Hokkaido JR Pass Simple Itinerary in Summer (Part 1)

My journey took me to Hokkaido trip this time in summer. June. My base was staying in Sapporo only for 8 nights and 7 effective days for traveling around.

Day 1.

I took flight with ANA from Jakarta in the early morning and had a transit time in Haneda airport around 60-80 mins (supposed to be 80 mins, but my flight got a traffic congestion during take-off), and a crew was waiting there to help our connecting flight Haneda - Sapporo, because we needed to transfer from international to domestic terminal and also to re-check in our baggage after we pass the immigration. If you somehow wonder it’s enough to transfer, I said yes, because one of the staff said that too. They already manage the time schedule. So don’t worry, but also you have to rush (not running though).

So after re-checked in, which is located just on your right side after you take out your luggage, they have domestic check-in counter and buses which will go to domestic terminal. Always check your ticket which gate you will have for the next flight because the bus destination will have 2 kind of domestic terminals = South domestic terminal and North domestic terminal. It will take around 15 mins from international terminal to domestic terminal south, and another 5 mins from south domestic terminal to north domestic terminal. Then when you reach, just go up and look for your gate. By that time, you will be ready for boarding.

Touched down at night to New Chitose Airport. Wait for your luggage then just go out and find an escalator down to take train to Sapporo Station (if you stay in that area). Buy a ticket from ticket machine, non-reserved is cheaper but you will have to sit down randomly at empty seats. Unless it’s empty. The journey takes around 37 mins. Not too long because it’s a rapid train not a local train which will have many stops.

 

The moment I stepped out, the strong wind was welcoming me *frozen*. It was summer time in Sapporo but the temperature is around 10-12 degree celcius. The “good thing” was that I didn’t bring any jacket. Argh!!! Then, I went to my hotel of course to rest. Oh yay, the hotel has Onsen~

Day 2. 

Woke up at 8 am, then went to JR information to buy JR Hokkaido Rail Pass and booked for Otaru at 11:30 if I’m not mistaken (short memory loss, sorry!). Around 30-40 mins, we have reached to Otaru station. Asked tourist information booth for a map. Went straight to Otaru Canal and took pictures there, you also could take a cruise there for around 1600¥/ adult. Continue straight and you’ll find Otaru Dock. Return at the same way, turn left, walk along Otaru Canal, you can see quite unique building. A lot. You will know when you see the map of Otaru attraction. You can just google for Otaru map, if you are curious. Famous places in Otaru are like Kitaichi glass, Music Box, Sakaimachi street, LeTao shop, the 7 layers ice cream for 550¥ (although I found 8 layer ice cream too for 570¥). 
 
Where I bought the 7 layer ice cream? If you just walk along from the Otaru Canal straight, then you will see across the parking lot for bus. You can see a signage shown 7 layers ice cream.

 

I think around 3-5 hours for sightseeing in Otaru + lunch there is enough. Then I went back to Sapporo and since it was still early, so I could go to Hokkaido Government Office Building, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower and Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. And still had time at hotel for early Onsen and typed these writing in blog.

Day 3,

Woke up at 8, then ready for a half day trip to Hakodate starting from Sapporo Station at 9.32 AM. It took us 4 hours to reach there with super hokuto limited express.

 

What you can do there is just walk outside from terminal turn right from the station, you can find Hakodate morning market, because it’s already late, few shops were still open. Went straight more and you could see Kanemori Redbrick warehouse on your right side near the docks. Take photos there. You could just use the one day streecar pass or one day bus pass to reach to every tourist attractions. If you walk more, you would find Russian Orthodox Cathedral and nearby that, you could find Hakodate Ropeway. You can go up there to see the beauty city of Hakodate.

 

Nearby Hakodate Ropeway, you also can find Hakodate waterworks (front) and Gokoku Jinja Shrine (left side around 50 meters walk). There is one place that is far away from Hakodate area, which is Goryokaku. You can visit Goryokaku first from Hakodate terminal. Take bus for 5-8 mins walk or streetcar for 10-15 mins walk. It is up to you either you want to go up to see the “star-shaped” garden or just strolling around the park. If you go there in Spring time, it would be nice to see sakura from above.

In total, I spent 4 hours in Hakodate including lunch time. If you spend a night there, you could explore more. Let’s say Cape Tachimachi, from Yachigachira stop, it would take you around 15 mins walking. It is said beautiful, some day I would go there if I have a chance to visit Hokkaido again.

I reached to my hotel around 10 at night. Time to rest again.

Day 4,

Woke up at the same time like yesterday, and took the same train to Toya. From Toya, I bought a round trip ticket to Toyako Onsen terminal which is cheaper a bit. I suggest you to buy a round trip ticket for 600¥. The bus will take you there around 15-20 mins. Get on the bus and don’t forget to take a small ticket from the machine near entrance door. That’s a must because it will show you how much you need to pay later. It will state from which point you get on. For example if it’s 1, then you will see your fare from the monitor near the bus driver (if you just want to pay cash).

 

Strolling around the lake, and if you like to see Nakajima island closer, take the cruise. If you want to spend your time peacefully 1-2 hours is enough for sightseeing. Unless you want to try Onsen.

 

Then I continued to Noboribetsu, by JR again. Around 40 mins from Toya Station. From Noboribetsu, you can take bus again to Jigokudani or Okonoyama Foot bath. Check the bus time schedule, and if you want to go to Footbath, see if your bus stop at the footbath entrance or not. If so, then you will have to walk shortly from the footbath entrance bus stop.

 

 

Walk around 10-15 mins up. And if you see a small wooden bridge, that is the entrance to free natural footbath. Follow the trail, if it’s like small jungle and muddy road but clear path. You are in the right track.

After you finish, continue down to see Jigokudani and also after that, there are shops on your way back to Noboribetsu Onsen Terminal.

 

Back to Sapporo, and reached to Sapporo around 6:49 pm. Then find dinner in South Sapporo area. You also can see Sapporo TV Tower at night time or strolling around Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade.

---Continued to Part 2---