Early bus to Chitose airport

Hi there!

My domestic flight out of Hokkaido is at 7:30am. Is there any early bus from Sapporo to the airport in time for my flight?

Note that if it is a domestic flight, arriving at the airport just 30-60 minutes before departure would be okay. Check in is possible until 15 minutes before departure.

The fastest and most reliable way to get from central Sapporo to the airport is by train. The earliest train leaves Sapporo Station at 6:00, arriving at 6:48. For a domestic flight, that should be early enough.

thanks Uji, my local agency told me i have to be there at 5:30am, crazy :p

Uji, can you help me take a look at my itinerary please?

Day 1: Reach Chitose
Train to Sapporo, reach about 6:30pm
overnight.

Day 2: Car collection,
Sunflower land at Hokuryu
Head to Asahikawa
Lunch at Asahikawa ramen village
Heads to Fox village
ice pavillion
overnight at Sounkyo

Day 3:
Go to Diatsetsu-zan Park see waterfall
heads to Biei
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Hinode Park
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Herbs hill
Miyama pass observatory
trick art museum

(which of the above are must-sees?)
overnight in Biei

Day 4:
Farm Tomita
Sasaki Farm (saika-no-sato)
Furano Juku
Rokugo forest
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Fruit jam
Grape wine house
Lavender farm
Cheese factory
Milk pudding
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(again for the above, which are the must-see?)

overnight in Furano

Day 5:
after breakfast, heads back to Sapporo
Sapporo outdoor history museum - outskirt
Odori Park, clock tower
Ishiya Chocolate Factory Address
Beer garden dinner/ Ramen village
Mt Moiwa

Day 6:
Head to Otaru
Otaru sightseeing - museums, canel
Sushi street
Antique museum, music museum
Yume no oto ''character house''
kazariya
shop around - Miyako arcade
overnight in Otaru (but costly :(

Day 7:
Heads to Lake Toya
half way lunch somewhere along route
enjoy hot spring in Hotel
Walk around the lake
Hot spring, dinner, fireworks, hot spring

(which town should i have lunch?)
is the expressway through to Lake Toya without stopping?

Day 8:
Breakfast and hot spring
continue at Lake Toya
Mt Usu, crater view, ropeway
sobetsu farm
heads to Noboribetsu
enjoy hot spring and ivernight at Noboribetsu

Day 9:
Breakfast, hot spring
Hell valley
shiraoi ainu village? (distance n time?)
Noon- heads to Tomakomai for late lunch
Factory outlet
heads back to Sapporo, return car by 7pm.

Day 10: early domestic flight out to Tokyo for shopping!

Uji, is my schedule too tight? I feel that exploring Hokkaido is way much more expensive than being in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Did you rent a car while you are in Hokkaido or we can do without?

I am trying to cut my cost by considering alternative transportation (which rental outlet is cheaprer and which type of car?) and hotels.


Thanks Uji, i would really appreciate your help and advice.

You won't be able to see all the sights listed for day 3-5, and I am not familiar with all of them. I recommend to pick just a few of them.

is the expressway through to Lake Toya without stopping?

Yes. There are some service areas along the expressway. Alternatively, you can reach Lake Toya by driving through non-toll roads through the mountains (National Route 230). In the latter case, you could have a stop at Jozankei Onsen along the way:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6730.html?aFROM=2163_6725

Uji, is my schedule too tight?

With the exception of the above mentioned, overloaded days, I think it is a good itinerary for a traveler who likes a medium to fast pace of travel.

Did you rent a car while you are in Hokkaido or we can do without?

Yes, I rented a car. And for your itinerary I recommend you use one, too. It will save you lots of time.

The following is the cheapest car rental service I am aware of:
http://www.japan-guide.com/ad/coocom2.html