Want to explore the best of Hokkaido, but feeling overwhelmed with trip planning?
No worries, I’ve figured it out for you, so you don’t have to do it from scratch.
As a Hokkaido local, I’ve helped 100+ international travelers plan their perfect trip. Speaking from my experience, you’ll need at least two weeks to experience this vast, beautiful island.
That’s why I’ve created this easy-to-follow 14-day Hokkaido itinerary for you.
The best part? You can follow this itinerary by car or public transportation!
What You’ll Get from This 2-Week Hokkaido Itinerary
A no-rush, well-paced route covering Hokkaido’s must-visit destinations
Transportation details for each destination, including travel times, trains, and buses
Personal recommendations and local tips from a Hokkaido local (yes, it’s me!)
Let’s get your trip planning started together!
Summary of 14-Day Hokkaido Itinerary
This itinerary is perfect for summer, autumn and spring. I don’t recommend this trip in winter by car as it requires quite a lot of driving on snow.
However, the route is doable by public transportation even in winter.
This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my trip☕
Day 1-2: Furano & Asahikawa
We’ll start at New Chitose Airport near Sapporo (an international airport) or Asahikawa Airport (a domestic airport), which is closer to Day 1-2’s destinations.
Furano is one of the most popular (& touristy) destinations in Hokkaido. You’ll enjoy flower fields and fresh local produce like melon and cheese.
Just one hour away from Furano is Asahikawa. It’s the second biggest city in Hokkaido and has many restaurants and shopping options.
Stay in either Furano or Aasahikawa and make a day trip on Day 2 to another city. They are also connected by a one-hour train.
Things to Do
Farm Tomita: A popular flower farm in Furano, known for vibrant lavender fields and many other seasonal flowers. *Accessible by train
Furano Marche: A local market featuring stalls of fresh produce, bakeries, cafes, and handcrafted goods. *Accessible on foot in the city center
Furano Cheese Factory: A fun place to learn about the cheese-making process, try cheeses made from locally sourced milk, and join workshops to make butter and ice cream.
Asahiyama Zoo: A famous zoo in Asahikawa offering about 30 immersive exhibits that allow close-up views of animals. *Accessible by bus
Heiwa Shopping Street: A vibrant pedestrian street in Asahikawa with shops, cafes, and restaurants, loved by locals as a central hub for shopping and dining. *Accessible on foot in the city center
Getting There
By Car: From New Chitose Airprot, 2 hours to Furano and 2.5 hours to Asahikawa. From Asahikawa Airport, 30 mins to Asahikawa and 1 hour to Furano.
By Public Transportation: From New Chitose Airport, take a rapid airport train to JR Sapporo Station and change to a limited express train to Asahikawa (2.5 hours, 6850 JPY in total). *There’s no direct connection from New Chitose Airport to Furano, except for a seasonal ski bus in winter (2.5 hours, 5500 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
If you’re traveling by public transportation, stay in Asahikawa to save travel time to Abashiri on Day 3.
This region has many things to see. If you are open to spending a couple more days, check out these itineraries by car and by public transportation.
Don’t miss the juicy, sweet Furano melon in summer!
Where to stay in Furano
- La Vista Furano Hills Natural Hot Spring
⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
Mountain view city hotel with hot spring - Shin Furano Prince Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring, 👨👩👧For Family
Prime location for Furano adventures - Furano Natulux Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design, 👩❤️👨For Couple
Cozy hotel near JR Furano Station, perfect for a relaxing stay
Where to stay in Asahikawa
- HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa
⭐4 stars, ✨Modern Design, 🏢Excellent Location
A newly-built modern hotel located 5 min walk from JR Asahikawa offering a public bath with a view. - OMO7 Asahikawa
⭐3 stars, ✨Cool Interior Design, 🍴Great Breakfast
A casual and modern hotel by Hoshino Resorts, a high-end hotel brand in Japan. Many local restaurants, cafes, and bars are within walking distance. Family rooms available. - Dormy Inn Asahikawa
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
A city hotel located 10 min walk from JR Asahikawa, with a natural hot spring and great breakfast buffet.
