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One Week Hokkaido Itinerary for Adventure Lovers

Travel
Itinerary
Hokkaido

If you’re dreaming of your next trip to Japan, consider venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of Tokyo and Kyoto to explore the unspoiled natural beauty of my favourite prefecture: Hokkaido.

From the seafood markets of Sapporo to the vast landscapes of Shiretoko National Park, join me as we spend 7 days exploring the natural wonders, city heights and active volcanoes of Japan’s northernmost island.

Itinerary Highlights

Nijo Market, Sapporo – Dive into Sapporo’s seafood scene at Nijo Market. Stroll through family-run stalls, sample fresh crab, and don’t miss the market’s signature seafood bowls.

Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido – Cruise across Lake Shikotsu’s crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by mountains, this caldera lake is one of Japan’s deepest and clearest.

Jugokudani, Noboribetsu – Experience the otherworldly landscape of Jugokudani, with sulfuric hot springs and dramatic steaming vents.

Shirogane Blue Pond, Biei – Discover the shimmering beauty of Shirogane Blue Pond. A short walk through a forest leads you to this hidden lake with its striking blue waters.

Shiretoko Goko, Shiretoko National Park – Explore the pristine waters of Shiretoko Goko’s five lakes, perfect for spotting wildlife, including bears and deer.

Day 1-3: Sapporo

Kick off your Hokkaido adventure in Sapporo, Japan’s fifth largest city. Wake-up for fresh daily catch at Nijo Market, where you can sample fresh crab, sea urchin, sashimi and more. Unwind with a leisurely stroll through Nakajima-koen, with scenic paths and a reflecting pond – especially good in the autumn months. For a bird's-eye view, head to the Sapporo TV Tower, perfect for sunset.

Highlights

Nijo Market: Dive into Sapporo’s seafood scene at Nijo Market. Stroll through bustling stalls, sample fresh crab, and don’t miss the market’s signature kaisendon seafood bowls.

Sapporo TV Tower: For panoramic views of the city from above, head up the Sapporo TV Tower. Overlooking Odori Park, it’s the perfect spot to see the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains.

Nakajima-koen: Escape to Nakajima-koen for a dose of nature. This peaceful park offers picturesque ponds, a traditional tea house, and serene walking paths.

Day 3–4: Noboribetsu & Lake Shikotsu

Next, visit Noboribetsu for its geothermal wonders and natural hot springs. Walk amongst the boiling sulfuric springs of Jigokudani Hell Valley and experience true relaxation at a traditional ryokan. Don’t forget to indulge in a local kaisendon (fresh seafood bowl). Next, make a beeline for Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan’s clearest and deepest lakes, ringed by rolling hills and mountains.

Highlights

Jugokudani (Hell Valley): Experience the otherworldly landscape of Jugokudani, where sulfuric hot springs and steam vents create a dramatic and unforgettable scene.

Lake Shikotsu: Cruise across Lake Shikotsu’s crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by mountains, this caldera lake is one of Japan’s most scenic spots.

Kaisendon Bowls: Treat yourself to an indulgent kaisendon, a seafood bowl featuring fresh, local catch. A must-try for any seafood lover.

Marukoma Onsen: Soak in natural hot springs at Marukoma Onsen. This lakeside retreat offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 4–5: Biei & Furano

Continue your journey to the picturesque towns of Biei and Furano. Visit the shimmering Shirogane Blue Pond and nearby Shirogane Waterfall, located just outside the hot spring town of Shirogane Onsen. For a touch of adventure, hike up the active Mt. Furano volcano, where you can enjoy panoramic views and witness the steamy volcanic activity up close.

Highlights

Shirogane Blue Pond: Discover the shimmering beauty of Shirogane Blue Pond. A short walk through a forest leads you to this hidden lake with its striking blue waters.

Shirogane Waterfall: Visit Shirogane Waterfall for a stunning natural spectacle. Close to Shirogane Onsen, it’s a perfect stop for nature lovers.

Mt Furano: Hike into the hot springs of Mt Furano. This active volcano offers challenging trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 5–7: Shiretoko National Park

Please note: There have been several bear sightings throughout summer 2024. Please make sure to check all safety requirements and act with caution when hiking in Hokkaido. For more information on how to deal with wild brown bears, click here.

