morning market. Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Hakodate Morning Market
Most of the highlights in Hakodate are located near the Hakodate Morning Market and it is very convenient for sightseeing. However, there is no Onsen in this area.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Some inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
Inns around the morning market don’t provide an onsen. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants for dinner. It is also a good idea to have breakfast at “Hakodate Morning Market”. Therefore, booking a plan with breakfast or without meals is fine.
②Yunokawa Onsen(湯の川温泉) area
This area is located 5km east of the center of Hakodate and near Hakodate airport.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with onsen. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Hakodate – Lake Toya
Start: Hakodate(函館)
Finish: Lake Toya (洞爺湖)
Mileage:170km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Hakodate to Lake Toya.
1
Inn in Hakodate
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is a little long, about 170km including 125km of expressway driving.
5 min
2
Hakodate Morning Market
Parking MAPCODE:
86 072 492What is MAPCODE?
9:05
You will get up early on this day and visit [Hakodate Morning Market]. Breakfast will consist of fresh seafood such as famous squid, sea urchins, and crab is the best.
It is also okay to visit on foot from your inn if possible.
5 min
3
Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse
Parking MAPCODE:
86 041 707What is MAPCODE?
10:10
[Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse] is also nearby, so if you haven’t been there yet, please stop by.
45 min
Once you depart Hakodate city, let’s drive along the hidden scenic road “Shirotai Skyline”.
4
Onuma National Park
Parking MAPCODE:
86 815 505What is MAPCODE?
11:50
After that, you will head to [Onuma National Park]. The small islands floating in the swamp are connected by 18 bridges, and you can enjoy a very pleasant walk. You can also enjoy a 30-minute tour boat, rental boat, and cycling. There are several recommended restaurants around Onuma Park, so please enjoy lunch before taking a walk.
120 min
5
Mt.Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
321 433 439What is MAPCODE?
15:30
After Onuma Park, it is a 2-hour drive on the expressway. The final destination of the day is “Mt. Usu Ropeway”. From the ropeway, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Showa Shinzan, which was created in 1944, Lake Toya, and the Pacific Ocean.
There is also Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch in the same place, so if you have children, please visit it as well.
10 min
Near Lake Toya, there is [Sobetsu Fruit Village] where 23 orchards are gathered.
You can enjoy fruit picking from Beg-Jun to End-Oct.
6
Inn in Lake Toya
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
On the south side of Lake Toya, there is the Toyako Onsen Hot Spring town, where a number of hot spring inns are gathered.
There are many inns where you can see Lake Toya from the open-air bath, so it is recommended to stay at one of them.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay at Lake Toya(洞爺湖). Many Onsen Ryokans are concentrated from the south to the west side of the lake.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsens and most of the inns have one. You can enjoy an open-air Onsen with a lake view. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Lake Toya – Sapporo or Chitose
Start: Lake Toya(洞爺湖)
Finish: Sapporo or Chitose Airport (札幌or千歳)
Mileage:
To Sapporo: 150km
To Chitose Arirpot: 170km
Travel Pace: Normal
You will be back from Lake Toya to New Chitose Airport or Sapporo on this day.
1
Inn in Lake Toya
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is about 150km from Lake Toya to Sapporo via Otaru and about 170km to the airport.
If you plan to fly from New Chitose Airport on this day, please see the end of the article.
10 min
2
Mt.Usu Ropeway & Showashinzan Bear Farm
Parking MAPCODE:
321 433 439What is MAPCODE?
9:10
If you haven’t visited, please visit [Usuzan Ropeway & Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch].
60 min
3
Fukidashi Spring Water Park
Parking MAPCODE:
385 674 715What is MAPCODE?
11:50
After that, you will drive north while looking at the magnificent Mt. Yotei and head for [Fukidashi Spring Water Park]. In the park, where 80,000 tons of underground water from Mt. Yotei springs up a day, you can get mellow and sweet natural water containing abundant minerals.
70 min
4
Kenashiyama Observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
493 541 201What is MAPCODE?
14:00
After that, you will head north for 60km to Otaru, the highlight of today. Since the distance is long, please take a break at the roadside station on the way.
There is [Kenashiyama Observatory] just before Otaru. You can overlook the streets of Otaru and Ishikari Bay, so please stop by.
20 min
5
Otaru
Parking MAPCODE:
493 661 486What is MAPCODE?
15:00
[Otaru] is famous as a canal town, but the main walk is Sakaimachihondori. Attractions such as the music box hall, sweets like LeTAO and Kitakaro, and Kitaichi Glass are lined up along the street. Also, sushi is definitely recommended. Both are within walking distance, so park your car and take a walk. It is safe to plan for at least 3 hours including meals.
Most shops in Otaru close at 17:00. Please make sure to arrive at Otaru by 15:00 at the latest.
40 min
6
Rental car branch at Sapporo or New Chitose Airport
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
18:30
This concludes your Hokkaido road trip.
①Returning a car in Sapporo
When you return to Sapporo, refuel and then return the car to the car rental branch. Use the MAPCODE on the driving map for the nearest rental car stores and gas stations near Sapporo Station.
Sapporo offers a wide variety of culinary delights! For dinner, try Sapporo Miso ramen, Soup curry, Crab and Sushi.
②Returning a car at New Chitose Airport
When heading to New Chitose Airport, the distance from Sapporo is about 60 km, about 1 hour. Make sure you arrive at the car rental company branch 3 hours before your flight. You need to take the shuttle bus from the company branch to the airport. In addition, New Chitose Airport is the best in Japan. There are restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of Hokkaido gourmet food and countless souvenir shops, so the waiting time for your flight feels short.
If you have time, visiting Mt. Moiwayama at dusk is recommended. You can enjoy a vast night view from the observatory overlooking Sapporo, the largest town in Hokkaido.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in either Sapporo city, the capital of Hokkaido or Chitose town near the “New Chitose Airport”. Please choose the following options depending on your travel schedule.
①Staying in Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and there are hundreds of inns from Sapporo Station to the Susukino area, the entertainment district. It is convenient to stay either on the south side of Sapporo Station or around “Odori Park”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Because there are more than 9,000 restaurants in Sapporo, it is recommended to make reservations with a breakfast-only plan.
②Returning to New Chitose Airport
If your flight is a morning flight, staying near Chitose Airport is a good idea. There is some hotel in and around the airport.
Once you return the car, rental car company bring you to the airport by free shuttle bus.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
It is better to return your car first and take public transportation or a shuttle bus to these hotels. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Since there are many restaurants in the airport and around Chitose Station where you can have dinner, it is recommended to book breakfast only or stay overnight.
Hotels & Rental Car Booking
If you haven’t booked hotels or a rental car, you can book below.
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
- New Chitose Airport
The main international airport in Hokkaido. Recommended for Pick-up.
If you arrive after 14:00, consider staying overnight around the airport or in Sapporo and departing the next morning.
It takes 1 hour to Sapporo station by train. - Sapporo City
The capital and biggest city in Hokkaido. Most car rental shops are located around Sapporo Station.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at New Chitose Airport and return at Sapporo Station, and vice versa. Normally, the one-way charge is about JPY2000 only. - Child Sheet
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
If you travel from the beginning of November to the end of April, you must book a car with snow tires. It should be installed without requests from rental car companies in Hokkaido, but if you are concerned, you can double-check with them after making a reservation.
Hotel Booking
You can book any hotels for this itinerary from the links below, however we will suggest a recommended mid range
hotel or inn that has:
・Parking
・A convenient location
・A rate of about JPY8,000-15,000/person/night
Start Date
Noboribetsu Onsen Dai-ichi Takimotokan
On this day, you will stay in Noribetsu town(登別) which is the most famous Onsen town in Hokkaido. Many inns are located around “Jigokudani(Hell Valley)”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
La Vista Hakodate Bay
On this day, you will stay in Hakodate(函館) city which is famous for its magnificent night view and morning market. Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.
①Around Hakodate Morning Market
Most of the highlights in Hakodate are located near the Hakodate Morning Market and it is very convenient for sightseeing. However, there is no Onsen in this area.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Some inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
Inns around the morning market don’t provide an onsen. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants for dinner. It is also a good idea to have breakfast at “Hakodate Morning Market”. Therefore, booking a plan with breakfast or without meals is fine.
②Yunokawa Onsen(湯の川温泉) area
This area is located 5km east of the center of Hakodate and near Hakodate airport.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with onsen. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
The Lake view TOYA Nonokaze resort
On this day, you will stay at Lake Toya(洞爺湖). Many Onsen Ryokans are concentrated from the south to the west side of the lake.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for onsens and most of the inns have one. You can enjoy an open-air onsen with a lake view. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
On this day, you will stay in either Sapporo city, the capital of Hokkaido or Chitose town near the “New Chitose Airport”. Please choose the following options depending on your travel schedule.
①Staying in Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and there are hundreds of inns from Sapporo Station to the Susukino area, the entertainment district. It is convenient to stay either on the south side of Sapporo Station or around “Odori Park”.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Because there are more than 9,000 restaurants in Sapporo, it is recommended to make reservations with a breakfast-only plan.
②Returning to New Chitose Airport
If your flight is a morning flight, staying near Chitose Airport is a good idea. There is some hotel in and around the airport.
Once you return the car, rental car company bring you to the airport by free shuttle bus.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 2 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
It is better to return your car first and take public transportation or a shuttle bus to these hotels. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
Since there are many restaurants in the airport and around Chitose Station where you can have dinner, it is recommended to book breakfast only or stay overnight.