A Singaporean Mum

I’ve been to Hokkaido twice now, and it’s easily one of my favourite destinations in Japan. From fresh seafood to soul-warming ramen and perfectly grilled meats, the variety and quality of food here is incredible — and they really do it all to perfection!

Here’s my 10D9N self-drive itinerary, packed with eats, sights, and must-stop spots. I’m logging all my travel itineraries (including hotels we stayed at) here for easy reference — and to make it easier when friends ask for recommendations!

10D9N ITINERARY

Day 1: Chitose → Furano

Morning

• Arrive New Chitose Airport

• Collect rental car from Nissan Rent-A-Car (Chitose)

Afternoon

• Lunch at Log House Wagyu Bibi Restaurant – juicy Hokkaido wagyu in a cozy log cabin setting

• Shop at Chitose Outlet Mall RERA — spacious outlet mall with both Japanese and international brand stores

• Head to Kobayashi Sake Brewery Kuramoto Memorial Museum —enjoy a peaceful tea break and browse sake memorabilia

Evening

• Drive to Furano (approx. 1.5–2 hrs)

• Check-in at Furano Natulux Hotel

• Dinner nearby at Fukuzushi — local sushi restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal offerings

Day 2: Furano

Morning

• Coffee stop at Ronin Coffee

• Visit Farm Tomita — try lavender ice cream & soda, shop lavender sprays & lotion

• Tomita Melon House — taste sweet melons and melon bread

Afternoon

• Lunch at Mansaku — enjoy soba in hot dashi broth in the cold weather

• Explore Shikisai-no-Oka – a beautiful flower park with seasonal blooms and panoramic views (not in June)

• And next door’s Alpaca Farm — small petting area where visitors can interact with friendly alpacas

Evening

• Dinner at Yakiniku Hide (焼肉秀) – casual yakiniku spot known for quality cuts of meat and value sets

• Grocery shopping at Ralse Mart

• Late-night supper at nearby seafood restaurant Uoman

Day 3: Furano → Toyako (via Noboribetsu)

Morning

• Breakfast at McDonald’s

• Begin scenic drive toward Noboribetsu

Afternoon

• Pitstop and lunch at Ikoi

• Explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley) – steaming volcanic trails

• Grocery stop at Aeon Date

Evening

• Arrive at Toyako, check into Airbnb

• Simple home-cooked dinner and rest

Day 4: Toyako → Hakodate (via Onuma)

Morning

• Breakfast at Airbnb

• Drive towards Hakodate

Afternoon

• Lunch at Lucky Pierrot – quirky and local burger chain

• Ice cream break at Yamakawa Bokujyo Milk Plant

• Visit Onuma National Park – scenic walks and lakeside views

Evening

• Check into JR Inn Hakodate

• Dinner at Uni Murakami – famous for fresh sea urchin

• Walk and explore Daimon Yokocho – local night food street

Day 5: Hakodate

Morning

• Breakfast at Tully’s Coffee

• Shopping at Hakodate Showa Town Plaza – Uniqlo, GU, Super Sports Xebio

Afternoon

• Visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

• Lunch at Hakodate Beer Hall, then explore nearby

• Visit Goryokaku Park & Tower

• Sushi snack at Shunka Sushi

Evening

• Dinner at Tonpei Hakodate Ekimae – okonomiyaki & yakisoba

• Return to hotel and rest

Day 6: Hakodate → Toyako

Morning

• Breakfast at Ajino Ichiban

• Explore Hakodate Morning Market

• Check out of hotel

Afternoon

• Lunch at Harvester Yakumo

• Ice cream at Lake Hill Farm – scenic view of Mt. Yotei

• Pit stop at Lake Toya

Evening

• Back to same Airbnb at Toyako

• Dinner at Airbnb

Day 7: Toyako → Otaru

Morning

• Brunch at Nokanosobaya Yoteizan – soba with a view

• Drive to Otaru

Afternoon

• Check into Hotel Nord Otaru

• Explore Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, and LeTAO

Evening

• Dinner at 大仁門 東雲店 – grilled meat and hearty local fare

• Return to hotel and rest

Day 8: Otaru → Sapporo

Morning

• Drive from Otaru to Sapporo

• Visit Shiroi Koibito Park – chocolate factory fun for all ages

Afternoon

• Lunch at Hand-made Udonteraya — handmade udon restaurant known for chewy noodles and dashi-based broths
• Shopping at Sapporo Drug Store nearby

• Check-in at JR Inn Sapporo (Kita2jo)

Evening

• Arcade fun at Namco — Sapporo Esta Store

• Dinner at Tokachi Butadon Ippin — Stellar Place

• Return to hotel and rest

Day 9: Sapporo

Morning

• Explore Sapporo Satoland

• Lunch at Ramen Haruka (Ramen Alley)

Afternoon

• Tour Sapporo Beer Museum — enjoy a beer tasting platter at their main hall!

