Hokkaido Itinerary Summer: The Ultimate 5-Day Train Guide
Key takeaways
- Explore Hokkaido's top summer highlights, including Furano's lavender fields and Otaru's historic canal, entirely by train.
- Save money on travel with the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, designed for seamless travel across the northern island.
- Avoid common seasonal mistakes by booking your trains, accommodation, and limited-express seats well in advance.
For travelers planning a Hokkaido itinerary in summer, a five-day route focusing on Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, and Biei offers the perfect mix of vibrant city life, historic coastlines, and blooming flower fields. This entire itinerary can be completed seamlessly by train, making it ideal for first-time visitors who prefer not to rent a car in Japan.
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Japan's northernmost island. While the rest of the country experiences high humidity and rainy seasons, Hokkaido remains relatively cool, dry, and comfortable. By utilizing the extensive rail network, you can sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes of rolling hills and dramatic coastlines.
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Planning Your Summer Trip: Essential Tips for Beginners
Traveling around Hokkaido by train is highly efficient, but summer brings large crowds. Knowing how to navigate the ticketing system and what to pack will ensure a smooth journey.
Using the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
For this itinerary, purchasing a regional rail pass is highly recommended. The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass offers unlimited rides on JR Hokkaido lines (excluding Shinkansen) for a set number of days. You can purchase this pass online or at major stations like New Chitose Airport Station (新千歳空港駅) and Sapporo Station (札幌駅).
Be sure to check the official Japan National Tourism Organization website for general travel entry requirements, and consult the official JR Hokkaido website for current pass prices, seat reservation rules, and route maps.
What to Pack for Hokkaido in Summer
- Layered Clothing: While daytime temperatures can reach around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), evenings can feel brisk, dropping to around 15°C (59°F). Carry a light jacket or cardigan.
- Sun Protection: You will spend a lot of time outdoors in Biei and Furano. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Expect to walk several kilometers a day, especially when exploring the flower farms and historic streets.
- Cash (Japanese Yen): While credit cards are widely accepted in Sapporo, some smaller shops, food stalls, and local buses in rural areas only accept cash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Booking Train Seats in Advance: The limited express trains between Sapporo and Furano get incredibly crowded in July and August. Reserve your seats as soon as you exchange your rail pass.
- Underestimating Travel Times: Hokkaido is vast. A journey that looks short on a map can take several hours by train. Always check the train schedules the night before.
- Missing the Last Train: Rural lines, particularly around Biei and Furano, have infrequent service. Missing a train can result in a wait of two hours or more.
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Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo and City Exploration
Your summer adventure begins at Sapporo Station (札幌駅), the central hub for transit in Hokkaido. After checking into your hotel, spend the day exploring the capital city's vibrant parks and culinary scene.
Morning: Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower
Start your walk at Odori Park (大通公園), a green oasis that stretches through the center of the city. In the summer, this park hosts the lively Sapporo Summer Festival, featuring massive outdoor beer gardens and food stalls selling fresh Hokkaido melon and grilled corn. At the eastern end of the park stands the Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔). You can purchase a ticket to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon: Historic Red Brick Office and Shopping
Walk north toward Sapporo Station to visit the Former Hokkaido Government Office (北海道庁旧本庁舎), affectionately known as the "Red Brick Office." The beautiful American neo-baroque building is surrounded by lush gardens and ponds that bloom with water lilies in the summer. Afterwards, explore the underground shopping pedestrian space, Chi-Ka-Ho, which connects Sapporo Station to the Susukino entertainment district.
Evening: Susukino and Sapporo Ramen
As the sun sets, head to Susukino (すすきの), Japan's largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. The streets light up with massive neon signs. For dinner, seek out Ganso Ramen Yokocho (元祖ラーメン横丁), a narrow alleyway packed with tiny shops specializing in Sapporo’s famous miso ramen.
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Read the Japan Town plan →Day 2: Day Trip to the Canal Town of Otaru
On your second day, take a scenic coastal day trip to Otaru (小樽), a historic port town located just northwest of Sapporo.
How to Get There
- Route: Take the JR Hakodate Line Semi-Rapid or Rapid "Ishikari Liner" from Sapporo Station directly to Otaru Station (小樽駅).
- Travel Time: Approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
- Tip: Sit on the right side of the train when departing Sapporo for beautiful views of Ishikari Bay as the train hugs the coastline.
Morning: The Otaru Canal and Historic Warehouses
From Otaru Station, walk about ten minutes down the main slope to the Otaru Canal (小樽運河). In the early 20th century, this canal was a bustling port hub. Today, the restored stone warehouses along the water house modern restaurants, breweries, and shops. Stroll along the paved path, which is decorated with gas lamps that light up beautifully at dusk.
Afternoon: Sakaimachi Street and Glass Workshops
Walk over to Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り), a preserved merchant street lined with historic western-style buildings. Otaru is famous for its high-quality glassware and music boxes. Visit the Kitaichi Glass outlets to see local artisans at work, and stop by the Otaru Music Box Museum (小樽オルゴール堂) at the end of the street, where thousands of delicate music boxes are on display.