Day 3-4: Abashiri
Abashiri is a port city on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. It has some unique local museums, lakes, and nature reserves nearby. Enjoy fresh seafood like hairy crab and scallops in the summertime!
Things to Do
Drift Ice Museum: An interactive museum where visitors can touch actual drift ice and learn about the Sea of Okhotsk’s unique nature. *Accessible by bus
Abashiri Prison Museum: A historical site showcasing the former prison buildings and exhibits of inmate life and prison history. *Accessible by bus
Hana Tento: A community-run flower field on a hill with an observatory overlooking Lake Abashiri. Free entrance. *Accessible by bus
Lake Saroma: Hokkaido’s largest lake, famous for its breathtaking sunsets over the water.
Wakka Nature Center: A nature reserve sitting between the sea and Lake Saroma, offering bicycle rentals to explore diverse flora and fauna.
Cape Notoro: A scenic cape with an iconic lighthouse and panoramic ocean views.
Lake Notoro: The lakeside turns a beautiful deep red from mid-August to late September with Japan’s largest glasswort colony.
Useful Resources
✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
Getting There
By Car: 3.5 hours from Asahikawa and 4.5 hours from Furano.
By Public Transportation: Take a limited express train from JR Asahikawa Station (4 hours, 8030 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
The buses accept only cash. Make sure to bring coins and 1000 JPY bills (no bigger bills accepted).
Want more details? Check out this 3-day Abashiri summer itinerary.
Where to stay in Abashiri
- Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet
A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring the Ainu art in its well-designed interior. - Kagariya
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet
An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast. - Dormy Inn Abashiri
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring
A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby.
Day 5-6: Shiretoko
Shoretoko is one of my favorite destinations for nature lovers. It is a peninsula in Eastern Hokkaido, registered as a World Natural Heritage, with the Shiretoko National Park covering 2/3 of its land.
Blessed with untouched nature, Shiretoko offers many outdoor activities in its diverse landscapes — the forests, lakes, waterfalls and the sea.
Things to Do
Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: An information center providing advice outdoor activities. *Accessible by bus
Shiretoko Five Lake Trail: A scenic trail through untouched forest and around five small lakes, offering stunning views of mountain range and wildlife. Starting at Shiretoko Nature Center.
Nature Cruise: A boat cruise along Shiretoko’s coast to spot dolphins, whales, and brown bears in their natural habitat. *Accessible on foot in the town
Oshinkoshin Waterfall: A beautiful, wide waterfall easily accessible by road, known for its powerful flow and photogenic views. *Accessible by bus, but a taxi on one way is recommended.
Kamuiwakka Waterfall: A natural hot spring waterfall where you can enjoy an adventurous climb in a warm stream during summer (self-guided but booking required).
Getting There
By Car: 2 hours from Abashiri.
By Public Transportation: Take Shiretoko Airport Liner bus from JR Abashiri Station or Abashiri Bus Terminal to Utoro (2 hours, 2800 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
Check out this 3-day Shiretoko summer itinerary for more ideas.
My restaurant recommendations: Shiokaze (an izakaya-style restaurant) and Utoro Gyokyo Fujinbu Shokudo (a lunch place run by wives of local fishermen)
Where to stay in Shiretoko
- Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring. - Sekka Shiretoko
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality
A small family-run inn where the warm-hearted owner chef is committed to make homemade food with fresh local ingredients. - Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🛁Private Onsen, 🍴Great Meals
A cozy family-run onsen hotel with an ocean view.
Day 7-8: Akan & Kushiro
Akan is a small, cozy onsen town sitting right next to Lake Akan. This is one of my favorite destinations for a weekend trip. It offers natural onsen, beautiful lakes, and outdoor activities nearby.
Kushiro is a port city on the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s known for the Marshland National Park, cranes, seafood and beautiful sunset views.
Akan and Kushiro are just one hour’s drive apart, so you could stay in either Akan and Kushiro for the two nights and make a day trip to one another, or spend one night in each place.
