Hokkaido (北海道), Japan’s northernmost island, is a true summer jewel that remains blissfully cool and vibrant even as the rest of Japan swelters. While winter in Hokkaido draws crowds for its powdery snow and ski resorts, summer unveils a completely different charm—rolling flower fields, refreshing alpine breezes, and vast open expanses under wide blue skies. Central Hokkaido, in particular, offers a perfect blend of city comforts, scenic countryside, and natural beauty.
In this article, we’ll introduce a 5-day itinerary with the 4-day Sapporo-Furano Area Pass that will take you through the heart of the region. Starting and ending in Sapporo, this guide will feature must-see spots like Furano’s picturesque lavender fields, the stunning Shirogane Blue Pond, Asahikawa’s famous zoo, Hokuryu’s dazzling sunflowers, and Otaru’s picturesque canal.
Day 1: Sapporo City Walk
Your journey begins in Sapporo (札幌), the vibrant capital city of Hokkaido and a lively metropolis that blends modern convenience with nature and history. While summer in mainland cities like Tokyo or Osaka can be unbearably hot and humid, Sapporo remains pleasantly warm and dry, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot.
Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower
Start your day at Odori Park (大通公園), a lush green oasis stretching over 1.5km through the heart of the city. It is not only a popular spot for locals to relax, but also home to art installations, fountains, and flower beds that are particularly colourful in the summer.
From the park, head up the Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔) for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Located at Odori Park, this 147m-high tower is an icon of Sapporo, and from the observation deck at 90m, you can enjoy 360° views of Sapporo City and Odori Park.
Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔)
Address: Odori-nishi 1-Chome, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station (札幌駅)
Former Hokkaido Government Office
Just a short walk away lies the Former Hokkaido Government Office (北海道庁旧本庁舎), affectionately called the “Red Brick Building” (赤れんが庁舎). A symbol of Sapporo and an Important Cultural Property of Japan, this Western-style structure from the Meiji Era is surrounded by lovely gardens, and offers a glimpse into Hokkaido’s colonial history.
Former Hokkaido Government Office (北海道庁旧本庁舎)
Address: Kita 3-Jo Nishi 6-Chome, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station (札幌駅)
Note: The building is currently undergoing renovation and is scheduled to reopen on 25 July 2025.
Mount Moiwa Night View
End your first day with a stunning night view of Sapporo city from Mount Moiwa (もいわ山). Take the ropeway to the top, and enjoy a panoramic view from 531m above sea level. Try to arrive just before sunset, so that you can catch the views in both daylight and at night, when the city lights shine bright. Sunset in summer varies from 19:15 in early July to 18:46 in mid-August, gradually getting earlier as the season progresses.
Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway (札幌もいわ山ロープウェイ)
Address: 3-7 Fushimi 5-Chome, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942
Access: 40-minute ride on bus 50 from Sapporo Station (札幌駅) Bus Berth 13; note that there are only 3 buses per evening. Alternatively, take a 25-minute ride on the streetcar from Odori Subway Station to Ropeway Iriguchi, and walk 10 minutes.
Spend the night at Sapporo; we recommend staying near Sapporo Station for easy access to the train the following morning.
Day 2: Sapporo → Blue Pond → Furano Biei Norokko Train → Farm Tomita → Ningle Terrace → Furano
- 8:00-9:25 | Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station (Limited Express Lilac 5)
- 9:38-10:12 | Asahikawa Station to Biei Station (JR Furano Line local train)
- 10:54-10:56 | Biei Station to Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance (Dohoku Bus, not covered by rail pass)
On your second day, start using your 4-day Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, and hop on the Limited Express Lilac from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station (旭川駅), then transfer to a local train on the JR Furano Line to Biei Station (美瑛駅). From there, take a 20-minute bus ride (not covered by the rail pass) to visit the stunning Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池).
Shirogane Blue Pond
This surreal body of water gets its name from its striking blue hue, which changes depending on the light and weather. With standing dead trees rising from the water like sculptures, Blue Pond is a photographer’s dream, and a tranquil spot to reflect.
Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池)
Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa, Hokkaido 071-0235
Access: 20-minute bus ride from JR Biei Station (美瑛駅)
Furano Biei Norokko Train
- 11:49-12:14 | Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance to Biei Station (Dohoku Bus, not covered by rail pass)
- 13:08-13:45 | Biei Station to Lavender Farm Station (Furano Biei Norokko Train)
Take the bus back to Biei Station and hop on the summer-only Furano Biei Norokko Train (富良野美瑛ノロッコ号), a special seasonal train that slowly chugs along flower fields, hills, and rural scenery. The name “Norokko” comes from combining the Japanese words “noronoro” (slow and leisurely) and “torokko” (open-air carriage), and you’re sure to enjoy a relaxing trip while riding this train. Its open-air cars are perfect for snapping photos of the countryside!
Farm Tomita
Get off at JR Lavender Farm Station (ラベンダー畑駅), a seasonal train station only open during certain days in summer, and only served by the Furano Biei Norokko Station. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to Farm Tomita.
Farm Tomita (ファーム富田) is a must-visit in summer, and is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic flower destinations. The farm’s blooming lavender fields in summer are a feast for the senses: rows upon rows of deep violet stretching toward the horizon, with the soothing scent of lavender in the air. Late June to early August is the best time to see them in full bloom. Don’t forget to try lavender-flavoured soft-serve ice cream for a refreshing treat!
Check out this article for more information about what you can expect at Farm Tomita and the Furano-Biei Norokko Train in summer.
Farm Tomita (ファーム富田)
Address: 15 Kisen Kita, Nakafurano, Sorachi, Hokkaido 071-0704
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Lavender Farm Station (ラベンダー畑駅) (only open during summer and only served by the Furano-Biei Norokko Train).
Furano Biei Norokko Train (continued)
- 15:46-16:04 | Lavender Farm Station to Furano Station (Furano Biei Norokko Train)
After soaking in the colours of Farm Tomita, hop back board the charming Furano Biei Norokko Train, enjoying more views of the countryside, and disembark at Furano Station (富良野駅).
Did you know? The Furano Biei Norokko Train rain slows down at scenic places of interest, which include:
- Choei Lavender Park (町営ラベンダー園) between Lavender-Farm Station and Naka-Furano Station
- Furano’s countryside scenery between Naka-Furano Station and Furano Station
Hurry, it may be your last chance to ride this train as due to old age, it is slated for retirement in 2026.
Note: The Furano Biei Norokko Train is reserved seating only between 16 August and 23 September 2025, so do remember to make a seat reservation before boarding the train.
Ningle Terrace
From Furano Station, take a 10-minute taxi ride to Ningle Terrace (ニングルテラス), a charming artisan village. Located just a short 2-minute walk from the New Furano Prince Hotel, this quaint spot features a collection of 15 log cabins connected by wooden walkways, each housing unique craft shops operated by local artisans.
The village is particularly magical in the evening when illuminated by soft lighting, which creates an enchanting atmosphere like you’re walking in a fairy’s forest. This evening, stay overnight at Furano.
Ningle Terrace (ニングルテラス)
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511
Access: 10-minute taxi ride from JR Furano Station
Day 3: Furano → Shikisai no Oka → Asahiyama Zoo → Asahikawa Ramen Village → Asahikawa
- 8:12-8:36 | Furano Station to Bibaushi Station (local train on the JR Furano Line)
Shikisai no Oka
The next morning, start your third day by hopping on a local train from Furano Station to Bibaushi Station, and taking a leisurely 25-minute walk to Shikisai no Oka (色彩の丘), a massive flower hill in Biei that showcases dazzling carpets of colourful blossoms.
During summer, you’ll find everything from marigolds and snapdragons, to poppies and lupines blooming across the rolling fields. The view from the hilltop is spectacular, with Mount Tokachi standing majestically in the background.
Shikisai no Oka (色彩の丘)
Address: Shinsei Dai-3, Biei, Kamikawa, Hokkaido 071-0473
Access: 25-minute walk from JR Bibaushi Station (美馬牛駅), or 12-minute taxi ride from JR Biei Station (美瑛駅)
Note: Bibaushi Station is closer to Shikisai no Oka, but it is a small station, so there aren’t usually taxis waiting there. If you would like to take a taxi, it is recommended you take one from Biei Station instead.
- 12:17-13:02 | Bibaushi Station to Asahikawa Station (local train on the JR Furano Line)
- 13:40-14:22 | Asahikawa Station to Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa Denkikidou Bus 41 or 47, not covered by rail pass)
After enjoying the floral paradise, head back to Bibaushi Station and take a 45-minute train to Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest city. From there, take a 40-minute bus ride to Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s northernmost zoo, which specialises in cold climate species.
