The ultimate 7-day Hokkaido one-way road trip (winter edition)

If there is a winter wonderland somewhere on earth, it is in Hokkaido. Filled with breathtaking scenery in summer, the landscape changes drastically during the cold season, when a blanket of soft snow & ice covers the whole island. Are you planning a road trip to this mesmerising place in winter?

Then here is an excellent 7-day itinerary that will take you across the famous spots of Hokkaido like Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa Ramen Village & more. For the free-spirited travelers who like taking little detours and plan on traveling in a self-driven vehicle, this blog will help you make the most of your journey.

7-day Hokkaido road trip itinerary for winters

7-day Hokkaido road trip itinerary

Route: Sapporo → Otaru → Asahikawa → Farm Tomita → Noboribetsu → Hakodate

Day 1: Land in Sapporo

Distance from Sapporo Airport to downtown: 50 km
Travel time: 1 hour approximately

Once you land at New Chitose Airport, look for your designated car and begin the journey to downtown Sapporo. The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, shines the best during the winter season. Instead of getting overwhelmed, the locals celebrate the snowy time with festivals & light shows. Before hopping to another location, spend a day here and explore the best of Sapporo.

Things you can do in Sapporo:

• Visit the Clock Tower and take photos
• Enjoy a 360-degree view from Sapporo TV Tower
• Take a mini cable car ride to Mt. Moiwa
• Check out the Christmas decorations at Sapporo Factory

Day 2: Begin your journey towards Otaru

Distance from Sapporo to Otaru: 40 km
Travel time: 1 hour approximately

After exploring Sapporo, it’s time to move towards the next city, which is Otaru. Considered the best place to visit in all seasons, there is a different kind of magic when you walk through the streets of Otaru during winter. Located between the ocean and mountains, it is famous for glass-blown items and music boxes.

Things you can do in Otaru:

• Walk through the historic Otaru Canal
• Visit the famous music box museum
• Tour around Nikka Whiskey Distillery
• Buy souvenirs from Kitaichi Glass shop

Day 3: Say hello to Asahikawa

Distance from Otaru to Asahikawa: 172 km
Travel time: 3 hours approximately

On day 3, you can leave early in the morning from Otaru to Asahikawa, one of the coldest cities in Japan. Unlike Sapporo, Asahikawa is a little less crowded, but receives more snow. A prime destination for skiing, you can find at least 8-10 resorts that are not very far away from the main highway. At night, notice how the neon signs shine and pave the path for travelers and local ducks.

Things you can do in Asahikawa:

• Witness the penguin parade in Asahiyama Zoo
• Explore the Asahikawa Ramen Village
• Street shopping in Heiwa Dōri
• Take a short trip to Sounkyo Onsen Town

Day 4: Keep moving towards Asahikawa through Biei to Farm Tomita

Distance from Asahikawa through Biei to Farm Tomita: 46 - 48 km
Travel time: 2 hours approximately

The next stop on our itinerary: Farm Tomita, through the scenic rolling hills of Biei. The area is filled with a variety of flowers in the summer and gets covered under a white blanket during winter. During the years 2020 and 2021, the farm was closed after the majority of the flowers had finished blooming. In November 2022, after three years, the farm opened for the winter season.

Things you can do in Biei to Farm Tomita:

• Take a hike to Ken & Mary solitary poplar tree
• Go to the alpaca farm
• Rejuvenate at the local Biei hill cafes
• Drive to Shirogane Blue Pond at night

Day 5: Our next destination will be Noboribetsu

Distance from Farm Tomita to Noboribetsu: 219 km
Travel time: 3 hours approximately

For day 5, your next destination will be Noboribetsu, which is famous for its volcanic scenic views and natural hot spring river. Although the area does not receive heavy snow, the view definitely feels like you are driving through a scene of Narnia. Often regarded as one of Japan's best onsen towns, you cannot skip this place when visiting Hokkaido.

Things you can do in Noboribetsu:

• Soak your body in either an outdoor or indoor hot spring (onsen)
• Walk through Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
• See the beautiful Sengen Park Geysers
• Take a short hike to Oyunuma Pond
• Go for Onibi-no-Michi (Path of Demon Lights) nightwalking trail

Day 6: Reach Hakodate, your final stop

Distance from Noboribetsu to Hakodate: 195 - 208 km
Travel time: 4 hours approximately

On day 6th begin moving towards our final destination, Hakodate. Located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido, this historic city gives a European - Japanese vibe with its western churches and consulate buildings. As the city is surrounded by water and covered with lights during the winter, you won’t be able to take your eyes off this place.

