9 day itinerary
Hokkaido
Itinerary
Hokkaido is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning landscapes, delicious food, and plenty of activities for all ages. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 9-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive at and take a train to . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Head to , where the kids can run around and enjoy the fountains. Don’t forget to snap a family photo with the in the background!
Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local izakaya or try ’s famous miso ramen. Kids usually love the warm, hearty noodles!
Day 2: Exploration
Morning: Visit the and learn a bit about the city’s history. Then, head to the for a fun tour (the kids can enjoy the soft drinks!).
Afternoon: Spend some time at the , where the kids can see a variety of animals, including adorable penguins!
Evening: Have dinner at the , where you can find a variety of family-friendly restaurants. Try some fresh seafood!
Day 3: Day Trip
Morning: Take a train to (about 30 minutes). Explore the picturesque canal area and the charming shops.
Afternoon: Visit the , where kids can create their own music boxes! It’s a fun and creative activity.
Evening: Enjoy fresh sushi at one of ’s famous sushi restaurants. The kids will love the experience of watching the sushi chefs at work!
Day 4: Onsen
Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours from ). Check into a family-friendly ryokan (traditional inn).
Afternoon: Explore and see the steaming vents and sulfurous streams. It’s like stepping into another world!
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing onsen bath. Many ryokans have family baths, so you can soak together. Dinner will be a kaiseki meal, which is a multi-course feast!
Day 5:
Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes from ). Take a scenic boat ride on the lake and enjoy the beautiful views.
Afternoon: Visit the area and let the kids play at the lakeside park. There are also some fun foot baths!
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a fireworks display over the lake!
Day 6: Furano and
Morning: Travel to Furano (about 2 hours). Visit the , famous for its lavender fields (best in summer) and other beautiful flowers.
Afternoon: Head to and take a scenic drive through the rolling hills. Stop at the for some stunning family photos!
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in Furano, perhaps trying some local cheese or dairy products that the region is known for.
Day 7:
Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour). Visit the , which is famous for its unique animal viewing experiences.
Afternoon: After the zoo, head to the nearby for lunch. Each shop has its own specialty, so it’s a fun way to try different flavors!
Evening: Explore the city a bit more, perhaps visiting the , before heading back to your hotel for a restful night.
Day 8:
Morning: Travel to (this will be a longer journey, so consider staying overnight). Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and wildlife.
Afternoon: Take a guided boat tour to see the cliffs and possibly spot some wildlife like deer or bears (from a safe distance, of course!).
Evening: Stay at a family-friendly lodge or ryokan in the area. Enjoy a hearty dinner and share stories about your day’s adventures!
Day 9: Return to
Morning: Start your journey back to . If time allows, stop by the for a short hike and some last-minute nature exploration.
Afternoon: Arrive in and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs at .
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a family-friendly restaurant, perhaps trying some Hokkaido seafood one last time!
Tips for Traveling with Family:
- Transportation: Consider getting a JR Pass for convenient travel on trains.
- Food: Hokkaido is known for its dairy, seafood, and fresh produce, so be sure to try local specialties!
- Activities: Always check for family-friendly activities and facilities, especially at attractions.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable family adventure in Hokkaido! Enjoy every moment! 🌸✈️