Best 8-Day Hokkaido Itinerary: How To Self-Drive In Summer

Looking for vibrant flower fields, serene lakes, and charming onsen towns in Japan? This 8-day self-drive itinerary allows you to explore the best things to do in Hokkaido in summer at your own pace.

I’ve been to Hokkaido in both summer and autumn, and I’m convinced that it’s beautiful no matter which season you’re visiting. Every time I go to Hokkaido, there are two things I look forward to – food and nature.

If this is your first time visiting Hokkaido, a road trip is the best way to visit must-see spots while traveling at a relaxed pace. It’s also a great way to discover hidden gems along the way.

Aside from planning your 8-day route, I’ll also share my tips on things to prepare, as well as places to stay as we go through this Hokkaido itinerary.

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Things to prepare before visiting Hokkaido

Hokkaido is an easy destination to travel to because most things can be planned and arranged beforehand even if you don’t speak the language.

Book your rental car

Once you know your travel dates and have a rough itinerary, it’s best to secure your rental car booking as early as possible.

I’ve used Tabirai and Nippon Rent-a-Car during my previous trips, and these local companies have been very reliable providers. Other reputable companies include Toyota and Nissan Rent-a-Car.

The nice thing about Tabirai is that every booking comes with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and waiver of Non-Operation Charge (NOC). It’s a straightforward platform with prices sourced from various local rental companies, through if you prefer to customize a few details it’s probably easier to book direct.

If you’re more comfortable using international providers, you can also consider comparing prices on Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars.

Secure your rental car here!

You can also look out for these features when booking:

• GPS navigation: Preferably in English
• ETC Card: For convenient and cashless expressway toll payments
• Insurance: CDW and NOC

Make sure to bring these along on your trip:

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required for driving in Japan
• Valid driver’s license: From your home country
• Passport: For identification and visa purposes

Book your hotels

If a hotel or ryokan has caught your eye, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Since summer tends to be just before the busy autumn season, you might even be able to find great deals on your stay. I always use Agoda for booking hotels in Japan, but it’s also worth comparing prices on Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Click here to view hotel deals!

Pack appropriate clothing

Japan is a great destination for a hiking trip, as long as you’re prepared. Even though it’s summer, Hokkaido’s weather can vary, especially in the mountains and near various caldera lakes. I recommend packing layers, such as:

• Lightweight clothing: For warm and humid summer days
• Sweater: For windy evenings near the lakes and at higher altitudes
• Rain jacket: In case of unexpected showers especially while hiking

Get travel insurance

Although Japan is known to be a safe destination, it’s best to be covered for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage. I’ve used World Nomads for my multi-city trips from Singapore to Japan and then USA because they allow for one-way journey coverage. If you’re a digital nomad, you can consider SafetyWing.

Purchase an eSIM

It’s never been this easy to stay connected while traveling with an eSIM. Note that these are data-only, which means they don’t allow you to make calls. I’ve been using Airalo as I find it intuitive to use and I can easily top-up data through the mobile app whenever I need to. It only costs $26 USD for 10 GB of data for 30 days – talk about a steal!

Download offline maps

You’ll probably find yourself driving through areas without cell reception, so it’s crucial to download your offline Google Maps beforehand. Although you can refer to your rental car’s GPS, it also helps to have Google Maps as a backup. If you’re planning to hike, make sure to download trail maps, such as from AllTrails.

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo

Finally – you’ve arrived in Sapporo! You’re most likely going to arrive in New Chitose Airport (CTS), the main gateway to Hokkaido.

Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo

By Train

Like most of Japan, it’s quite easy to get from the airport to the city via train. First, we took the train towards Sapporo Station – which is located in the heart of Hokkaido’s capital city. Since we booked our first stay in Susukino, we had to transfer to another line via an underground connection. In total, our journey took slightly less than 1 hour and cost 2,200 yen per person.

By Airport Bus

Alternatively, I recommend taking the Airport Bus which goes to various stops in the city. This is best for people with big or multiple luggages as it can feel awkward dragging them around in busy train stations. You can buy bus tickets (1,300 yen) at the airport booth and then wait for the next bus to arrive. It takes about an hour, and you’ll most likely get to sit down.

