5-Day Hokkaido Itinerary - Journey from South to East through Noboribetsu, Jozankei, and Lake Akan

What Sort of Place Is Hokkaido?

As the country’s northernmost island, Hokkaido feels worlds apart from the rest of Japan, defined by its wide-open spaces, stunning nature, and dramatic seasons with deep winter snowfall and crisp summers that are cool, dry, and ideal for outdoor exploration. Much of the island remains untamed, with expansive national parks, volcanic landscapes, and secluded hot springs. Alongside its natural appeal, Hokkaido offers a distinct cultural identity, including the heritage of the indigenous Ainu people, and a celebrated food scene built around fresh seafood and local ingredients. Easily reached from Tokyo, it offers a true sense of escape in any season.

How to Get to Hokkaido from Tokyo

Flying from Tokyo to Sapporo is quick and convenient, taking about 90 minutes one way. There are numerous daily flights operated by JAL, ANA, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, and others. Most flights depart from Haneda Airport, though Narita Airport is also an option. 

Starting in Sapporo lets you explore the city’s sights and easily take a day trip to Noboribetsu, while providing convenient access onward to Jozankei, Kushiro, and Lake Akan.

How to Travel Around Hokkaido

Sapporo is the hub of Hokkaido’s rail network, with train lines extending north to Wakkanai and Abashiri via Asahikawa, south to Hakodate, west to Niseko via Otaru, and east to Obihiro and Kushiro. Local trains serve many areas but run infrequently, so checking timetables in advance is essential. Limited express trains operate on major routes, offering faster travel with fewer stops, and require an additional fare on top of the regular ticket. The Hokkaido Shinkansen currently operates only as far as Hakodate.

Bus services complement the rail network, particularly in areas with limited train access. Local buses can be infrequent in rural regions, making advance planning important. Highway buses are a budget-friendly alternative for long-distance travel and can reduce the need for transfers, though journeys generally take longer than by train.

Rail passes are a great way to save money for travelers planning extensive train travel in Hokkaido. The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass (6 consecutive days) covers limited express*, express, rapid, local trains, and the shinkansen on JR East and JR Hokkaido lines. The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (5/7/10 days) has similar coverage, plus selected JR Hokkaido buses. For regional travel, the JR Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass and the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass allow unlimited travel on limited express*, rapid, and local trains within their areas for four consecutive days, perfect for exploring Hokkaido’s key destinations efficiently.

*Seat reservations must be made in advance.

Day 1 - Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic hot spring resorts, set within Shikotsu-Toya National Park southwest of Sapporo. Its star attraction, Jigokudani “Hell Valley,” is a volcanic crater filled with steaming vents, bubbling pools, and sulfurous streams - an otherworldly landscape that feeds the town’s mineral-rich onsen and inspires its famous demon folklore.

AM - Noboribetsu Jigokudani Hell Valley

Access: About 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sapporo by limited express train (Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran) to Noboribetsu Station. From Nobororibetsu Station, take a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (around 15 minutes).

We recommend following the wooden promenade that loops through Jigokudani, a striking 450-meter-wide, 11-hectare crater born from Mt. Hiyori’s eruptions. As you walk, you’ll hear steam hissing beneath your feet and feel warm air rising from the pale rocks, bubbling pools, and active vents - an otherworldly scene that gives “Hell Valley” its name. Take your time here: the countless fumaroles you’ll see are still supplying the hot springs that power the inns and baths of the surrounding onsen town.

AM - Oyunuma River Natural Footbath

Access: A 25-minute walk from Noboribetsu Jigokudani Hell Valley.

Winding through the hills above Noboribetsu Onsen, the scenic trail from Jigokudani eventually arrives at Oyunuma, a vast sulfurous pond steaming at 50°C (122°F). Its hot waters spill into the Oyunuma River, filling the surrounding forest with an otherworldly mist. Don’t miss the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath along the way - it’s the perfect spot to rest your feet, relax, and take in the peaceful scenery.

The trail is wonderful in summer’s lush greenery or peak autumn colors, though it may close in winter due to snow.

LUNCH - Dosanko

Access: A 15-minute walk from the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath.

