Trip to Hokkaido

Dear Sir,

I am planning to visit HOKKAIDO , My schedule is

Arrive at Chitose airport on afternoon of 11 Jul

Depart from Chitose on evening of 18 Jul

Here are what I am planning pls do comment due to this is first time for me to visit HOKKAIDO. Pls help suggest

- From one destination to another I am plan to use JR , is it doable
- Is the day spending below are ok or too much or too less :) pls recommend
- still want some shopping at any outlet
- need recommend good onsen , good hotel and good food :)

11 JUL : walk around in SAPPORO

12 JUL : Day trip in SAPPORO ( Over night at SAPPORO )

13 JUL : Heading to FURANO visit TOMITA farm ( Over night at Asahikawa )

14 JUL : Walking in Asahikawa ( Over night at Asahikawa )

15 JUL : Heading to Otaru ( Overnight at Otaru for 2 nights )
16 JUL : Still travelling in Otaru

17 JUL : Back to SAPPORO ( Over night here ) and do some shopping at OUTLET near by CHITOSE

18 JUL : Relax day waiting for fly back evening time

Thanks you so much in advance

Hi KITBKK,

I assume you are from Bangkok and this is your first time to Japan. Since you are from tropical country, you might want to see some kind of "northern" scenery.

You can see northern scenery and flowers in Furano, when the flowers are in their best season, so it will be very nice. However, honestly, Sapporo, Otaru and Asahikawa do not represent the best of Hokkaido. Among them I like Otaru, but it might be too touristy nowadays. Like Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, there seem to be too many tourist. As for Sapporo, it is just a city. I think the only better thing than Tokyo (and Bangkok maybe) is it is cooler than Tokyo.

You have at least 6 full days, so I recommend you to travel farther. Below is a draft using Hokkaido rail pass 7 days.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/railpass/rail.html

Day 1. Activate rail pass. Shin-Chitose to Otaru. Stay at Otaru.
Day 2. Train to Wakkanai via Sapporo. Ferry to Rebun island.
Day 3. Explore Rebun island.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6877.html
Day 4. Ferry to Wakkanai. Walk around the town. Train to Asahikawa. Stay at Asahikawa.
Day 5. Train to Furano. There should be a temporary station "Lavender field". Stay at Furano or Biei
Day 6. Train to Hakodate. Stay at Hakodate.
Day 7. Train to Sapporo. End of the Hokkaido rail pass. Stay at Sapporo.
Day 8. Fly back home.