Most Scenic Road Trips in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan

1. Otaru Highway (Route 5),

Enjoy breathtaking sea views and historic townscapes as you drive along this coastal route.

Coastal Scenery: The stunning coastline with cliffs, bays, and lighthouses.
Historic Towns: Visit charming towns like Otaru, known for its glassware and canal area.
Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful sunsets over the sea and picturesque towns.

Experience the beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park with its mountainous landscapes and hot spring towns.

Mountain Scenery: Stunning views of towering mountains and alpine forests.
Hot Spring Towns: Relax in the natural hot springs of towns like Sounkyo Onsen.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot brown bears, foxes, and eagles in their natural habitats.

Take a scenic train ride through rural landscapes and along the coast, with a stop in charming Otaru.

Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy views of forests, farms, and ocean from the comfort of your seat.
Coastal Scenery: Take in sights of picturesque coastal towns like Otaru and Ishikari.
Flexible Travel: Stop at any station along the way to explore local attractions.

Drive through a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Ishikari River with stunning views of surrounding cliffs.

Natural Beauty: Marvel at the raw power and beauty of nature in this geological wonder.
Adventure Opportunities: Take a hike, rock climb, or canoe along the river.
Local Culture: Discover traditional Ishikari River Salmon fishing culture.

Travel through vast agricultural lands and picturesque villages on this scenic route.

Agricultural Landscapes: See fields of wheat, rice, and flowers stretching as far as the eye can see.
Local Culture: Explore traditional villages with farmhouses and small shrines.
Scenic Viewpoints: Stop at scenic spots to take in panoramic views of the plains.

Walk among beautiful fields of lavender and enjoy panoramic mountain views at this famous flower farm.

Lavender Fields: Experience the scent and beauty of lavender fields in bloom.
Mountain Scenery: Take in breathtaking views of nearby mountains and valleys.
Cultural Experience: Learn about Hokkaido's farming culture through exhibits and workshops.

Drive through rolling hills and farmland dotted with scenic spots like Shirogane Blue Pond.

Rural Landscapes: Experience the tranquility of Hokkaido's rural landscapes.
Scenic Viewpoints: Stop at scenic spots like Patchwork Hill and Shirogane Blue Pond.
Photography Opportunities: Capture beautiful landscapes, farmhouses, and colorful forests.

Explore vast marshlands teeming with wildlife like cranes and foxes.

Wildlife Spotting: Spot Red-crowned Cranes, Japanese Sika Deer, and Ezo Foxes.
Natural Beauty: Marvel at the untouched beauty of Japan's largest marshland.
Scenic Walks: Take a leisurely walk along boardwalks through the marshland.

Take a high-speed train ride through the beautiful landscapes of Hokkaido, from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport.

Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy views of forests, rivers, and mountains from the comfort of your seat.
Flexible Travel: Arrive at New Chitose Airport in just over an hour for onward travel.
Efficiency: Save time compared to traditional train or bus travel.

Drive along coastal cliffs offering stunning views of the Sea of Japan and surrounding islands.

Coastal Scenery: Take in breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and nearby islands.
Photography Opportunities: Capture picturesque scenes, lighthouses, and sunsets over the ocean.
Local Culture: Discover the fishing culture of Shakotan's coastal villages.

Drive around Japan's deepest crater lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Beauty: Marvel at the untouched beauty of Mashu Lake and its surrounding forest.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot brown bears, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Scenic Walks: Take a leisurely walk around the lake or along nearby trails.

Drive along the coast from Hakodate City to Cape Tappi, taking in stunning views of the ocean and cliffs.

Coastal Scenery: Take in breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and nearby islands.
Photography Opportunities: Capture picturesque scenes, lighthouses, and sunsets over the ocean.
Local Culture: Discover the fishing culture of Hakodate City and nearby towns.

Explore this picturesque island with its beautiful coastline, farmland, and traditional villages.

Island Scenery: Take in breathtaking views of the coastline, farmland, and villages.
Beach Relaxation: Relax on the island's beautiful beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters.
Local Culture: Experience the unique culture of Daito Island's traditional villages.

Drive around this volcanic island with its hot springs, waterfalls, and stunning coastal views.

Volcanic Landscapes: Marvel at the unique landscapes created by volcanic activity.
Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs found throughout the island.
Scenic Walks: Take a leisurely walk around the island's waterfalls and coastline.

Join a boat tour to see drift ice floating on the Sea of Okhotsk during winter months.

Winter Wonderland: Experience the unique beauty of drift ice in winter.
Natural Phenomena: Witness this rare natural phenomenon up close.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the ice, boat tours, and surrounding landscapes.