Conclude your Hokkaido exploration in the remote Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spot wild bears and explore the pristine lakes via the well-maintained hiking trails of Shiretoko Goko. Delve into the rugged terrain of Mt. Io, an active volcano known for its steaming sulfuric vents. And wrap up your trip with a breathtaking sunset at Cape Puyuni.

Highlights

Shiretoko Goko: Explore Shiretoko Goko’s five lakes. These pristine waters are perfect for spotting wildlife, including bears and deer.

Mt Io: Enter the geothermal wonderland of Mt Io. The steamy, sulfuric vents offer a fascinating glimpse into volcanic activity.

Cape Puyuni: End your day at Cape Puyuni, where you can watch the sun set over the ocean, casting a golden glow on the rugged coastline.

Where to Stay

Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto

Set on the edge of Lake Poroto, the 42-room ryokan blurs the line between man-made structures and the forested surroundings. Its unique bathhouses, inspired by ancient Ainu villages, occupy a cone-shaped structure with outdoor and indoor baths. Rooms have striking white birch columns, fireplace inspired tables and Ainu-patterned artworks. Local seafood informs the dinner menu, with dishes such as fragrant daigo nabe, a hotpot teeming with stewed crab and scallops.

Book Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hokkaido for many travellers is during the summer (July to September) and autumn (October to November). Summer in Hokkaido is a refreshing escape from Japan’s humid mainland, with cooler temperatures perfect for exploring. Autumn brings an epic display of foliage across Hokkaido, with places like Sapporo and Noboribetsu transforming into a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. While Hokkaido is famous for its winter sports and the Sapporo Snow Festival, the summer and autumn months provide equally memorable experiences, with milder weather and untouched natural beauty.

Getting Around

The easiest way to access Hokkaido is via direct flight to New Chitose Airport. Flights operate daily from Tokyo and Osaka, taking around 1.5 hours. From here, I recommend car rental or a private car service. For a trip to Eastern Hokkaido, car hire is pretty much essential – trains and buses run infrequently and can certainly slow you down.

Discover Hotels In Hokkaido

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing via these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote hotels and experiences that we personally trust. Thank you.

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A Private Invitation to Nara’s Longstanding Tea Whisk Craft

Experience chasen making firsthand with the unique work of the Tanimura family in the sleepy town of Ikoma, Nara.

In Japan, where architecture and hospitality are deeply intertwined, some hotels go beyond aesthetics to create a true sense of place. From a 140-year-old ryokan in the Seto Inland Sea to a glass-fronted retreat overlooking Mount Fuji, these seven stays embody thoughtful design, cultural depth, and seamless integration with their surroundings.In Japan, where architecture and hospitality are deeply intertwined, some hotels go beyond aesthetics to create a true sense of place. From a 140-year-old ryokan in the Seto Inland Sea to a glass-fronted retreat overlooking Mount Fuji, these seven stays embody thoughtful design, cultural depth, and seamless integration with their surroundings.
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7 Design Hotels for Your Next Trip to Japan

In Japan, where architecture and hospitality are deeply intertwined, some hotels go beyond aesthetics to create a true sense of place.

For those seeking a deeper connection to Miyajima’s beauty, Itsukushima Iroha offers an experience far beyond that of a day trip. This refined boutique ryokan embraces the essence of slow travel, inviting guests to savour the island’s tranquillity long after the day-trippers return to Hiroshima.For those seeking a deeper connection to Miyajima’s beauty, Itsukushima Iroha offers an experience far beyond that of a day trip. This refined boutique ryokan embraces the essence of slow travel, inviting guests to savour the island’s tranquillity long after the day-trippers return to Hiroshima.
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Slow Mornings, Quiet Evenings: A Stay at Itsukushima Iroha

For those seeking a deeper connection to Miyajima’s beauty, Itsukushima Iroha offers an experience far beyond that of a day trip. This refined boutiqu

Incredibly peaceful, and open year-round, Meiji Shrine is easily one of my all-time favourite places to visit in Tokyo.Incredibly peaceful, and open year-round, Meiji Shrine is easily one of my all-time favourite places to visit in Tokyo.
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Meiji Shrine: A Comprehensive Guide to Tokyo’s Famous Landmark

Incredibly peaceful, and open year-round, Meiji Shrine is easily one of my all-time favourite places to visit in Tokyo.

