My Hokkaido road trip is coming up soon and I’d appreciate some advice. I’m starting from Sapporo and driving around. My IDP expires in a few months, so I’m trying to fit in as many places as I can.
Furano/Biei: I want to see the flowers and Blue pond/Waterfall. Can I see it all in a day or should I allow for two days? The holiday weekend is a bit unfortunate, so I could push it to my last day if needed. I’m dropping the car off at CTS.
Shiretoko National Park: Also high up on my list, but I’m second-guessing if it’s worth the four hour trek out there. I was going to do the 5 Lakes tour and a coastal hike. Is it a must see? Is there anywhere just as beautiful that you’d recommend?
Akan/Mashu National Park: Is Kamuy Lumina worth it or more for families? The rooftop onsen at New Akan Hotel looks nice, even if the rooms are pretty dated. I like an onsen with a view.
Lake Shikotsu: It could potentially be my last stop on the way back to CTS. The canoeing looks awesome. I usually prefer kayaking, but it doesn’t seem like they offer that.
Any other onsen recommendations are more than welcome. Thanks!
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But what will you do to enter Japan? The country is still incredibly closed for tourists, besides the guided tours.
Went to pond, waterfall and flowers in one day. There isn’t much to see so didn’t take very long
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Loved shiretoko, so many wild onsen, beautiful nature. Also went to the lakes and did a volcano hike. Most beautiful in my opinion in Hokkaido are rebun and rishiri island. But takes even longer to get to.
For Lake Akan area I’d highly recommend this hotel if you have a car. It’s a bit outside of the city but had a river view from the onsen and when we were there we saw deer in the mornings and evenings. Really enjoyed our stay and driving around to see these nearby sites.
– [Hotel and Spa LaVista Akangawa Kushiro](https://goo.gl/maps/3LNqGaqkKW953ChD6)
– [Hokkaido’s Lake Akan](https://livejapan.com/en/in-hokkaido/in-pref-hokkaido/in-kushiro/article-a1000154/)
– [Kotan Wild Outdoor Onsen](https://goo.gl/maps/Pn3vKxqrAQrjb7hM7)
– [Mt. Io Volcano (you can get super close)](https://goo.gl/maps/f7LSJER4N75movij8)
– [Lake Mashu Observatory](https://goo.gl/maps/sDxPXXXHBs77X1DH9)
Shiretoko; you should hike mt. Rausu, or at the very least drive the mountainpass between the north/south sides of the peninsula. Local hot spring spot visited by oyajis by the same road also.
There’s also that warm/hot spring river (forgot name) on the north side of the peninsula, but direct access by car might be restricted outside of off-season times.
Furano/Biei,you can probably do in a day if you’re rushed. Note the seasons for the flowers tho, the blooming time is somewhat limited so check before planning.
The northwest road along lake shikotsuko is closed for vehicle traffic, but if you travel by motorbike I’d recommend taking a tour. Also stop by [Yubari](https://spikejapan.wordpress.com/2014/08/16/yubari-withering-into-truth/) if you love rust or dilapidated places that’ve seen better days.
Not sure about the rest, but Furano and Biei is definitely doable in one day.
Mount Moiwa by cable car was worth the trip for us. Sapporo was probably my favorite “city” in Japan to just chill in. I’d leave some time for that.
Hokkaido in July is certainly cooler than Tokyo, but it is by no means cold. Hydrate up and plan accordingly.
Toya-ko is lovely, look up the onsen trail and they have fireworks at the lake in the summer – loved my time there!
three words:
hot and humid
Add shakotan and you got a solid trip
Went to both Biei and Shiretoko
Biei was meh.
Shiretoko though…
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in.
It’s absolutely stunning.
Saw 2 wild bears as well.
Definitely go with a guide, you’ll learn a lot!