Are you planning a short trip to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island? In this article, we’ve put together the ultimate 1-night, 2-day travel plan for you to explore its breathtaking sights and experience Hokkaido’s distinct seasons.

Discover the gourmet delights of Sapporo, visit Otaru’s picturesque spots and indulge in Hakodate’s mesmerizing night view. We also provide an amazing drive course from Sapporo to the great outdoors of Biei and Furano, as well as our top recommendations for hot spring inns with stunning views.

In addition to all these, we cover convenient transportation tips, including airport access to Sapporo city and how to best utilize JR Hokkaido. And finally, we share our seasonal travel guide to Hokkaido, highlighting must-see spots during winter, spring, summer, and autumn. With this comprehensive guide, your 1-night, 2-day Hokkaido adventure will undoubtedly satisfy your wanderlust.

The Ultimate 2-Day/1-Night Plan of Hokkaido: Must-See Spots in Hokkaido

Embark on an ultimate 1-night, 2-day trip to Hokkaido, taking in the must-see spots and experiencing the beauty of Japan’s northernmost island. Begin your adventure by arriving at New Chitose Airport and heading to the vibrant city of Sapporo. Spend your first day enjoying Sapporo’s gourmet offerings and exploring historical sites. On the second day, visit the charming port city of Otaru, famous for its picturesque canals and unique attractions. End your trip with an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel, soaking in an onsen and indulging in Hokkaido’s delicious food.

Hokkaido Gourmet Attractions to Discover in Sapporo

Experience the charm of Hokkaido’s gourmet cuisine in Sapporo, a city renowned for its gastronomic delights. Start your culinary journey with a visit to the Nijo Market, where you can savor fresh seafood, including uni (sea urchin) and crab. Next, head to Ramen Yokocho, a famous alley lined with ramen shops offering Sapporo’s signature miso ramen. For dessert, treat yourself to Hokkaido’s famous soft-serve ice cream made from the island’s high-quality dairy products. Additionally, a trip to Sapporo would not be complete without tasting the local beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum. After a day of culinary exploration, enjoy a relaxing night at a local hotel.

Otaru Sightseeing: Suggested Spots and Activities

Discover the recommended spots and activities in Otaru, a city known for its beautiful canals, historical architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Begin your day by strolling along the Otaru Canal, lined with gas lamps and nostalgic warehouses. Next, visit the famous Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can find a wide variety of intricate music boxes, and the Kitaichi Glass, a store selling unique glass products. In the afternoon, explore Sakaimachi Street, a popular shopping area filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and galleries. For a taste of Otaru’s fresh seafood, dine at a sushi restaurant on Sushiya-dori. Before departing, remember to take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the Sea of Japan from the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway.

An absolute must-see spot to enjoy Hakodate’s spectacular night view.

Known for its breathtaking night views, Hakodate offers numerous must-visit spots to enjoy the city’s enchanting illumination. Among these spots, Mount Hakodate stands out as it offers a panoramic view of the cityscape and the surrounding ocean. Accessible by ropeway, this observation deck is perfect for capturing unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Another popular spot is the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, which boasts a western-style architecture that’s beautifully lit up at night. If you’re a history enthusiast, it’s an amazing place to experience Hakodate’s past while enjoying the stunning view of the harbor.

For a romantic night, Hachiman-zaka Slope will take your breath away. This picturesque street lined with charming shops leads to the waterfront, where the twinkling lights reflect off the calm surface of the water.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the Goryokaku Tower, where you can admire the star-shaped fort and the city’s glittering skyline from the observatory. These spots guarantee an unforgettable Hakodate night experience.

A driving course to enjoy the great nature of Biei and Furano from Sapporo

Embarking on a picturesque drive from Sapporo to Biei and Furano allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Hokkaido’s vast landscapes. Start your journey in the bustling city of Sapporo, and then head to the Biei area, where you’ll be greeted by vibrant flower fields and the iconic blue pond. Be sure to visit the Shikisai-no-Oka flower garden for a kaleidoscope of colors in bloom.

