Hey everyone, Mark here! Just got back from an epic five-day self-drive adventure through Hokkaido, and I'm so excited to share my experience with you. From breathtaking coastal views to charming onsen towns and thrilling "rollercoaster" roads, Hokkaido truly has something for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Japan's wild north!
Shiretoko National Park: Where Wilderness Meets Luxury
Our adventure began in the heart of Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. We stayed at the incredible Hotel Shiretoko Daiichi, a beachfront property boasting panoramic views of the Okhotsk Sea. The hotel itself was an experience, with a long corridor showcasing the beauty of the Shiretoko Goko Lakes. They even offer seasonal courses on how to best explore the area. And let's not forget the food – all-you-can-eat king crab, both in the buffet and in the kaiseki meals, was a real treat! All of this for about $230 a night (including two meals!), an absolute steal. The night sky in Hokkaido, away from city lights, was simply magical – like stepping into another universe.
Akan Lake: Unveiling Indigenous Culture and Hidden Gems
Next, we made our way to Lake Akan, one of Hokkaido's three major lakes. While not as famous as Lake Toya, Akan offers a unique charm with its rich Ainu indigenous culture. The onsen town is filled with Ainu crafts and sculptures, and even served as the backdrop for a movie starring Shu Qi. A boat trip to the lake's central island is a must-do to see the marimo, unique spherical algae found only in Lake Akan.
Driving Thrills and Scenic Delights
From Akan, we continued our journey, taking in the seasonal beauty of Shikisai no Oka (Hills of Seasonal Colors) and the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Shirogane Blue Pond. But the real highlight was the "Rollercoaster Road," a 2.5km stretch of perfectly straight road with undulating hills. I visited in winter once, and while visually stunning with the snow and ice, it was far too dangerous to drive. This time, in summer, it was an absolute blast! With the windows down, breathing in the fresh Hokkaido air, it was pure driving bliss. These open roads and scenic drives are what make Hokkaido such a perfect destination for a road trip.
Sapporo: A Stylish Stay and Convenient Conclusion
For our final night, we stayed at the Fairfield by Marriott Sapporo Naganuma, a stylish hotel just 20 minutes from New Chitose Airport. The hotel boasts a unique blend of modern industrial design and traditional Japanese wooden elements. The open-plan bathroom design was a surprising but welcome touch, adding to the overall spaciousness of the room (each over 25 square meters). While the hotel lacks a restaurant, it offers a large communal area with complimentary coffee, tea, and a microwave. We grabbed some goodies from the nearby rest stop and convenience store and enjoyed a relaxing evening. The breakfast bento box was also a clever and convenient touch, perfect for an early flight.
Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary: Five Days of Adventure
Here's a summary of our five-day Hokkaido road trip itinerary:
| Day | Region | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Central Hokkaido | Arrive and explore the central region. |
| Day 2 | Northern Hokkaido | Journey to the north, discovering hidden gems. |
| Day 3 | Eastern Hokkaido | Experience the beauty of Eastern Hokkaido, including Akan Lake. |
| Day 4 | Eastern Hokkaido | Explore Shiretoko National Park and its incredible wildlife. |
| Day 5 | Sapporo | Return to Sapporo, enjoy the city and prepare for departure. |
Keep in mind that Hokkaido is vast, and five days is just a taste. If you have the time, I'd highly recommend extending your trip to eight days or more to fully immerse yourself in all that Hokkaido has to offer.
Essential Tips for Driving in Hokkaido
- Insurance is key: Don't skimp on insurance. Opt for full coverage for peace of mind.
- Flexible rental options: Take advantage of both daily and hourly rental options to maximize your time and budget.
- Multi-airport itineraries: Consider picking up and dropping off your rental car at different airports for greater flexibility.
- ETC card: Get an ETC card for seamless toll payments. It's much more convenient and cost-effective than paying cash at each toll booth. There are even unlimited ETC passes available for extensive travel.
Hokkaido's vast landscapes, stunning scenery, and unique cultural experiences make it a dream destination for a self-drive adventure. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Hokkaido road trip today!
