14 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

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.

Attractions like Kiroro Snow World and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort make great kid-friendly stops. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Sapporo Teine and Maruyama Zoo. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Sapporo: Akaigawa-mura (Yamanaka Dairy Farm & Kiroro Town) and Otaru (Otaru Denuki Koji, Otaru Canal, &more). There's still lots to do: stroll around Odori Park, get great views at Sapporo TV Tower, find something for the whole family at Shiroi Koibito Park, and wander the streets of Susukino.

To see maps, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Sapporo road trip site.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Sapporo is an approximately 11-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Sapporo. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Kuala Lumpur in December; daily highs in Sapporo reach 0°C and lows reach -2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to go by car to Furano.

Situated in the center of the island, Furano has become known for its idyllic rural landscape, and the drastic changes it experiences as seasons shift.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido and Shirahige Falls. Bring the kids along to Furano Ski Resort and Asahiyama Zoo. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Furano: Shimukappu-mura (Hoshino Resort Tomamu & Mina-Mina Beach), Canmore Ski Village (in Higashikawa-cho) and Takushinkan (in Biei-cho). Next up on the itinerary: visit Glass Forest in FURANO, don't miss a visit to Ningle Terrace, and admire the natural beauty at Farm Tomita.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Furano trip maker tool.

Traveling by car from Sapporo to Furano takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Sapporo in December since evenings lows in Furano dip to -8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Niseko-cho.

Ranking as the most popular ski resort in Hokkaido, mountaintop Niseko-cho boasts great slopes and surprisingly vibrant nightlife.

On the 25th (Sun), do some two-wheel cruising with White Isle Niseko, then hit the slopes at Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, then hit the slopes at Niseko Village Ski Resort, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: hit the slopes at Niseko Hanazono Resort and then appreciate the history behind Lieutenant Lerch Statue.

To see other places to visit, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Niseko-cho itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Furano to Niseko-cho takes 4 hours. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Furano in December: high temperatures in Niseko-cho hover around 3°C and lows are around -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Noboribetsu.

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

Start off your visit on the 27th (Tue): admire nature's wide array of creatures at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, explore the activities along Lake Toya, and then stroll around Sobetsu Park. On the next day, walk around Kawakami Natural Park, witness a stunning natural landmark at Oyunuma, take in the dramatic natural features at Jigokudani, then take in the natural beauty of Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, use the Noboribetsu holiday planner.

You can drive from Niseko-cho to Noboribetsu in 1.5 hours. December in Noboribetsu sees daily highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly back home.