9 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.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Thu): wander the streets of Motomachi, then steep yourself in history at The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, then make a trip to Hachimanzaka, and finally take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the waterfront views at Onuma Lake, then get to know the fascinating history of Onuma Park Walking Path, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Trappist Monasteries, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Hakodate Orthodox Church.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Hakodate trip site .

Honolulu, USA to Hakodate is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. The time zone difference moving from Hawaii Standard Time (HST) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 19 hours. Traveling from Honolulu in May, expect Hakodate to be cooler, temps between 60°F and 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) early enough to drive to Kutchan-cho.

Kutchan-cho's reputation rests on two things: skiing and potatoes.

On the 16th (Sat), brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery and then hit the slopes at Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu Ski Place. Keep things going the next day: stroll through Niseko Hanazono Resort and then stroll around Fukidashi Park.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kutchan-cho road trip planner.

Drive from Hakodate to Kutchan-cho in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. May in Kutchan-cho sees daily highs of 58°F and lows of 54°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to drive to Shakotan-cho.

Shakotan-cho is a quiet coastal town with sandy beaches, viewing points, and an underwater observatory for spotting salmon and sea urchins.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Mon): contemplate the waterfront views at Shimamu Beach and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Cape Kamui.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Shakotan-cho trip maker website .

You can drive from Kutchan-cho to Shakotan-cho in 2 hours. In May, daytime highs in Shakotan-cho are 58°F, while nighttime lows are 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) so you can drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Clock Tower (Tokei-dai), steep yourself in history at Hokkaido Jingu, then get great views at Mt. Moiwa, and finally head outdoors with Mt. Okura Observatory. Here are some ideas for day two: walk around Kokuei Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park, take an in-depth tour of Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura), and then stroll around Moerenuma Park.

For photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Sapporo driving holiday planner.

Getting from Shakotan-cho to Sapporo by car takes about 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 58°F in May, and nighttime lows around 54°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) early enough to travel back home.