Destination: Japan
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Wilds of Hokkaido
2 WEEKS-1 MONTH/HOKKAIDO
This 1200km route, which involves around 40 hours of travel, is popular as it allows you to do what you have time for. Use Sapporo as a hub and do day-trips or overnights to what's nearby, then loop out eastward, renting a car for the most remote regions.
Whether you're on a JR Pass or flying directly, Sapporo makes a good hub for Hokkaido excursions. A one- or two-night visit to Hakodate should be first on the list. Jump over to the cherry trees of Matsumae if you have time. Be sure to stop between Hakodate and Sapporo at Toya-ko, where you can soak in one of the area's many onsen and see Usu-zan's smoldering peak. On the route is Shiraoi, Hokkaido's largest Ainu living-history village. Onsen fans may wish to dip in the famed Noboribetsu Onsen.
See romantic Otaru, an easy day trip out of Sapporo, then head north to Wakkanai. Take the ferry to Rebun-to and check it out for a day, maybe two if you're planning on serious hiking. On the return see Cape Soya, Japan's northern-most point. Sip Otokoyama sake in Asahikawa; from there jump to Asahidake Onsen, hike around Daisetsuzan National Park for a day or two, possibly doing a day trip to the lavender fields of Furano or Biei.
Head to Abashiri. Rent a car there or in Shari if you're planning on going to Shiretoko National Park. Do the entire eastern part of the island by car. Not including hiking or other stops this will take one night, two days. Check out Nemuro, stop in Akkeshi, and return your four-wheeled steed in Kushiro.
Watch cranes, deer, and other wildlife in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, zip up to Akan National Park to see Mashu-ko, the most beautiful lake in Japan, and then toodle back towards Sapporo.
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