Hokkaido 5-Day Road Trip: Attractions and Cuisine
Source:
@Sunny in Japan
16 places in Hokkaido featured in a youtube post by Sunny in Japan, verified on Google Maps: Sapporo TV Tower, Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka, New Chitose Airport, and 13 more.
Sapporo TV Tower
Landmark
4.0
Standing at 147.2 meters tall, the Sapporo TV Tower offers panoramic views of Sapporo, particularly Odori Park. It is especially popular for night views, providing a beautiful illuminated cityscape. Visitors can reach the observation deck for a fee.
Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka
Landmark
4.2
Shikisai-no-oka Panoramic Flower Gardens is a vast and colorful flower park in Biei, similar to Farm Tomita but featuring broader panoramic views of flower fields. While a tractor shuttle bus is available to explore the extensive grounds, walking allows for a more immersive experience. Entry is free during June, but paid admission is required from July to September, making it a vibrant destination for enjoying Hokkaido's floral beauty.
New Chitose Airport
International airport
4.3
New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the primary international airport serving Sapporo and the broader Hokkaido region. It is a major hub for domestic and international flights, offering car rental services, dining, and shopping options. Travelers can pick up rental cars directly at the airport, though a shuttle bus may be required to reach the car rental offices.
Otaru Canal
Landmark
4.3
The Otaru Canal is a historic waterway lined with stone warehouses, evoking a European city atmosphere. Originally built in the early 20th century to facilitate trade, it now serves as a scenic tourist attraction. The canal is especially beautiful at night when illuminated, and offers pleasant walking paths along its banks.
GRANBELL HOTEL SUSUKINO
Hotel
4.0
The Granbell Hotel Susukino is a modern hotel located in downtown Sapporo, offering comfortable accommodations with essential amenities like a mini-fridge and coffee/tea facilities. The hotel features an automated parking system, which can be convenient but may require some navigation due to size restrictions. It's an ideal base for exploring Sapporo's vibrant Susukino district and for day trips across Hokkaido.
Kitaichi Glass III
Place
4.2
Kitaichi Glass III is a renowned glass handicraft store in Otaru, representing the town's rich glassmaking tradition. It features a wide array of handmade and hand-blown glass items, ranging from intricate decorative pieces to functional glassware. While filming inside is often restricted, the shop offers an impressive selection of unique souvenirs and gifts.
Sakaimachi Street
Landmark
4.4
Sakaimachi Street is a bustling shopping street in Otaru, located near the Otaru Canal. It is famous for its numerous stores selling traditional and decorative glass items, reflecting Otaru's history as a glassmaking hub. Visitors can find a variety of local delicacies here, including Hokkaido melons and diverse flavors of soft-serve ice cream.
Farm Tomita
Landmark
4.4
Farm Tomita is one of Hokkaido's most iconic lavender farms, renowned for its vast and vibrant fields of lavender and other colorful flowers. While peak season for lavender is typically July, the farm offers beautiful floral displays throughout the summer. Visitors can enjoy lavender soft-serve ice cream and browse unique lavender-themed souvenirs, with free entry and parking available during June.
Cape Kamui
Natural feature
4.6
Cape Kamui, meaning "God" in the Ainu language, is a scenic cape known for its dramatic cliffside views and the beautiful 'Shakotan Blue' waters. A 30-minute walk along a picturesque path leads to the edge of the cape, where visitors can admire the 'Kamui Rock' and panoramic ocean vistas. Note that access may be restricted during strong winds, and there's a 100 yen donation per person for environmental conservation.
Ebisu Rock & Daikoku Rock
Scenic spot
4.3
The Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks are two distinctive sea stacks located along the scenic coastline near Cape Kamui. These rock formations, named after Japanese gods of fortune, are popular for their unique shapes and picturesque setting. While visually interesting, they might be considered overhyped by some visitors, especially those expecting a more dramatic natural wonder.
Menya Saimi
Ramen restaurant
4.2
Menya Saimi is a highly-rated ramen shop in Sapporo, known for its rich and flavorful miso ramen, considered a top choice by locals. While miso butter ramen is often marketed to tourists, locals appreciate the traditional miso or soy sauce-based options. Expect queues, especially during peak hours, and note that it's cash-only with no English menu.
Road and riverside Station Flower Road Eniwa
Rest stop
3.9
Hana Road Eniwa is a roadside station (Michi-no-Eki) located in Eniwa, Hokkaido. These stations offer a variety of local products, food, and rest facilities for travelers. It features a unique Pokémon manhole cover, adding a fun element for fans of the franchise to discover.
Lambguchi Kazuya 2ND Smoke-Free Jingisukan & Akkeshi Oysters
Restaurant
4.8
Lambguchi Kazuya 2ND is a Genghis Khan restaurant in Sapporo, specializing in grilled lamb served on a hot plate. This style of cooking allows diners to grill their own meat and vegetables at the table, creating a communal and interactive dining experience. The restaurant offers private rooms, suitable for groups, to enjoy this Hokkaido specialty.
Otaruto Cafe
Cafe
3.0
Otaruto is a popular cafe in Otaru known for its unique red bean soft-serve ice cream, a local specialty. They also offer a variety of tarts, including their signature "Otaruto" tart, which is a combination of Otaru and tart. It's a great spot for a sweet treat and coffee while exploring the town.
Soup Curry BagBag Honten
Japanese curry restaurant
4.3
Soup Curry BAGBAG is a restaurant in Sapporo specializing in soup curry, a local dish unique to Hokkaido. This style of curry is characterized by its thin, flavorful broth and large pieces of grilled vegetables and meat, with many customizable options for soup base, spice level, and toppings. It's a popular choice for those looking to experience an authentic and hearty Hokkaido culinary tradition.
Shiro Factory Shop and Cafe
Cosmetics store
4.3
Shiro Factory Shop and Cafe in Sunagawa, Hokkaido, is the headquarters of the popular Japanese cosmetics brand Shiro. This location features a cafe, a shop offering various Shiro products, and a unique 'Blender Lab' where visitors can create their own custom perfumes from a selection of scents. It's a modern, spacious venue with a library area and a kids' play area, making it a pleasant stop for shopping, dining, and a personalized scent experience.