A standard model course for Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko to enjoy your first trip to Hokkaido
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 4 days and 3 nights
- Main methods of transportation
- train, car
[4 days/3 nights] This model course introduces typical tourist spots, experiences to enjoy the great nature, and gourmet foods in Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko area. This is a 4-day/3-night model course that allows you to tour efficiently. If this is your first visit to Hokkaido, please use this course as a guide to visit various spots.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
New Chitose Airport
Hokkaido Main Gate
From JR New Chitose Airport Station, located on the basement floor of the airport terminal building, the train will take you to JR Sapporo Station. Please enjoy the typical Hokkaido scenery seen from the train window.
JR Sapporo Station
Once you arrive at Sapporo Station, enjoy your meal!
Here are some recommended lunches within walking distance from the station
- [Sushi] Nemuro Hanamaru at Sapporo Station
- This restaurant is a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant with a lively atmosphere. The main restaurant is located in Nemuro, and seafood landed in Nemuro and nearby seas is shipped directly from there. You can enjoy the freshest seasonal flavors.
Address: Sapporo Stellar Place 6F, Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
TEL: 011-209-5330 - https://www.sushi-hanamaru.com/lang/en.html
- [Soup Curry] Rojiura Curry SAMURAI, Sapporo Station APIA
- This restaurant specializes in soup curry. This light soup-like curry with lots of spices is a local delicacy of Hokkaido. The soup is made with carefully selected vegetables, and the flavor of the ingredients is concentrated in the soup.
Address: Joyful Walk in the Apia West underground shopping center at the south exit of Sapporo Station, Kita 5-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
TEL:011-209-1450 - https://samurai-curry.com/shop_apia/
Sapporo is a city where you can also enjoy good food. There are many restaurants and other places to eat. Enjoy your meal at your favorite restaurant.
Sightseeing in central Sapporo
Highly recommended places to visit
Walking around Odori Park
- Odori Park
- Located in the center of Sapporo, the park stretches 1.5 km from east to west. With its beautiful flowerbeds and lawns, it is a place for citizens to relax. Various events are held throughout the year, including the Lilac Festival, YOSAKOI Soran Festival, and Sapporo Snow Festival.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10004.html
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- It is a historical building constructed in 1878. It was built as a martial arts training hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University). At that time, ceremonies such as entrance and graduation ceremonies for students were held there.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10006.html
Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo City. The area surrounding the park is the number one commercial district in Hokkaido. You can walk to the TV Tower, the red-bricked Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and the night spot Susukino.
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Pastoral landscape spreads out
The view from this observatory is very beautiful, overlooking vast meadows and the Sapporo Dome. You can taste "Genghis Khan" Mongolian barbecue at the rest house. Visitors can also enjoy various events throughout the year. The bronze statue of Dr. Clark, known as the pioneer of Hokkaido, is a popular photo spot.
- Address
- 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
- Telephone Number
- 011-851-3080
- Open
- 9:00-18:00 (Business hours may change depending on the season.)
Take a break and look for souvenirs around Odori and Sapporo Stations
Famous Hokkaido sweets makers are gathered here.
- Rokkatei Sapporo Main Store
- Rokkatei is popular for its "Marusei Butter Sandwich" and "Strawberry Chocolate." The first floor is a store and the second floor is a coffee shop. Original goods such as sundries are also popular as souvenirs.
Address: 3-3, Kita 4-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
TEL: 011-261-6666
Access: 5 minutes walk from Sapporo Station - https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/en/
- Kitakaro Sapporo Honkan
- This is a street-level store of the famous confectionery store "Hokkarou". The main store is located in Sunagawa; on the first floor you can purchase products exclusive to the Sapporo Honkan, and on the second floor you can enjoy light meals and a variety of sweets at the café.
Address: 5-1-2 Kita 1-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
TEL: 0800-500-0318
Access:4 min. walk from Odori Station - http://www.kitakaro.com/
Sapporo is home to many famous Hokkaido sweets makers' flagship stores. Visitors can enjoy original products and gourmet foods that can only be purchased at the flagship stores.
Mt. Moiwa
Enjoy the night view
From the observatory at the top of Mt. Moiwa, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Sapporo, the Ishikari Plain, and Ishikari Bay. The "Bell of Happiness" is located on the observatory at the top of the mountain and is a popular spot for commemorative photos.
- Address
- 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Telephone Number
- 011-561-8177
- Open
- Apr.-Nov./ 10:30-22:00 (last upbound 21:30)
Dec.-Mar./ 11:00-22:00 (last upbound 21:30) - Closed
- Service may be suspended due to maintenance inspections or during bad weather.
