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Central Hokkaido
Self drive tour
MODEL ITINERARY
day 1
182 km



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Lake Toya
If you're intrigued by Ainu culture, take a detour to visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.
Proceed to Noboribetsu and discover the "Hell Valley" of Jigokudani, a place where steam vents, sulfurous streams, and volcanic activity create a mystical landscape. This valley is the source of the hot springs that feed the onsens of Noboribetsu.
Following trails from the valley, through lush, forested hills, you'll reach Oyunuma, a sulfuric pond with surface temperatures of 50°C, in about 20-30 minutes.
Leaving behind the fiery depths of Jigokudani, head toward Muroran and Cape Chikyu, one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque and breathtaking viewpoints.
Crossing the grand Hakucho Ohashi Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in eastern Japan, you will then make your way to Lake Toya for the night.
Your stay will be at Toya Manseikaku or a similar accommodation, with dinner included.
Noborietsu - Jigokudani
Arriving at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, you’ll pick up your rental car from the Toyota Rent Desk. From the airport, head southeast toward the serene Lake Shikotsu. Along the way, admire the Yamasen Tenkyo, the ruins of an iron bridge spanning the lake.
Continue your drive toward Tomakomai and Noboribetsu.



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Cape Chikyu

day 2
124 km
Shikotsu Toya National Park
After breakfast drive north along Route 66, making your first stop at Shikotsu Toya National Park’s Silo Observatory.
This restored lookout, perched on a hill, offers a stunning panorama of Lake Toya, Mount Usu, and Showa-Shinzan.
Don't miss tasting the famous Toyako caramel pudding —a deliciously smooth and creamy treat, considered one of the best in Japan.

Makkari Shinto Shrine
After savoring the pudding, continue toward Niseko, stopping at Makkari Shinto Shrine, nestled at the base of Mount Yotei.
The shrine is one of the best places to view cherry blossoms, with a path lined by towering cherry trees leading to the main building, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Yotei. Parking is available just outside, across from the tori gate.



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Otaru
From here, journey on to Otaru, where you'll spend the night.
On the way, take a lunch break at Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm MILK KOBO before heading to your hotel in Otaru.
day 3
194 km



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Otaru > Asahikawa
After breakfast, it's time to explore the charming canals of Otaru. A visit to the Music Box Museum and Kitaichi Glass Factory is highly recommended.
After your canal adventure, begin your drive to Asahikawa. Consider stopping for lunch at Shiro Honten in Sunagawa, a café and shopping stop, or if contemporary art is your passion, visit Arte Piazza Bibai, an outdoor museum dedicated to Japanese artist Kan Yasuda.
You can also dine at the park’s café before continuing to Asahikawa and the famous Ramen Village for dinner.
Overnight stay at OMO7 Asahikawa or similar.
day 4
213 km

On your way to Furano, stop at Hokusei no Oka Observatory Park before arriving at Farm Tomita, famous for its vast fields of lavender. Cheese lovers may want to make a slight detour to the Furano Cheese Factory.
Biei and Furano
After breakfast, set out for a day of discovery in Biei and Furano. Leaving Asahikawa behind, make a scenic stop at Hokkaido’s most famous tree — Ken & Mary's Tree.

Next, head north to visit the vibrant Shikisai no Oka flower gardens and the ethereal Shirogane Blue Pond.
Finally, make your way to Sounkyo Gorge, where your next hotel, Choyo Resort Hotel Sounkyo or a similar accommodation, awaits.
day 5
214 km
Sounkyo Gorge
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, as today you will traverse one of Hokkaido’s most stunning scenic routes within Daisetsuzan National Park, eventually arriving at Tomamu. Along the way, stop to admire the seemingly endless forests from the Mikuni Pass.
Leaving the hotel, explore the surrounding Sounkyo Gorge, where you can witness many waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs. The most breathtaking are the Ginga and Ryusei Falls—the delicate streams of Ginga falling gracefully from Mount Daisetsu, resembling a silver thread. For the best view of both falls, visit the parking area along the road from Sounkyo Onsen to Lake Taisetsu.


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Daisetsuzan National Park
After crossing the Mikuni Pass, you’ll reach Nukabira Onsen, a peaceful village on the southeastern edge of Daisetsuzan National Park, ideal for hiking or cycling around the artificial Lake Nukabira. For a relaxing break, visit Naitai Kogen Farm or Michinoeki Kamishihoro, passing through Shirakaba Namiki, known for its iconic white birch-lined roads that play with light and shadow in summer, and become hauntingly beautiful in winter.
In the evening, arrive at Tomamu, where you may opt for dinner at your hotel’s restaurant. Overnight at Tomamu The Tower or similar.
day 6
174 km
Sapporo
After breakfast, head back toward Sapporo along the Hokkaido Expressway.
Spend your free time exploring the city. Must-see sights include Shiroi Koibito Park, Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, Hokkaido Shrine, and Odori Park, among others.
Your hotel for the final night in Hokkaido will be the Karakusa Hotel.

day 7
After breakfast, return your rental car to Toyota Rent a Car at New Chitose Airport, where you’ll catch a free transfer to the terminal for your departure.
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