20221226Road itinerary master (Hokkaido)(Winter)保存用非公開10/10

９：００

The mileage is about 180-200km. We recommend heading directly to Asahikawa on the expressway(E5).

Because of long driving, please take a rest at Service Area(SA) along the express way. “Sunagawa SA” is recommended.

１１：３０

Firstly, you will visit Taisetsu Ji Beer, where you can enjoy various Hokkaido gourmet foods. The building here is an old brick warehouse that has been renovated and has a very nice atmosphere, where you can enjoy Hokkaido’s famous Genghis Khan barbecue. However, alcohol is absolutely prohibited for drivers (drink driving is severely punished in Japan).

１２：５０

After that, you will head to the biggest highlight of the day [Asahiyama Zoo]. There are many winter-friendly animals, such as penguins, seals, polar bears and arctic foxes. Asahiyama Zoo is located about 30 minutes from the city center.

There are the following parking lots.
Main gate 1st parking(Free 65 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 856
Main gate 2nd parking(Free 125 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 856
East gate parking(Free 300 slots) MAPCODE:79 357 881

１５：１５

Afterwards, you will take a sake factory tour at the Otokoyama Sake Brewery. It is one of Hokkaido’s representative sake brewers and is also famous as a popular tourist facility.

１６：２０

Asahikawa, where you will stay on this day, is the second largest city in Hokkaido. You can enjoy various gourmet foods such as Genghis Khan and Asahikawa ramen. There are many shops within walking distance that are open until late at night, so check in before exploring the city.

９：００

The mileage is 230km, which is the longest on this trip, so we recommend leaving Asahikawa before 9:00 at the latest. You will be driving on the expressway (E39) for the first half and on the public road for the second half.

１１：３０

After driving a long distance on the expressway, please enjoy lunch at a sushi restaurant. This is a revolving sushi restaurant, but you can eat very fresh sushi at a more reasonable price than in Sapporo.

１４：１５

Next, you will head to Cape Notoro, which is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the beautiful and mysterious drift ice and the white world of icefalls. Road Abashiri Park Line, also known as the “Misaki Line”, is a scenic road where you can enjoy a comfortable drive even in winter. Drift ice can usually be seen from early February to early March.

１５：３０

After that, you will go to the Okhotsk drift ice museum and learn about drift ice, preparing for tomorrow’s drift ice cruise.

１６：３０

Abashiri, where we stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Since the number of restaurants is quite limited, it is recommended to make a reservation at a hot spring inn with a plan to half board. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 5 pm at the latest.

８：５０

The mileage is about 90km. You must have checked in for Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora by 9:15 on this day, so please leave the hotel by 8:50 at the latest. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/).

９：００

The first destination is [Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora], which is the biggest highlight of the day. This is a large ship that sails on the sea while breaking ice. You can see the ice floes that arrive every year off the coast of Abashiri Port up close, and you can enjoy a thrilling cruise as the vibrations and sounds of breaking the ice are transmitted directly to the boat.

Icebreaker Aurora departs at 9:30 most days. Please arrive at the platform by 9:00 and complete her check-in procedures. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/). The cruise time is a little over an hour.

１１：００

After enjoying a winter sea cruise, you will head to The Abashiri Prison Museum, where the Abashiri Prison buildings made in the Meiji era (1868–1912) are preserved and open to the public. 

１２：００

Please enjoy delicious seafood in Abashiri. We recommend “Okhotsk direct market Kaniya”.

１４：１０

After lunch, you will head to [Road to the Sky].  While driving on the road, it provides a terrific view of itself. Originally known only to local bikers, the name comes from the sight of a 28km straight road leading to the sky. Must see.

１５：４０

Next you will head to Yuhidai Observatory. Here, the surface of the sea, which is covered with drift ice, turns a golden color, creating a beautiful and impressive impression.

１６：２０

Shiretoko, where you stay on this day, is a hot spring resort. Since the number of restaurants where you can have dinner is very limited, it is recommended to make a reservation at a hot spring inn with a plan with half board. Make sure you arrive at the inn by 5 pm at the latest.

