Hokkaido Itineraries: 2-Day or 3-Day Travel in Sapporo and Otaru

Hokkaido Itineraries: Enjoy a 2-Day Trip Without a Car!

When traveling in Hokkaido visitors can relish spectacular nature and tasty local cuisine. Hokkaido can be easily enjoyed on a two-day or three-day trip, or even on a day trip.

This article introduces Hokkaido travel itineraries that are fun whether or not you have a car. Let's take in the history, scenery, and cuisine of Sapporo and Otaru―two of Hokkaido's most popular travel destinations!

Hokkaido Itineraries

1. Sapporo and Otaru 2-Day Itinerary: Sightseeing With or Without a Car
2. Sapporo and Otaru 3-Day Itinerary: Sightseeing With a Car
3. Hokkaido Day Trip: Enjoy Local Sights Without a Car!
4. Enjoy Traveling In Hokkaido For Two Days or Three Days!

Sapporo and Otaru 2-Day Itinerary: Sightseeing With or Without a Car

Sapporo and Otaru are two extremely popular travel destinastions in Hokkaido. The two cities are adjacent to each other, so travel back and forth is so easy. They both offer sightseeing attractions that are easily accessible by bus and JR trains. So even without a car, you can enjoy a worry-free sightseeing experience.

Next, we introduce a two-day travel itinerary that can be enjoyed with or without a car.

Day One (Morning): Feel the History of Sapporo Clock Tower

Photo by Pixta

The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 and is Japan's oldest clock tower.

How about taking some memorable photos of this historic clock tower, then going for a relaxing stroll nearby? The cute exterior harmonizes with the surrounding trees and the color of the sky, taking on a different appearance every season.

You can also feel the ambiance from the sound of the bell that's been ringing out unchanged for more than 140 years. When you see one of the volunteer guides you can ask them to take a photo for you.

Sapporo Clock Tower (Former Sapporo Agricultural College-Military Drill Hall)
A Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property
Location: Sapporo, Chuo, North 1, West 2
Business Hours: 8:45-17:10
Official Homepage: Sapporo Clock Tower

Day One (Afternoon): Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

Photo by Pixta

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (*), with its distinctive red-brick exterior, is just ten minutes on foot from the clock tower.

Constructed in 1888, this is also a very historic building. The harmonious combination of the red-brick building and the trees in the garden is attractive.

In the spring, visitors here are treated to the sight of cherry blossoms, lilacs, and tulips. Summer features green trees and Hokkaido's prefectural flower, Rosa rugosa. The fall has colorful autumn leaves, and the winter is highlighted by picturesque snowscapes. Whenever you visit, you can enjoy the exquisite seasonal scenery.

The pond has mallard ducks and koi fish, making this the ideal place to go for a walk from the spring up until autumn.

*Due to renovations the building will be closed until March 2025.

Day One (Afternoon): Savor Confectionery at Shiroi Koibito Park!

Photo by Pixta

Shiroi Koibito Park is a confectionery theme park. It's only 30 minutes by bus or 25 minutes by car from Sapporo, where the clock tower and red-brick building are located.

Here visitors can watch the production process for Hokkaido's famous confectionery, Shiroi Koibito, and also enjoy a hands-on experience making their own sweets.

At the cafe, visitors can enjoy tea and original sweets, and also pick up some delicious souvenirs. In the summer the roses are in full bloom. Then, in the winter, we recommend taking photos of the British-style garden bathed in evening illuminations.

Day Two: Enjoy History and Local Cuisine in Otaru

Photo by Pixta

On Day Two, we suggest traveling next door to Otaru City. To get to Otaru from Sapporo Station you can take the JR Rapid Train (about 30 minutes) or go by car along the expressway (about 45 minutes).

When you think of Otaru sightseeing, the Otaru Canal often comes to mind. Don't forget to take a photo at Asakusabashi Gaien, a beautiful plaza near the Asakusa Bridge.

There's also an Otaru Canal Cruise offering great views of the canal scenery. During this boat ride you can relish Otaru's history and romantic atmosphere. There are several attractions near the canal, and these can also be enjoyed by going for a leisurely walk.

Sapporo and Otaru 3-Day Itinerary: Sightseeing With a Car

Next up is a three-day model itinerary of Sapporo and Otaru using a car.

It's a good idea to rent a car, then take your time and drive around and explore as you please. The trip from Sapporo to Otaru is a pleasant drive with great ocean views.

Day One (Morning): Explore Sapporo and Sample Local Cuisine

Photo by Pixta

At Shin Chitose Airport we'll board the JR Rapid Airport and arrive at Sapporo Station in 37 minutes. If you leave your bags at the luggage counter or use a storage locker, you'll be free to move around easily.

We recommend going for a stroll through Odori Park, then having Sapporo ramen or soup curry for lunch nearby.

Day One (Afternoon): Interact With Animals at Maruyama Zoo

Photo by Pixta

After lunch, we'll go and visit Japan's oldest clock tower, the Sapporo Clock Tower.

The building―with its white walls and red-colored triangular roof―has a cute appearance, making it a photogenic spot. If you time it right, you can also hear the sound of the bell that's been ringing every hour on the hour, for more than 140 years.

Next, we'll go to Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, which takes about 11 minutes by car. Sapporo Maruyama Zoo has been set up so that most of the animals can be seen indoors since Hokkaido is a snowy region. Regardless of the weather, visitors can have an enjoyable experience.

The exhibits have been well thought out and designed. From the polar bear swimming overhead to the giant hippo in the water as it approaches the glass wall, the zoo really packs a punch! You'll also want to keep your eye out for animals indigenous to Hokkaido, including Ezo deer and Ezo brown bears.

