As a Hokkaido travel expert, I’ve helped hundreds of people plan their dream over the years, including many road trips!

Traveling by car is the best way to explore the beautiful summer in Hokkaido.

So I made this 7-day Hokkaido road trip itinerary that’s perfect for nature lovers.

In this itinerary, you’ll get…

Both must-see spots and hidden gems
Fun outdoor activities that you’ll love
Practical travel tips from a Hokkaido local (me!)

Let’s dive in!

Quick Summary: 7-Day Hokkaido Road Trip

Day 1 - Furano
Day 2 - Biei & Asahikawa
Day 3 - Abashiri
Day 4 - Shiretoko
Day 5 - Akan
Day 6 - Obihiro
Day 7 - Sapporo

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☕

7-Day Hokkaido Road Trip

This road trip itinerary features some of the best destinations in Hokkaido, including things to do and hotel recommendations.

Please note that this is rather a packed, fast-paced itinerary for 7 days, as Hokkaido is huge and has many destinations we don’t want to miss.

If this itinerary feels too tight for you, you can easily customize it. Just add a few more days to some destinations and enjoy a more relaxing trip. It’s all up to you!

🚗Looking for a car rental?

Rentalcars.com compares prices of many well-known international & Japanese companies. If you want to rent from a company that is familiar with international travelers and offers comprehensive support services, take a look!

Klook covers big international names as well as Japanese local companies. Sometimes you will find cheaper prices from the local ones, so make sure to check it out.

Day 1 - Furano

Furano is a photogenic town that's known for its stunning natural scenery. Its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer, attract visitors from all over the world.

But did you know Furano is more than just lavender? It's also home to local wineries, a hot air balloon ride over flower fields, and beautiful forests.

To get started, Rent a car at New Chitose Airport and hit the road for the 140-kilometer, 2.5-hour drive to Furano.

✨DRIVING TIP

From Sapporo to Furano, I recommend getting off highway via Bibai Interchange (IC). This route uses a new road between Furano and Bibai, just opened in August 2024. This route is easier to drive than the conventional route vis Mikasa IC that Google map often suggests, while the driving time is almost the same.

Via Bibai IC: Wider and more straight roads with tunnels between the Bibai IC and Furano.
Via Mikasa IC: Many steel curves and ups and downs on mountain roads between Mikasa IC and Furano.

Farm TOmita

Once you arrive in Furano, head straight to Tomita Farm, which is one of the town's most famous attractions.

While the lavender fields are at their peak from mid-July to early August, you can enjoy a variety of colorful flowers at the farm from April to October.

I recommend visiting here in the morning before it gets crowded in the afternoon. There are cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the farm.

INFORMATION

Opening hours: 7 am - 7 pm (May to October), 9 am - 6.30 pm (November to April)
Admission & Parking free

Enjoy Furano Melon

In summer, you can’t miss Furano Melon. It’s a fresh, juicy local specialty. There are many melon farms where you can try a slice or buy a whole melon.

Want to know the best spots? Check out these recommendations by a Furano local.

Ningle Terrace

For a relaxing evening stroll, head over to Ningle Terrace, a cozy log house village surrounded by a forest that's lit up with warm and cute lights. Here you can find locally-made crafts and accessories that make great souvenirs.

INFORMATION

Opening hours: 11 am - 7.45 pm in summer, 12 pm - 8.45 pm in winter
Admission & Parking free

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

Day 2 - Biei & Asahikawa

Day 2 is all about a scenic drive from Furano to Asahikawa, with a stop in Biei along the way!

Biei is famous for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, especially its besautiful flower fields.

Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and is famous for its food scene, with plenty of delicious local dishes to try.

For Day 2, head to Asahikawa, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Furano. Take your time and enjoy the scenic drive, as there are several beautiful roads with vast fields and forests along the way.

Shikisai no oka

Make a stop at Shikisai no Oka in Biei, a stunning flower garden with colorful stripes over a hill.

There are farm restaurants that are perfect for a lunch break, a souvenir and local produce shop, and spacious bathrooms.

In summer, you can get on a tractor bus that takes you on a round tour of the park for 15 mins. This is a great way to enjoy the view efficiently, if you are with young kids or the elderly.

INFORMATION

Opening hours: 8.40 am - 7.30 pm, depending on the season
Admission fees: 500 yen/person, free for kids under 6 years old

Blue Pond

After lunch, visit the famous Blue Pond, which is a 20-minute drive away from Shikisai no Oka.

The bright blue color of this pond is the result of natural minerals in the water, making the view truly magical.

INFORMATION

Opening hours: 7 am - 7 pm (May to October), 8 am - 9.30 pm (November to April)
Parking fee: 500 yen
Admission free, no public bathroom

Asahiyama Zoo

In Asahikawa, one of the main attractions is Asahiyama Zoo. It’s known for its “behavioral exhibition” approach, where animals live in environments that mimic their natural habitats.

This allows visitors to observe them up close and in action, making the experience feel incredibly immersive.

There are 32 exhibits in total and each and every one is unique. It usually takes 2-3 hours to go through the entire zoo, but if you’re short on time, my top recommendations are polar bears, seals, penguins, chimpanzees, and giraffes!

