Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

It takes about an hour by car from downtown Sapporo to Otaru, and about 35 minutes by the Rapid Airport train.

Otaru is a port town facing Ishikari Bay, located northwest of Sapporo. The Otaru Canal Cruise, where you can tour the waterways developed to transport goods directly from the port to the warehouses by boat, is very popular! Along the canal, you can enjoy the exotic atmosphere of the town with its stone warehouses. Don't miss a stroll down Sakaimachi Street, home to Otaru's famous glass brand Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, which is one of the largest music box specialty stores in Japan housed in a Meiji-era building, and LeTAO, a renowned Western confectionery maker.

It's also recommended to take a short trip to the observation deck of the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway to enjoy the beautiful sunset and night view of Otaru. Trains run to Sapporo until around 11 PM, so you can enjoy a leisurely day trip.

"Jozankei Onsen," one of Hokkaido's representative hot spring destinations and often referred to as Sapporo's hidden retreat, is located approximately 60 minutes by car from Sapporo city center. Situated within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, it is a popular tourist spot known as a hot spring town nestled in a lush green valley. 

The area boasts numerous attractions, including the Jozan Gensen Park, which features foot baths, a hot water waterfall, and walking paths through mountain wildflowers, as well as the Futami Suspension Bridge, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery across all four seasons! With many facilities offering day-trip bathing options, it's easy to visit and experience the area.

Why not spend a day relaxing and warming yourself in this soothing hot spring town?

Located about an hour's drive from Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu is Japan's northernmost non-freezing lake, offering a variety of activities throughout the year in the midst of magnificent nature.

Thanks to its exceptional water clarity, you can enjoy unique experiences like flying canoe tours that make you feel like you're floating in mid-air, blue diving to experience the lake's famous "Shikotsu Blue" waters, and in winter, exciting ice walks where you can drift on floating ice or break through thin ice to jump into the lake! After your adventures, relax and recover your muscles at the Shikotsu Lake Hot Springs or the renowned Marukoma Hot Springs with their breathtaking views.

Don't forget to savor the special "Shikotsu Lake Chip" - a type of kokanee salmon that offers an unparalleled taste when prepared as salt-grilled fish, sashimi, or fried dishes!

"Shakotan Peninsula" is the only marine national park in Hokkaido. Located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sapporo by highway, it's a popular destination for scenic coastal drives. To fully experience the crystal-clear blue waters known as "Shakotan Blue," we recommend visiting Shakotan Cape, Cape Ogon, and Cape Kamui. 

Two fantastic cruise options allow you to explore the area's natural beauty and legendary charm from the water:

- The "Shakotan Underwater Observation Boat New Shakotan" cruises around Cape Ogon

- The "Shakotan Kamui Cruise" navigates the waters near Cape Kamui

And let's talk about Shakotan's culinary highlight - uni (sea urchin)! The prime season runs from June to August. Don't miss the chance to savor the rich, creamy uni served in a delicious rice bowl!

Asahiyama Zoo, a representative zoo of Hokkaido, has become famous for its "behavioral exhibits" that create comfortable spaces aligned with animal behaviors and showcase their natural actions. By car from Sapporo, you can reach the zoo in about 2 hours using the highway. For a day trip, bus tours are also recommended as they make transportation easy. There are plans that include entrance tickets and meals, which can be more economical than using public transportation. Some tours also include visits to nearby tourist attractions, so be sure to check the zoo's visiting hours and find a plan that suits you best!

When discussing Hokkaido's history and culture, the indigenous people, the "Ainu," are indispensable. "Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)" is a facility where you should visit to learn about Ainu culture. From Sapporo Station, you can reach Shiraoi Station by express train in about an hour, or by car using the highway in just over an hour.

The facility includes Japan's first national museum focusing on the indigenous Ainu people, the "National Ainu Museum," a " National Ainu Park" where you can experience Ainu culture through interactive field museum exhibits, and memorial facilities to honor the Ainu people with dignity.

There are also Ainu traditional dance performances, various experience programs, and the "Open Flame Dining and Cafe HARU RAN NA" where you can enjoy Ainu traditional cuisine and creative dishes using ingredients from Ainu culinary traditions. Here, you can fully experience Ainu history and food culture.

Not just for day trips from Sapporo, the area around New Chitose Airport is recommended for making the most of your Hokkaido trip even on your final day. Why not stop by some attractions before heading home?

Consider visiting the "Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium," where you can learn about the ecology of salmon and freshwater fish living in the Chitose River, or the "Northern Horse Park," a theme park packed with horse interactions and activities that can fill the time before your flight.

Moreover, even if you finish sightseeing early, New Chitose Airport offers various facilities to help you enjoy your remaining time comfortably. You can relax in hot springs, catch a movie, or savor delicious local cuisine before departure.

Located almost midway between Sapporo and Asahikawa, Sunagawa is home to around 20 cafes and confectionery shops centered along National Route 12, attracting sweets enthusiasts from all over Japan as the "Sunagawa Sweet Road". The variety is impressive, featuring traditional Japanese sweets, Western-style pastries, and seasonal limited-edition treats. Many shops also have cafes and eat-in spaces, making it perfect for a leisurely tea time.

From JR Sapporo Station, you can reach JR Sunagawa Station by express train in about 40 minutes. The Sunagawa Tourism Association's information center even offers free bicycle rentals, so you can enjoy cycling between cafes!