Day One (Evening): Enjoy Dinner and a Night View at Mt. Moiwa!

Photo by Pixta

Sapporo is known for its stunning night view, chosen as one of Japan's New Three Most Spectacular Night Views. You can enjoy this view from Mt. Moiwa.

Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Sanroku Station is about 12 minutes by car from Maruyama Zoo. To reach the summit take the ropeway and cable car. The highlight is Sapporo's glittering skyline seen from the top of the mountain.

At Mt. Moiwa's summit there's also an observation deck with an adjoining restaurant, The Jewels Restaurant. From the glassed-in interior, diners can enjoy a tasty dinner as they look out at the romantic night view.

SAPPORO MT. MOIWA ROPEWAY and CABLE CAR
Location: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo, Fushimi 5-3-7

ROPEWAY
Business Hours:
Green Season (April-November) 10:30-22:00 *(Last Lift 21:30)
Winter Season (December-March) 11:00-22:00 *(Last Lift 21:30)
Golden Week, some weekends and national holidays in August, and Obon (August 13-16, 2024) 10:30-22:30 *(Last Lift 22:00)
New Year's Day (January 1) 5:00-10:00 *(Last Lift 9:30)

MINI CABLE CAR
Business Hours:
Green Season (April-November) 10:30-21:50 *(Last Lift 21:40)
Winter Season (December-March) 11:10-21:50 *(Last Lift 21:40)
Golden Week, some weekends and national holidays in August, and Obon (August 13-16, 2024) 10:30-22:20 *(Last Lift 22:00)
New Year's Day (January 1) 5:10-9:50 *(Last Lift 9:40)
Official Homepage: Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and Cable Car

Day Two (Morning): Otaru Canal Walk and Blue Cave Cruise

Photo by Pixta

On Day Two we go to Otaru for some sightseeing. Using the expressway, it takes about 45 minutes by car to get to Otaru from Sapporo.

Otaru is well known for the Otaru Canal and its scenic views. At Asakusabashi Gaien we'll take a commemorative photo, then immerse ourselves in the nostalgic atmosphere that's found along the canal.

Next, we recommend the Blue Cave Cruise which leaves from the Otaru Canal and heads out to the open sea. We'll make our way to the Blue Cave in a power boat. The naturally occurring cobalt blue waters inside the cavern is mystical! In the spring, if you're lucky, you might even encounter some dolphins on your way there.

Day Two (Afternoon): Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck

Photo by Pixta

After our cruise, we'll go for a nearby lunch either on Sakaimachi Street or somewhere near Otaru Station. Our recommendation is the fresh seafood and shellfish.

After a satisfying lunch we head for Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck, just 20 minutes by car from Otaru Station. As the Sea of Japan stretches out in front of the observation deck, you can truly feel nature's grandeur.

This spot is also famous for its sunrises and sunsets. Here the picturesque setting sun will envelop you in a romantic mood. After we enjoy the impressive views we'll head back to our hotel in Sapporo.

Day Three: Sightseeing in Sapporo City

Photo by Pixta

On the final day, how about exploring Sapporo? In addition to the Sapporo Clock Tower that we saw on the first day, there are plenty of famous sightseeing spots near Sapporo Station and in the Odori area.

First, we recommend the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building. This historic structure was built in 1888. The contrast between the building and the garden―which changes with each season―is very attractive.

We also suggest relaxing on the lawn or on a bench at Odori Park, and admiring the great view of the city from the Sapporo TV Tower. After seeing all the interesting sights, we'll make our way back to Shin Chitose Airport.

Hokkaido Day Trip: Enjoy Local Sights Without a Car!

When you want to visit Hokkaido but don't have the time, we recommend an enjoyable day trip that's possible even without a car!

Next, we'll introduce a one-day Hokkaido travel plan. There are plenty of sightseeing and gourmet spots in Sapporo City. You can enjoy visiting them on foot or by subway.

Morning: Nijo Market and Sapporo TV Tower

Photo by Pixta

After landing at Shin Chitose we'll hop on the JR Rapid Airport train and head for Sapporo Station. Here we take the subway and go one station over to Odori Station.

Nearby there's Nijo Market where we'll enjoy a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood (kaisendon). The market also has a fruit and vegetable shop where you can pick up some refreshing cut melon.

After lunch, we'll walk over to Odori Park and see the city's panorama from the Sapporo TV Tower observation deck. There's also Odori Park's famous food stall, Tokibi Wagon. Tokibi, sweet grilled corn on the cob, and jaga bata, steamed potatoes with pats of butter, are both very delicious!

Afternoon: Sapporo Clock Tower and the Susukino Area

Photo by Pixta

In the afternoon we'll walk five minutes from Odori Park to the Sapporo Clock Tower. This historic building is a city landmark and was built in 1878. You can feel the history with its nostalgic atmosphere. The cute exterior makes for a great photo.

Next, we go to the Susukino area which is 12 minutes on foot, or just one station away by subway. We recommend the delicious miso ramen at Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, a cluster of ramen shops where this special noodle dish first originated.

Afterward, we'll make our way back to Sapporo Station. From the Susukino area it's about 17 minutes on foot and by subway, it's two stations away. At JR Tower inside the station building, we'll enjoy shopping and dinner.

Finally, after a satisfying, fun-filled day we return to Shin Chitose Airport.

Enjoy Traveling in Hokkaido for Two Days or Three Days!

In this article, we introduced two-day, three-day, and day trip model itineraries for enjoying Hokkaido, with or without a car.

In Hokkaido, where each season has its own unique charm, you can fully enjoy history, scenic vistas, and gourmet cuisine!