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Hokkaidō (北海道) is Japan’s northernmost island, best known for its unspoiled nature and breathtaking scenery. The landscape of Hokkaido is everchanging by the season, from the snowy landscapes in winter to the mild outdoor temperatures in summer, Hokkaido makes for a fantastic visit year round. This Hokkaido 5 days itinerary will go over a trip that includes a wide variety of highlights, including the lively city life of Sapporo, the fish markets of Hakodate, zoological garden of Asahikawa and finally a moment to unwind in the volcanic onsen of Noboribetsu. All while using the Hokkaido rail network, we either recommend using the Japan Rail Pass or a 5-day Hokkaido Rail Pass for this itinerary. The Hokkaido Rail Pass costs 22,000 yen if bought in advance (23,000 yen at the station), while the nationwide Japan Rail Pass costs 53,000 yen for 7 days since October 2026. See our comparison below to decide which one suits your trip.
Where to visit in Hokkaido?
Sapporo
(suggested 1-2 days)
The capital of Hokkaido is both central and well connected in Hokkaido using the JR network. Whether you come in by air or rail, Sapporo makes for a great base to explore Hokkaido from. Like any capital, it’s the wide variety of things that make Sapporo worth visiting. During winter the Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) is amazing. It is held in early February, and the 2027 festival is scheduled for 4 to 11 February (check the official website to confirm the dates).
Once you’re done sightseeing for the day, head to Susukino to experience some of the best nightlife Japan has to offer. From drinking with locals, to eating local foods, or seeing night entertainment, you’ll find it all around the Susukino district.
Otaru
(suggested half-a-day)
The small harbour city of Otaru, is just a 30 to 50 minute train ride away on the JR from Sapporo, depending on the service (about 800 yen one way) and makes for a fantastic (half) day trip. It is famous for its old channel district and traditional structures. Otaru’s atmosphere is reminiscent about times past. Once you arrive at Otaru station, walk down Sakaimachi Street for local arts and crafts. Then visit a local restaurant for a fresh seafood lunch. Prices range from affordable sets to seafood bowls costing several thousand yen at popular restaurants.
Afterwards, visit one of Otaru's museums to get an idea of what life was like in the old days. There is also a railway-themed museum in the area, especially fun for kids and those interested in trains (check the current names and opening hours before you go).
Hakodate
(suggested 1-day)
Hakodate is since old times the gateway city into Hokkaido and one of the oldest settlements of the island. A typical day in Hakodate starts with a visit to the Hakodate Morning Market. It opens at 5:00 am from May to December (6:00 am from January to April) and closes at 14:00, so come early. The market has about 250 stalls and its history dates back to 1945. It’s open for locals and tourists alike, and a great place for a seafood breakfast.
A visit to Hakodate is not complete without visiting Fort Goryokaku, which is a huge star-shaped fort with five points. Built near the end of the Edo period (it was completed in 1866), it served to protect the access routes into Hokkaido. It was turned into a public park in 1914 and is planted with numerous cherry trees, making it especially scenic during the Sakura period. The observation tower next to the fort offers a bird’s-eye view of the star shape.
To finish the day in Hokkaido, we highly recommend going up to Mt. Hakodate, for a truly gorgeous view over Hakodate bay and surrounding area. The best time to go up is just before sunset, then see Hakodate slowly light up. Mt. Hakodate is considered one of the 3 most beautiful night views in Japan, together with Mt. Inasa overlooking Nagasaki and Mt. Rokko overlooking Kobe and Osaka Bay.
Asahikawa
(suggested 1-day)
Asahikawa is the 2nd largest city of Hokkaido, most famous for its zoological garden. It’s a very interesting place to learn about the native wildlife from Hokkaido and arctic animals, including a great penguin enclosure and polar bear ground.
In winter, the zoo opens shorter hours (10:30 to 15:30 in the 2026–27 winter season), so check the zoo’s website before you go. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station. Additionally, different kinds of animals from around the world can be marvelled at. The zoo is especially recommended for couples and families travelling with children.
If you come during winter, be sure to check out the Asahikawa Winter Festival, held in early February. Giant sculptures made from snow and ice are on display.
If you come during the other parts of the year, consider a side trip from Asahikawa to the lavender fields of Furano (at their best around mid-July) or the national park of Daisetsuzan. Both are a bit further out, so allow extra time and check the bus and train timetables in advance.
Noboribetsu Onsen
(suggested 1-day)
Noboribetsu the most famous hot spring resort in Hokkaido. The hot springs are naturally powered by volcanic activity and is the perfect place to unwind and finish your Hokkaido trip, before having to go back to daily life.
The most spectacular sight of Noboribetsu is Jigokudani (roughly translated as Hell’s Valley). A volcanic valley just above the town, where hot steam vents, warm water springs and an almost alien landscape can be seen. Entry to the valley is free. The river running through the valley has a pleasantly hot temperature and there are different spots where visitors can enjoy a footbath. The valley is an amazing hike outside of the winter season.
Different Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns) around Noboribetsu offer private bath and accommodation, including traditional meals. Prices vary widely, from lower cost options to luxury ryokan, so check current rates when you book. To get here, take the Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Station (about 1 hour 15 minutes, covered by both passes), then a local bus of about 15 minutes to the onsen town (not covered by the passes).
How to access Hokkaido
Hokkaido can be reached by rail from Tokyo on the Hokkaido Shinkansen. The Hayabusa takes a little over 4 hours to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, followed by a 20-minute Hakodate Liner ride to Hakodate city. The Shinkansen does not yet reach Sapporo, so to continue from Hakodate you take the Limited Express Hokuto, which takes just under 4 hours. The journey is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but not by the Hokkaido Rail Pass, which does not include the Hokkaido Shinkansen.. Alternatively, Hokkaido can be reached by air through the easily accessible Chitose (CTS) Airport, Sapporo.
FAQs
1. How much is a 7-day Japan Rail Pass?
Since 1 October 2026, the 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs 53,000 yen for adults in Ordinary class and 74,000 yen in Green Car. Children aged 6 to 11 pay roughly half. Check the current price in your currency on the ordering page.
2. Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the Shinkansen to Hokkaido?</h3>
Yes. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on the entire Hokkaido Shinkansen, including the Hayabusa from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. The Hokkaido Rail Pass does not cover it.
3. Can you take the Shinkansen to Sapporo?
Not yet. The Hokkaido Shinkansen currently ends at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. From there you continue by limited express train, and the extension to Sapporo is not expected to open until around the end of fiscal year 2038.
4. How much is the Hokkaido Rail Pass?
The 5-day Hokkaido Rail Pass costs 22,000 yen when bought in advance and 23,000 yen at the station. It covers JR Hokkaido trains but not the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
5. How long does it take to travel between Sapporo and Hakodate?</h3>
The Limited Express Hokuto takes around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours between Sapporo and Hakodate.
6. When is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in early February. The 2027 festival is scheduled for 4 to 11 February; check the official website to confirm the dates.
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