Hello! I have asked a similar question in the discussion thread but decided to make a post to get more opinions. I will be solo travelling to Hokkaido from 26 July to 10 August. This will be my 8th trip to Japan and my first to Hokkaido. I am interested in viewing its popular flower parks and farms, relaxing in the hot spring areas as well as enjoying the region’s wealth of history and cultural traditions. Food is also a huge priority.
Would it be advisable to go flower viewing in Furano and Biei in the first week of August? I have read that the lavender season is in full bloom from mid to late July and harvesting will start in August (for instance, Lavender East is only open in July). Though there are also reports stating that it reaches its peak from mid July to early August.
Here’s a rough itinerary for this trip but any feedback and suggestion would be appreciated. Thank you for your help!
**26-28 Jul: Hakodate**
Will be taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. I understand that it will be a long ride but I want to enjoy the views of Tohoku for the first time. Places that I am interested here include Goryōkaku (+ tower), Daimon Yokocho, Hakodate Morning Market, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Seikan Train Ferry Memorial Museum Mashū-maru, Mt. Hakodate Observatory (ropeway).
**29-30 Jul: Noboribetsu**
Will be hoping to stay in an onsen ryokan. Places that I am interested here include Jigokudani and Noboribetsu Bear Park (taking the cable car).
**31 Jul: Lake Toya**
Looking forward to viewing the fireworks near the lake. I also plan to do the Usuzan Ropeway to see Mt. Usu and Showa Shinzan.
**1-4 Aug: Asahikawa, Biei and Furano**
Planning to stay in a hotel in Asahikawa as a base for the flower park visits in Biei and Furano. Farm Tomita, Nakafurano Hokuseiyama Lavender Fields, Nakafurano Flower Park, Hinode Park, Flower Land Kamifurano, Shikisai-no-oka, Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall, Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park, and Zerubu Hill are places that I would love to go.
If time permits, I am considering a visit to Hokuryu Sunflower Village and even Asahiyama Zoo on the last day.
**5-6 Aug: Otaru and Shakotan**
Still updating this part. I am considering a visit to Otaru Canal, Otaru Music Box Museum and Sakaimachi Street on the first day.
The second day will be a day trip to Cape Kamui in Shakotan Peninsula.
**7-10 Aug: Sapporo**
This is my final stop. Not much has been planned for Sapporo so far. Places that I am interested here include the Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Mt. Moiwa Observatory (ropeway), Tanukikoji Shopping Street and Shiroi Koibito Park.
I will be flying to Tokyo on the night of 10 Aug.