Things you can do in Hakodate:

• Enjoy the view at Mt. Hakodate
• Visit the tropical Botanical gardens
• Walk down Motomachi slopes
• Check out Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Day 7: Wrap up your trip

Distance from downtown Hakodate to Hakodate Airport: 8.6 km
Travel time: 16 minutes approximately

Before saying “shitakke” (goodbye in Japanese) to your 7-day Hokkaido tour, have a delicious breakfast at Hakodate Morning Market and stroll around the nearby areas, like Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street, to buy some souvenirs. After that, you can continue your journey back to your home or move forward with whatever your next plans may be.

Tips for a smooth trip in Hokkaido during winter

• Expect delays due to unforeseen weather conditions: During winter, the whole island of Hokkaido gets covered in snow, so expect snow blizzards or suspension of highways for a few hours until everything gets cleared.
• Keep the route compact: While touring Hokkaido in winter, you need to ensure you stick to your route. Unnecessary detouring is not a good option at this time of the year, as it will only add more time to your travel.
• Dress in easy-to-remove gear: Some restaurants or cafes in Hokkaido have built-in heating systems that could make you sweat as soon as you enter. It’s best to layer yourself with easy-to-remove clothes.
• Carry cash for small town visits: Not all Japanese towns have modern daily infrastructure to receive cashless transactions. It’s best to carry some physical money for such places.
• Do keep a toll pass handy: If you are renting a car, you can ask for a Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) and an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card.

  Tip: The benefit of using ETC and HEP is that you get a flat toll rate, uninterrupted highway driving & non-stop toll booth passage. But they are not compulsory, and you can always choose to pay with cash or card.

• Drive during the day: The sun sets at 4 p.m. in Hokkaido during winter. This leads to a lack of natural sunlight, which could make it hard for drivers to see the road clearly. Also, as the temperature drops during the night, melting ice starts to form black ice that could make the roads slippery.
• Reserve early: During winter, Hokkaido hosts many festivals & carnivals which bring in a lot of crowds. To get the best facilities, be it renting a car or accommodation, it’s best to reserve them early.

Top winter carnivals & shows that take place across this route

What is the most feasible way to tour around Hokkaido?

Although public transportation is pretty good for the main city areas, a private car will allow you to visit the remote areas. It also gives you the flexibility to take a stop wherever you like. For people coming from abroad or locals who want to travel on the wintry roads of Hokkaido, you always have the option to rent a car.

No matter where you want to start your journey, be it from the airport or from downtown, car rental suppliers can accommodate your needs. In fact, you don’t have to worry about traveling back to return the rental if you choose a one-way rental option at an additional charge, which is usually included in the rental price.

Whether you are planning to travel solo or going on a group trip, there are numerous car categories to choose from. The time restriction that comes with traveling by public transport is also eliminated with a rental car. It allows you to travel as per your convenience and plans.

FAQs

• What equipment should your rental car have during a Hokkaido road trip in the winter?

  During winter, the roads in Hokkaido are covered in snow and black ice, which could make it difficult to drive. When you arrive for pickup, check whether your rental is equipped with snow chains & winter tires. If your car does not have the mentioned equipment, you can request the supplier to add them (it may be chargeable).

• How many days are enough for a Hokkaido trip?

  If you are on a tight schedule, then 5-7 days are enough to cover the key attractions and get the best of this island. You can easily visit the popular cities like Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate in this span of days.

• What documents do you need to rent a car in Hokkaido?

  The main documents that you will require for renting a car in Hokkaido are:

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • A valid driving license
  • A government-approved ID &
  • A valid credit card under the main driver’s name.

  Apart from this, if any other document is required, it will be mentioned in the rental confirmation voucher and supplier’s rental terms.

• How far should I drive per day in Hokkaido during winters?

  If it’s snowing and the sun is about to set, then keep it under 150 km. If you start early in the morning, you can easily cover 300 kms before completing half a day, but drive slowly and carefully.