Dinner in Sapporo
Gourmet Eats in Sapporo
Hokkaido's soul food, "Genghis Khan" Mongolian barbecue
- Sapporo Beer Garden
- About 7 minutes by cab from Sapporo Station
Address: 9-2-10, Kita 7-jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
TEL: 0570-098-346 (Sapporo Beer Garden Reservations Center) - https://www.sapporo-bier-garten.jp/global/english.html
- Itadakimasu
- About 2 minutes walk from Susukino Station (Exit 4) on the Namboku Subway Line
Address: 5-1-6 Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
TEL: 011-552-4029 - https://xn--u8jf3af20ad.net/
This is a local dish representative of Hokkaido. Lamb or adult lamb meat is grilled in an iron pot with a raised mountain-shaped center and served with vegetables. It is even more delicious when served with cold draft beer.
The first day ends with check-in to the hotel.
We are planning to be active in Niseko tomorrow too! Make sure to get enough sleep to enjoy it to the fullest!
About 2 hours by car
Excellent Lunch in Niseko
Niseko attracts attention from around the world
Niseko is dotted with world-class stores. You will feel as if you are visiting a foreign resort.
Our chefs are particular about their ingredients and create exquisite dishes!
- LUPICIA
- This restaurant, boutique and sweets store is produced by Lupicia, a specialty store selling teas from around the world. "Yotei Sanroku Beer" made in the company's own factory goes well with dishes using local ingredients and tastes delicious.
Address: 58-5 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan-cho
TEL:0136-21-7880 - https://villa.lupicia.co.jp/en/index_en.html
- JoJo's Restaurant
- The spacious lodge-style restaurant seats over 100 people. The restaurant overlooks Mt. Yotei, allowing diners to enjoy the view. The specialty is a big-sized hamburger made from 100% Hokkaido beef and brimming with juices. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of sweets and dinner menus.
Address: NAC 2F, 179-53 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho
TEL:0136-23-2220 - https://nacadventures.jp/en/jojos-restaurant-en/
Outdoor Experience
Enjoy experiencing activities in Niseko
Niseko is a nature-rich resort area surrounded by the Niseko mountain range. There is Mt.Yotei (Ezo Fuji) to the east and Niseko Annupuri to the north. In summer, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, canoeing, and rafting. In winter, snow sports can be enjoyed with world-class snow quality. Many tourists from abroad can also be seen here.
- Address
- Inside JR Niseko Station building, 142-1 Chuo-dori, Niseko-cho
- Telephone Number
- 0136-44-2468
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- Open all year round
Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm MILK KOBO & Restaurant PRATIVO
Tasting soft-serve ice cream with a view of Mt.Yotei
This popular restaurant is under the direct management of Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm. It uses milk from healthy cows raised with love in the rich nature of Niseko. The soft-serve ice cream, pudding, and cheese made from their milk are very delicious.
- Address
- 888-1 Soga, Niseko-cho
- Telephone Number
- 0136-44-3734 (Niseko MILK KOBO)
- Open
- 9:30-18:00 (~17:30 in winter)
Lunch/ 11:00-15:00
Dinner/ Reservation required (until 16:00 2 days in advance)
Hot Air Balloon Experience
View of Mt. Yotei (Ezo Fuji) from the sky
The best time to experience hot air ballooning is early in the morning when there is little wind. You will soar to about 30 meters above the ground, and the panoramic view of Niseko from there is spectacular! The flight is a moored flight, so you can experience it casually. Children can also participate, so the whole family can enjoy the experience together. (*Subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled. Please contact us for details.)
- Telephone Number
- 0136-44-2468
About 15 minutes by car
Michi no Eki Niseko View Plaza
Shopping at a direct sales store
This is one of Niseko's representative roadside stations. The direct sales store offering a variety of seasonal agricultural products, soft-serve ice cream from the MILK KOBO, and a menu featuring the famous potato are popular. There is also a soup store using vegetables and fruits, a store specializing in sweets, and a store selling handmade sausages. It is a great place to take a break during a drive.
- Address
- 77-10 Aza Motomachi, Niseko-cho
- Telephone Number
- 0136-43-2051
- Open
- Information plaza building/ 9:00-18:00
Free space building/
・Agricultural products direct sales corner
8:30-17:00 (late Apr. to Oct.)
9:00-17:00 (Nov. to late Apr.)
・Takeout corner
9:30-16:30 (late Apr. to Oct.)
10:00-16:00 (Nov. to late Apr.) - Closed
- Yes
Otaru Triangle Market
Lunch right next to Otaru Station
The market is lined with about 15 stores on both sides of a 200-meter-long narrow street. You can buy goods at reasonable prices. There are also stores offering fresh seafood rice bowls and daily set menus using seasonal ingredients. You can also have your purchases cooked on the spot and enjoy an original rice bowl.
