12 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Venture out of the city with trips to Nanae-cho (Onuma Park Walking Path, Onuma Lake, &more). The adventure continues: admire the striking features of Goryokaku Park, let the kids burn off some steam at Miharashi Park (Kosetsuen), enjoy breathtaking views from Goryokaku Tower, and wander the streets of Motomachi.

For where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Hakodate route builder app.

Singapore, Singapore to Hakodate is an approximately 13-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Singapore to Hakodate. In November, Hakodate is colder than Singapore - with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) early enough to go by car to Noboribetsu.

Perhaps the island's best-known hot spring resort, Noboribetsu has a long history of tourism.

On the 4th (Fri), take in the natural beauty of Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath, don't miss a visit to Noboribetsu Date Historic Village, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: witness a stunning natural landmark at Oyunuma, explore the striking landscape at Jigokudani, then get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Toya.

To see traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Noboribetsu journey planner.

You can drive from Hakodate to Noboribetsu in 3 hours. Another option is to take a train. In December, daytime highs in Noboribetsu are 3°C, while nighttime lows are -1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can go by car to Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Venture out of the city with trips to Otaru (The Site of Temiya Line, Otaru Canal, &more). There's much more to do: take in the architecture and design of Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, steep yourself in history at Sapporo Clock Tower, get into the urban bustle at Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town, and stroll around Odori Park.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Sapporo trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Noboribetsu to Sapporo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Noboribetsu in December, you will find days in Sapporo are slightly colder (0°C), and nights are about the same (-2°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Asahikawa.

Perched on the confluence of four rivers and surrounded by green hills, Asahikawa combines a modern city experience with the pristine nature nearby.

On the 10th (Thu), take in nature's colorful creations at Asahiyama Miura Garden, get to know the resident critters at Asahiyama Zoo, get engrossed in the history at Asahikawa Heison Memorial Museum, then admire the natural beauty at Shikisai no Oka, and finally walk around Hoppo Yasoen.

For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Asahikawa online travel planner.

Drive from Sapporo to Asahikawa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. December in Asahikawa sees daily highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 11th (Fri) before leaving for home.