12 Day Spring Itinerary in Hokkaido

Hi everyone

My friend and I will be doing a self-drive trip to Hokkaido between 6th – 18th May this year. Itfs the spring season and there doesnft seem to be much details online about Hokkaido in Spring (most itinieraries involve Summer/Winter).

Top reasons for the trip: Scenery (Cherry blossoms, flowers and nature) + Fresh seafood of course!

There are so many things to see, but wefre short on time, so we would appreciate any help on conquering the higlights!

This is our current itinerary so far:

Arrive in New Chitose 8.30AM on 6th May.

6th May
Straight from Sapporo Airport, pick up rental car, drive to Hakodate
Fort Goryokaku, , Onuma Quasi National Park,Motomachi, Hakodate Park
7th May
Hakodate morning market, then on to Matsumae
After Matsumae, return to Hakodate and Mount Hakodate in the evening by public transport

8th May
Depart Hakodate – Lake Onuma – Otaru

9th May
Otaru to Monbetsu or Abashi City or Saroma
***(which is recommended out of the three?) We wanted some place close to the parks for the next day.

10th May
Depart to Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park & Kamiyubetsu Tulips Festival
Stay the night in Ozora

11th May
Leave Ozora, drive to Shiretoko National Park

12th May
Shiretoko National Park to Lake Akan

13th May
Lake Akan to Kushiro-shitsugen National Park / Akan International Crane Centre

15th May
Depart Kushiro – Furano
Farm Tomita
Stay the night in Furano or Biei (which would be recommended? Would a farmstay be a better choice?)

15th May
Explore Biei
Drive back to Sapporo in the evening.

16th May
Sapporo

17th May
Sapporo

18th May
Depart Sapporo (morning)


We also wanted to know if our trip is doable or are we are tiring ourselves out too much with our itinerary? If sacrifices have to be made, which should we sacrifice?

http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/thingstodo/holidayideas/flowerland/