Next, drive to Furano, where the famed lavender fields of Farm Tomita await. Enjoy the sweet aroma of the lavender while taking in the mesmerizing views. Don’t forget to indulge in some lavender-flavored ice cream as a treat before continuing your journey.

Extend your adventure by visiting the enchanting Ningle Terrace, a collection of exquisite wooden cottages nestled amongst the forest. Here, local artisans showcase unique Hokkaido crafts, making it an ideal location to shop for souvenirs and support local businesses.

Lastly, unwind at the Furano Wine House to savor local wine selections with a stunning view of the vineyard and the rural scenery. This Sapporo to Biei and Furano drive promises an unforgettable escape into Hokkaido’s captivating nature.

Onsen and superb view: Secrets of Hokkaido’s recommended hot spring resorts

Hokkaido, a haven for hot spring enthusiasts, is home to numerous onsen towns that boast stunning sceneries and rejuvenating thermal waters. Among them, the Noboribetsu Onsen is a top choice, offering a variety of hot springs with therapeutic properties. Surrounded by lush forests and volcanic landscapes, this onsen town provides a truly relaxing experience.

Another must-visit destination is the Jozankei Onsen, nestled in the picturesque Sapporo valley. The picturesque surroundings of the Toyohira River, coupled with the soothing waters of the hot springs, make it an ideal spot for a serene getaway.

Finally, the Yunokawa Onsen, located near Hakodate city, is known for its beautiful ocean views and traditional Japanese inns. Enjoy a dip in the healing waters while soaking up the relaxing atmosphere of this seaside retreat. Each of these Hokkaido onsen towns promises a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with scenic surroundings and rejuvenating hot springs.

Transportation: Convenient airport transfer information

Visiting Hokkaido is a fantastic experience, but it’s essential to know how to get around efficiently. In this guide, we’ll discuss convenient airport transportation options, focusing on New Chitose Airport as the primary gateway to the region. We’ll cover practical tips and advice on getting from the airport to Sapporo city, as well as the benefits of using JR Hokkaido’s travel support services. With this information, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of your trip to Hokkaido’s popular tourist destinations, such as Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, and Furano.

Access and travel time from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City

New Chitose Airport is the primary gateway to Hokkaido, serving both domestic and international flights. Accessing Sapporo city center from the airport is relatively easy and takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the mode of transportation you choose. You have several options, including trains, buses, and taxis.

Trains are an efficient and budget-friendly option: the JR Rapid Airport train connects the airport to Sapporo Station in just 40 minutes. Alternatively, buses are available from the airport to the city center, taking around 70 minutes and stopping at major hotels and landmarks in Sapporo. Finally, taxis can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage, but they can be expensive, with fares starting at around 10,000 yen.

JR Hokkaido’s Travel Support: Points to Use

When traveling in Hokkaido, taking advantage of JR Hokkaido’s travel support services can help you save time and money. These services include discount passes, reservation assistance, and guided tours. Some key points to consider:

– JR Hokkaido offers various discount passes, such as the Hokkaido Rail Pass and the Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass, which provide unlimited train rides within specified areas and timeframes. They can be an excellent value for tourists planning to explore multiple destinations.

– JR Hokkaido’s travel support services also include reservation assistance for those who may encounter language barriers. Their staff can help you book accommodations and make restaurant reservations in Japanese.

– Guided tours can be a great way to enjoy Hokkaido’s attractions without the stress of planning your itinerary. JR Hokkaido offers various tour packages covering popular spots such as Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa.

By utilizing JR Hokkaido’s travel support services, you can fully enjoy the charm and beauty of Hokkaido without the worry of transportation and language barriers.

