10 day itinerary
Hokkaido
Personalized with:Family with 3 childrenEarly DecemberSnow funScenery
Itinerary
Hokkaido in early December is a winter wonderland, perfect for a family adventure filled with snow fun and stunning scenery. Here’s a delightful 10-day itinerary that balances excitement and relaxation, ensuring your family has a memorable experience!
Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo
- Morning: Arrive at and take a train to Sapporo. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the to get a taste of the winter magic that awaits you.
- Evening: Stroll through , where you can see the beautiful winter illuminations. Grab dinner at a local ramen shop—Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen!
Day 2: Sapporo to Otaru
- Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Otaru (about 30 minutes). The views along the coast are breathtaking!
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the charming old warehouses. Don’t forget to try some fresh sushi at one of the local restaurants.
- Evening: Head to the if it’s happening (check dates), where you can see beautiful snow lanterns lighting up the streets.
Day 3: Otaru to
- Morning: Depart for (about 2 hours by bus). This area is famous for its powder snow!
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and rent some winter gear. Spend the afternoon at a family-friendly ski resort like or .
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at your lodge or a local izakaya.
Day 4: Skiing in
- All Day: Hit the slopes! Take a family ski lesson if you’re new to skiing. The kids will love the snow parks and gentle slopes.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) after a day of skiing. Many resorts have family-friendly onsens.
Day 5: Snow Activities in
- Morning: Try snowshoeing or snowmobiling for a change of pace. There are guided tours available that are great for families.
- Afternoon: Build a snowman or have a snowball fight! The kids will love the freedom of playing in the snow.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Hokkaido seafood!
Day 6: to Furano
- Morning: Travel to Furano (about 2 hours by bus).
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s less crowded than and has great family-friendly slopes.
- Evening: Check into your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 7: Furano Snow Fun
- All Day: Spend the day skiing or snowboarding. Furano is known for its beautiful scenery and great snow conditions.
- Evening: Try some local Furano wine or cheese at dinner. The kids can enjoy some delicious Hokkaido dairy treats!
Day 8: Furano to Asahikawa
- Morning: Depart for Asahikawa (about 1 hour by bus).
- Afternoon: Visit the , famous for its unique animal viewing experiences. The penguin walk is a must-see!
- Evening: Explore the local area and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 9: Asahikawa to Sapporo
- Morning: Head back to Sapporo (about 1.5 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the and learn about the history of beer in Japan. There’s a lovely park nearby for the kids to run around.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local izakaya or a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 10: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to for your departure.
Tips:
- Clothing: Make sure everyone is dressed warmly in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly in December.
- Transportation: Consider getting a JR Pass for convenient travel between cities.
- Food: Hokkaido is known for its seafood, dairy, and fresh produce, so be sure to try local specialties!
This itinerary balances snow fun with beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities, ensuring that everyone has a fantastic time in Hokkaido! Enjoy your trip!