If there’s one dish we always tell people to try in Hokkaido, it’s soup curry. This local comfort food is a spicy, savory curry served in a rich, aromatic broth, and every shop does it a little differently. We like Dosanko for its generous portions and choice of toppings - from Hokkaido vegetables and juicy Noboribetsu pork to tender lamb, crispy homemade “zangi” fried chicken, and indulgent seafood. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up, fills you up, and leaves you already planning your next bowl.

PM - Milky House

Hokkaido is famous for its milk - and after tasting it, you’ll understand why: smooth, creamy, with an almost vanilla-like flavor. If you love dairy-based desserts as much as we do, Milky House is a must-stop. Everything here, from the silky soft serve to the rich pudding and eight varieties of ice cream, is made using milk from Noboribetsu Rakunokan Dairy Farm. Be sure to stop by if you’re a dairy lover looking for a sweet treat.

PM - Kuttara Lake Observation Deck

Access: The Noboribetsu Onsen Ropeway is a 4-minute walk from Milky House. Take the Noboribetsu Onsen Ropeway from the Noboribetsu Bear Park Ropeway Base Station to the summit station (7 minutes), then walk 2 minutes to the Kuttara Lake Observation Deck.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a scenic ropeway ride, gliding over dense forests and enjoying sweeping views of Noboribetsu Onsen. At the summit, marvel at Lake Kuttara from the observatory, surrounded by majestic scenery. This perfectly circular caldera lake is famed for its crystal-clear waters. Peaceful and secluded, with no rivers flowing in or out, it is believed to feed the waters of Noboribetsu Onsen.

DINNER - Sapporo Ramen Haruka

Access: Take the gondola back to the Noboribetsu Bear Park Ropeway Base Station, then walk 7 minutes to the Noboribetsu bus stop to catch a local bus to Noboribetsu Station (around 15 minutes). From there, take the limited express train back to Sapporo Station (about 1 hour 10 minutes). Finally, ride the Namboku Line for 3 minutes from Sapporo Station to Susukino Station, followed by a 4-minute walk to Sapporo Ramen Haruka.

After heading back from Noboribetsu Onsen, we love ending the day with a hot bowl of miso ramen, Sapporo’s signature comfort food. One of our go-to spots is Sapporo Ramen Haruka in Susukino’s famous Ramen Yokocho, where the chef blends techniques from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine to create deeply satisfying bowls. We recommend trying the Miso Butter Corn Ramen, showcasing the region’s renowned corn, or opting for something different like Miso Cheese Ramen or Kelp and Scallop Salt Ramen. Each bowl bursts with authentic Hokkaido flavor.

Susukino is Sapporo’s buzzing nightlife district, packed with bars and eateries, so if you’re not ready to call it a night, take a stroll through the neon-lit streets and soak up the lively atmosphere.

STAY: Keikyu EX Hotel Sapporo

Access: Walk 5 minutes to Susukino Station, take the Namboku Line for 4 minutes, then walk 6 minutes to reach Keikyu EX Hotel Sapporo.

Keikyu EX Hotel Sapporo is just a 1-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, granting unmatched convenience for exploring the city and the rest of the Hokkaido region. Their modern, spacious rooms feature soft lighting and minimalist furnishings, while their open-plan lobby provides a relaxing space with free coffee and a range of amenities. Start your day with a buffet breakfast highlighting the fresh, local ingredients of Hokkaido.

Day 2 - Jozankei

Jozankei is a historic mountain onsen town located about an hour south of central Sapporo, deep within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Set along the Toyohira River, it’s famed for its mineral-rich hot springs, dramatic ravine landscapes, and vibrant autumn colors, with 56 hot spring sources releasing a steady flow of mineral-rich water known for warming your body from the inside.

AM - Jozankei Ohashi Bridge

Access: Take the Kappa Liner bus from Sapporo Station to Jozankei Onsen (around 1 hour, reservation required).

