Hi all!
My family and I are planning an autumn itinerary for our third time in Japan.
We love hiking and autumn colors, so Hokkaido seems to be one of the best locations for us.
I have a basic itinerary, any feedback would be appreciated 🙂
**Day 1 – Tokyo to Sapporo**
– Arrive in Sapporo, walk around
– Visit the autumn food market
**Day 2 – Daisetsuzan National Park**
– Drive from Sapporo to Daisetsuzan National Park (approx. 2 hours)
– Hike to Asahidake, enjoy autumn colors (recommended time: 4-6 hours)
**Day 3 – Daisetsuzan National Park**
– Explore Daisetsuzan National Park
– Take a guided tour of the park’s trails and wildlife (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
– Relax in a hot spring after the tour (recommended time: 1-2 hours)
**Day 4 – Sounkyo Onsen**
– Hike the Sounkyo Gorge trail (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
– Drive to Biei (approx. 1.5 hours)
**Day 5 – Biei**
– Take a guided cycling tour of the colorful autumn hills at Shikisai no Oka (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
– Enjoy the view of the Blue Pond (recommended time: 30 minutes – 1 hour)
– Drive to Furano (approx. 30 minutes)
**Day 6 – Furano**
– Hike the Furano nature trail (recommended time: 3-4 hours)
– See the famous Firano fields (are they worth it in autumn?)
– Visit the Furano Wine Factory (recommended time: 1-2 hours)
**Day 8 – Asahikawa**
– Drive to Asahikawa (approx. 1 hour)
– Visit the Asahikawa Ramen Village (recommended time: 1-2 hours)
– Enjoy the Asahiyama Zoo’s autumn animal exhibitions (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
**Day 9 – Otaru**
– Drive to Otaru (approx. 1 hour)
– Take a guided hiking tour of the autumn foliage at Mt. Tengu (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
– Explore the historic canal district (recommended time: 1-2 hours)
**Day 10 – Sapporo**
– Take a guided bike tour of Sapporo’s autumn foliage spots (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
– Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum (recommended time: 1-2 hours)
– Enjoy Sapporo’s autumn food culture (recommended time: 2-3 hours)
**Day 11 – Sapporo**
– Sapporo to Tokyo
2 questions:
I’d like to add 1-2 days somewhere to visit Lake Akan and the Ainu Kotan. Where would be the best time to add these days into the schedule?
Cheers guys
Is this a well paced schedule? should I add or remove locations?
2 comments
Doing a similar itinerary at the end of October, if you like the scenery, make use of the ropeways in the national parks thatll give you a good view on the autumn leaves
If you go to blue pond biei, make sure to checkout shiraghe waterfalls. Mt moiwa in Sapporo is a neat place to be. This maybe far but heard good things about shiretoko national park. Cape kamui is in otaru. Also get a chance to do the blue cave cruise at otaru