A Week in Hokkaido, Japan Using Public Transportation

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a haven for nature lovers, offering stunning peaks, expansive landscapes, and abundant natural beauty. During a one-week journey using public transportation, we discovered Hokkaido’s charm without the stress of driving. While a week was not enough to explore all six national parks (or seven, if you include a quasi-national park), it was a fantastic introduction to this serene island.

Best Time to Visit Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s brief summer (July–September) is ideal for hiking, with cooler and drier conditions than southern Japan. Winter transforms the island into a snow sports paradise, with activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Visiting in early October allowed us to enjoy cool mountain temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage just before the first snowfall ended the hiking season.

One-Week Hokkaido Itinerary

Here’s an example itinerary for a week in Hokkaido, ideal for public transportation travelers:

• Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, stay overnight, and explore local sights.
• Day 2: Take the Shinkansen to Hakodate, then onward to Sapporo.
• Day 3: Sightseeing in Sapporo; evening train to Asahikawa.
• Day 4: Morning bus to Asahidake Onsen in Daisetsuzan National Park.
• Day 5: Hike in Daisetsuzan National Park.
• Day 6: Bus to Asahikawa, train to Hakodate, overnight stay.
• Day 7: Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

Traveling by public transportation simplifies logistics, but flying to Hokkaido (airports in Sapporo and Asahikawa) or renting a car can save time and offer more flexibility. An International Driving Permit is required for car rentals in Japan.

Highlights of the Journey

Tokyo

Start your journey in Tokyo. Staying at the Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi at Tokyo Station is convenient, especially for exchanging your Japan Rail Pass and booking tickets for the Shinkansen train. Exploring the bustling station, filled with shops, restaurants, and convenience stores, is an experience in itself.

Train from Tokyo to Hokkaido

The Shinkansen high-speed train takes you to Hakodate on Hokkaido’s southern tip in just four hours, passing through the Seikan Tunnel. From Hakodate, a regular train takes another four hours to Sapporo, showcasing the transition from urban landscapes to Hokkaido’s serene countryside.

Sapporo

Stay at the MyStays Sapporo Aspen, a mid-range hotel near Sapporo Station. Visit the tranquil Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, featuring leafy paths and exhibits on the Ainu people and Hokkaido’s natural history. Don’t miss the Sapporo Brewery, housed in a historic red-brick building. Enjoy a tasting of local beers and try the popular Genghis Khan grill at the brewery’s restaurant.

Asahidake Onsen (Daisetsuzan National Park)

Take the train to Asahikawa and catch a bus to Asahidake Onsen, a hot spring town in Daisetsuzan National Park. Stay at the rustic Daisetsuzan Shirakaba-so Ryokan, where traditional rooms with tatami mats provide a charming experience. Relax in the onsen pools and enjoy hearty Japanese meals included with your stay.

Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park

Explore the trails of Japan’s largest national park, including:

• Sugatami Pond Loop: A scenic hike with reflections of Mt. Asahidake.
• Asahidake Onsen Nature Trail: A gentle trail showcasing local flora and fauna.
• Nakadate Onsen Hike: A more challenging trail leading to a natural hot spring.

Return to Tokyo

Retrace your journey via Asahikawa and Hakodate, staying overnight at the JR Inn Hakodate before taking the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

Recommended Lodging

Here are some accommodations to consider for your trip:

• Tokyo: Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi (Tokyo Station)
• Sapporo: MyStays Sapporo Aspen (near Sapporo Station)
• Asahikawa: JR Inn Asahikawa (adjacent to Asahikawa Station)
• Asahidake Onsen: Daisetsuzan Shirakaba-so Ryokan
• Hakodate: JR Inn Hakodate (at Hakodate Station)

Conclusion

A week in Hokkaido using public transportation is a relaxing way to explore the island’s highlights. From Sapporo’s urban charm to the breathtaking hiking trails of Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido offers unforgettable experiences. Extend your stay if possible to immerse yourself further in the natural beauty and culture of this incredible region.