８：００

The mileage on this day is 15km and you hardly drive a car. However, if you participate in the “Winter Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour”, you need to leave the hotel at 8:00 and wake up early in the morning.

８：００

There are guided tours of the Shiretoko Five Lakes during the harsh winter season, where you can enjoy a walk in the wetlands and lakes that are not accessible during the summer season. In particular, [Winter Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour] by Shiretoko Nature Office is recommended. Reservations are required (please go to https://en.activityjapan.com/publish/plan/3379 for booking in English).

Depending on which Shiretoko tour you book, normally your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel at 8:00. The tour guide will then take you to the activity location and drop you off at your hotel after the activity. The duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours.

１３：３０

For lunch on this day, we recommend [Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku]. You can easily enjoy a wide variety of meals.

１４：３０

After lunch, please enjoy the spectacular drift ice views from the Oronko Rock Observatory. You can go there on foot or by car. It takes about 10 minutes if you walk.

However, the path leading up to the observatory is narrow and steep, so if you think it is dangerous due to accumulated snow, please skip this observatory and enjoy the drift ice near the next waterfall. Please put safety first.

１５：３０

This spectacular waterfall, located just next to the coastal main road heading toward Shiretoko, provides visitors a unique experience. After a short walk up some stairs, you can enjoy the waterfall in all of its glory. An observatory is located at the top of the falls and provides a view of the Sea of Okhotsk.

There is also a sidewalk on the opposite side of the road from the parking lot. From there you can enjoy the drift ice of the sea of Okhotsk.

１６：３０

On this day you will stay at a hotel in Shiretoko following yesterday. Please spend a relaxing time in Shiretoko, a World Heritage site.

９：００

Since the mileage is long and about 190km and there is no expressway section, we strongly recommend that you leave the hotel as early as possible.

１０：００

The distance from Shiretoko to Lake Kussharo Sunayu is long, so take a break at this roadside station on the way. Since it’s only the beginning of the day, please just take a short break here and move on.

１０：５５

Your first destination for the day is Lake Kussharo Sunayu. This is a popular destination for photographers due to the abundance of swans and the stunning backdrop.  Sunayu on the shores of Lake Kussharo is a natural hot spring. Therefore, the center of the lake is covered with ice in winter, but the lakeside is not frozen and becomes an open-air bath for swans. There is also a footbath here, so you can relax while watching the swans from the footbath.

１２：２５

For lunch on this day, Teshikaga Ramen Main branch is recommended. Ramen is perfect for lunch on a cold winter trip.
We recommend trying the Seafood soy sauce(魚介たまり醤油) Ramen and Miso(味噌) ramen.

１４：４０

Next, you will head to Hosooka observatory. This is famous as an observatory where you can see the Kushiro Marsh, and the winter scenery is also wonderful. You may be able to see red-crowned cranes.

It is also famous for sunset.

１６：２０

For dinner, we recommend Robatayaki BBQ at “Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO”.

９：００

The mileage is as long as 175km. If you prefer to drive slowly, be sure to skip some of the recommended stops along the way.

１０：５５

The first destination is Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town. You will see “Jewelry ice” which can only be seen there during the harsh winter (mid-January to late February).

１１：４０

Next, you will head to “Ikeda Wine Castle”. This is the most famous winery in Hokkaido, and you can see the inside of a brewery that imitates a castle in medieval Europe.

１２：４５

Next, you will head to “Happiness Dairy”, which is a gelato shop directly managed by a ranch in the fields. It has been a popular shop for a long time.

１２：４５

After Happiness Dairy, you will head west to Obihiro. There is a small observatory called [Tokachigaoka Observatory] along the way, so you can stop by.

１５：１５

After the observatory, you will move to Downy Birch Avenue. A row of white birch trees continues straight for about 1.3 km from the entrance of Tokachi Ranch, and it is known as one of the scenery that represents Tokachi. From mid-January to February, the frost-covered trees look like they have been covered with white leaves, and you can enjoy a more beautiful view.

