5-Day Hokkaido Itinerary For First Timers

Hokkaido is one of Japan's most exciting destinations. The island, which sits north of the mainland, is home to untouched natural beauty and world-class ski fields, vibrant city life, and cultural artifacts completely unique to the rest of the country.

Home to incredible food, it's regarded by many as one of the nation's best culinary destinations. From ramen to fresh produce, to dairy and seafood, if you're looking for somewhere to get a true "taste" of Japan, this is it.

Whether it's the city of Sapporo, the Ainu culture of Shiraoi, or the European charms of Otaru and Hakodate, this region is a lot different from Japan you probably thought you knew, which is what makes it so much fun.

Do be warned, it is big, though, so here's a five-day Hokkaido itinerary to give you a little sample of the region's diversity. Be prepared for plenty of happy surprises and adventure.

This corner of the country has four very distinct seasons, so depending on the time you visit, your experience will be quite different.

In winter, Hokkaido is one of Japan's snowiest regions. The snow begins around November and, in some regions, like Sapporo and Asahikawa, which are mentioned on this itinerary, can last as late as March and April.

In summer, Hokkaido is lush and green, and with much milder temperatures than mainland Japan, it's a welcome point of respite for those seeking to get away from the heat.

In autumn, the foliage is brilliant, almost like some type of magic; the cool fresh regional air up here makes the leaves glow brighter.

So, plan your trip with that in mind, and you'll have a much clearer idea of what to expect. What's great, though, is that this clear difference between the seasons means there are plenty of reasons to visit again.

9:00 a.m.

Kick off your Hokkaido adventures with a visit to Nijo Market, Sapporo's central city food market. This popular market is open from around 7:00 a.m. and closes late afternoon.

This is the perfect place to try a kaisendon (seafood on rice) for breakfast: fresh seafood on rice. But if that's not to your liking, there are plenty of delicious, sweet Hokkaido melons to keep you satisfied.

It is worth noting that individual store holders run at their own hours, as do the restaurants located inside the facility.

10:30 a.m.

After breakfast, head down to Odori Park, the lush centerpiece of Sapporo city. Lush and green in summer, and bright with golden and red leaves in autumn, this park also serves as the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan's most iconic festivals, with larger-than-life sculptures, all masterfully crafted from Hokkaido snow.

Head up to the observation deck of Sapporo TV Tower which sits on the park's eastern end and cuts a striking figure at just under 150 meters tall. From the top, you'll be gifted an excellent view of the city.

1:30 p.m.

Once you're done admiring the view from the top of the tower, spend a little time exploring the stores that line the park. Lunch calls for local eats, hunt down some zangi (fried chicken); this is a Hokkaido localized version of fried chicken; for an easy lunch on the go, grab some to go and enjoy it in Odori park.

4:00 p.m.

To an unforgettable view of the city, head over to Mt. Moiwa. Try and time your visit with the sunset, as it's nothing short of magical watching the city transition into glittering flickers of golden light as the day darkens and the city comes to life. The 531-meter-high mountain is located just 30 minutes outside the city center and is home to a cable car and an observation deck with a panoramic view of Sapporo.

7:00 p.m.

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho in Susukino is tonight's dinner location. This cozy, 42-meter-long alleyway is home to 17 popular miso ramen shops, each selling their own take on the much-loved local dish. The trick is not to overthink it and just choose a location that inspires and head on in — you won't be disappointed.

Keio Plaza Hotel is an excellent central option for those who want a four-star level stay with the city practically at your doorstep. The stylish hotel boasts an on-site gym, pool, excellent city views, and even better dining options with multiple restaurants that serve sushi, ramen, and teppanyaki.

If you're more focused on being able to make the most of your time out and about JR Inn Sapporo is a great choice. Just a two-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, it offers easy access to the region's train networks. These clean, comfortable, and affordable rooms tick all the boxes.

9:00 a.m.

It's up a little early today as it's time to head to Otaru, Hokkaido's scenic canal city. If you're traveling by train, take the JR from Asahikawa Station to Sapporo Station before switching to the Hakodate line to reach Otaru. It's a direct line from station to station, so it's very doable without a car. 

12:00 p.m.

The best way to soak in the sights of this postcard-perfect city is with time admiring the scenes of Otaru's picturesque canal.

In the 1920s this canal was a key mode of transport for merchants, primarily making and selling glass crafts. During its heyday, the town rose to prominence as one of the key economic and trade hubs in Hokkaido.