Things to Do
Akan (All accessible on foot in the town)
Ainu Kotan: An Ainu village and cultural center where you can explore traditional craft shops, a museum, and theater exhibits dedicated to the Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous people.
Eco Museum Center: A nature-focused center showcasing exhibits on Akan’s diverse landscapes, including its forests, lakes, and volcanic activity.
Bokke Walk: A 1.5 km loop trail starting at the Eco Museum Center, leading to the steaming mud volcano, Bokke, a unique natural phenomenon in the region.
Lake Akan Cruise: An 80-minute cruise around Lake Akan with a stop to view marimo, the lake’s famous green moss balls, at a small island’s exhibition center.
Kushiro (All accessible by bus)
Kushiro Marshland National Park: Japan's largest wetland that’s home to diverse wildlife. A few observatories are
Fisherman's Wharf MOO: A lively waterfront complex with seafood markets, restaurants, and shops, offering local cultural experience.
Sunset Cruise: Experience one of the world's most beautiful sunsets over Kushiro Port on the Sea Crane cruise from late April to late November.
Hokkaido Essential Tips
🤔 Wondering when to visit? Here's the best time in Hokkaido.
🚗 Not sure how to get around? Find out if driving or public transport is better for you.
🗺️ Looking for itinerary ideas? Check out my ready-made Hokkaido itineraries!
Getting There
By Car: From Utoro in Shiretoko, 2.5 hours to Akan and 3 hours to Kushiro. Between Akan and Kushiro is one hour.
By Public Transportation: Take a bus from Utoro Bus Terminal to JR Shari Station (50 mins, 1650 JPY) and then the JR Senmo Line to Kushiro Station (2.5 hours, 3190 JPY). From there, a bus to Akan runs 3-4 times a day (2 hours, 2750 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
If you have one more day to spare, make a day trip to the Lake Kussharo & Lake Mashu area.
Check out this 6-day itinerary for more ideas for Akan, Kushiro and around.
Where to stay in Akan
- Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
⭐4 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍷Fine Dining
All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view. - Akan Yuku no Sato
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A long-established hotel run by a local company, having been listed in Michelin Guide Hokkaido. - The Forest Akan Tsuruga Resort
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options.
Where to stay in Kushiro
- ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design
Conveniently located near JR Kushiro Station, offering great guest services and a breakfast buffet using fresh local ingredients. - Comfort Hotel Kushiro
⭐3 stars, 🍴Free Breakfast, 🏢Excellent Location
A modern city hotel just a 2-min walk away from JR Kushiro Station.
Day 9: Obihiro
Let’s make a one-night stop at Obihiro to break a long distance to Sapporo.
The city sits in the Tokachi Plain, where the biggest dairy farming and agriculture in Japan. Therefore Obihiro has great access to fresh, high-quality produce like milk, butter, and wheat. Get hungry to enjoy eating as much as possible!
Things to Do
Rokkatei: Hokkaido’s famous sweets brand originated in Obihiro. The shop has a cafe to enjoy their sweets and snacks on-site. *Accessible by bus
Manabe Garden: A beautiful conifer garden featuring diverse plants and flowers collected over 60 years, great for strolls. *Accessible by bus
Ikeda Wine Castle: A local winery offering tours and tastings of locally produced wines. *Accessible by train
Tokachigawa Onsen: A hot spring resort famous for its unique water composition rich in minerals and plant biomass, which moisturize and smooth the skin like body lotion.
Naitai Highland Farm: One of Japan’s largest public farms, offering panoramic views of the Tokachi Plain.
Getting There
By Car: 2 hours from Kushiro.
By Public Transportation: Take a limited express train from Kushiro (1.5 hours, 5220 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
Obihiro is a great destination for foodies. Try Butadon (charcoal-grilled pork slices over rice) and local bakeries.
For the evening, stroll an array of small izakaya and local restaurants in Kita no Yatai and Tokachi no Nagaya, which are next to each other.