• Dinner nearby at Aiyo Sapporoeki

Evening

• Stroll through Odori Park – the Yosakoi Soran Festival was happening then (in June), so we had more snacks and beer!

• Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Don Quijote!

Day 10: Sapporo → New Chitose → Tokyo

Morning

• Leisurely breakfast

• Check out and head to New Chitose Airport

• Flight to Tokyo and farewell to Hokkaido!

TO EAT

Log House Wagyu Bibi Restaurant 

Opens daily 11am to 9pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Rustic log cabin restaurant near Chitose serving premium Hokkaido wagyu beef — perfect for meat lovers craving a satisfying lunch stop.

• My comments: Our first meal in Hokkaido! We headed straight here after collecting our rental car and arrived right at 12pm — just before the lunch crowd started trickling in. The beef served is Hokkaido Wagyu, which explains the higher price point compared to typical yakiniku spots in Tokyo.

• My Ratings:

Fukuzushi

Opens 11am to 9pm; Closes on Mondays

(Location on Google Maps)

• Traditional Japanese restaurant in Furano known for its grilled hokke (Atka mackerel), sushi, and sashimi. A cozy spot for fresh, honest seafood.

• My comments: We were looking for a quick and convenient meal after a long drive, and since we were all pretty exhausted, we wanted something nearby. Fukuzushi was right next to our hotel — perfect for what we needed.

The menu offered the usual Japanese fare, but what completely surprised me was the grilled hokke (Atka mackerel). I’ve never had this before, and now I’m wondering — how have I not come across this in any of the Japanese restaurants I’ve visited before?

I’d definitely recommend this place if you’re staying nearby — the grilled hokke alone is worth trying. Otherwise, it’s a pretty standard izakaya that you can easily find elsewhere in Japan.

• My ratings:

Ronin Coffee

Opens daily 7am to 1pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Chic local café offering quality coffee and a delicious ham and cheese sandwich — great for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

• My comments: Anyone who knows me knows I need a good cup of coffee to start my day. I’ve been to Japan many times (not just Hokkaido!), and I have to admit — I’m not the biggest fan of Japanese coffee (sorry if you are!).

But Ronin Coffee in Furano was a pleasant surprise. Smooth, well-balanced, and just what I needed that morning. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and craving a proper brew.

• My ratings:

Mansaku

Opens 11am to 4pm; Closes on Mondays and Tuesdays

(Location on Google Maps)

• Humble and homely eatery specialising in soba soup, ideal for a warm lunch after a morning of sightseeing.

• My comments: It was surprisingly cold and wet during our June trip — with temperatures dropping to as low as 8°C — and we definitely under-packed! What got us through the chilly days were plenty of hot, soupy noodles, and this spot turned out to be one of the better soba eateries we tried.

The soba was cooked to the right firmness, and the dashi-based soup was comforting and full of flavour. The only downside? The tempura prawn was served in the soup, so it got soggy. I personally prefer it served on the side so you can enjoy it crispy — as tempura should be!

• My ratings:

Yakiniku Hide (焼肉秀)

Opens 5pm to 9.30pm; Closes on Mondays and Thursdays

Location on Google Maps)

• Popular yakiniku spot in Furano where you grill your own beef at the table — fun, flavourful, and satisfying.

• My comments: Yakiniku Hide is a MUST-GO if you’re in Furano. We had the hotel front desk help us make a reservation, and the only slot left was at 6pm — but honestly, just take whatever you can get! It’s worth it.

The meats were premium quality — Hokkaido wagyu beef, and I’m pretty sure even the pork was locally sourced. Grilled meats paired with ice-cold draft beer? The BEST combo after a long day of exploring. Don’t miss this one.

• My ratings:

Uoman

Monday-Friday 4pm to 12mn; Saturday-Sunday 11am to 12mn

(Location on Google Maps)

• Late-night spot serving grilled Hokkaido scallops, hearty motsunabe (offal hotpot), and other local seafood specialties.

• My comments: The hubs didn’t join us for dinner earlier (what a pity!) as he wasn’t feeling well. But by the time we got back to the hotel, he was feeling better — and hungry. So we wandered around the area and stumbled upon a spot that served motsunabe!

While motsunabe actually originates from Fukuoka, we were surprised to find it here — and honestly, it was yummylicious!

This place is actually better known for its grilled seafood, so we also ordered grilled scallops and crabs to share. Perfect combo for a cozy, satisfying supper.

• My ratings:

Ikoi

Opens 10.30am to 7.30pm (3-5pm rest); Closes on Sundays

(Location on Google Maps)

• Casual roadside eatery offering Japanese comfort food like curry katsu don, crispy tonkatsu, and homemade croquettes.