For dinner, head to a local restaurant to try Asahikawa shoyu ramen, a popular local specialty.

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
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

Pro Tip

🚗Want to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at a different place? Then look for big names, such as Toyota Rental Car, Nissan Rental Car, Orix Rental Car, etc. They allow you to do that with an additional fee.

🛣️ Using tollway a lot? Look into Hokkaido Expressway Pass to enjoy unlimited highway access. The price starts at 3,700 yen for 2 days up to 11,500 yen for 14 days.

Day 3 - Abashiri

Day 3 is a road trip from Asahikawa to Abashiri. It's best to set off early in the morning, as there are several must-see attractions along the way.

You might even want to consider spending an extra night in Abashiri to explore the local museums and savor the fresh seafood!

Sounkyo

Sounkyo is a small onsen town located in a valley, about a 1.5-hour drive from Asahikawa.

There, you can take the Sounkyo Ropeway to the top of Mount Kurodake, 1,300 meters above sea level, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. In autumn, the valley is colored with beautiful foliage from September to October.

Also, just a five-minute drive from the ropeway station, Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Waterfall) is a nice viewpoint that offers a stunning view of two waterfalls that fall from a height of 120 meters.

From Sounkyo to Abashiri is a 2.5-hour drive.

Shiba zakura park in Higashi Mokoto

If you're traveling in May, you don’t want to miss Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto. It’s a little bit of detour on the way to Abashiri, but you'll be amazed by the beautiful hills covered in pink with little Shiba Sakura flowers.

If you have time in Abashiri, you can visit unique local museums there. If your schedule allows, it would be also nice to add a day in Abashiri to explore more.

After a long day of driving, unwind and relax at an onsen hotel in Abashiri!

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

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Day 4 - Shiretoko

On Day 4, we’ll take an easy 1.5-hour drive from Abashiri to Utoro in Shiretoko, along the beautiful Okhotsk Sea.

As a designated World Nature Heritage site, Shiretoko is perfect for experiencing the untouched nature of Hokkaido. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers!

Drive to Shiretoko

We’ll drive to Shiretoko! First, let’s make a quick stop at Uminoba, just 10 mins from Abashiri’s city center. It’s a charming cafe with an open ocean view. They have a wide range of local souvenirs, including sweets, snacks, cooking ware, and T-shirts.

Next, head to Shari and visit the Road to Heaven, an iconic photo spot that can only be reached by car. Enjoy the scenic drive and take plenty of photos!

Shiretoko five lake trail

For Shiretoko, I have two outdoor activity recommendations. One is the Shiretoko five-lake trail.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Shiretoko that you should definitely try. You will enjoy Shiretoko’s untouched nature with incredible views of lakes and mountains.

There are three different routes to accommodate any physical level. Since the National Park is also home to wild brown bears, it is required to book a guided tour or to get a safety briefing at the Shiretoko Nature Center during certain seasons.

Protected walkway (a 1.6-km round trip) - An easy-to-walk pathway protected from wild bears with high-voltage wires, passing the first lake only. No guide required. Accessible all year around.
Small loop route (1.6 km) - A trail going through the forest and viewing the first and second lakes. Guided tour required from May to July. Safety briefing required for a self-guided walk from August to November.
Big loop route (3 km)- includes all five lakes for the best experience. Safety requirement is the same as the small loop.

Find more details on the Five-Lake official website.

Nature Cruise

I saw a pack of dolphins running along with our cruise!

Another activity that I love in Shiretoko is Nature Cruise.

The tour takes you on a trip along the peninsula’s coast for a couple of hours. The view is spectacular - beautiful waterfalls, huge cliffs, and hidden natural bays.

During summer months, you’ll have a high chance (about 80%) of spotting wild animals both on the land and in the sea, such as brown bears and dolphins.

Option: ONE Day trip to Rausu

If you can spend another day in Shiretoko, why not add Rausu? Rausu is another small port town on the other side of the peninsula from Utoro.

Once you get to Rausu, get on a nature cruise tour at 1 pm. The town is known for whale and dolphin watching, and summer is the best season for it!

The driveway between Utoro and Rausu is fantastic - crossing the peninsula for 27 km, you will see lush greenery and the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range and Mount Rausu.

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.
Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🛁Private Onsen, 🍴 Great Meals
A cozy family-run onsen hotel with an ocean view
Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Breakfast Buffet Available
An affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast

📍Pick up

Looking for a cozy hotel where you feel connected with a warm-hearted owner? Then Sekka Shiretoko is a perfect place to stay for you. Check out the blog post below for a deeper look!

Featured

hotel, sekka, shiretoko

Sekka Shiretoko: A Family-Run Hotel with Warm Hospitality

hotel, sekka, shiretoko

Stay at Sekka Shiretoko in Hokkaido - A cozy family-run hotel featuring a natural onsen and homemade local cuisine. Perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts!

hotel, sekka, shiretoko

Day 5 - Akan

Day 5 involves a 2.5-hour drive from Shiretoko to Akan, a charming onsen town situated on the shores of Lake Akan. Akan is known for its Ainu culture and offers opportunities to learn about the culture and history, and see traditional crafts.