The canal is stunning all year round, flanked by charming aging merchant warehouses. But it's fair to say that winter is most beautiful when the sky is clear, and you can see the rugged mountains in the backdrop.

2:00 p.m.

Stop by the otherworldly Kitaichi Hall for lunch. This impressive building was once a warehouse used to store dried herring, which at the time of building, in the late 1800s, was one of Otaru's key food exports. But in 1983 it was renovated and transformed into the stunning space you see today.

The hall is a charming, old-world cafe with a menu featuring European-Japanese sweets, tea, coffee, and light meals. The warm glow of hundreds of glittering kerosene-powered lamps illuminates the space giving it a totally otherworldly feel.

Between 11:00 a.m. and  3:00 p.m. daily, Kitaichi Hall also hosts 30-minute live piano performances, so if you time it right, you're in for quite the show.

5:00 p.m.

Head back to the canal for a little stroll as the sun starts to set. It's the perfect place to wind down and work up an appetite. For dinner, one of the seafood restaurants located not far from the canal is a top recommendation, as the city is still regarded as being one of the best seafood destinations in Hokkaido.

A seasonal tip: If you're in town during February, then you can't miss Otaru's Snow Light Path Festival (Otaru Yukiakari no Michi).

During the festival, the locals decorate the city with small snow sculptures that look like tiny igloos and are known as kamakura. Inside the igloos are candles that light up the area in a warm, hypnotic glow.

If you're going to stay in Otaru, stay in style and book a room at Grand Park Otaru. This sleek modern hotel offers spacious rooms and European-inspired dining options, and located right on the water; it boasts unparalleled ocean views.

10:00 a.m.

Before you hop on the train back to Sapporo, take some time in the morning to explore a slightly different side of Otaru, and one of the best places to do that is with a visit to Cafe White. The cafe doesn't open until 11:30 a.m. so grab a coffee and a light bite in the morning and spend some more time strolling the canal if you have time to spare.

The premises and building of this Cafe White were once the local 'Okagawa Pharmacy', but it shut down in 2005. It was saved from demolition by a locally-born, Tokyo-educated architect who recently discovered the building and fell in love with it. The cafe serves cozy western-inspired lunch dishes.

1:00 p.m.

Hop on the train to head back to Sapporo for an afternoon of exploring and an early dinner at Sapporo's most iconic beer destination.

4:30 p.m.

For a classic, cozy dinner, it's off to Sapporo Beer Factory/Sapporo Beer Hall. The official HQ for the city's eponymous beer, the European-style hall is the perfect place to learn about this much-loved brew and sample one of Hokkaido's most iconic cuisines, jingisukan (lamb BBQ).

Before you start to sample some of the brewery's finest, learn a little more about the history of the brand with a visit to the nearby Sapporo Beer Museum. The museum, which explores the long history of Sapporo Beer dating back to 1876, is Japan's only museum dedicated to beer. It shuts at 6:00 p.m., so make sure you have enough time to check it out pre-dinner.

6:00 p.m.

For dinner, head to Sapporo Beer Garden; here, it's jingisukan on the menu. This dish, named after the Mongolian Emperor Genghis Khan, is the north's take on yakiniku.

Jingisukan is a mutton lamb grilled on a convex metal skillet/ grill. The meat is cooked on top of a bed of fresh local vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and leeks. Also, on the menu of this atmospheric venue, you'll find a broad selection of "only in Hokkaido" beer varieties, so if you've ever needed an excuse to order that extra drink, this is it!

10:00 p.m.

Finish the night Sapporo style with a drink and a sweet little indulgence in the form of a shime parfait, which in English translates to a "closing" parfait.

This unique new Sapporo trend of finishing a night is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings. One of the city's most well-known late-night parfait haunts is Parfaiteria PaL in central Sapporo. The moodily-lit dessert bar offers artfully crafted parfaits and a wide selection of drinks (spirits, cocktails, or coffee and tea) that pair perfectly.

10:00 a.m.

The Ainu people are Hokkadio's indigenous people, and to better understand this region, it's worth spending a little time getting to know about the culture of its people. Hop on a train from Sapporo JR Station and make your way to Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi to learn more. With so much to see and experience, it's a full-day-worthy trip.

11:30 a.m.

Said to have been established around the 12th or 13th century, the landscape of Hokkaido deeply influences Ainu culture. The Ainu primarily made their livelihood by fishing, hunting, and plant gathering. They also traded with people in other areas and thus knew the ways of the land, a land so often not welcoming to human habitation.