Where to stay in Obihiro
- Sanyoan
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality
A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa Onsen. - Hotel Grand Terrace Obihiro
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, 🍴Breakfast Buffet
A convenient city hotel located near JR Obihiro Station. - Hotel Nupka
⭐2 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design
A simple, budget hotel with complimentary breakfast, located near the station.
Day 10-12: Sapporo & Otaru
Sapporo is the biggest city and the capital of Hokkaido, home to nearly 2 million people. It has a good mixture of touristy spots and local gems that can be found in the city life. There are plenty options for shopping, restaurants and cafes.
While staying in Sapporo, get on a 40-min train to Otaru for a day trip. Otaru is a charming port city near Sapporo, facing the Sea of Japan. It is known for its beautiful well-preserved canals, historic architecture, and glasswork shops.
Things to Do (All accessible by public transportation)
Odori Park: A long, greeny park stretching through downtown Sapporo loved by locals.
Shiroi Koibito Park: A chocolate-themed park where you can tour the factory and enjoy sweets workshops.
Sapporo Beer Museum: A historic museum celebrating Japan’s oldest beer brand, with exhibits on brewing history and an option for tastings.
Sapporo Summer Festival: A lively summer event with outdoor beer gardens, traditional performances, and seasonal food stalls throughout Odori Park.
Getting There
By Car: 3.5 hours from Obihiro.
By Public Transportation: From Obihiro Take the Limited Express trains "Ozora" or "Tokachi" (2.5 hours, 7790 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
Want to spend a night like a local? Join an izakaya (Japanese-style bars) hopping tour.
Sapporo and Otaru are easy to get around by public transportation. Benefit from day passes like Sapporo Metro one-day pass (830 JPY on weekdays, 520 JPY on weekends) and Otaru Bus one-day pass (800 JPY).
Where to stay in Sapporo
- JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🏢Excellent Location
An urban city hotel with a great location directly connected to JR Sapporo station, shopping malls nearby, and a natural hot spring spa. Only 10 min walk to Odori Park. - ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
⭐3.5 stars 👩❤️👨For Couple ♨️Hot spring
A modern onsen city hotel with simple and stylish rooms, located just 5 min away from Odori Park. - Mercure Hotel Sapporo
⭐4 stars 🏢Excellent Location 👟Fitness Room
A city hotel conveniently located in Susukino, a popular spot for local restaurants and bars.
Day 13-14: Hakodate
Hakodate is a charming port city in the south of Hokkaido. Hakodate is known for its stunning night views from Mount Hakodate, fresh seafood, and unique star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.
From Hakodate, you could either fly out from Hakodate Airport or take the bullet train Shinkansen to Tokyo.
Things to Do (All accessible by public transportation)
Goryokaku Park: A star-shaped park that used to be a historical fort, with the Goryokaku Tower for panoramic city views.
Hakodate Morning Market: A famous food market offering fresh seafood and local produce.
Mount Hakodate: A mountain accessible by ropeway, well known for its stunning night views over the city and bay.
Yunokawa Onsen: A hot spring resort area close to the Hakodate city center.
Getting There
By Car: 4 hours from Sapporo.
By Public Transportation: Take a limited express train from Sapporo to Hakodate Station (4 hours, 9440 JPY).
✨Travel Tips
Hakodate is a hilly city. Wear good walking shoes that you are used to.
While in Hakodate, go to eat at Lucky Pierrot! It’s a local burger shop that is super popular among the locals and people from other parts of Japan. Their Chinese chicken burger is a bomb.
Also Hakodate shio ramen is the local signature!
Where to stay in Hakodate
- Century Marina
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring,🍴Great Breakfast
A high-end hotel with an infinity outdoor onsen and a high-quality breakfast buffet. Great access to the major tourist attractions in the town. - Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Breakfast, ✨Modern Design
A mid-range hotel with onsen and seafood breakfast buffet - Tokyu Stay
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring
All rooms have a laundry machine & microwave, offer a breakfast ticket for the morning market
THAT’S ALL!
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