Asahiyama Zoo
Unlike conventional enclosures, Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園) allows animals to be seen from unique angles, such as polar bears diving into clear underwater pools, seals swimming through transparent vertical tubes, and penguins parading through the park (only in winter).
You can catch glimpses of cold climate animals such as snowy owls and reindeer, as well as indigenous Hokkaido species such as the Ezo owl, Ezo racoon dog, Ezo snow rabbit, Ezo deer, Ezo brown bear, and more (Ezo is an old name for Hokkaido).
Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園)
Address: Kuranuma, Higashi-Asahikawa, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205
Access: 40-minute bus ride from JR Asahikawa Station (旭川駅)
- 17:10-17:55 | Asahiyama Zoo to Asahikawa Station (Asahikawa Denkikidou Bus 41 or 47, not covered by rail pass)
- 18:30-18:42 | Asahikawa Station to Minami-Nagayama Station (local train on JR Sekihoku Line)
Alternatively, to save on time, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride from Asahiyama Zoo to Asahikawa Ramen Village.
Asahikawa Ramen Village
For dinner, head to the Asahikawa Ramen Village (旭川ラーメン村), a unique food court dedicated to the city’s signature soy sauce-based ramen. Here, you can try out the ramen from eight famous shops in one location. Asahikawa ramen is known for its rich, savoury soy sauce broth and firm noodles, and makes a comforting meal after a day of sightseeing.
Asahikawa Ramen Village (旭川ラーメン村)
Address: 119-48 Nagayama 11-Jo, 4-Chome, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Minami-Nagayama Staton (南永山駅)
- 19:35-19:45 | Minami-Nagayama Station to Asahikawa Station (local train on JR Sekihoku Line)
Take a local train back to Asahikawa, and spend the night in Asahikawa.
Day 4: Asahikawa → Hokuryu Sunflower Village → Sapporo
- 8:10-8:39 | Asahikawa Station to Moseushi Station (local train on the JR Hakodate Line)
Today’s journey takes you to another one of Hokkaido’s summer wonders: The Hokuryu Sunflower Festival at Hokuryu Sunflower Village. From Asahikawa, take 30-minute train ride to Moseushi Station (妹背牛駅), then take a 15-minute taxi to reach the sunflower fields.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village
Hokuryu Sunflower Village (北竜ひまわりの里) boasts over 1.5 million sunflowers blooming across rolling hills in late July and August. The sight is truly mesmerising: golden flowers swaying gently in the breeze under the wide blue Hokkaido sky. The area also features walking trails, viewing platforms, and sunflower-themed souvenirs.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village (北竜ひまわりの里)
Address: 143-2 Itaya, Hokuryu, Uryu, Hokkaido
Access: 15-minute taxi ride from JR Moseushi Station (妹背牛駅)
The Hokuryu Sunflower Festival will be held from 20 July to 18 August 2025.
- 14:16-14:28 | Momeushi Station to Takikawa Station (local train on JR Hakodate Line)
- 14:32-15:25 | Takikawa Station to Sapporo Station (Limited Express Lilac 24)
Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and Nightlife at Susukino
In the afternoon, make your way back to Sapporo. After days of feasting your eyes on nature, indulge in retail therapy at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade (狸小路), Hokkaido’s oldest shopping district, and explore the nightlife at Susukino (すすきの), Sapporo’s must-visit entertainment district. Susukino comes alive at night with neon lights, izakaya, and a variety of ramen shops.
Don’t miss trying Sapporo miso ramen (札幌味噌ラーメン), a rich, warming noodle soup with a miso (味噌 fermented soy-bean) base, topped with sweet Hokkaido-grown corn and creamy butter.
Spend the night in Sapporo.
Day 5: Sapporo → ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN → Otaru → Sapporo
ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN
On your final day, take a 30-minute train ride from Sapporo on the JR Gakuentoshi Line (departures every 20-30 minutes) to ROYCE’ Town Station (ロイズタウン駅), a recently opened station, and walk to the nearby ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN. This facility is a dream for chocolate lovers—a museum, factory, and tasting experience rolled into one.
Learn about the journey of how cacao beans become edible chocolate, watch chocolate being made, and even try hands-on workshops. The best part? The gift shop offers exclusive products only available on-site, with a bakery corner, as well as a delectably decadent hot chocolate drink and creamy soft-serve ice cream.
ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN
Address: 1-1 ROYCE’ Town,Tobetsu, Ishikari-gun, Hokkaido 061-3770
Access: 7-minute walk or free shuttle bus from JR ROYCE’ Town Station (ロイズタウン駅)
After filling up on chocolate, hop on a train from ROYCE’ Town Station to Soen Station and transfer to a Rapid train on the JR Hakodate Main Line to Otaru (小樽), a picturesque port town just 30-40 minutes from Sapporo.
Otaru
Otaru is known for its romantic canal area, where old warehouses have been transformed into cafes, shops, and museums. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the quaint streets and historic buildings where a huge selection of charming confections are waiting to be discovered.
As a port town, Otaru is famed for its fresh seafood catches, so don’t miss out on the chance to lunch on sumptuous seafood rice bowls (海鮮丼 kaisendon) at Sankaku Market (三角市場) beside Otaru Station, or premium sushi sets from a restaurant on Sushiya Dori (寿司屋通り). Some seafood in season in Otaru during summer include uni (ウニ sea urchin), surume ika (イカ squid), and hirame (ヒラメ flounder).
Sankaku Market (三角市場)
Address: 10-16 Inaho 3-chome, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Otaru Station (小樽駅)
Sushiya Dori (寿司屋通り)
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Otaru Station (小樽駅)
Explore Otaru’s famous glassware shops, music box shops, and patisseries—many offering exquisite cakes, cream puffs, and Hokkaido milk-based confections. One must-visit pastry shop is LeTAO (ルタオ), a beloved local brand, which offers some of the region’s best cheesecakes and sweets. Its unique name―pronounced ru-ta-o in Japanese―is derived from Otaru’s syllables said backwards.
LeTAO Main Store (小樽洋菓子舗ルタオ本店)
Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station (南小樽駅)
Take one last stroll along Otaru’s canal for the romantic evening vibes, before hopping on a 30-minute train ride back to Sapporo (departures every 10-15 minutes), marking the end of 5-day train trip around Hokkaido.
If you have an evening flight, use the rail pass one last time to catch the train to New Chitose Airport Station (新千歳空港駅), a 40-minute ride from Sapporo Station.
Sapporo-Furano Area Pass
The Sapporo-Furano Area Pass is an affordable pass offering unlimited rides in the designated area for 4 consecutive days. At ¥11,000, it costs less than a round-trip between Sapporo and Biei (~¥12,000), and you can use it to travel between major stations like Otaru, New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa. The Sapporo-Furano Area Pass can be used for automatic ticket gates, and covers all the trains mentioned in this itinerary from Day 2 to Day 5, such as the Limited Express trains and the Furano Biei Norokko Train.
Enjoy a Colourful Summer in Hokkaido!
From the neon signs of Susukino to the mesmerising purple lavender of Furano, to the hypnotic colour of Shirogane Blue Pond and bright golden expanse of Hokuryu’s sunflowers, Central Hokkaido in summer offers a multi-sensory escape unlike anywhere else in Japan. The cooler climate, vast expanses, and dramatic seasonal beauty make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, couples, and families alike.
Whether you’re riding on a slow scenic train, slurping up tasty miso ramen, or wandering along fields of flowers, this 5-day itinerary promises unforgettable memories under Hokkaido’s wide summer skies. So pack your camera, your appetite, and your sense of wonder, it’s time to experience the colourful magic of Hokkaido in summer!
Say Hello to Hokkaido with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
But if you can’t make it to Hokkaido this summer, fret not, because we’re bringing Hokkaido to you with this month’s JAPAN RAIL CLUB Omiyage Snack Box of June! In our Hello Hokkaido Box, every snack is 100% locally sourced and made by Hokkaido makers and packed with peak-season goodness, featuring standouts such as:
- Hokkaido Potato Butter Cookies
- White Cheese Sponge Cake
- Yubari Melon Bite-Sized Jelly
- Hokkaido Milk Sablé Cookies
…and plenty more!
So if you’re ready to take your tastebuds on a journey to Japan’s northern gem, head on over to our snack box page and get your first snack box FREE with promo code 5FOR6!
Train and bus timings are accurate as of time of writing, for the 2025 summer season. Please check the respective operators’ official websites for the latest information before your trip.
Header image credit: photoAC and Carissa Loh