This open-air cultural museum showcases all there is to know and discover about the culture of the Ainu people. The sprawling 10-hectare-large park is divided into three main areas–the National Ainu Museum, the National Ainu Park, and the Memorial Site.

Throughout the park, you'll find open-air displays, museum exhibits, live demonstrations that change depending on the calendar as well as workshops, stores, and restaurants serving Ainu fare. Pick up a map when you arrive and spend the day learning about the Ainu culture, the people who shaped Hokkaido, and the efforts to keep this fascinating aspect of Japanese culture alive.

6:00 p.m.

You'll spend the night in Shiraoi because it's halfway between Sapporo and Hakodate, the location on this itinerary. Before heading to your hotel, grab something to eat in town.

Near Shiraoi Station are plenty of cozy local options, like SURYA, a much-loved local restaurant serving Indian-style fare, and Ji Sakae no wa (地栄の和) a yakitori (chicken skewers) restaurant for something ultra-local. If you can't read the menu, just ask the staff for omakase which means "chef's selection".

Shiraoi isn't the biggest of cities, so there's not necessarily an abundance of hotel options, however, Kojohama Spa Hotel is a traditionally-inspired hotel complete with an onsen water source and hot spring bath perfect for soaking your weary legs after a long day exploring. For more budget travelers there's also Haku Hostel & Cafe Bar which is just three minutes from Shiraoi Station.

7:00 a.m.

It's an early start today, but to make the most of Hakodate and your last day in Hokkaido, there's no other choice! Grab something to eat on the run, and get ready for an almost three-hour-long train ride, which promises spectacular countryside views.

10:30 a.m.

Hakodate is a fascinating city that combines Japanese culture with historical international-inspired charm. The city was one of the first in Japan to open to international trade after the country's era of isolation, which like other cities of a similar history (Yokohama, Nagasaki), gives it a rather European ambiance.

Begin your time in Hakodate with a spectacular view of the city from the top of Goryokaku Tower. The tower offers an incredible view of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, one of the city's main landmarks. This western-style Fort was built over a century and a half ago and housed the once samurai-run government office.

11:30 a.m.

Grab lunch from the nearby Ajisai ramen restaurant. This is a very popular local haunt, so try and get there a little early to avoid the lunch rush. What makes this store so legendary is the quality of its noodles. Thin but perfectly chewy, the noodles complement the flavorful, but not too heavy, shio (salt) broth. For a truly Hokkaido experience, order the classic shio ramen with iconic Hokkaido toppings like butter and corn.

1:00 p.m.

Next up, it's time for a walking tour through Hakodate's historic district. As one of the first cities to open to international trade following the nation's era of isolation during the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), its streets are proudly influenced by classical European architecture.

Start at Motomachi's eye-catching purple and yellow Old Public Hall of Hakodate, which opened in 1901. Here, if you feel so inclined, you can dress up like a lord or lady in Meiji-era clothing and stroll through the building, snapping that perfect "only in Hakodate" shot.

Take a little time to wander around the neighborhood of Motomachi, and swing by the park, which is surrounded by buildings boasting European charm and is backdropped by hillside harbor views.

5:00 p.m.

For the perfect sunset view, make your way to Mt. Hakodate, located on the peninsula's southern end. This 334-meter-high mountain overlooks much of central Hakodate. The top of the mountain is home to an observation deck and is accessible by ropeway, bus, or car. Watching the sparkling city lights come to life is the perfect end to an unforgettable five days in this unforgettable destination.

7:00 p.m.

For dinner in Hakodate, you can't look past Lucky Pierrot, the city's much-loved retro-cute burger chain. There are 17 shops throughout the city, but the Bay Area Store location is the flagship and the most impressive. It's a 1950s-style American diner done with a Hakodate twist, and if you want a local tip, you can't look past the sweet, spicy prawn and chili burger. 

There are plenty of hotel options to choose from in this tourist-friendly city. If you're looking for a more modern stay, then Century Marina Hakodate is a top pick. The hotel opened in 2019 and is sleek, stylish and offers spectacular city and ocean views.

For a more budget-conscious stay, Smile Hotel Premium Hakodate offers all the comforts you need in a neat, no-fuss package.

Heiseikan Shiosaitei Annex Hanatsuki is a premium choice for those who want a luxe, onsen experience. With open-air onsen baths, ocean views, and fine dining, this facility combines the best of traditional Japanese accommodation and modern style in perfect harmony.