Otherwise you can enjoy the scenery while driving through the Shiretoko Pass, which goes by mountain Rausu-dake and beech forests. There are trains here too, of course, but the network is limited. ©SHINRA. Most towns will have a petrol station and a convenience store, though it is wise to not let yourself get under half a tank. JR Hokkaido now has a good train and local bus network for the area, particularly June to September. Or continue down to Tomakomai, where you can catch the car ferry (sunflower.co.jp) that runs all the way to Oarai in Ibaraki (two hours north of Tokyo) in 17.5 hours. There are few places to beat when it comes to being able to ski deep powder … Hokkaidō's roads are well paved and well signposted in English. … Indeed you can follow your nose to a number of onsen in Hokkaidō. Another bonus: accommodation and food are both cheaper on unfussy Hokkaidō than on Honshū. Hokkaido Road Trip – My First Public Speaking Experience! Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō) is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Day 1: New Chitose Airport – Lake Toya – Mt. Hokkaido to Nagasaki road trip planner. The road trip took place in Hokkaido, for a week, before we returned to Tokyo for a few days, and then back to Seoul for a ‘cool down’. Since Hokkaido is very big, it is impossible to visit all their cities unless you have plenty of time. Hokkaidō has dozens of campgrounds – you can search the full list at the official tourism website (, For more information on driving in Hokkaidō, see the tourism bureau's downloadable handbook (. How To Plan For 10 Days Hokkaido Trip. All-in-all a 4-day road trip through Hokkaido will cost around ¥ 5,000 per day (including petrol and parking). All rights reserved. One of the many JR West Passes might be the cheapest way to get around. Hokkaido is truly vast with boundless nature and a rich diverse history. With all that Japan has to offer, Hokkaido’s third biggest city of Hakodate doesn’t … Day 1: Hakodate Station / Airport – Lake ToyaDay 2: Sapporo – AsahikawaDay 3: Biei Shirahige – KamikawaDay 4: Kitami – ShiretokoDay 5: Nosappu-misaki – KushiroDay 6: New Chitose Airport. Beyond is Shiretoko National Park – true wilderness, as no cars are allowed in. We wanted to catch the last of the cherry blossom season, so our trip revolved around Hokkaido. Get your road trip started with our suggested itinerary. Hokkaido is the perfect destination for a road trip, however, in December there will be lots of snow on Hokkaido so take that into consideration if you want to go there. You should exercise careful judgement with any online purchase. 7-day Hokkaido itinerary: Tips, tweaks & more places to visit. And so the season begins! The shore of Lake Akan Akan Mashu National Park was established on December 4th, 1934. After a cool spring season, we discovered that a sunny and warm weekend was on the way, so there was only one thing to do: road trip! Experience tens of thousands of cherry trees on this magical mountain in Nara. Traversing Hokkaido in 8 days: a road trip itinerary and travel guide By Sabrina Majeed When one imagines traveling to Japan, the first image that comes to mind may be the bustling neon lights of Tokyo, or the tranquil temples in Kyoto. You know you're getting close when you can smell the sulphur. The most cheapo-friendly international companies such as Hertz and Avis also operate in Japan but not independently, so their rates are actually not as cheap as you may have hoped. All-in-all a 4-day road trip through Hokkaido will cost around ¥ 5,000 per day (including petrol and parking). Two of Japan’s most beautiful drives happen to be in Hokkaido and they are connected, making it easy to hit up both on one leisurely day trip. Overall this Hokkaido travel blog for 10 days is more focused on the Southern and Central region. We landed by plane in Asahikawa and rented a car. There are many places that are difficult to be reached by public transport. tohoku road trip Ski Japan's last ski frontier of Northern Honshu. It's about 2 hours from Sapporo, expressway and local roads. Japan - Self Drive Hokkaido Road Trip 2019 + Tips in hokkaido , Japan , Self drive in hokkaido , things to know before visiting hokkaido - Post a Comment Even though there is public transport in Hokkaido, it is still advisable to self-drive in Hokkaido. Our [short] summer road trip in hokkaido Matsu house, our dream home in the