3 day itinerary for Hokkaido

Itinerary

Hokkaido is a fantastic destination, especially when you’re exploring with friends. You’ll find stunning landscapes, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here’s a fun and engaging 3-day itinerary for you and your friends:

## Day 1: Sapporo Exploration

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try some Hokkaido milk and pastries; they’re known for their rich flavors!
• Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower: After breakfast, stroll over to the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower. It’s a great spot for some photos and a bit of history.

Midday:

• Odori Park: Take a leisurely walk through Odori Park, which stretches for 1.5 kilometers. It’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy the greenery.
• Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Alley: You can’t visit Sapporo without trying its famous ramen! Head to Ramen Alley and sample different styles. Don’t forget to try the miso ramen!

Afternoon:

• Sapporo Beer Museum: After lunch, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. You can learn about the history of beer in Japan and enjoy a tasting session. Cheers to that!

Evening:

• Dinner at Susukino: Head to Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district. Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) and try some fresh seafood or grilled meats.
• Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Susukino. You can find karaoke bars, pubs, and clubs to dance the night away!

## Day 2: Otaru Day Trip

Morning:

• Travel to Otaru: After breakfast, take a train to Otaru (about 30-40 minutes from Sapporo). The scenic ride is a great way to start the day!
• Otaru Canal: Once you arrive, head to the picturesque Otaru Canal. It’s especially beautiful in the morning light, and you can take a leisurely walk along the water.

Midday:

• Glass Workshops: Otaru is famous for its glassworks. Visit a glass workshop where you and your friends can try your hand at making your own glass souvenirs!
• Lunch at a Sushi Restaurant: Otaru is known for its fresh seafood, so grab lunch at a sushi restaurant. The sushi here is top-notch!

Afternoon:

• Otaru Music Box Museum: After lunch, visit the Otaru Music Box Museum. It’s charming and filled with beautiful music boxes. You can even buy one as a keepsake!
• Explore Sakaimachi Street: Stroll down Sakaimachi Street, lined with shops selling local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to try some famous Otaru cream puffs!

Evening:

• Return to Sapporo: Head back to Sapporo in the evening.
• Dinner at a Local Izakaya: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at another izakaya, perhaps trying some local specialties like Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).
• Relax at a Sento: If you’re up for it, unwind at a local sento (public bath) to soak away the day’s adventures.

## Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Morning:

• Travel to Noboribetsu: After breakfast, take a train to Noboribetsu (about 1.5 hours from Sapporo). This area is famous for its hot springs and beautiful nature.
• Hell Valley (Jigokudani): Start your day by exploring Hell Valley, where you can see steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other volcanic activity. It’s a unique landscape!

Midday:

• Lunch at Noboribetsu: Grab lunch at a local restaurant. Try some onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) – they’re delicious!
• Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura: After lunch, visit this historical theme park that recreates the Edo period. You can dress up in traditional clothing and enjoy various attractions.

Afternoon:

• Relax in an Onsen: Spend the afternoon relaxing in one of Noboribetsu’s famous onsens. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy trip. Enjoy the hot springs with your friends!

Evening:

• Return to Sapporo: Head back to Sapporo for your final evening.
• Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Hokkaido seafood or a delicious Hokkaido-style curry.
• Last Night Out: If you have energy left, explore Sapporo’s nightlife one last time. Maybe hit up a karaoke bar for some fun!

Tips:

• Transportation: Consider getting a JR Pass for easy travel between cities.
• Weather: Check the weather and pack accordingly, as Hokkaido can be chilly, especially in the evenings.
• Reservations: Make reservations for popular restaurants and activities, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons.

I hope you and your friends have an amazing time in Hokkaido! Enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences! 🌸🍣🎉