• My comments: We stumbled upon this spot on the way to Noboribetsu and were pleasantly surprised to find they serve katsu! It was a nice change of pace to have something fried for once — and their curry katsu don really hit the spot!

• My ratings:

Lucky Pierrot

Opens daily 10am to 9.30pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Hakodate’s iconic and quirky burger chain serving creative burgers, omurice, and even yakisoba. A fun must-visit!

• My comments: I visited Lucky Pierrot the last time I was in Hokkaido, and this time, I wanted to bring my friends along. They’re mostly found only in Hokkaido — not in other parts of Japan — and I really love their chicken burger! My hubby’s not a big fan of their burgers though, so he went for the yakisoba instead.

• My ratings:

Yamakawa Bokujyo Milk Plant

Opens 10am to 5pm; Closes on Thursdays

(Location on Google Maps)

• A dairy farm famous for soft-serve ice cream in vanilla, coffee, chocolate, and strawberry — fresh and creamy.

• My comments: Yamakawa Bokujyo Milk Plant is an ice cream shop that makes its own ice cream using fresh milk from cows they raise and milk onsite every day! They offer a wide variety of flavours — and of course, I had to go with chocolate!

• My ratings:

Uni Murakami

Opens 11.30am to 9.30pm (2.30-5.30pm rest); Closes on Sundays

(Location on Google Maps)

• Renowned for its ultra-fresh uni (sea urchin) dishes. Try the indulgent uni + ikura rice bowl for the full experience.

• My comments: As the name suggests — specialises in uni, and their quality is definitely top-notch. Just compare the photo with the one I had at the market (a few shops below) — there’s a clear difference, and that difference shows in the price too. It’s much pricier than the market version. But honestly, if you’re not particular, the market one is already pretty good and might be good enough for most.

• My ratings:

Hakodate Beer Hall

Opens daily 11.30am to 9.30pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Lively beer hall in the Red Brick Warehouse area, serving a mix of Western and Japanese fare alongside local brews.

• My comments: The beer lover in me spotted this place on Google Maps and, of course, I had to ask my friends if they were up for a change from Japanese food — and that’s how we ended up at Hakodate Beer Hall! They brew their own beer, and I had the lager, which was crisp and refreshing. As for the food, it was just so-so. So if you’re not into beer, this might be one to skip.

• My ratings:

Shunka Sushi

Opens daily 11am to 9pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Sushi spot in Hakodate offering a wide variety of fresh options — the engawa (flounder fin) was particularly delicious.

• My comments:

• My ratings:

Tonpei Hakodate Ekimae

Opens 11.30am to 10pm (2-5pm rest)

(Location on Google Maps)

• Casual joint near the station serving sizzling okonomiyaki and classic yakisoba — perfect for a hearty meal.

• My comments:

• My ratings:

Ajino Ichiban

Opens daily 7am to 2.30pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Located in Hakodate Morning Market, this eatery dishes out flavourful seafood rice bowls — the uni + ikura combo is a winner.

• My comments:

• My ratings:

Harvester Yakumo

Monday-Friday 11am to 6pm; Saturday-Sunday 10.30am to 7pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Scenic countryside restaurant serving pizza, pasta and fried chicken.

• My comments:

• My ratings:

Lake Hill Farm

Opens daily 9am to 6pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Idyllic ice cream stop with rich, creamy flavours and a breathtaking view of Mount Yotei — great for a photo and treat!

• My comments:

• My ratings:

Nokanosobaya Yoteizan

Opens 11am to 3.30pm; Closes on Wednesdays and Thursdays

(Location on Google Maps)

• Well-known soba shop near Mount Yotei offering customizable soba noodle types with a rustic, authentic touch.

• My comments:

• My ratings:

大仁門 東雲店

Opens 11.30am to 9.30pm (2-5pm rest); Closes on Thursdays

(Location on Google Maps)

• Reliable yakiniku restaurant specializing in well-marbled wagyu beef, perfect for a fulfilling dinner in Otaru.

• My comments:

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Hand-made Udonteraya

Wednesday-Friday 11am to 2.30pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am to 3pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Udon specialty shop with rich, flavourful broth, and a side of comforting oden. Handmade noodles shine here.

• My comments:

• My ratings:

Tokachi Butadon Ippin

Opens daily 11am to 10pm

(Location on Google Maps)

• Butadon (grilled pork over rice) in sweet-savoury tare sauce, served fast and hot.

• My comments:

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Ramen Haruka

Opens daily 11am to 11pm (3-5pm rest)

Location on Google Maps)

• Tucked in Sapporo’s Ramen Alley, this shop serves bold and warming miso-based ramen — classic Hokkaido style.

• My comments:

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Aiyo Sapporoeki

Opens daily 5pm to 1am

(Location on Google Maps)

• Cozy restaurant near Sapporo Station offering juicy yakitori, comforting tamago yaki, and even hotpot options.

• My comments:

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