First, let me introduce a Sapporo sightseeing plan that can be enjoyed using only walking and public transportation. Odori Park, the TV Tower, and the Clock Tower, which are synonymous with Sapporo sightseeing, are all very close to each other, so walking is actually the best option! Enjoy the scenery and atmosphere that are characteristic of Sapporo.

After quickly visiting Sapporo's famous sights, head west across Ekimae-dori to Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store. Kitakaro is a popular confectionery shop known for its Baumkuchen "Fairy Forest." You should definitely try the sweets exclusive to Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store, such as "Yumekuro Rinsan" and "Hokkaido Prefectural Library"! There is a cafe inside the elegant building where you can eat in, but there are only a few seats so it can get crowded. In that case, we recommend taking your sweets to go and having a mini picnic at your next destination, the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden.

Hokkaido University's botanical garden is located right in the heart of Sapporo, boasting a vast 13.3-hectare site home to over 4000 plant species. With spots characteristic of Hokkaido, such as rows of poplar trees, it almost feels as if you've been transported to a lush, otherworldly realm.

After a relaxing time at the botanical garden, we headed south through Sapporo. We crossed Odori Park and took the streetcar from Nishi 8-chome stop to the ropeway entrance. We then took a free shuttle bus, ropeway, and cable car to the summit of Mt. Moiwa, which has been recognized as one of Japan's three best night views. The amount of light is truly impressive, as you'd expect from Sapporo. It would be nice to try and find the places we walked around all day from Mt. Moiwa.

[Reference Information] Estimated time required: 6-7 hours / Sapporo TV Tower: ¥720 / Sapporo Clock Tower: ¥200 / Yumekuro Rinsan: ¥180 / Hokkaido University Botanical Garden: ¥420 / Streetcar: ¥200 / Mt. Moiwa Ropeway & Cable Car: ¥1,700

Next, we'll introduce a Sapporo sightseeing plan that makes full use of rental cars.

The Okurayama ski jump, the site of the 1972 Sapporo Olympics, now features an observation deck accessible by a lift and the Sapporo Olympic Museum. At the Olympic Museum, visitors can experience winter sports, and many find it surprisingly enjoyable!

Hokkaido Shrine is located in the Maruyama area at the foot of the Okurayama ski jump. It's one of Hokkaido's top power spots, so be sure to stop by.

For lunch, head to a restaurant outside the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Sapporo's kitchen. Enjoy the bounty of Hokkaido's seafood!

Once your stomach is full, relax and unwind at Sapporo Satoland, where you can enjoy nature. You can also participate in ice cream and butter making experiences, as well as farming activities within the park.

The climax is Moerenuma Park, located across from Sapporo Sato Land. The vast grounds are dotted with symbolic sculptures, and their sheer scale is captivating. From the end of April to mid-October, there's a fantastic fountain illumination show at 18:30 PM or 19:15 PM, so it's a good idea to time your visit to coincide with that.

[Reference Information] Estimated time required: 7 hours / Okurayama Observatory Lift: ¥500 / Sapporo Olympic Museum: ¥600 / Parking and admission to Sapporo Satoland and Moerenuma Park are free, but there will be separate charges for using the experiences and facilities within the park.

The following three sightseeing model courses are day trips departing from Sapporo. First up is the classic Furano and Asahiyama Zoo.

The journey from Sapporo to Asahikawa (via expressway) and from Sapporo to Furano (via local roads) each takes 2.5 hours, and from Asahikawa to Furano (via local roads) takes 1.5 hours, making it a long drive of 6.5 hours just for the essential travel time.

At Asahiyama Zoo, the event (feeding time) usually starts around 10:30, so we want to enter the zoo by around 10:00! That's why we're leaving Sapporo by 8:00!

After enjoying the zoo, it's time for lunch! Asahikawa ramen stays piping hot because of the layer of oil on top of the soup!

Biei is a treasure trove of scenery typical of Hokkaido. It's a great place to get out of your car and take a leisurely stroll.

The climax is Furano! From June to September, various flowers, including lavender, are in full bloom. Of course, summer is the best time to visit when melons and corn are in season, but you can also enjoy other seasons, such as Ningle Terrace, Campana Rokkatei, and Rokugo no Mori♪

[Reference Information] Estimated travel time: 10 hours / Expressway (Sapporo Kita IC to Asahikawa Takasu IC, regular car): ¥3,730 / Asahiyama Zoo: ¥820

The Shakotan Peninsula lies beyond Otaru. The sea, sometimes called "Shakotan Blue," is truly clear and truly a deep blue.

About 30 minutes from Otaru Interchange, our first stop is the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, made famous by the NHK morning drama "Massan." While it goes without saying that "Massan" fans will love it, even those who haven't seen the drama can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere. Guided tours are also available by reservation.

After driving along the coastal road for about an hour, we stopped for a break at Shimamui Beach and encountered the stunning Shakotan Blue! The contrast between the blue sea and the rugged rocks was magnificent!

Continuing straight along the path you came from for another 40 minutes will take you to Cape Kamui. Once off-limits to women, Cape Kamui's steep slopes are covered in lush greenery in the summer. A walking path leads to the tip of the cape, taking about 20 minutes one way. There are some ups and downs, but be sure to go all the way to the very end to enjoy a panoramic view or even better.

After working up a sweat at Cape Kamui, take a bath at "Misaki no Yu Shakotan." The open-air bath overlooking the sea is highly recommended.

End your trip in Otaru. Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets. While you're there, why not have dinner in Otaru as well?

[Reference Information] Estimated travel time: 10 hours / Expressway (Sapporo Kita IC to Otaru IC, regular car): ¥1,220 / Misaki no Yu Shakotan: ¥610

Lake Toya, recognized as one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots, offers stunning views of Mount Yotei, also known as Ezo Fuji. With Showa Shinzan, a hot spring resort, and numerous bakeries and cafes scattered along its shores, it's a truly exceptional tourist destination.

After enjoying the tranquility of the lake, take a ride on the Usuzan Ropeway and enjoy a view of Lake Toya from above. You'll catch a glimpse of the raw, untamed nature that contrasts sharply with the calm lake.

Now, there are footbaths in the Toyako Onsen area, but the one I'd recommend during the lush green season is the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath. It's about an hour's drive from Toyako. As the name suggests, the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath is a river of piping hot spring water, allowing you to enjoy a footbath in a truly rustic atmosphere.

Just a 5-minute drive from the Oyunuma River Hot Spring Footbath is Noboribetsu Onsen, often called a "hot spring department store"! After strolling through the "hells" where steam erupts from the ground, why not enjoy a day trip to a hot spring? Large-scale hot spring hotels such as Daiichi Takimotokan and Noboribetsu Grand Hotel are recommended as they offer a wide variety of baths and great views from their open-air baths.

[Reference Information] Estimated time required: 10 hours / Usuzan Ropeway: ¥1,600 / Daiichi Takimotokan Day Trip Hot Springs: ¥2,000 / Expressway (Noboribetsu East IC to Sapporo North IC, regular car): ¥3,000