Obihiro is one of the leading cities in Hokkaido. There are many restaurants and food stalls on the north side of the station, so please enjoy dinner while strolling after checking in at the hotel. In particular, Obihiro is famous for pork rice bowls as a local gourmet. Please try it.

１６：３０

８：５０

The mileage is about 90km. You must have checked in for Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora by 9:15 on this day, so please leave the hotel by 8:50 at the latest. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/).

９：１０

The first destination is [Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora], which is the biggest highlight of the day. This is a large ship that sails on the sea while breaking ice. You can see the ice floes that arrive every year off the coast of Abashiri Port up close, and you can enjoy a thrilling cruise as the vibrations and sounds of breaking the ice are transmitted directly to the boat.

Icebreaker Aurora departs at 9:30 most days. Please arrive at the platform at 9:00 and complete her check-in procedures. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/). The cruise time is a little over an hour.

If you stay in Abashiri for two consecutive days, you will also have the opportunity to board the ice floe ship the next day, but it is better to board the ship on this day and skip the boarding on the next day.

１１：００

After enjoying a winter sea cruise, you will head to The Abashiri Prison Museum, where the Abashiri Prison buildings made in the Meiji era (1868–1912) are preserved and open to the public. 

１２：４５

Please enjoy delicious seafood in Abashiri. We recommend “Okhotsk direct market Kaniya”.

１４：００

After lunch, you will head to [Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples].  This museum introduces the life, customs, and culture of northern folks, not only the Ainu in Japan, but also around the world, such as the Eskimo and Inuit.

１５：４０

On this day you will stay at a hotel in Abashiri following yesterday. Please spend a relaxing time in Abashiri.

８：５０

The mileage is long and about 170km, and there is no expressway section. Please arrive at the platform of the Icebreaker Aurora before 9:00 and complete the check-in procedures, so you will need to leave the hotel by 8:50 at the latest. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/).

９：００

The first destination is [Abashiri Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora], which is the biggest highlight of the day. This is a large ship that sails on the sea while breaking ice. You can see the ice floes that arrive every year off the coast of Abashiri Port up close, and you can enjoy a thrilling cruise as the vibrations and sounds of breaking the ice are transmitted directly to the boat.

Icebreaker Aurora departs at 9:30 most days. Please arrive at the platform before 9:00 and complete her check-in procedures. Also, the departure time of the Icebreaker Aurora may change depending on the season, so please check the information on the website (https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/). The cruise time is a little over an hour.

１２：００

Next, you will head to Lake Kussharo Sunayu. This is a popular destination for photographers due to the abundance of swans and the stunning backdrop. Sunayu on the shores of Lake Kussharo is a natural hot spring. Therefore, the center of the lake is covered with ice in winter, but the lakeside is not frozen and becomes an open-air bath for swans. There is also a footbath here, so you can relax while watching the swans from the footbath.

１３：２５

For lunch on this day, Teshikaga Ramen Main branch is recommended. Ramen is perfect for lunch on a cold winter trip.
We recommend trying the Seafood soy sauce(魚介たまり醤油) Ramen and Miso(味噌) ramen.

１５：２５

Next, you will head to Hosooka observatory. This is famous as an observatory where you can see the Kushiro Marsh, but the winter scenery is also wonderful. You may be able to see red-crowned cranes.

It is also famous for sunset.

１７：００

For dinner, we recommend Robatayaki BBQ at “Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO”.

９：００

The mileage is 185km. We recommend leaving Asahikawa before 9:00 at the latest. You will be driving on the expressway (E5) to Otaru.

Because of long driving, please take a rest at the Service Area along the expressway. “Sunagawa SA(砂川SA)” is recommended because of many shops.

１１：３０

In Otaru, you will enjoy lunch at Nishizuka, just outside the city. Nishiduka is a sushi restaurant loved by locals. You can only get there by car because it is outside of the main city of Otaru. Their sushi and other side dishes are known for being beautifully decorated.

