This trip focuses on enjoying Hokkaido to the fullest with culinary experiences, culture and some of the most beautiful nature in Japan.
Stefan Thorgeirsson
This day offers you the chance to get some fresh air and plenty of walking in case you had a long flight. The Imperial Palace is also a must-see for fans of history and it offers a stark contrast to the modern high rises all around. Traditional Japan meets the modern age in the Chiyoda district.
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Highly recommended to walk or even run around the whole palace (about 5 km). However, please remember that the summers in Tokyo can get pretty hot and humid so early morning might be your best bet.
1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Very close to the Imperial Palace. This beautiful station offers culinary options as well as a variety of shops. During the summer you'll also find a place to escape the heat.
Shibuya is home to one of the largest pedestrian crossings in the world. It can be packed with people - locals and visitors alike. But this day offers you the opportunity to walk into the surrounding neighbourhoods and explore some of the less known areas of Shibuya.
21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
The crossing can get quite crowded, especially during rush hour. Prices around the crossing can also be a bit inflated so if you are looking to do some shopping it might be good to walk around and browse before making a decision. This however is a must-take photo opportunity.
Cat St, 3-chōme-18 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Very cute little shopping street with lots of fun shops and vintage clothing stores. Here you can immerse in the local fashion trends.
4-chōme-12-10 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Omotesando is one of the more expensive parts of Tokyo and the shops here are high end. Have a walk around, perhaps with some shopping included, and enjoy the interesting architecture of the area.
5-chōme-32-31 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
After some potential shopping and definitely plenty of walking the Trunk Hotel is a great place to sit down and grab a cup of coffee or even a drink. Seats are available outside as well as indoors and the views are quite beautiful.
Some of the oldest parts of Tokyo blended together with modern buildings, entertainment and the highest broadcasting tower in the world - Tokyo Skytree.
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Sensō-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and pairs well with a visit to the Asakusa Shrine. It's one of the more popular areas to visit so we recommend early mornings or afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds.
1-chōme-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
1-chōme-8-13 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan
Sumida River, Tokyo, Japan
Take a break from the bustling city as you stroll along the famous Sumida River and its 37 individually designed bridges.
1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Tokyo Skytree is the highest broadcasting tower in the world at 634m. There are two observation decks available to the public offering some of the best views of the Tokyo and its surroundings.
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 2-chōme−12−１８ 銀座本社ビル Ｂ棟
Before heading to Hokkaido, it is super convenient to send the luggage with Yamato to your next hotel. That way you don't have to drag your luggage around Tokyo. You simply board your flight and the luggage will be waiting for you at your destination. You can find Yamato services in their stores, like this one in Ginza, some convenience stores, hotels and on TripToJapan as well, see details in my Instagram Reel:
For a main hub in Hokkaido we recommend the Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu. Located in Nakajima-koen, close to Odori Park and the city center, it's a very convenient hub for exploring Sapporo and the rest of Hokkaido.
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and the fifth largest in Japan. This day is all about getting to know the city famous for some of the best culinary options in Japan, a rich history and in the wintertime, the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Japan, 〒060-0042 北海道札幌市中央区大通西１〜１２丁目
Odori Park is a very long, albeit not very wide, public park in Sapporo. The city is literally built around Odori and you can navigate it by knowing how many blocks North, East, South or West you are from the park. In the winter, it is famous for snow sculptures and in the summer it's a great place to picnic or grab a drink at the beer gardens.
1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
Sapporo TV Tower is located at the eastern end of Odori Park and is home to multiple smaller restaurants and ramen-shops. Although not as tall as the Tokyo TV Tower it is one of the landmarks of Sapporo and definitely a good photo opportunity.
2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan
Here we move into the city's history. The Clock Tower is a Western-style building from the 19th century which houses a museum dedicated to the formation of the city itself in the 1870s.
6 Chome Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Japan
Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jōnishi, 4-chōme 南2・3条西1～7丁目
Multiple neat little shops, vintage clothing stores and fun bars are found in Tanukikoji and since we are in Sapporo, everything is within walking distance.
We are now in the central-west part of Sapporo where the city reaches the surrounding mountains. Maruyama is one of those mountains and is actually a good choice for a moderate hike. The views from there and The Moiwa Ropeway are marvellous.
474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959, Japan
Japan, 〒064-0959 北海道札幌市中央区宮ケ丘３
5-chōme-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan
9-chōme-1-1 Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan
9-chōme-2-10 Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0007, Japan
Visit the Es Con Field, home to Hokkaido's Nippon Ham Fighters baseball team, Nijo Seafood Market and Moerenuma Park for a day of architecture, sports, seafood and art.
１番地 F Village, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido 061-1116, Japan
Located in Kitahiroshima on the outskirts of Sapporo, Es Con Field is a state-of-the-art 35,000 spectator stadium, built in 2023. As a former resident of Sapporo, the Nippon Ham Fighters are of course my favourite team and the best in Japan. If you're lucky, you might even get tickets to see them play! Es Con Field is also home to restaurants and hotels which might provide a convenient place to stay as a base while in Hokkaido.
Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jōhigashi, 1-chōme, 南３条東１丁目〜２丁目
Hokkaido, possibly, has the best seafood in Japan. Explore this integral part of the Japanese economy and see some of the freshest seafood on the planet. Finally, of course, finish with some nice sushi, sashimi or kaisen-don.
1-1 Moerenumakōen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan
Moerenuma park is great for those wanting to explore art and design but it is also possible to rent a bicycle for a longer ride in the park.
Otaru offers a great day trip from Sapporo where you can see a completely different architecture, sample some of the local seafood and learn about marine life around Hokkaido at the Otaru Aquarium.
3-chōme-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan
5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan
Japan, 〒047-0007 Hokkaido, Otaru, Minatomachi, 5−４ 小樽運河倉庫群
Highly recommended to sit outside by the canal and enjoy some sun or a refreshing winter breeze depending on the season. The multiple options of drinks and food will leave everybody satisfied.
Jozankei is one of the many hot spring (onsen) hot spots of Japan, no pun intended. A short drive into the mountains from Sapporo and you'll find yourself in a Studio Ghibli movie. Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing day in the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
608-2 Jōzankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301, Japan
This beautiful hot spring caters to day-visit guests and includes multiple baths, steam rooms, a restaurant and relaxation rooms.
Asahikawa is very close to the center of Hokkaido and represents many aspects of the local culture and history. Asahikawa is famous for its traditions of wood-carving and Ainu culture which cannot be missed.
11 Chome Hokumoncho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0825, Japan
Learn about the rich Ainu culture of Hokkaido by visiting this museum and village replica in Asahikawa. Samples of wood-carvings, musical instruments, hunting methods and art tell the history of these indigenous peoples of Northern Japan.
10-chōme-1-35 Nagayama 2 Jō, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8412, Japan
Asahikawa is also famous throughout the world for design and furniture making. This museum introduces you to some of these products and includes interactive activities for your creativity to shine.
4-chōme-119-48 Nagayama 11 Jō, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421, Japan
Hokkaido has the best ramen in Japan. But within Hokkaido there are different types of ramen and they are of course all the best. Here you can sample some of the local options and compare to what you might have had in other parts of Japan.
Shakotan peninsula is home to some of the most magnificent views in Hokkaido. This volcanic area includes forested mountains and sheer cliff drops by the seaside. A great place to bask in the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
Shakotan, Shakotan District, Hokkaido, Japan
Shakotan offers multiple hiking options. Find one that suits your level of difficulty and remember to bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and bear spray as Hokkaido is home to brown bears. If in doubt, local guides are available and recommended.
Shiraoi is, with Asahikawa, one of the cultural centres of the Ainu in Hokkaido. It's also right by the Pacific Ocean and home to some of the best kaizen-don (seafood bowls) in Japan.
2 Chome-3 Wakakusacho, Shiraoi, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido 059-0902, Japan
The best place to learn more about Ainu culture and history. You can easily spend 2-4 hours in this large museum complex. Look for musical and dance ceremony demonstrations.
Shiraoi, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido, Japan
Multiple farms and seaside restaurants offer a variety of local delicacies from Hokkaido.
Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jōnishi, 4-chōme−７番 １ フェアリースクエア
Just as before, you can send your luggage to your next destination before heading to the airport. Use Yamato and save time and effort. For more details, check out my reel:
One of the best ways to see the city of Shizuoka and a great opportunity to sample some of the finest tea in Japan. Try out the different options of Sencha, Hojicha, and of course Matcha.
4-16 Ōtemachi, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0853, Japan
Learn about the City and Prefecture of Shizuoka at this vast museum.
Shizuoka
Explore some of the best views of this 3,800m high volcano that has defined Japan throughout its history.
Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
There are many Chinatowns in Japan but this might be the best one. If you are eager to take a break from Japanese cuisine, Chinatown might have some exciting options for you.
2-chōme-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
Yokohama is one of the main ports of Japan. At this museum you can learn about the commercial as well as the military importance of Yokohama to Japan.
Roppongi is a high-end district of Tokyo. Famous for architecture, shopping and being home to some of the more luxurious options of Tokyo.
Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6-chōme−10−１ Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 52階
Japan, 〒106-6150 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6-chōme−10−１ Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 53階
The Mori Art Museum is a major contemporary art museum in Tokyo, situated on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, offering a great view of Roppongi and its surroundings.
There are many visitors in Tokyo, but what do the locals do? This day offers the opportunity to relax in the minimalist sentos (local hot spring), eat at an Izakaya, and enjoy the backstreets of Tokyo.
Meguro River, Tokyo, Japan
Have a stroll along the Meguro River. Note that in March and April it will be packed with visitors for the world famous Sakura cherry blossoms.