For lunch, try a bowl of fresh seafood donburi (sushi rice topped with raw seafood) at the Sankaku Market (三角市場), located right next to Otaru Station. The sea urchin (uni) and salmon roe (ikura) are highly recommended during the summer season.
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Day 3: Journey to the Lavender Fields of Furano
Day three takes you deep into Hokkaido's agricultural heartland. Furano (富良野) is world-famous for its sweeping lavender fields, which reach peak bloom in July.
How to Get There
- Route: From Sapporo Station, take the JR Limited Express Lilac or Kamui to Takikawa Station (滝川駅), then transfer to the JR Nemuro Line bound for Furano Station (富良野駅).
- Seasonal Train: During the peak summer season, JR operates the special "Furano Lavender Express," which runs directly from Sapporo to Furano without transfers. Check the official JR Hokkaido website for seasonal timetables and dates of operation.
- Travel Time: Around 2 hours to 2.5 hours.
Morning: Farm Tomita
From Furano Station, transfer to the local JR Senmo Line and get off at the temporary Lavender Farm Station (ラベンダー畑駅), which only operates during the summer. From there, it is a short seven-minute walk to Farm Tomita (ファーム富田).
Farm Tomita is the crown jewel of Hokkaido's flower farms. Gentle hills are blanketed in vibrant purple lavender, alongside rows of red poppies, pink silene, and white baby's breath. Admission to the farm is free. Do not leave without trying their signature lavender soft-serve ice cream, which has a refreshing, subtly floral flavor.
Afternoon: Ningle Terrace
Take the train back to Furano Station and take a short taxi or local bus to Ningle Terrace (ニングルテラス). Located in a forested area next to the New Furano Prince Hotel, this whimsical village consists of log cabins connected by wooden boardwalks. Local artisans sell unique, handmade crafts from these cabins. In the afternoon, the forest canopy keeps the area cool, making it a peaceful retreat.
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Day 4: The Blue Pond and Rolling Hills of Biei
On Day 4, travel slightly north from Furano to the picturesque town of Biei (美瑛), known for its patchwork hills and otherworldly waters.
How to Get There
- Route: Take the JR Furano Line from Furano Station to Biei Station (美瑛駅).
- Travel Time: Approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
Morning: Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall
From Biei Station, take a local Dohoku Bus bound for Shirogane Onsen and get off at the Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池) stop. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
The Blue Pond is a stunning natural phenomenon where minerals in the water reflect sunlight, creating a brilliant, bright blue hue. Dead larch trees stand in the middle of the water, creating an ethereal atmosphere. After viewing the pond, walk or take the bus further up to the Shirahige Waterfall (白ひげの滝), where groundwater bursts from the cliffside into a rushing blue river below.
Afternoon: Cycling the Patchwork Road
Head back to Biei Station. Right outside the station, you will find several bicycle rental shops. Renting an electric-assist bicycle (e-bike) is the absolute best way to explore the hilly countryside.
Ride along the Patchwork Road (パッチワークの路), a scenic cycling route north of the town center. The area gets its name from the various crops grown in neat, colorful grids across the rolling hills. Famous stops along the way include the Ken and Mary Tree (ケンとメリーの木) and the Seven Star Tree (セブンスターの木), which have appeared in famous Japanese commercials.
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Day 5: Souvenir Shopping and Departure
On your final day, return to Sapporo to pick up unique regional souvenirs before heading to New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港) for your departure.
Morning: Nijo Market and Tanukikoji
Start your morning at Nijo Market (二条市場), a historic fish market in central Sapporo. It is a lively place to watch vendors call out their daily catches. Afterwards, walk through Tanukikoji Shopping Street (狸小路商店街), a covered arcade that has been operating since the Meiji period. It is packed with tax-free shops, drugstores, and souvenir boutiques.
What Souvenirs to Buy
- Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人): Thin butter cookies filled with white chocolate, representing the snow of Hokkaido.
- Rokkatei Sandwiches (マルセイバターサンド): Rich biscuits filled with white chocolate, raisins, and butter made from 100% Hokkaido milk.
- Hokkaido Melon Sweets: Look for jellies, chocolates, and cakes flavored with sweet local Yubari king melon.
Afternoon: Heading to the Airport
From Sapporo Station, take the JR Rapid Airport train directly to New Chitose Airport Station. The train runs frequently and takes roughly 40 minutes. Arrive early, as the airport terminal features an extensive shopping mall, a chocolate factory attraction, and a dedicated food court serving regional specialties from all over Hokkaido.
FAQ
- Q. Can you travel around Hokkaido in summer without renting a car?
- A. Yes, you can easily access Hokkaido's major summer destinations like Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, and Biei using the reliable JR Hokkaido train network.
- Q. What is the best month to see the lavender fields in Hokkaido?
- A. The best time to see the lavender fields in Furano is typically from mid-to-late July, though early August also offers beautiful summer blooms.
- Q. Is the JR Pass valid for trains in Hokkaido?
- A. Yes, both the nationwide Japan Rail Pass and the regional JR Hokkaido Rail Pass are valid on JR lines throughout the region.
