Japan is such a fascinating country with a rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Starting from , you have a great base to explore Hokkaido and even venture a bit further if you wish. Here’s a fun and engaging 3-day itinerary for you!
Day 1: Explore
Morning:
Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Try a Hokkaido specialty like a fluffy milk bread or a fresh seafood donburi (rice bowl).
Visit the : After breakfast, stroll over to the iconic . It’s a lovely spot for photos and a bit of history!
Midday:
: Take a leisurely walk through , which stretches over 1.5 kilometers. It’s a beautiful green space right in the heart of the city. If you’re there in winter, you might catch the Snow Festival preparations!
Lunch at : Head to for lunch. You can sample fresh seafood, including crab and sea urchin, or try a bowl of ramen at one of the nearby shops.
Afternoon:
: After lunch, visit the to learn about the history of beer in Japan. Don’t forget to sample some local brews!
Visit the : This open-air museum showcases buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. It’s a great way to step back in time and see how people lived.
Evening:
Dinner in : Head to , ’s entertainment district, for dinner. Try some local specialties like Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) or -style ramen.
Night Views from : If you have time, take a trip up the for stunning night views of the city.
Day 2: Day Trip to
Morning:
Train to : After breakfast, take a scenic train ride to (about 30-40 minutes). The views along the coast are beautiful!
: Once you arrive, start your day with a stroll along the picturesque . The historic warehouses lining the canal are charming, especially in the morning light.
Midday:
Sushi Lunch: is famous for its sushi, so treat yourself to a sushi lunch at one of the local restaurants. The fresh seafood here is a must-try!
Visit the : After lunch, check out the . It’s a whimsical place filled with beautiful music boxes, and you can even make your own!
Afternoon:
: is known for its glassworks. Visit a glass workshop where you can watch artisans at work or even try your hand at making your own glass piece.
Explore : This historic street is lined with shops selling local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to try some of the famous cream puffs!
Evening:
Return to : Head back to in the evening.
Dinner at a Local Izakaya: Enjoy a casual dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can sample various small dishes and drinks.
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation in
Morning:
Travel to : After breakfast, take a train or bus to (about 1.5 hours). This area is famous for its hot springs!
: Start your day at Hell Valley, where you can see steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other volcanic activity. The landscape is otherworldly!
Midday:
Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Try some Hokkaido specialties like seafood or grilled fish.
: After lunch, treat yourself to a soak in one of the many onsen (hot springs) in the area. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate!
Afternoon:
: If you have time, visit the , one of the largest ryokans (traditional inns) in , which has a variety of baths and relaxation areas.
Explore the Bear Park: If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the , where you can see and learn about the native Hokkaido brown bears.
Evening:
Return to : Head back to in the evening.
Farewell Dinner: For your last night, enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Consider trying a kaiseki meal, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
And there you have it! A delightful 3-day itinerary that combines the best of , , and . Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌸✈️