10 day itinerary for Hokkaido

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 New Chitose Airport and take a train to Sapporo. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum to get a taste of the winter magic that awaits you.
• Evening: Stroll through Odori Park, 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 Otaru Canal and enjoy the charming old warehouses. Don’t forget to try some fresh sushi at one of the local restaurants.
• Evening: Head to the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival if it’s happening (check dates), where you can see beautiful snow lanterns lighting up the streets.

## Day 3: Otaru to Niseko

• Morning: Depart for Niseko (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 Niseko Village or Grand Hirafu.
• Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at your lodge or a local izakaya.

## Day 4: Skiing in Niseko

• 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 Niseko

• 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: Niseko to Furano

• Morning: Travel to Furano (about 2 hours by bus).
• Afternoon: Visit the Furano Ski Resort. It’s less crowded than Niseko 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 Asahiyama Zoo, 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 Sapporo Beer Museum 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 Sapporo Clock Tower or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to New Chitose Airport 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!