Oshinkoshin Waterfall

In just 10 mins from Utoro, take a quick stop at Oshinkoshin Waterfall, a stunning waterfall located near Utoro. The viewpoint offers a great photo opportunity, and just 20 minutes is enough time to spend here.

INFORMATION

Opening for 24 hours
Admission free
Google Maps

Things to do in Akan

There are a few things to do in Akan. Here are for you to pick and choose!

Lake Akan Cruise: A leisurely cruise around Lake Akan for 80 min. It includes a 15 minute-stop at an island on the lake for you to visit an exhibition of Marimo, green moss balls which Lake Akan is famous for.
Stroll through Ainu Kotan to explore local Ainu crafts and culture
Visit a theater to see traditional Ainu performances. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the town's many hot springs and savor some delicious local cuisine at your hotel.
Eco Museum Center: The center offers exhibits about nature in and around Akan, focusing on forests, lakes, and volcanos.
Bokke Walk: Starting from the Eco Museum Center, a 1.5 km loop path to Bokke, a mud volcano steaming from underground, which is a unique nature phenomena in this area.
Mount Hakuto Observatory Hike: A 4-km round trip (2-2.5 hours) with a beautiful lake & mountain view. I did this trail two years ago and loved it! The first part of the trail, which is on a ski slope during winter, is a little steep and the most challenging section of the trail. After that, it goes into a forest up to the observatory with a rewarding summit view.

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.
Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options

Suggestion #1: ONE Day triP to Lake Kussharo Area

If you have one more day to spend here, I would recommend making a day trip to the Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu area, which is just one hour by car from Akan.

I call this area “a bonus area” because there are diverse nature sites in one area. Lakes, mountains, a volcano, and hot springs—in ONE DAY!

Suggestion #2: A Coastal Road trip in Eastern Hokkaido

If you have a few more days you could spend, head to the Notsuke Peninsula on the east coast of Hokkaido from Akan and spend a night there. This is a lesser-known area of Eastern Hokkaido, but offers beautiful, untouched nature.

Hit the road along the coast, stopping by some panorama-view capes (detailed itinerary here — Check Day 2 and Day 3). Then you can spend another night in Kushiro, which is 2 hours away to Obihiro to continue to Day 6 of this itinerary below.

Day 6 - Obihiro

Day 6 involves a 2-hour drive from Akan to Obihiro. Obihiro is a lesser-known destination among international travelers, but it is a gourmet paradise that is worth a visit. Located in the fertile Tokachi Plain, it is known for its fresh, locally grown produce, including grilled pork rice bowl, delightful sweets, and local wines.

Lake Onneto

Begin the day by visiting Lake Onneto, a hidden gem that is a 20-minute drive from Akan. This tranquil lake is surrounded by a forest and offers stunning views of the mountains and the water.

INFORMATION

Opening for 24 hours
Admission free
Google Maps

Naitai Farm

After visiting Lake Onneto, drive for about 1.5 hours to Naitai Farm, a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the Tokachi Plain.

There is an observation deck at the very top of the ranch, about 800 meters above sea level. From there, you can see the entire pasture, the wide Tokachi Plain, and even the mountains of Akan in the distance.

You can have lunch at the terrace restaurant there and try local dishes such as burgers, beef curry, and roast beef made with Tokachi beef.

INFORMATION

Opening hours: 7 am - 6 pm (the restaurant is open until 5 pm, closed during winter)
Admission free
Google Maps

What to eat in Obihiro

Next, head to Obihiro, a food lover's paradise. Enjoy local specialties such as Butadon, a grilled pork rice bowl, and Hokkaido sweets from famous brands like Rokkatei and Ryugetsu.

There are also many local bakeries proud of using 100% wheat sourced in the region - check out my reccomendations here.

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.

Useful Resources

✨Planning a trip? Grab my Ultimate Travel Planner & Itineraries

✨Looking for places to stay? Check out my Hotel Recommendations

✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice

Day 7- Sapporo

On Day 7, you have the option to either drive from Obihiro for 3 hours to Sapporo and spend a few days there if you like, or drive for 2.5 hours to New Chitose Airport to catch your flight back home.

If you are an early riser, you can start your day with a 1.5-hour drive from Obihiro to Unkai Terrace. This scenic spot offers stunning views of a "sea of clouds" when the weather conditions are right. Even without the clouds, you can still enjoy the cafe, bar, and walks with amazing views.

Before reaching Sapporo or heading to the airport, you might want to make a quick stop at the Mitsui Outlet Park if you enjoy shopping. This outlet mall offers a wide variety of brands at discounted prices.

Sapporo TIP

🍶Want to enjoy the night like a local? Check out this guide to Sapporo's most popular izakaya areas.

Also join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! The friendly and outgoing local guides provides you a small group tour to make your experience much more personal and authentic.

✨ If you are tired of driving, join Guided One-Day Tours from Sapporo, including transporation. You can just relax and enjoy excursions to Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more!

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.