country side. You’ll need snow chains and a lot of warm clothes. ©SHINRA. While not truly taking you around Hokkaido, it does start on the southern tip of the island at Hakkodate and takes you all the way to the northeastern tip. Noboribetsu is an onsen town with many places to stay, including sprawling Dai-ichi Takimoto-kan. You can think of Hokkaidō as having three distinct routes: the northern coast, the southern coast and the dead centre. Hakodate. Hokkaido Road Trip: Shikabe Geyser, Mt Esan and Onuma Park. This winter, they’ve developed a sustainable East Hokkaido itinerary p erfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Japan is famous for its efficient rail system and doesn't exactly scream road trip. In 10 days you could also go up to Wakkanai and visit the islands Rebun-tō and Rishiri-tō. 48 hours in Hokkaido | Road Trip Across Japan Watch the full video Escapes Travel Hidden Japan Experiences Let's discover Hokkaido by hopping in a car and going on a road trip … Travel company wondertrunk&co. Visiting Hokkaido in winter? Some of the articles on this site contain affiliate links. Overall this Hokkaido travel blog for 10 days is more focused on the Southern and Central region. Sakura are very precious and delicate things, often only lasting about 2 weeks and then they’re gone. For a route heading from Hakodate to Kushiro, budget at least a week to allow for sightseeing, soaking and hiking time. It is possible to book your car in advance through ToCoo! This area is otherwise known as Tohoku, the rugged north eastern region of Japan. With its wide-open spaces, national parks, active volcanoes, forests of silvery beech, forlorn coastlines and remote fishing towns, Hokkaidō is ideal for road trips. Hokkaido Summer Road Trip By Chopsticks on the Loose Jun 12, 2019 May 17th, 2020 No Comments Everything you need to know before setting off on your Hokkaido summer road trip – including places to go, where to rent a car, things to know before driving in Japan and useful apps for the road. 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Nemuro is the other little finger stretching out on Hokkaidō's east coast. The central route towards Akan National Park is far and away the most interesting, passing Daisetsuzan National Park. Breakfast at Otaru Fish Market. Driving around Hokkaido on your own is a great experience that, unlike what you may expect, is very cheapo-friendly. All-in-all a 4-day road trip through Hokkaido will cost around ¥5,000 per day (including petrol and parking). The region is very popular with Japanese tourists, so plan in advance and book your accommodation at least three weeks before if you want to have the choice. Take a day trip to Hikone, visit the traditional castle and garden, and try the local cuisine! From Wakkanai, you can continue down Rte 238 along the Sea of Okhotsk. Hokkaido Map with Major Cities. Know that Michi-No-Ekis are MORE than just a rest-stop. Noboribetsu is north of the city, along the coastal highway heading towards Sapporo. Besides its amazing long roads, bountiful flower fields, and diverse wildlife, you’ll encounter many more incredible experiences when you go road-tripping in Hokkaido. is committed showcasing the charms of local Japan. By comparison, the JR Hokkaido Pass sets you back ¥ 5,500 per day without the added freedom of stopping wherever you like. Any later and snow threatens to cover mountain passes and ice can be a problem. First Stop – Hakodate (函館)! A Spring Road Trip in Hokkaido We went on a mission finding beautiful spring spots on a day trip from Sapporo, finding as many noteworthy local sakura and sightseeing spots . The tour, which you can book until March 2021, takes you through the brisk climes of Hokkaido wilderness to the town of Teshikaga, home of the Mashu and Kussharo lakes, as well as to … Even though there is public transport in Hokkaido, it is still advisable to self-drive in Hokkaido. For the first time visitor and limited time, this area is the best place to get a look at the beauty of Hokkaido. Note that Daisetsuzan is the first place in Japan to see snow, usually in September. How To Plan For 10 Days Hokkaido Trip. Navigating in Japan is easier than you might think: rental cars come standard with GPS devices that allow you to program the phone number of your destination (much easier than imputing complicated Japanese addresses). November 12, 2019 by Ploy. What you won't see noted