By Car

If you prefer to rent a car earlier, you can pick it up from the airport and drive it into Sapporo city. You’ll just need to find a space to park near your hotel.

Explore Sapporo City

Sapporo City is a charming city with a mix of modern and traditional vibes. I find myself thinking of this place fondly because of the great memories I have wandering the streets here.

After checking into your hotel on your first day, take it easy by exploring Tanukikoji Shopping Street in Susukino. You can go shopping in the vintage thrift stores, stock up on beauty products, or grab a bite at the many restaurants.

Our first stop was Mermaid Coffee Roasters, then we continued walking along the shopping street and came across a pet shop with cute puppies and kittens. For dinner, we had our first indulgence of Kaisendon at Oguma Shoten – a small eatery in Nijo Market that happened to be open.

I was seriously craving for some Japanese-style parfaits, so we went to Parfaiteria Pal. It costs about 2,000 Yen or more, so it’s not a cheap dessert but I absolutely loved it. Very tastefully crafted.

Where to stay in Sapporo

Sapporo Station has the best connectivity to the airport, though I recommend Susukino which is about 2 more train stops away.

If you’re on a budget, you’ll probably like the fact that Susukino has more affordable stays. For example, you can even stay in a hostel dorm. It’s also easy to get to Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Ramen Alley, and various izakayas. Don’t you just love having food all around you?

We enjoyed our stay at Hotel andRooms Sapporo Susukino, a 7-minute walk from the train station. The dining area transforms into a cafe during the day, and at night it’s where you can help yourself to a bowl of free soup. They also have free bike rentals for you to explore the city by cycling around.

Check prices for Hotel Androoms Sapporo Susukino

Day 2: Furano and Biei

This is when the road trip officially starts! We love having breakfast and coffee before we start our day, so we got onigiri rice balls from Nigirimeshi and lattes from D’ Espresso.

Pick up rental car in Sapporo

We walked to Nippon Rent-A-Car’s Susukino branch to pick up our rental car. The staff went through some of the most important traffic road signs we should know – such as the inverted triangle being a stop sign. Make sure to also clarify instructions for the GPS system that comes with the car.

Then we picked up our luggages, checked out of the hotel, and drove out of the city.

Furano Cheese Factory

Our first stop is Furano where you’ll find the famous Furano Cheese Factory. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive here from Sapporo City via the toll-free road. You can look at how the cheese is processed through a tour or via the glass window, and head upstairs to shop for snacks and souvenirs.

Cheese and milk products are the highlight here and I recommend trying their milk and cheesecake. If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab a bite of pizza next door or even have a soft serve ice cream.

I recommend saving your appetite for a delicious plate of Hokkaido-style curry at Yuiga Doxon though. They have really generous servings and you can get curry refills too.

Farm Tomita

After lunch, visit Farm Tomita for beautiful flower fields. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a rainbow-like arrangement of blooms. The highlight during summer is its lavender field, which you’ll smell almost immediately. You can also get lavender ice cream and shop for various lavender-related souvenirs.

You could walk further into the farm, or head to the Tomita cafe for a coffee break. Overall, expect to spend about 30 minutes here.

Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall

Hokkaido’s most well-known sight is probably the Shirogane Blue Pond – commonly featured in desktop wallpapers. I recommend coming here at around golden hour because harsh sun tends to drown out the blue color.

Nearby, you can also see the Shirogane Waterfall from a bridge overlooking the gorge. In fact, this is the source of the Blue Pond as the minerals from the cliff mix with the water flowing down.

As you look ahead, you’ll also see the volcanic mountains in the distance. We had a wonderful sunset view here, seeing the sky turn from orange to pink.

After sunset, drive back to Furano for dinner. We ate at a local izakaya and enjoyed deep-fried amaebi, tamagoyaki, zing, yakitori, and sake.

Where to stay in Furano

If you want to have easy access to food and convenient stores, I recommend staying in downtown Furano. Hotels are also relatively affordable here, so we chose to stay here for 2 nights as a base to explore the area.

