Japan has countless off-the-beaten-path destinations waiting to be explored, and Hokkaido is no exception. While many travelers associate Hokkaido with winter, this stunning region offers diverse experiences year-round. If you’ve already visited Sapporo and want to discover more beyond the usual tourist spots, this Hokkaido 5-day itinerary will help you make the most of your visit. I know five days might feel like a short time for such a big and beautiful destination, but if that’s all you have, let me show you how to discover Hokkaido’s hidden gems and lesser-known towns that remain under the radar for most tourists. Ready to experience a different side of Hokkaido? Read on!
If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido and want to spend most of your time in Sapporo, this 5-day Sapporo itinerary will be invaluable for your planning. It features popular day trips from the city, including ski excursions and visits to Otaru.
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How to check flights to Japan
For my Hokkaido trip, I used the Traveloka app to look for cheap flights promo online. This app made it easy to track and compare the best deals for flights to and from my chosen destination. I ended up booking my flights from Tokyo to Sapporo with Jetstar and managed to score round-trip tickets for only around 5,000 pesos (about $100), an excellent rate, especially considering it was during a peak travel period.
How to get around Hokkaido
The most convenient and flexible way to explore Hokkaido is by renting a car or availing of a private chartered tour from Sapporo. While public transportation like trains and buses are efficient in major cities like Sapporo, they may not reach remote towns or off-the-beaten-path destinations. A private chartered tour offers a hassle-free way to access these hidden gems with the guidance of a local expert, while self-driving gives you the freedom to explore scenic routes at your own pace.
Travel Tip: Book your activities with Klook and get up to 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK.
Where to Stay in Hokkaido
If you’re following my Hokkaido 5-day Itinerary, I recommend booking accommodations in Jozankei, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, and Tomakomai, with one night in each place. While moving hotels every night might seem hectic to some, it’s the best way to make the most of a 5-day itinerary. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, staying in Sapporo and doing day trips is also a great option. Just keep in mind that driving hours will be longer, so you may have to compromise a bit.
Suizantei Club Jozankei
Suizantei Club Jozankei is a luxury Japanese-style ryokan in Jozankei. The room I stayed in was spotless and featured a built-in private onsen with a wooden tub. While the public pool isn’t very large, it’s cozy and inviting. The included omakase dinner and breakfast were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. If I ever return to Jozankei, I’ll definitely stay here again! Really worth paying $$$ even for just a single night stay.
The Toya, Lake Toya
Since I had stayed at a luxurious ryokan the day before, my next stop was The Toya, a budget-friendly hostel in Lake Toya. Conveniently situated in the Toyako Onsen district, this hostel is just a short walk from Lake Toya and the bus station. I booked a female-only room, but the toilet, bathroom, and washing station are shared among all guests. It’s a no-frills accommodation, but it gets the job done and offers a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan, Noboribetsu
On Day 3, I chose another hot spring accommodation. Although I initially planned to stay at a budget-friendly place, options were limited in Noboribetsu, so I decided to book a room at this upscale hot spring hotel. The hotel is just a 7-minute walk from Jigokudani and 1 km from Noboribetsu Bear Park. I paid around 10,000 pesos ($200) for one night, but it was definitely worth it. The hotel is surrounded by mountains, and the public bath provides stunning views. The food, included in the rate, was equally impressive.
Comfort Hotel Tomakomai
On Day 4, I stayed at Comfort Hotel for one night before heading back to Sapporo the next day. I initially expected Tomakomai to be a small, quiet town, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it well-developed and well-connected by trains and buses. Despite being a budget hotel, Comfort Hotel provided a comfortable and pleasant stay. For about 2,800 pesos (roughly $50), I got a private room good for two people with free breakfast included. The breakfast was surprisingly good, making this stay an absolute steal!
Hokkaido 5-day Itinerary
Day 1 (Arrival in Sapporo; Jozankei)
Today is the start of your adventure in Hokkaido! Take an early morning flight to New Chitose Airport (CTS), which is about 45-minute drive away from downtown Sapporo. If you are traveling as a group, I recommend renting a car and explore at your own pace. For solo travelers like me, it would be cheaper to travel by local transportation instead. You may leave your belongings at one of the coin-operated lockers in JR Sapporo Station.
In the afternoon, make your way to Jozankei, a hot spring district located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With nearly 60 hot spring sources, this town is a great place for travelers who would like to be close to nature. You may stay here overnight to take advantage of its indoor and outdoor baths, which contain a variety of different minerals with healing properties. If your travel date is during the winter, then you’re lucky to witness the Jozankei Snow Light Path at Jozankei Shrine.
Day 2 (Lake Toya)
On your second day, check out from your accommodation in Jozankei then continue your drive down south to Lake Toya. Known for the picturesque lake, and an active volcano, Mount Usu, Lake Toya is a hot destination in every sense. Thanks to the strong volcanic activity around the area, you will find hot spring resorts in the most Instagrammable locations! Experience a different side of Lake Toya by riding the Usuzan Ropeway. The obervatory deck offers the best panormaic view of Lake Toya, Mount Usu’ craters and the Pacific Ocean. Another attraction you should see is Usuzan West Crater, a newly created crater from the year 2000 volcanic eruption.
Day 3 (Noboribetsu)
Hokkaido is home to numerous volcanoes, with many that are still considered active. So on your third day, check out from your accommodation in Lake Toya then make your way further south to another hot spring resort town, Noboribetsu. The main attraction of this town other than its geothermal baths is Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley.” Here you will see bubbling pools and steam rising from the earth, which look as though it’s come straight from a movie!
If your travel date happens to be in August, then you are lucky to witness the annual Noboribetsu Hell Festival (Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri), a once-a-year welcoming of Enma, the Hell God. Sticking with the hell theme, make sure to try a local specialty called Noboribetsu Enma Yakisoba, a spicy hot noodle dish. After a whole day of exploring, how about experiencing hot spring footbath at Oyunuma River Natural Footbath?
Day 4 (Shiraoi and Tomakomai)
On day 4, continue traveling northwest of Noboribetsu to Shiraoi. Driving on the Hokkaido Expressway on the way to town is a highlight in itself, as you will be lucky to see charming little towns, costal views and rugged mountains. You may stop along the way with a quick visit to Lake Kuttara, a circular caldera lake surrounded by lush forests. Once in Shiraoi, dine at one of the local restaurants for lunch. Then, continue your drive west to Mount Tarumae, an active stratovolcano located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Check in to your preferred accommodation in Tomakomai, Hokkaido’s fourth largest port city.
Day 5 (Back to Sapporo)
On day 5, check out from your accommodation in Tomakomai, and make your way back to Sapporo. There’s plenty you can do on this day, so choose what sounds best to you. Go for a short visit to Chitose, home of the New Chitose Airport. Many people do not know this but there are a few attractions here you may want to visit such as Mount Eniwa, Chitose Outlet Mall Rera, Aoba Park, Hokkaido Hakone Farm, and Chitose Country Club. You may also enjoy a half-day Sapporo city tour, which includes a visit to Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Susukino, Sapporo TV Tower, Nijo Market, and Sapporo Underground.
So, there you have it! I hope this Hokkaido 5-day Itinerary inspired you to visit Hokkaido. Have you been to Hokkaido? Comments? Insights? I’m all ears! Let’s chat down below.
p.s. I also have a Facebook fan page where I’d love to chat with you and answer your questions!
