Hi everyone,
We’re a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids aged 4 & 5) planning a self-drive trip to Hokkaido from 5–16 Nov. Both of us can drive, so we’ll be renting a car. I’d love advice on whether this itinerary makes sense for the season and if it’s manageable with young kids and two drivers.
Draft Itinerary (12D11N)
Day 1–2: Sapporo (flying in from Singapore)
• Odori Park & TV Tower
• Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory
• Sapporo Science Center
Day 3–4: Otaru (1h drive)
• Otaru Canal & Music Box Museum – is the Music Box Museum worth a visit or we should pass it up?
• LeTAO Cheesecake
• Otaru Aquarium
Day 5–6: Asahikawa & Biei (2.5h drive)
• Asahiyama Zoo
• Biei Blue Pond
Day 7–8: Furano / Tomamu
• Ningle Terrace (craft village)
• Farm Tomita greenhouses & lavender soft serve
• Stay at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Day 9–10: Noboribetsu / Lake Toya (3–4h drive)
• Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
• Jigokudani Hell Valley (geothermal walks)
• Stay at Lake Toya onsen
Day 11–12: Back to Sapporo / CTS Airport
• Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima
• Moerenuma Park
As my husband and I haven’t been to Hokkaido before, we have a few hesitations whether we are too ambitious and will tire ourselves out with just two drivers. Is this too ambitious for our kids, they nap well during long drives and can be easily bribed with snacks so that should work in our favour.
Would you suggest cutting one region (e.g. Furano/Tomamu vs. Noboribetsu/Lake Toya) to slow down the pace? Is there any particular areas which we should spend more days in, to relax and slow down our pace.
Any must-visit child-friendly attractions we’re missing? We are interested in nature.
Tips for handling early winter driving conditions in Hokkaido? We come from Singapore so more used to urban driving. I also read that car rental places aren’t friendly to English speakers, is there any recommended car rental that provide children car-seats? Thank you!
by caipngnopng