The hotel that really stood out in reviews – and now our personal experience, is Dormy Inn Premium La Vista Furano Hills. It’s the tallest building in the area with unblocked views of the surrounding mountain range.

My favorite experience here is that private onsens here are free to use without prior reservation required. The shared onsens even have an outdoor area featuring mountain views. After your bath, you can help yourself to ice cream and even a free bowl of ramen at night.

Overall, La Vista Furano Hills offered a great value-for-money experience and I’d go back there again.

Check prices for Dormy Inn Premium La Vista Furano Hills

Day 3: Daisetsuzan National Park

It’s time to venture into Daisetsuzan National Park where you’ll find Hokkaido’s tallest mountain – Asahidake which stands at 2,291 m (7,516 ft). This entire area is home to active volcanoes which you can explore by hiking, with plenty of wildlife and alpine flowers at various times of the year.

Asahidake Ropeway

One of the most popular ways to explore Daisetsuzan National Park is to take the Asahidake Ropeway up to the trailhead. Tickets cost 3,200 yen for the return trip and you probably need to bring cash for this. On the way up, you get to enjoy sweeping views of the volcanic landscape and lush greenery in summer. If you ever visit Daisetsuzan National Park in autumn, this place is completely different!

Some people choose to embark on multi-day hikes traversing from Asahidake to Kurodake, while others take day hikes near Asahidake. One of the easiest and most enjoyable trails here is the Asahidaira loop that takes you to see 6 different ponds.

The whole loop only takes 1 hour at a leisurely pace, covering 1.7 km (1.1 mile). If you’re up for a challenge, there are multiple trail extensions you can take from here, including the trail up to the Asahidake peak. If you’re here from June to August, you can expect to see lots of alpine plants blooming here.

We took our time and ended up spending 2 hours there. After that, we came down and had lunch at Sugatami Restaurant.

Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-Oka

On the way back to Furano you’ll pass by one of the most well known flower farms in Hokkaido – Shikisai-no-Oka. It’s really impressive because of how big the area is, and it’s covered in rows of colorful flowers. Since it’s located on a hill, you’ll also be able to see the Tokachi Mountain Range in the distance – perfect for photography.

Note that entrance (600 yen) and parking (500 yen) fees apply and the type of flowers there depend on the month you’re visiting. After all, Shikisai-no-Oka translate to “Hills of Seasonal Colors” and the best time to visit is in summer.

Ningle Terrace

As the sun starts to set, head over to Ningle Terrace – an enchanting forest walkway featuring small wooden cottage shops. The name “Ningle” actually refers to a 15-cm-tall (6 inch) dwarf from Japanese folklore that’s said to live in Hokkaido’s forests. The entire “village” is illuminated with warm lights and is especially charming in the late evening.

Each cottage here is a unique shop selling crafts such as glass art, wood carvings, ceramics, and more. It was really sweet to see kids playing with their new toys – such as a hand-crafted kaleidoscope. We even got a chance to see some of the artisans at work, which somehow added to the storybook-like atmosphere.

Finally we returned to downtown Furano to have dinner at the famous Furanoya – a restaurant serving Hokkaido curry. I recommend coming early to avoid the long wait time.

Day 4: Otaru

I woke up early on Day 4 to take advantage of La Vista’s onsen one more time before checking out. After that we got breakfast and coffee at Ronin Coffee.

Explore Otaru

It’s time for us to head down to the coastal town of Otaru, famous for its historic canal district and fresh seafood. One of my favorite stops here is Sankaku Market, a small market with lots of amazing seafood like huge snow crabs and Kaisendon shops. It’s very close to Otaru Station, which is where you can park for 200 Yen per half-hour.

I highly recommend Takinami Donburi Restaurant where you can try their signature Kaisendon that’s packed with 3 or 4 kinds of seafood ingredients of your choice. The portions are incredibly generous and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Be prepared to put your name down on a waiting list and wait for about 1 hour – but it’s worth the wait.

While waiting for our turn to be seated, we wandered along Otaru Canal, a waterway lined with old warehouses including the Otaru Beer Warehouse. We also passed by the Former Japanese National Railways (Temiya Line), which is one of Hokkaido’s oldest railways opened in 1880.

