10 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Motomachi Catholic Church, Trappistine Monasteries, Goryokaku Tower, and other attractions you added. On the 18th (Wed), take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, wander the streets of Motomachi, don't miss a visit to Hachimanzaka, pause for some serene contemplation at Motomachi Catholic Church, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Hakodate Orthodox Church, and finally look for gifts at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Hakodate online trip planner .

Tokyo to Hakodate is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also take a train; or do a combination of car and ferry. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Tokyo in December; daily highs in Hakodate reach 3°C and lows reach -3°C. You will have some time to spend on the 20th (Fri) before leaving for Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Sapporo White Illumination, Odori Park and Sapporo Beer Museum. On the 20th (Fri), revel in the low prices at Mitsui Outlet Park, Sapporo Kitahiroshima and then take in some culture at Sapporo White Illumination.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Sapporo route planner.

Do a combination of shuttle and flight from Hakodate to Sapporo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Hakodate in December, you will find days in Sapporo are a bit cooler (0°C), and nights are about the same (-2°C). You'll have a few hours on the 22nd (Sun) to wrap things up before traveling to Asahikawa.

Perched on the confluence of four rivers and surrounded by green hills, Asahikawa combines a modern city experience with the pristine nature nearby.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): look for gifts at Asahikawa Design Center, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Asahiyama Zoo, then get in on the family fun at Asahikawa Ramen Village, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Takasagosyuzo, and finally buy something for everyone on your list at AEON MALL Asahikawa Ekimae.

To see where to stay, reviews, photos, and tourist information, use the Asahikawa tour itinerary planner.

You can take a train from Sapporo to Asahikawa in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Asahikawa, expect temperatures between -2°C during the day and -5°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 23rd (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling to Furano.

Situated in the center of the island, Furano has become known for its idyllic rural landscape, and the drastic changes it experiences as seasons shift.

Your list of things to see and do now includes Goro's Stone House, Furano Wine Factory, Garden of Wind, and other attractions. On the 23rd (Mon), admire the natural beauty at Garden of Wind, don't miss a visit to Christmas Tree no Ki, admire the natural beauty at Flower Land Kamifurano, experience rural life at Tomita Melon House, then stroll around Torinuma Park, and finally fly down the slopes at Furano Ski Resort. Keep things going the next day: enjoy some diversion at Chapel on the Water, then see the winter wonderland with Mushing Works Dog Sledding Tours, then get a taste of life in the country at Naitai Kogen Farm, and finally do a tasting at Furano Wine Factory.

For where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Furano trip planner .

You can take a train from Asahikawa to Furano in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Asahikawa in December since evenings lows in Furano dip to -8°C. On the 25th (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Otaru.

The port city of Otaru has long attracted domestic visitors, drawn in by the city's many historic buildings, and has started to garner international attention, too.

Your list of things to see and do now includes Otaru Wine Gallery, Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building, Ebisuya Otaru, and other attractions. On the 25th (Wed), learn about winemaking at Otaru Wine Gallery, sample the fine beverages at Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, contemplate the long history of The Site of Temiya Line, learn and have fun at Kitaichi Glass 3gokan, then wander the streets of Otaru Miyakodori Shopping District, and finally find something for the whole family at Otaru Denuki Koji.

To see maps, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Otaru travel website .

Getting from Furano to Otaru by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Furano in December since evenings lows in Otaru dip to -2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.