A green oasis, surrounded by vast mountains and dense forests, Okutama is the ideal escape for those seeking respite from the bustling inner city of Tokyo.A green oasis, surrounded by vast mountains and dense forests, Okutama is the ideal escape for those seeking respite from the bustling inner city of Tokyo.
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Exploring Okutama: A Hidden Wilderness on the Outskirts of Tokyo

A green oasis, surrounded by vast mountains and dense forests, Okutama is the ideal escape for those seeking respite from the bustling inner city of T

Spanning the length of 3 prefectures, the Japanese Alps are full of natural beauty. From snow monkeys and sacred forests to thatched-roofed villages and more, here’s how to experience it at its best.Spanning the length of 3 prefectures, the Japanese Alps are full of natural beauty. From snow monkeys and sacred forests to thatched-roofed villages and more, here’s how to experience it at its best.
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The Nature Lover’s Guide to the Japanese Alps

Spanning the length of 3 prefectures, the Japanese Alps are full of natural beauty. From snow monkeys and sacred forests to thatched-roofed villages a

Once a quiet fishing village, now a haven for modern art and architecture, Naoshima features world-renowned museums, outdoor sculptures, and innovative design spaces. At its heart, Benesse House stands as a beacon to the creative-minded and culturally inquisitive visitors.Once a quiet fishing village, now a haven for modern art and architecture, Naoshima features world-renowned museums, outdoor sculptures, and innovative design spaces. At its heart, Benesse House stands as a beacon to the creative-minded and culturally inquisitive visitors.
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Benesse House, Naoshima Island: An Ultimate Guide

Once a quiet fishing village, now a haven for modern art and architecture, Naoshima features world-renowned museums, outdoor sculptures, and innovativ

Ancient temples nestled amongst the landscape, a local sake brewery, and an abundance of nature wherever you look. Witness Japan's Zen rituals amongst the beauty of Fukui Prefecture.Ancient temples nestled amongst the landscape, a local sake brewery, and an abundance of nature wherever you look. Witness Japan's Zen rituals amongst the beauty of Fukui Prefecture.
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A Place of Peace: Discover Zen Rituals in Fukui Prefecture

Ancient temples nestled amongst the landscape, a local sake brewery, and an abundance of nature wherever you look. Witness Japan's Zen rituals amongst

If you’re anything like me, then after your first trip to Japan, you’ll probably be reassessing your life and thinking about how you can return to spend longer in the country.If you’re anything like me, then after your first trip to Japan, you’ll probably be reassessing your life and thinking about how you can return to spend longer in the country.
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Moving to Japan: The Best Cities for 2025

If you’re anything like me, then after your first trip to Japan, you’ll probably be reassessing your life and thinking about how you can return to spe

Autumn in Japan is by far my favourite time to travel, with the summer temperatures finally cooling down, and the landscapes across the country being completely transformed.Autumn in Japan is by far my favourite time to travel, with the summer temperatures finally cooling down, and the landscapes across the country being completely transformed.
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Best Places to Visit in Japan this Autumn (Updated for 2024)

Autumn in Japan is by far my favourite time to travel, with the summer temperatures finally cooling down, and the landscapes across the country being

Views from Japan is entering a new chapter, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! What began as a personal blog to showcase my adventures across Japan, followed by a published travel guidebook, has grown into a fully-fledged and certified travel company, with a brand new digital home, and a continued mission to help you experience Japan in deeper, more meaningful ways.Views from Japan is entering a new chapter, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! What began as a personal blog to showcase my adventures across Japan, followed by a published travel guidebook, has grown into a fully-fledged and certified travel company, with a brand new digital home, and a continued mission to help you experience Japan in deeper, more meaningful ways.
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Welcome to Views from Japan

Views from Japan is entering a new chapter, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! What began as a personal blog to showcase my adventures a

In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the famed city of temples, gardens, and ancient streets. In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the famed city of temples, gardens, and ancient streets.
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Like Kyoto? Then You’ll Love These 7 Destinations

In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the fam

Planning a two-week journey through Japan’s art scene can feel overwhelming, with countless galleries and destinations competing for your attention, here’s the ultimate itinerary. Planning a two-week journey through Japan’s art scene can feel overwhelming, with countless galleries and destinations competing for your attention, here’s the ultimate itinerary.
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The Ultimate 14 Day Japan Itinerary for Art Lovers

Planning a two-week journey through Japan’s art scene can feel overwhelming, with countless galleries and destinations competing for your attention, h

A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries.A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries.
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Naoshima Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for a Trip to Japan’s Art Islands

A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galle

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Mount Fuji in Japan glowing in the sunset light, viewed across forested hills and a quiet valley below.
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