Hi, my family and I will travel during the last week of October this year. It will be our 3rd time already in Japan but our first time in the island of Hokkaido. I guess it'll still be a new experience especially since it is more rural (with the exception of Sapporo). We wanted to ask if this itinerary is feasible in terms of no. of activities and length of transits. For transits, I tried to keep it max of 2.5 hours. We'll only do public transportation or tours if ever. No rental cars. We'll be taking a Peach Air flight (Narita-Sapporo). For breakfasts, we'll just opt for convenience store runs. For my family's interests, we want to make it a balance of food, nature, and shopping. Thank you!
Day 1: October 26 (SAT) – Arrival Day
- Arrive at New Chitose Airport. Get JR pass (before 8pm — when the JR exchange pass point closes)
- Take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (approximately 37 minutes).
- Transfer to hotel in Sapporo area
- Check-in at your hotel.
- Explore Susukino District for dining options (walk or short subway ride). Or head to Sapporo Ramen Republic.
Day 2: October 27 (SUN) – Sapporo
- Morning: Visit Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (Curb Market).
- Subway: Take the Tozai Line to Nijuyon-Ken Station, then a 10-minute walk to the market. Have lunch nearby.
- Afternoon: Head to Shiroi Koibito Park.
- Subway: Take the Tozai Line to Miyanosawa Station, then a 10-minute walk to the park.
- Stroll through Odori Park (accessible by foot or subway). Have dinner nearby.
- Return to hotel
Day 3: October 28 (MON) – Sapporo & Otaru
- Morning: Take JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (about 30-45 minutes).
- Explore the Otaru Canal and visit the Otaru Music Box Museum.
- Afternoon: Visit Otaru Sakaimachi Street for shopping. Have lunch.
- Evening: Take JR Hakodate Line from Otaru Station to Sapporo Station. Have dinner at Sapporo station.
Day 4: October 29 (TUES) – Jozankei
- Morning: Take Jotetsu Bus from Sapporo Station to Jozankei Onsen (about 1 hour). Have early lunch.
- Afternoon: Take Jotetsu Bus from Jozankei to Hoheikyo Dam (about 15 minutes). Visit Hoheikyo Dam for more stunning foliage views.
- Evening: Take Jotetsu Bus from Hoheikyo Dam to Sapporo Station (about 1 hour). Have dinner at Sapporo station.
Day 5: October 30 (WED) – Noboribetsu
- Morning: Take JR Limited Express train from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station (about 1.5 hours). Take local bus from Noboribetsu Station to Hell Valley (10-15 minutes).
- Afternoon: Have lunch in the area and take pictures. Have early traditional kaiseki dinner.
- Evening: Return to Sapporo. Take JR Limited Express from Noboribetsu Station to Sapporo Station.
Day 6: October 31 (THURS) – Niseko
- Morning: Take JR Limited Express from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, then transfer to JR Hakodate Line to Kutchan Station (about 2.5 hours total) OR Take Donan Bus from Sapporo to Niseko (about 2.5-3 hours).
- Explore Niseko Village
- Afternoon: Take JR Hakodate Line from Kutchan Station to Otaru Station, then transfer to JR Limited Express to Sapporo Station OR Donan Bus from Niseko to Sapporo.
Day 7: November 1 (FRI) – Sapporo
- Morning and afternoon: Free time for shopping or additional sightseeing in Sapporo (e.g., Mitsui Outlet Park or Tanukikoji Street)
- Evening: Dinner and preparation for departure
Day 8: November 2 (SAT) – Departure Day
- Morning: Eat breakfast. If there is time, visit Hokkaido university or Nakajima Park for the garden.
- Afternoon: Prepare for check-out and transfer to New Chitose Airport. Take JR Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport (approximately 37 minutes). Return JR pass.
by NoSurround1122