Jozankei has been a beloved hot spring retreat for over 150 years, ever since the ascetic monk Miizumi Jozan discovered its healing waters in 1866. Set within a striking ravine in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the town feels calm and scenic, with several bridges crossing the Toyohira River. One spot that’s especially worth making time for is Jozankei Ohashi Bridge. As the newest and largest bridge in the area, it offers the most impressive panorama of the gorge and hot spring town - particularly beautiful during autumn or after fresh snowfall.

AM - Jozankei Shrine

Access: A 6-minute walk from Jozankei Ohashi Bridge.

Built in 1905, Jozankei Shrine rests quietly in the forested hills overlooking the hot spring town.  If you’re visiting in winter, try to time your visit with the Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro, when around 1,000 snow candles illuminate the grounds in a gentle glow. Seeing the snow-covered torii, the untouched path, and the stillness of the woods feels almost otherworldly, one of those moments that stays with you long after.

LUNCH - Ame no Hi to Yuki no Hi

Access:  A 15-minute walk from Jozankei Shrine.

This cozy, welcoming restaurant is perfect for a relaxed lunch, serving hand-baked pizzas and silky gelato made with the best of Hokkaido. Their gelato uses rich Jersey milk from Biei Town and seasonal fruits sourced directly from local orchards, while the vegetables come straight from the restaurant’s own garden. With around 14 rotating flavors and fresh, seasonal pizzas made to order, it’s a warm, comforting spot where you can linger and unwind.

PM - Cafe Gakenoue

Access: 7-minute walk from Ame no Hi to Yuki no Hi.

Perched over the Shirai River, this tiny cliffside cafe serves up a peaceful escape with just ten seats and unforgettable views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Built from a repurposed shipping container anchored into the rock, it feels almost suspended in the sky. Enjoy aromatic coffee and homemade cakes while taking in the valley scenery. It’s cash only, so come prepared and settle in for slow, quiet moments.

PM - Iwato Kannondo Temple

Access: A 17-minute walk from Cafe Gakenoue.

Iwato Kannondo Temple is one of those places you might easily walk past, but it’s well worth stepping inside. Built in 1936 to honor the people who shaped Jozankei’s growth, the temple hides a surprising highlight behind its main altar: a hand-dug, 120-meter cave lined with 33 Kannon statues, each said to offer a different blessing, from exam success to romance. As you move through the grounds, don’t forget to look up - red lanterns glow softly overhead, giving the temple hall a nostalgic atmosphere.

PM - Jozankei Gensen Park

Access: A 3-minute walk from Iwato Kannondo Temple.

Jozan Gensen Park is a lovely place to pause and soak up the atmosphere of old Jozankei, said to resemble the spot where Miizumi Jozan first discovered the area’s hot springs. Opened in 2005 to mark his 200th birthday, the park feels especially inviting thanks to its free footbaths, which are wonderful in any season with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and vivid colors in autumn. It’s also fun to try making your own “onsen tamago” using the hot spring water, and to spot the statue honoring Jozan himself nearby.

PM - Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge

Access: A 7-minute walk from Jozankei Gensen Park.

A short walk brings you to the vivid red Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge, one of Jozankei’s signature sights. Built in 1955 and measuring just 23 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, it’s among the smallest bridges spanning the Toyohira River, yet reveals striking views of the Futami Iwa Rocks - two towering rock formations that rise along the river’s right bank - and Kappabuchi Pool, a deep natural pool tied to local “kappa” folklore. From here, you can follow the Futami Jozan Trail, a gentle riverside path lined with wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn for an easy, scenic stroll.

DINNER & STAY: Hotel Shika no Yu

Access: A 6-minute walk from Futami Suspension Bridge.

Named after a legend of wounded deer healing in the area’s hot spring waters, Shika no Yu is one of Jozankei’s most historic hot spring inns. Its onsen features spacious riverside baths and an authentic löyly sauna, while the guest rooms blend traditional Japanese touches with modern comforts, creating a calm atmosphere that allows you to take in the natural surroundings. For dinner, the buffet bursts with seasonal Hokkaido flavors, with a mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes complemented by sake.