in English is road closures, so if you're travelling around the shoulder periods (April, May, October and November), it's a good idea to run your route by someone before heading out. Hokkaido distinctively has its own merits for each season not just its well-known fluffy snow in winter. Hokkaido is a very popular destination in summer -yes, EVEN without the powder. If you want to pause your road trip, consider tackling the Shiretoko Traverse, a two-day hike that spans the park. Showa ShinzanDay 2: Hakodate – ShakotanDay 3: Otaru – SapporoDay 4: Sapporo – New Chitose Airport. More than just its famous floating torii gate - Miyajima is rich with spectacular views, breath-taking walking routes and fun festivals. There's also a somewhat touristy Ainu Village on the shores of Akan-ko and a fantastic lodge near Kussharo-ko, Marukibune, serving traditional Ainu dishes. Continue on to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaidō and the only place on the island that feels urban. Many petrol stations close around 7pm or 8pm. Last summer, we had an amazing road trip on the unbeaten path of Hokkaido. Suggested itineraries Essential southern Hokkaido https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/driving-on-hokkaido-japan-road-trip But driving gives you much more freedom to explore the backroads. The best time of year to drive around Hokkaidō is mid-May through mid-October. Hakodate is Hokkaidō's southernmost port, where car ferries from Honshū disembark – and where you're now able to arrive via shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo and other points south through the Seikan Tunnel – making it a great road-trip starting point. So let’s take a look at what you need to prepare for your Hokkaido road trip, as well as some itineraries to spark your enthusiasm! By Isabel Leong 3 August 2017 March 10th, 2021 No Comments. Last summer, we had an amazing road trip on the unbeaten path of Hokkaido. At the end of the road is the waterfall, Kamuiwakka-yu-no-taki. Plan a trip to Kanazawa for cherry blossom viewing at the famous Kenrokuen gardens and other stunning spots in the picturesque town. From Akan National Park head north until you reach Rte 334 on the coast, then turn east towards the Shiretoko Peninsula. Here's what you can do with them. Traveling in the western parts of Japan? Day trip to Cape Kamui in Shakotan Peninsular one of the seasonal travel trips in Summer. We landed by plane in Asahikawa and rented a car. is committed showcasing the charms of local Japan. Rural Hokkaido Road Trip. From the Bihoro Pass there's a spectacular view of Kussharo-ko, Japan's largest caldera lake, and its central island Naka-jima. You'll also be grateful for your wheels when you head out to Menya Saimi (5-3-12, 10-jō Misono, Toyohira-ku; 011-820-6511), arguably Sapporo's best ramen shop, located in an otherwise nondescript residential neighbourhood. Our [short] summer road trip in hokkaido Matsu house, our dream home in the country side. Additionally, content such as tours and tickets, hotels and apartments are commercial content. Walk, hike, and cycle through some of Japan’s most iconic nature and enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest seafood, beef and sake the country has to offer. Hokkaido Lavender Fields and Other Summer Blossoms, Destination Takayama: A Weekend Getaway with Old Towns and Morning Markets, Satisfy Your Need for Speed at Suzuka Circuit, Bold and Beautiful: Exploring Tohoku’s Rugged Pacific Coast, The Cheapest Way to Get from KIX to Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, Cherry Blossom in Kyoto: The 15 Best Sakura Spots, Mount Yoshino: Japan's Best Cherry Blossom Spot, 8 Cherry-Picked Sakura Viewing Spots in Osaka, JR West Passes: Quick Guide to Types and Trips. In contrast to Japan's densely populated main island of Honshū, Hokkaidō is home to just 5% of Japan's population on 20% of its land. More than 100,000 people visit Japan Cheapo each month for help in planning their trip to Japan. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. By Chopsticks on the Loose Jun 12, 2019 May 17th, 2020 No Comments. Whether you book a stay at one of the resorts along the shores of Lake Toya, or head to the popular hot springs town of Noboribetsu, there are plenty of amazing views and hot springs onsen baths to be had during your Hokkaido road trip. You can take a dip (in a swimsuit) in the fall's lower pool; the water is warm as the river above is fed from a hot spring. The other attractive option from Sapporo – especially for those with a fondness for stretches of desolate coastline – is to take the long northern route up to Wakkanai, a very windy former trading post from where ferries depart to remote Rebun-tō and Rishiri-tō. We are doing a 'slow road-trip' this winter -which means, every time we have the occasion, we jump on the plane to Sapporo, then take a train to discover some of the many, many terrific ski resorts in Hokkaido.First stop: Otaru, Kiroro and Kokusai. Your Hokkaido Road Trip stock images are ready. But to get the most out of your time, take the one-way trip through the central Hokkaidō, return the car at the other end and fly out. Not only the views are stunning and the Japanese atmosphere unique, but the powder in Hokkaido is champagne of the … Akan National Park to New Chitose via Kushiro Wetlands. When you pick up your car make sure to get: an insurance coverage; Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC) Card; and a Hokkaido Expressway Pass. photos, photography, stories, storytelling, photo essay, photo sharing, photo website, gallery, galleries With Japan opening domestic travel and summer vacation coming up, I bet a lot of you are eagerly planning how to get out of this city! Is Dracula's castle the most unusual vaccination spot? The latter is on the Kameda Peninsula east of Hakodate, and is regulated by the tides. Trains leave about every 90 minutes throughout the day. Make the most of your Hokkaido ski trip by hitting four of its best and biggest If you’re a committed powder skier chances are you’ve either been to Niseko or are planning a return trip. Both Hakodate and Sapporo have scores of good-value business hotels with double rooms for around ¥6000 (US$50). On the other side of the peninsula, on the Nemuro Strait, Rte 87 runs up the coast nearly to the tip. On this trip, you will ski Tohoku's eastern Iwate resorts, before journeying to the remote western region of Akita. The most important thing you need to prepare even before you leave for Japan is to get yourself an international driving permit. This is Hokkaidō's largest park, with several volcanic mountain ranges, alpine meadows and a good deal of wildlife. We decided to give Toyako a miss this time since we explored this place during our last trip. Day 1: New Chitose Airport – SapporoDay 2: Asahikawa – Biei ShirahigeDay 3: FuranoDay 4: Sapporo – New Chitose Airport, Further reading: Hokkaido Lavender Fields and Other Summer Blossoms. Everything you need to know before setting off on your Hokkaido summer road trip – including places to go, where to rent a car, things to know before driving in Japan and useful apps for the road. Again starting out from the airport, we now head north to the heart of Hokkaido and witness its vast nature. Kushiro also has an airport with flights back to Tokyo. Ninja Wifi is the biggest provider of rental pocket wifi devices to international visitors coming to Japan. The procedure for obtaining this addition to your regular driving license differs per country but it is generally issued by the ministry for transport or one of its agencies. Outside the city, you can tour the Hokkaidō Brewery. Exploring Hokkaido's Vast Beauty by Car. So all that’s left to do now is to grab your passport and international driver’s license, and hop on a flight to Hokkaido for the best road trip … I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Resources for Hokkaido Road Trip The research started off with the site “ Visit Hokkaido “, of which, one of the recommended tours (Hokkaido Lavender Tour: 5 days) was the inspiration for our roadtrip. It was day 8 of our epic Hokkaido road trip, and we were beginning to feel the strain of being on the road constantly. Sponsored posts are clearly labeled with a "Sponsored" tag. En route to Daisetsuzan, it's worth taking a detour to Biei, where a network of country lanes winds through fields of wildflowers. This is our second road trip in Hokkaido and we would like to explore some new hidden gems as well as to revisit places like Shiretoko (beautiful nature), Asahidake (to see the snow) and Lake Akan (to stay at New Akan Hotel once again). But when most people think of Japan, they usually don't think of Hokkaidō. We don't endorse any of the companies we link to but we are selective in terms of the companies that we choose.