After lunch we went to a lovely cafe, Chaff Coffee House, run by a middle-aged couple serving excellent filter coffee in a cozy jazz atmosphere. If you have more time, you can also check out the sushi street and various museums like the stained glass museum.

Where to stay in Otaru

In the evening, we checked in at Hotel Neuschloss Otaru. It’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown Otaru and is perched on a hill with panoramic ocean views. If you’re looking for a private onsen hotel in Hokkaido – this is the best and most affordable options.

Hotel Neuschloss Otaru has an air of luxury with a touch of old-world charm. There’s a scenic viewpoint nearby too, where you can walk down and take photos with a wings frame against the ocean. From this spot, you can also see the lighthouse, Otaru Aquarium, and the amusement park.

Dining options are flexible – you can choose either their dinner and breakfast package, or just breakfast. Since we had already splurged on an indulgent seafood lunch earlier, we opted to grab dinner from the convenient store nearby to save some cash.

Our package included the breakfast set, which is offered in the same French-inspired Flair. The restaurant looks out towards the sea, adding to the luxurious experience.

The real highlight was the private onsen in our bathroom which has an ocean view. We enjoyed a relaxing soak both after dinner and at sunrise, and it was absolutely worth it.

Check prices for Hotel Neuschloss Otaru

Day 5: Lake Toya

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, let’s check out and head over to one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful lakes – Lake Toya. It was the site of the 2008 G8 summit, and it’s easy to see why world leaders would want to meet in such a tranquil location.

This is one of the must-visit places if you’re on a road trip around Hokkaido. If you’re looking to go camping in Hokkaido, you’ll be able to find several campgrounds here too.

Explore Lake Toya

The road to Lake Toya winds along volcanic landscapes, including views of Mt Yotei which is known to resemble Mt Fuji. We stopped by at the Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck before heading down towards the shoreline.

We had a simple lunch near Sobetsu Onsen at a tendon place and visited Toya Manseikaku Library Cafe to enjoy coffee with a lake view. We took a walk beside the lake to see some sculptures and statues, and then went to Wakasaimo to try their famous white bean pastry. Nearby, you can also continue to the Mt Usu Eruption Memorial Park.

One of the coolest things to see around Lake Toya is the after-effects of volcanic activity in this area. The Konpira crater disaster remains walking path allows you to see abandoned bathhouses and buried apartments, and can be accessed from the visitor center.

Alternatively, you can also drive up to the Nishiyama Crater Walking Trail to see how the old Route 230 got destroyed, along with abandoned machinery and newly formed craters.

The whole trail should take about 1 hour for a round trip, and is beautiful as you get to see both the lake and the sea on either side. However we got spooked when the old fire station played some music at 5:30pm just as we were leaving.

Lake Toya summer fireworks

As you return to the lake, catch the sunset and then grab dinner nearby. If you like scallop, I recommend this amazing scallop rice shop called Matsumaeya (松前屋).

Now comes the fun part about summer in Lake Toya. There’s a 20-minute firework show that happens daily at 8:45pm and it’s best viewed from the southern shore near where most of the restaurants and hotels are.

We actually put this off for the next day since we were tired and wanted to check into our accommodation right after dinner.

Where to stay near Lake Toya

Hotels in Lake Toya can be pricey, but they offer incredible onsen experiences and beautiful lake views. If you’re looking to splurge on a truly memorable stay, consider the stunning Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace.

For our stay, we opted for a more budget-friendly option by staying in Toya, a small town just 10 minutes away from the lake. Since it meant we could save $100-200 per night (we were staying for two nights), we didn’t mind the short drive at all.

We chose Guesthouse Matsuyoshi which was clean, simple and affordable. One of the most underrated aspects of this location was that it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the beach where you can watch sunrise and sunset. The town itself is a quiet and charming seaside spot, and you’ll be able to get away from the crowds while saving some money.

Check prices for Guesthouse Matsuyoshi

Day 6: Noboribetsu

Today, we’ll take a scenic day trip to Noboribetsu via Highway 2, starting from the quaint town of Sobetsu near Lake Toya. This route offers stunning views for a leisurely and enjoyable drive. In summer, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery as you wind through the landscape.