Day 3 - Kushiro

Kushiro is a laid-back port city on the Pacific coast of eastern Hokkaido, serving as a gateway to some of Japan’s most pristine natural landscapes. Surrounded by vast wetlands and rich wildlife habitats, Kushiro is best known as the habitat of the iconic red-crowned crane. Together with its rich food culture and nearby national parks, the city embodies the wild, untamed spirit of eastern Hokkaido.

LUNCH - Kushiro Washo Market

Access: Take the Kappa Liner back to Sapporo Station. From there, take the limited express train Ozora to Kushiro Station (4 hours). Washo Market is a 3-minute walk from Kushiro Station.  

*Consider packing a few snacks and drinks before you depart from Sapporo Station to keep yourself comfortable along the way.

After arriving in Kushiro, one of the first places we like to head to is Washo Market, a local landmark that’s been serving the city since 1954. This is the best place to try Kushiro’s signature “kattedon,” a build-your-own seafood bowl. Grab a bowl of rice, then wander through the bustling rows of stalls choosing whatever catches your eye, from glossy slices of fish to fresh shellfish. Every stall offers something different, and putting your bowl together feels a bit like a delicious seafood treasure hunt.

PM - Kushiro Art Museum

Access: A 12-minute walk from Washo Market to the Kushiro Art Museum.

If you’re looking to slow things down in Kushiro, the Kushiro Art Museum is a great place to spend an hour or two. Opened in 1998, it serves as a cultural hub for the city and surrounding areas, with a collection that ranges from photography and audio-visual works to nature-inspired pieces that reflect eastern Hokkaido’s character. In addition to rotating exhibitions by Japanese and international artists, the museum also hosts concerts, film screenings, talks, and workshops, making it a space where art feels approachable and woven into everyday life.

PM - Nusamai Bridge

Access: An 11-minute walk from the Kushiro Art Museum to Nusamai Bridge.

Catch one of the world’s top three sunsets in Kushiro, ranked alongside Bali and Manila. One of the best places to experience it is Nusamai Bridge. As the sky shifts to deep vermilion, the bridge’s four Shiki no Zo - elegant bronze figures representing the four seasons - glow beautifully, creating an unforgettable Kushiro moment.

DINNER - Aburiya

Access: A 7-minute walk from Nusamai Bridge.

For dinner, make your way to Aburiya, an izakaya specializing in robatayaki, a style of grilled food created in Kushiro. Watch locally caught seafood and shellfish, as well as seasonal vegetables sizzle over fragrant “binchotan” charcoal, prepared by chefs who know Eastern Hokkaido’s bounty best. Whether you sit at the striking counter or in a cozy private room, relax and enjoy deeply flavorful dishes that showcase Kushiro’s culinary tradition at its finest.

STAY - DormyInn Premium Kushiro

Access: A 3-minute walk from Aburaya.

Unwind in the hotel’s top-floor hot spring, where indoor and open-air baths overlook Kushiro Port and Nusamai Bridge, letting you relax while taking in the sweeping views. The next morning, start your day with a flavorful Japanese-Western semi-buffet featuring local specialties and a fresh seafood bowl - an energizing send-off before continuing to your next destination.

Day 4 - Lake Akan

Lake Akan, a stunning crater lake in eastern Hokkaido’s Akan-Mashu National Park, is famed for its rare, emerald-green “marimo” algae. Along its shores, Akanko Onsen’s traditional inns and hotels feature lakeside hot springs, while nearby Akanko Ainu Kotan lets you experience the region’s indigenous culture through crafts, traditional performances and buildings, creating a unique blend of nature and heritage.

AM - Akanko Ainu Kotan

Access: A 15-minute walk or a 3-minute taxi drive from DormyInn Premium Kushiro to the Kushiro Station Bus Terminal. From the bus terminal to Akanko Bus Center is around 2 hours by bus and another 13-minute walk to Akanko Ainu Kotan.

Located on the shores of Lake Akan in the hot spring town of Akanko Onsen, Akanko Ainu Kotan is Japan’s largest Ainu village, home to about 120 residents where you can walk through rows of rustic wooden workshops, eateries, and cultural spaces preserving Ainu heritage. Don’t miss Onne Cise, once the village theater and now a gallery of traditional crafts and sacred objects. While here, consider a Lake Akan cruise to see the mysterious “marimo” algae - rare, perfectly round green spheres found only in this lake.

