3 day itinerary for Hokkaido

Itinerary

Hokkaido is a beautiful region with stunning landscapes, delicious food, and plenty of family-friendly activities. With a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation, I’ve crafted a delightful 3-day itinerary that should cater to everyone in your family, including the older member and the kids. Let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: Sapporo Exploration

Morning:

• Start with Breakfast: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café in Sapporo. Try some fresh Hokkaido dairy products, like milk or yogurt, and maybe a fluffy melon bread!
• Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower: After breakfast, take a short stroll to the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower. It’s a great spot for some family photos and a bit of history.

Midday:

• Odori Park: Head over to Odori Park, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk. The park is beautiful, especially if the flowers are in bloom. There are plenty of benches for the older family member to rest while the kids can run around.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant. Sapporo is famous for its ramen, so don’t miss out on trying Sapporo-style miso ramen!

Afternoon:

• Sapporo Beer Museum: After lunch, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. It’s interesting for adults, and there’s a lovely garden outside where kids can play. The museum also has a tasting room for the adults to enjoy some local brews.

Evening:

• Dinner at Susukino: Head to Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, for dinner. There are many family-friendly izakayas (Japanese pubs) where you can try local dishes like Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).
• Relax: After dinner, take a leisurely drive back to your accommodation and rest up for the next day!

## Day 2: Otaru Day Trip

Morning:

• Drive to Otaru: After breakfast, set off for Otaru, which is about a 30-minute drive from Sapporo. The scenic coastal drive is lovely!
• Otaru Canal: Once you arrive, start your day with a stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal. The old warehouses and the charming atmosphere are perfect for family photos.

Midday:

• Glass Workshops: Otaru is famous for its glassworks. Consider visiting a glass workshop where the kids can try their hand at making their own glass souvenirs. It’s a fun and memorable experience!
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the canal. Otaru is known for its fresh sushi, so treat yourselves!

Afternoon:

• Music Box Museum: After lunch, visit the Otaru Music Box Museum. It’s a delightful place where you can see and hear beautiful music boxes. The kids will love it, and there are plenty of unique items to browse.
• Shopping: Spend some time exploring the quaint shops along Sakaimachi Street. You can find local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs.

Evening:

• Drive Back to Sapporo: Head back to Sapporo in the late afternoon.
• Dinner: For dinner, consider trying a local specialty like soup curry, which is both delicious and kid-friendly.
• Relax: Wind down at your accommodation, perhaps with some local snacks or desserts!

## Day 3: Nature and Relaxation in Noboribetsu

Morning:

• Drive to Noboribetsu: After breakfast, set off for Noboribetsu, about a 1.5-hour drive from Sapporo. The drive is scenic, so enjoy the views!
• Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani): Start your day at Hell Valley, where you can see steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other volcanic activity. There are easy walking paths suitable for all ages, and the views are stunning!

Midday:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Noboribetsu. Try some Hokkaido seafood or a hot pot dish to warm up after your walk.

Afternoon:

• Noboribetsu Onsen: After lunch, relax at one of the many onsens (hot springs) in Noboribetsu. Many onsens have family-friendly facilities, and soaking in the hot springs is a great way to unwind. If the older family member prefers not to soak, they can enjoy the beautiful surroundings or a foot bath.

Evening:

• Drive Back to Sapporo: Head back to Sapporo in the late afternoon.
• Farewell Dinner: For your last dinner, consider a family-friendly teppanyaki restaurant where you can enjoy a fun dining experience as the chefs cook right in front of you!
• Evening Stroll: If everyone still has energy, take a short evening stroll around Sapporo to soak in the last moments of your trip.

And there you have it! A delightful 3-day itinerary in Hokkaido that balances exploration, relaxation, and family fun. Make sure to check the weather and local events during your visit, and enjoy your time in this beautiful region! Safe travels! 🌸🚗