Scenic drive through Orofure Pass

For brunch, stop by Farmhouse Cafe, also known as Honobono cafe (農家カフェ・ほのぼの村). It’s a cozy little spot with a welcoming countryside vibe. While you’re there, you can wander through the garden and hear the sound of the river nearby. I really enjoyed their demiglaze omelet rice and the overall atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing break.

The Orufure Pass is a must-see on this journey as one of the scenic mountain roads in Hokkaido. It’s worth taking a short detour to check out the Orufure Pass Observatory just before heading down towards Noboribetsu. You’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the sea (on a clear day). If you’re up for a half-day hike, you can take the trail up to Mt Orofure peak.

Jigokudani and Oyunuma Foot Bath

After arriving in Noboribetsu, we drove straight to Jigokudani, one of the key attractions here. It’s known for its steaming vents and volcanic landscape that give you a glimpse into the region’s geothermal activity. It takes about 30 minutes to walk the trails and explore the area, maybe even see some wildlife.

While Jigokudani can be impressive, we personally found it a bit underwhelming due to the intense summer heat, which made walking around less enjoyable. Fortunately, Oyunuma River Foot Bath is just a short drive or hike away and it’s amazing at any time of year.

This time, we hiked from Jigokudani to the Oyunuma geothermal ponds and then walked along the road leading to the Oyunuma River Foot Bath trail. The warm river is perfect for soothing tired feet, as it’s fed by natural hot spring water. Don’t forget to bring a cloth and perhaps a waterproof surface to sit on as the platform by the river might be damp.

Afterwards, we completed our hike back to Jigokudani and enjoyed some baked pastries and coffee at a cafe. The whole journey took us about 2 hours, and we even got to see some deer roaming around too.

Where to stay in Noboribetsu

When I visited Hokkaido the first time, I stayed at Noboribetsu Grand Hotel. It’s walking distance away from Jigokudani and Oyunuma, and is a great base for exploring the area. The hotel offers a kaiseki breakfast and a large communal onsen with different types of mineral hot spring water.

For a more upscale option, Dai-ichi Takimotokan is well-known in Noboribetsu for its onsen baths and luxurious amenities.

Since we already booked 2 nights in Toya, we drove back via the toll-road expressway. For dinner, we went to Lake Toya again and then caught the summer fireworks afterwards.

Check for Noboribetsu hotel deals here!

Day 7: Return to Sapporo

After a few days of exploring Hokkaido’s natural beauty, we’re heading back to Sapporo. Today’s itinerary includes a leisurely drive, a delicious lunch, ice cream, and hitting the vibrant Sapporo streets once again.

On the drive back from Lake Toya, stop for lunch somewhere between Jozankei and Sapporo. A local favorite here you need to try is Udon Shioya which serves seasonal vegetable tempura. It’s my second time here and I really enjoy the light and crispy tempura paired with perfectly cooked udon noodles.

After lunch, you can head down the road and to Milk Mustache and treat yourself to creamy ice cream. There’s no better way to cool down on a hot summer day. They even have Pistachio flavor which seems to be the popular choice here.

Sapporo Factory

One of the shopping complexes we looked forward to was Sapporo Factory – housed in a former brewery and has plenty of outdoor stores. Here, you’ll find Montbell and Snowpeak (Japanese outdoor retailers), as well as international brands like The North Face, Arc’teryx, and KAVU.

Besides shopping, this shopping complex is also home to several eateries. We spent about 3 hours here, but I’m sure it would’ve taken the whole afternoon to check out all three sections of Sapporo Factory. Make sure to bring your passport to get tax-free shopping. As for parking, you get 3 hours of free parking after spending over 2,000 yen.

After we were done shopping, we checked into our accommodation in Sapporo. Now that we’re back in the city, we won’t be needing our rental car anymore so we refilled gas and returned it in the evening.

