Hokkaido is the most beautiful and second largest island of Japan which attracts millions of tourists every year. While many enjoy visiting this island during winter for skiing and sightseeing, others love to explore this place during summer. Summer in Hokkaido is not that hot and humid like other parts of Japan. Hokkaido during summer offers cool and dry weather and this is the perfect time to spend your vacation here.

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From stunning lakes to mountains to lavender fields to delicious local food, Hokkaido has so much to offer to its visitors. While you can book your tours through a travel agent, it is recommended to enjoy self-driving as exploring island is much easier if you are driving a car. You can rent a car and visit all the places you wish to explore in this stunning island.

You can start your perfect itinerary from Sapporo. Once you arrive at Sapporo Chitose airport, you can rent a car from offices inside the airport. Once you hire a car, you are ready for your amazing self-driving trip. If you experience a car breakdown and need help with spare parts, check out www.SparePartStore24.co.uk for the closest model numbers and make and call your car rental company for help.

WHERE TO STAY?

Sapporo features many hotels to facilitate its visitors. Following are some hotels that you can consider for your stay:

1. Wagayado-HaLe-

Address: 8 Chome-3-12 Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan

2. Mercure Sapporo

Address: 2 Chome-2-4 Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804, Japan

3. Sapporo Grand Hotel

Address: 4 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan

4. Century Royal Hotel

Address: 5 Chome Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan

5. UNIZO INN Sapporo

Address: 3 Chome-3-10 Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan

DAY 1

Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park

Your first stop for day 1 in Sapporo should be Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park. It is the only national park located in Hokkaido. The park is divided into six zones: Mountain Stream Zone, Lodging Zone, Nature Observation Zone, Central Zone, Preservation Zone and Forest Experience Zone. The park offers a number of indoor and outdoor activities and is a perfect spot to relax during summer.

Sapporo Beer Museum

After the park, you can drive to the Sapporo Beer Museum which is the only beer museum of Japan. If you are beer lover, you must visit this museum at least once where you’ll not only get knowledge of various beers but also get to taste some of the most delicious beers.

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Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower

After the museum, visit Odori Park and witness the highest TV tower in Sapporo. The tower is around 150 meters high with an observation deck. You can visit the stunning Odori Park and the tower which looks breathtaking at night.

Nijo Market

If you want to buy some souvenirs and enjoy delicious local food, head off to Nijo Market in Sapporo. Whether you want to eat rice and sushi or fresh seafood, Nijo Market offers everything under one roof. Walk around the market for amazing food and shopping experience.

DAY 2

Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a beautiful volcanic lake located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido, Japan. With fascinating history and breathtaking beauty, Lake Toya is perfect place to visit. You can enjoy a number of activities in Lake Toya including cruising, hot spring and hiking. The Toyakokisen Cruise leaves every 30 minutes during summer and it takes you around the fascinating Lake Toya for around 50 minutes.

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There are many places to explore in Lake Toya area such as Usuzan Ropeway, Showa Shinzan, Usuzan West Craters and Toyako Onsen hot spring.

Where to eat in Lake Toya?

1. Boyotei Restaurant

Address: 36-12 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721, Japan

2. Aigawa Sushi

Address: 4-23 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721, Japan

Where to stay for night?

Toya Kohantei

If you are willing to stay at Lake Toya for a night, Toya Kohantei is the perfect option for you if you want to witness the breathtaking views from your window. Additionally, this hotel offers open air hot spring bath to its visitors.

DAY 3

Furano and Biei

Your trip to Hokkaido is incomplete without witnessing the stunning lavender fields of Furano and Biei. From Lake Toya, it will take you around 3 hours to drive to Furano and Biei. Once you reach Biei and Furano, visit Farm Tomita that is the most popular lavender farm in Hokkaido. The peak season of these purple flowers is from July to August. In addition to lavender fields, you can also visit other flowers farms nearby. Within the farm, there is a café from where you can eat the famous lavender ice cream which is best to beat the summer heat.

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Where to eat in Furano and Biei?

1. Yuiga Doxon

Address: 11-8 Hinodemachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0025, Japan

2. Sennari Shabu Shabu

Address: 1-19 Asahimachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0026, Japan

Other attractions to see in Furano and Biei:

Blue Pond

The Blue Pond is located inside a forest near Shirogane Onsen Village. As the name tells, this stunning pond is filled with crystal clear blue water surrounded by lush green forest. Further down the road, you can witness the breathtaking Shirahige Waterfall which is as beautiful as Blue Pond.

Cheese Factory

If you still have time, you must pay a visit to the famous Cheese Factory in Furano. You can see the production of cheese and various delicacies made from it such as ice cream and cheese cakes. You can also try the variety of cheese samples.

Back to Sapporo

You can drive back to Sapporo on your third day and head back to airport after checking out. This itinerary is perfect for all those tourists who are visiting Hokkaido for only 3 days and two nights. If you can stay for more days in Hokkaido, there is a lot to explore in this majestic island. Start planning your trip to Hokkaido and make sure to visit all the above mentioned places for an unforgettable experience.