Recommended Car Rental Companies in Hokkaido and Points to Note

Renting a car is a convenient and popular option for travel in Hokkaido. Recommended car rental companies are as follows

– Toyota Rent-A-Car 

– Nissan Rent-A-Car 

– Times Car Rental 

– Nippon Rent-A-Car 

– Orix Rent-A-Car 

These companies operate nationwide and have many outlets in Hokkaido. However, there are some points to note.

First, it is important to make reservations in advance. Demand increases especially during the tourist season, so reservations are difficult to obtain. Also, as a precaution when driving, consider using studless tires and installing a drive recorder, as slip accidents are more likely to occur depending on road conditions and weather. Finally, speed limits and temporary stopping rules according to the Road Traffic Law must be strictly observed. With these precautions in mind, enjoy the vast nature of Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Sightseeing by Season: Recommended Travel Time Guide

Because Hokkaido offers four distinct seasons, it is important to choose the right time of year to travel. Spring is a time of beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in May. Summer is cool and pleasant, and the hilly areas of Biei and Furano are spectacular. Autumn brings beautiful autumn foliage and views of the Tokachi River and the Daisetsu Mountains. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are very popular, and the powder snow is very attractive. Also, don’t miss events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Otaru Snow Light Path. Use this information to find the best travel time for you and enjoy sightseeing in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido in Winter: Snow Festival and Winter Spots

Winter in Hokkaido is a season of beautiful snowy landscapes and many attractive spots. First, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a large-scale event held every February, with many snow and ice statues on display. Also, at Otaru Snow Light Path, the streets along Otaru Canal are fantastically lit up in the snow.

Other recommended spots include a penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo, Hatsumode at Hokkaido Shrine, a night view from Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate, and Hell Valley at Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Springs. In addition, Jingisukan, seafood bowls, and crab dishes are popular winter delicacies. Furthermore, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can enjoy powder snow at Niseko and Rusutsu Resorts. Visit these spots and enjoy Hokkaido’s winter to the fullest.

Hokkaido in Spring, Summer, and Autumn: Sightseeing Spots in Each Season

Hokkaido offers a wide variety of sightseeing spots throughout the three seasons of spring, summer, and fall.

In spring, you can feel the breath of nature by visiting the hilly areas of Biei and Furano where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. In Otaru, visitors can take a break at a café along the canal and enjoy the historical architecture.

In summer, parks in Sapporo City, lakes near Sapporo, and the vast flower fields of Biei and Furano are popular spots. The spectacular view from Mount Hakodate is also a must-see, and the night view is particularly attractive.Autumn is the season for autumn foliage, so visitors can enjoy the seasonal nature of Daisetsuzan, the forests and lakes of Tokachi, and Asahikawa. Soaking in a hot spring bath during your trip is also recommended.

A variety of sightseeing and hotel accommodation plans are available for each season. Choosing a travel agency or tour site to book is also important, so do your research in advance.

Explore Hokkaido’s spectacular tulip and lavender scenery

Hokkaido is particularly famous for its tulips and lavenders, which attract many tourists when each flower is at its best.

Tulips are at their best from late May to early June, and the vast tulip fields that stretch across the hills in the Biei and Furano areas are spectacular. Also recommended are the tulip parks in Nakasatsunai-mura and Kagoshima City.

Lavenders are at their best from late June to mid-July, and the lavender fields in Furano are particularly famous. Lavender can also be seen in Biei and several parks in Sapporo City.

Both flowers can be accessed by bus or JR. Visitors can also enjoy tours led by local guides at tourist information centers in each area, as well as gourmet foods and souvenirs in the area.

Hokkaido Overnight Trip Summary and Planning for Next Trip

While it is difficult to visit many sights in the limited time available for an overnight trip to Hokkaido, advance planning allows for effective enjoyment.

On this trip, we explored the sights to be enjoyed during each of the spring, summer, and fall seasons, as well as the spectacular views of tulips and lavender.

For your next trip, plan to enjoy hot springs, gourmet food, and Hokkaido in winter. For further information and special offers, we recommend checking travel agencies and tourist websites.