Susukino Ramen Alley

For dinner, check out Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo – the famous ramen alley in Susukino which dates back to the 1950s. It took us a while to find it since it really was quite narrow, and I was quite surprised to see people already forming lines at the restaurants. Looks like Hokkaido-style ramen is high on everyone’s must-try list.

Although our first choice was Sapporo Ramen Haruka based on Google reviews, we were happy to skip that and join the shorter line at Teshikaga Ramen instead. Honestly, we learnt from our previous trips to Japan that long lines aren’t always worth the wait since all the shops are good in their own way.

Day 8: Sapporo

It’s already the last day of our Hokkaido itinerary – how time flies! Spend the day at your own pace, soaking in Sapporo’s unique blend of nature and urban life.

We started the day at Brew It by NODE where we got amazing espresso-based coffee. If you still have some items left to buy, you can do some shopping near Sapporo Station. You’ll find everything from fashion boutiques to local souvenirs. We poked our heads into some more outdoor stores like Patagonia. They actually had some great deals on clearance items!

Don’t miss Odori Park, the Hokkaido Government Office and the Sapporo Clock Tower while you’re in this area. You can also take a walk through Hokkaido University‘s relaxing park.

For lunch, we got to try grilled pork at Tokachi Butadon Ippin which was nearby. Tokachi is one of the best regions in Japan for pork and is even known as the birthplace of Butadon. This restaurant has perfected its signature Butadon dish, charcoal grilled to perfection with a delicious sauce coating.

Maruyama Park

One of the best places to enjoy nature in Sapporo is Maruyama Park, a spacious recreation area located at the base of the mountain range bordering Sapporo. It’s easily accessible from Sapporo’s city center via train, and only takes about 20 minutes to get here.

For a lazy day in a quiet neighborhood, consider checking out Morihico Coffee. Despite always having to join a waiting list, locals still enjoy coming here to enjoy the coffee and cake set in this vintage cafe atmosphere. While you’re here, why not get a pack of Morihico drip coffee to bring home as a souvenir?

Next, take a walk to Hokkaido Jingu, one of the most significant Shinto shrines in Hokkaido. You can experience the serenity as you walk through tree-lined paths and huge torii gates. If you’re visiting in June, look out for the Sapporo Festival held at the shrine.

Make sure you also set aside time to hike up to Maruyama Peak which stands at 225 m (739 ft) elevation. It’s a relatively easy and short hike, suitable for beginners or those looking for a quick outdoor activity close to the city. In fact, this was a spontaneous idea because we discovered it while searching for a sunset spot in Maruyama Park.

Depending on your pace, it’ll take 45 minutes to reach the summit. The trail is well-marked though slightly rocky and uneven, but is worth the effort as you’ll get to enjoy views of Sapporo city below. It’s really beautiful here at sunset – just make sure to prepare torches and maps to navigate your way back down.

Izakaya dining experience

I had a really strong craving for Mentaiko Tamagoyaki the whole day, so we decided to go to an izakaya for our post-hike treat. We weren’t too picky because we were famished, so we went with Yaji Ichi Mon Me (やじいちもんめ) after seeing some of the reviews and photos. It’s tucked away in the 4th floor of a building, and I’m so glad we found this hidden gem.

The food and drinks were good, and the waitress was very attentive to us even though we were foreigners. We enjoyed trying various types of drinks, including umeshu (plum wine) and rare shochu.

Do expect people to be smoking inside, and you’ll probably need to use Google Translate to understand the menu. Alternatively, look at Google Review photos and point to those images as you order.

It turned out to be one of our best dining experiences in Sapporo. What a great way to wrap up our journey in Hokkaido.

Conclusion: Planning your summer Hokkaido itinerary

Hokkaido offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences and fun outdoor adventures. Planning a self-drive Hokkaido itinerary for summer allows you to see so much more than just the touristy sites. Not only will you be able to go at your own pace, you might even discover your own hidden gems.

From the scenic drives through lush green landscapes to the relaxing onsens and charming countryside, Hokkaido provides the perfect escape. In fact, it’s likely to have cooler temperatures than the rest of Japan during summer.

With 8 days in Hokkaido, this itinerary is a great way to make the most of your time here to self-drive through Japan’s northernmost island.