LUNCH - Coffee Shop Poronno

Stop for lunch at Poronno, a beloved eatery that has been serving traditional Ainu cuisine for over 40 years. Inside, colorful Ainu craftwork gives the space a warm, welcoming feel. The highlight is the “yuk ohaw” venison soup set, rich and aromatic with bean rice and a side of “mefun” (salmon kidney pickled in salt). For a soothing finish, order the “setaento” tea, a beautifully fragrant herbal blend made from ingredients the owners gather themselves in small amounts just for the restaurant.

PM - Lake Akan Nature Trekking

For the afternoon, Lake Akan boasts a variety of unforgettable trekking experiences year-round, including guided treks that venture deep into protected forests normally off-limits without a certified guide. Depending on the season, you may trek to hidden hot spring sources, stroll between towering katsura trees, or join a snowshoe tour that reveals the quiet beauty of winter.

You can also opt for another special kind of guided trek where the guide is an Ainu person. These walks offer not just access to nature but insight into how the Ainu people have long lived in harmony with the forest. Along the way, guides share traditional knowledge about local plants, wildlife, and the spiritual significance of the land, including demonstrations of the “mukkuri” (Ainu jaw harp), traditional prayers, or ancestral stories - turning a simple hike into a meaningful cultural encounter.

DINNER & STAY - New Akan Hotel

After your afternoon trek, head to New Akan Hotel for a well-earned dinner. This lakeside resort serves seasonal buffet dishes prepared with fresh Hokkaido ingredients, perfect after a day outdoors. Later, unwind in the ninth-floor hot spring baths or the rooftop Sky Garden Spa on the rooftop, where the infinity-edge pool seems to merge with Lake Akan.

PM - Akanko Ainu Theater <Ikor>

Access: A 9-minute walk from New Akan Hotel.

After dinner, continue your evening at Akanko Ainu Theater <Ikor>, dedicated to preserving and sharing Ainu traditional dances and performance arts. Adorned by beautiful carvings, the theater draws you into an intimate, atmospheric space perfect for immersive night performances. At night, the program features the “Ainu Ancient Ceremonial Dance” - a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - and Lost Kamuy which beautifully blends elements of Ainu ceremonial dance, contemporary dance, and digital art to tell the touching story of one of the most revered Ainu gods, “Horkew Kamuy.”

*Check the official website for the latest performance schedules.

Day 5: Lake Akan

AM - Canoe Tour or Frozen Lake Tour at Sunrise

Access: The meeting point, Akan Nature Center, is an 8-minute walk from New Akan Hotel.

As your five-day northern adventure comes to a close, savor one last magical morning at Lake Akan. Depending on the season, glide across calm waters on a guided canoe tour, pausing for a floating breakfast as the lake mirrors the sky above and the surrounding emerald forests. 

In winter, watch the sunrise ignite the frozen lake, ice and clouds turning gold and pink, while sipping hot chocolate prepared by your guide amid the serene, snow-covered landscape.

LUNCH - Ryogoku

Access: A 13-minute walk from the Akan Nature Center.

Before heading to Kushiro Airport, which is directly connected by bus from the Akanko Bus Center, enjoy a final Hokkaido feast at Ryogoku, known for its tender, flavorful Ezo venison. Choose from a hearty “shikadon” (venison rice bowl), sizzling venison teppanyaki, or “jingisukan” BBQ, one of Hokkaido’s iconic soul foods, where mutton and vegetables roast together on a dome-shaped grill.

Make the Most of 5 Days in Hokkaido

Spanning steaming geothermal valleys, shimmering lakes, and vibrant Ainu culture, this five-day Hokkaido journey blends adventure, relaxation, and meaningful encounters with nature. From Noboribetsu’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and Jozankei’s forested hot springs to Kushiro’s unforgettable sunsets and the serene beauty of Lake Akan, each stop adds a new layer to the experience. With local flavors to savor and stunning scenery at every turn, this itinerary offers a memorable introduction to Hokkaido, a destination you’ll want to revisit in every season!

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