Is May a bit early for Hokkaido?

Hi all, I�fm looking to plan my second trip to Japan. Last year my SO and I spent three incredible weeks seeing Honshu�fs greatest hits. This time we are looking to either Kyushu or Hokkaido for a 10-14 day road trip, permitting the travel restrictions are eased by then. The only time we�fll be able to go is around May 10th to May 24th. We are outdoorsy, and would love to do some serious hikes while we�fre there (last year we did Mt Hotaka in the alps). I understand Hokkaido is preferable to Kyushu in terms of outdoor offerings, however I�fm worried that remaining snow might prevent us from taking full advantage of the national parks there. If that�fs the case, I�fd rather save Hokkaido for a future trip in July or August and see Kyushu this time around. I�fve also heard that May/early June is the optimal time to visit Kyushu. Below are potential outlines for the two itineraries. I understand we will need to cut some stuff out depending on time constraints. Which would you recommend?

Hokkaido:
Hakodate -> Shikotsu-Toya Nat�fl Park -> Sapporo -> Ashikawa/surrounding onsen towns/Daisetsuzan Nat�fl Park -> Shiretoko Nat�fl Park -> Akan Nat�fl Park -> Kushiro-shitsugen Nat�fl Park -> Kushiro

Kyushu:
Fukuoka -> Karatsu -> Hirado -> Arita -> Nagasaki -> Kurosawa Onsen -> Aso-san -> Kumamoto -> Kagoshima -> Ibusuki -> Yakushima

Thanks!

The kyushu itinerary would be a struggle to fit into 14 days. Lots of hard to get to places.

I've not spent a lot of time on either Kyushu or Hokkaido, but there is plenty of real and decent hiking on Kyushu. I'd look at the Kuju mountains https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4775.html It looked like there was some really nice trails.

I don't think the Kyushu itinerary is very difficult. Yakushima is the only one that will take significant time to reach. It's really just a matter of making sure you can do everything you want to do in each place in the time allotted. There are 11 locations listed for a 14 day trip and Yakushima will likely take 2 of those days rather than 1. Although a lot of the places are doable in one day, it is a bit fast-paced with a new destination every day.

If you want to have a base, Karatsu is good for Fukuoka, Karatsu, Hirado, and Arita.
The only other one where you could stay in a single location would be Kagoshima for Kagoshima and Ibusuki.

Your trip is more of a regular Kyushu trip than an outdoor-oriented trip, but it looks enjoyable.