6 days in Hokkaido Itinerary

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Sapporo Clock Tower and Former Hokkaido Government Office Building are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Hokkaido Jingu and Hoheikan will appeal to history buffs. There's still lots to do: stop by Susukino, take in the architecture and design of Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus, get into the urban bustle at Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town, and see the interesting displays at Sapporo Beer Museum.

To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Sapporo holiday maker tool.

San Francisco, USA to Sapporo is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 17 hours. While traveling from San Francisco, expect much colder days and a bit cooler nights in Sapporo, ranging from highs of 42°F to lows of 38°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Trappistine Monasteries, test the waters at a local thermal spa, steep yourself in history at Goryokaku Park, then enjoy breathtaking views from Goryokaku Tower, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Daimon Yokocho. On the next day, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Motomachi Catholic Church, steep yourself in history at The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, then pause for some serene contemplation at Hakodate Orthodox Church, then wander the streets of Motomachi, and finally make a trip to Hachimanzaka.

For other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Hakodate trip planning site.

Traveling by flight from Sapporo to Hakodate takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Sapporo in November, you will find days in Hakodate are a bit warmer (48°F), and nights are about the same (36°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to fly back home.