- Address
- 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0134-23-2446
- Open
- 7:00-17:00
- Closed
- Jan. 1
Site of the former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line
Walking around Otaru City
The former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line is part of Hokkaido's first railroad opening section. The line was once used to ship coal and marine products. The line is now abandoned and has been preserved as a tourist resource. Visitors can freely stroll along the approximately 1.6 km of railway track.
- Address
- 1-15-14 Ironai, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0134-33-2510
Otaru Canal
Symbol of Otaru
This canal was used to transport goods to ships during the period of Hokkaido's pioneering settlers. It is now a symbol of Otaru. At night, gas lamps are lit and the stone warehouses are illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere. It is also an attractive spot for photography.
- Address
- Minatomachi, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0134-33-1661
Otaru Orgel Doh
Strolling along Sakaimachi Dori
Inside the historic building, original products and a variety of music boxes are on display and for sale. The store is divided into five floors, each with a variety of music boxes with beautiful tones and glittering decorations.
- Address
- 4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0134-22-1108
- Open
- 9:00-18:00
- Closed
- Open all year round
Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3
Fantastic and romantic space
The museum has a coffee shop, Kitaichi Hall. The store is lit by as many as 167 lamps, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The flavorful milk tea soft-serve ice cream is highly recommended.
- Address
- 7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0134-33-1993
- Open
- 8:45-18:00
- Closed
- Open all year round
Otaru Art Base
Artistic and cultural space near Otaru Canal
Otaru Art Base is a facility where visitors can enjoy four historic buildings built at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as culture and art. Domestic and foreign arts and crafts that have glamorized the era are on display and open to the public. The stained glass museum is particularly popular.
- Address
- 1-3-1 Ironai, Otaru (Nitori Museum of Art)
- Telephone Number
- 0134-31-1033
- Open
- May-Oct./ 9:30-17:00
Nov.-Apr./ 10:00-16:00
*Admission is until 30 minutes before closing. - Closed
- May-Oct./ 4th Wedesday of every month
Nov.-Apr./ Wednesdays (the following day if it is a holiday), The New Year's holiday
*Subject to temporary closures or change of closing dates due to special exhibitions or changing exhibits, etc.
LeTAO Pathos
The Double Fromage Cheesecake is a popular item.
This store is directly operated by Otaru Confectionary Shop Lutao. It is a sweets store that offers a variety of popular products. The "Hokkaido Jersey Milk Pudding" is made from Hokkaido ingredients and is a popular item. The second floor is a café where you can enjoy pasta and other limited-edition sweets.
- Address
- 5-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0120-31-4521 (*This is not a direct line to the store. You will be connected to LeTAO's inquiry number.)
- Open
- 9:00-18:00 / 2nd floor cafe 10:00-18:00 (last order 17:30)
- Closed
- No
Kamaei
Factory direct sales store where you can see the attached factory through a glass window
Kamaei is a fish cake store. It boasts a large selection of fried kamaboko with a wide variety, as well as products unique to Otaru. Popular bread rolls are also available. At the eat-in corner, you can taste freshly fried fish paste on the spot. You can also taste the monthly special fish cake. Factory tour is free of charge.
- Address
- 3-7 Sakaimachi, Otaru
- Telephone Number
- 0134-25-5802
- Open
- 9:00-18:00
- Closed
- *Even if the store is open, the factory may be closed. Please check the official website for details.
[Accommodation] Jozankei Onsen
Popular hot spring resort close to Sapporo
The spring is clear and colorless with a mild salty taste. It warms the body from the core. It is also famous as a scenic spot. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery such as Futami Suspension Bridge, Shiraito Falls, Yunotaki Falls, and Maizuru no Toro.
- Address
- Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo
- Telephone Number
- 011-598-2012
Shiroi Koibito Park
Confectionery theme park
"Shiroi Koibito" is a famous confectionery representing Hokkaido. At this theme park, visitors can tour the production line and learn about the history of chocolate. Visitors can also enjoy making heart-shaped Shiroi Koibito cookies. This popular spot also has a garden with more than 200 kinds of roses in bloom, a Western-style building, a café, and a store.
- Address
- 2-11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo, Nishi-ku, Sapporo
- Telephone Number
- 011-666-1481
- Open
- 10:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:00) *Varies depending on facility
- Closed
- Open all year round
Arrival at New Chitose Airport (return rental car)
You can enjoy your trip in Hokkaido until just before your flight.
The airport is full of Hokkaido's souvenir stores, so you can choose from a variety of souvenirs. There are also a variety of gourmet stores. There are many facilities to enjoy such as a day spa, a theater, and spots featuring popular characters. Spend the time waiting for your flight in a meaningful way.