１３：００

Next, you will head to [Old Aoyama Villa(Aoyama Bettei)] which is a very beautiful old home with a nice pretty Japanese garden. This villa has become a symbol of herring fishing and the Aoyama family was very successful because of the herring. The villa has a very lavish style and took 6 years to be completed. You can sit back and relax with a coffee at the Villa’s restaurant, Kihinkan(貴賓館).

１４：００

Next you will head to Otaru. For parking in Otaru, please use the hotel where you plan to stay or Otaru City Parking (小樽駐車場).

In Otaru city, you will be sightseeing on foot. Here are some spots I would like you to visit: the area around the “Otaru Canal” and the “Sakaimachi-dori shopping street” are the main areas.

●[Otaru Canal] is a symbol of the city and a must spot, but in winter, the snow-covered bricks make you feel like you are in the northern country. The highlight of the annual “Otaru Yuki Monogatari” event is the “Blue Canal” (from early November to late January), where blue LED lights are applied. You can also have a fantastic and romantic time on a popular canal cruise.

●[Canal Plaza] (Otaru City Tourist Product Plaza)—Otaru is known as the city of glass, and representative works of art will be displayed in the Canal Plaza. The Wine Glass Tower (from early November to mid-February), which is made up of 2,000 wine glasses, changes to 6 colors and is very impressive.
●[Denuki Koji]—A food stall village located at the Asakusabashi crossing of the Otaru Canal. You can climb the symbolic fire tower for free, and you can also see the beautiful Otaru Canal and the Otaru sea.
●[Taisho Glass Hall Main Store] displays and sells hand-made glass, mainly Japanese-style glassware.
●[Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Building] is a renovated stone warehouse that was built as a fishery warehouse, and is designated as an Otaru Historic Building. The store offers a wide variety of glass products, from everyday glasses and tableware to accessories that are perfect for gifts.
●[Night Light] is installed at the “Marchen Crossroads” and is a reproduction of the wooden lighthouse on the hill in Nobukacho, Otaru City during the Meiji period.
●The [Steam Clock] installed in front of the Otaru Music Box Museum ticks the time with white smoke and a steam whistle every 15 minutes.

●The 3-story brick building [Music Box Museum] is a music box specialty store that boasts a large number of items.

１７：００

Otaru is your accommodation on this day. After checking in at the hotel, we recommend having dinner while walking around the hotel.

１０：００

This day is centered on sightseeing in the city, and the mileage is short at about 18km, so you can take it easy.

１１：３０

The first stop of the day is Goryokaku Park & Tower. This place is the first western-style castle in Japan surrounded by a star-shaped moat. From the observatory of the tower, you can enjoy not only Goryokaku Park, but also a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and Hakodate Bay.

There is the Lucky Pierrot Goryokaku Park Branch next to the parking lot, so it is highly recommended having lunch there. Lucky Pierrot is a crazy burger shop chain in Hakodate.

１２：３０

Next, you will head south and explore the Hakodate Motomachi Area. Hakodate was one of the first cities to open its ports after a long period of national isolation, and in this area you can see the Western-style buildings of each country that were built about 150 years ago. The main recommended spots are as follows.
●Former British Consulate
●Hakodate magistrate’s office ruins
●Former Souma House
●Former Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
●Funatama Shrine
●Hakodate Orthodox Church
●Hachiman-Zaka Slope

If you get tired of walking, there are many stylish cafes, so please take a rest.

１４：３０

After exploring the Motomachi Area, please head to the Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse. This is one of the most famous tourist spots in Hakodate city. There are many shops and cafes in old warehouses.

１６：００

Next, you will head to the Trappistine Convent, which is the first convent in Japan. The lovable structure of the convent is offset by the lovely scenery and the proximity to the ocean and the cliffs in the distance. The cookies here are delicious and famous.

１７：３０

If you have time and want to see the Sea of Hakodate, we recommend going to Cape Tachimachi, which is a scenic cliffside area. If the weather is nice and the air is clear, you can see Honshu (the main island of Japan) across the sea.

１８：２０

On this day, you will stay in Hakodate for consecutive nights following the previous day. Please relax and enjoy the night in Hakodate.