DAY2
Take the Dohoku Bus Route 39/42 (Biei–Shirogane Line) to the Blue Pond
DAY3
Take the Furano Bus Lavender-go to Ningle Terrace
A
Northern Hokkaido Tour
(Standard Course)
5 nights, 6 days
New Chitose Airport or Asahikawa Airport
New Chitose Airport or Asahikawa Airport
Recommended for travelers who want to enjoy a healthy balance of all that North Hokkaido has to offer. Starting from Asahikawa, this itinerary offers a wide range of Hokkaido’s highlights, including scenic natural landscapes, hot springs, and pleasant townscapes. You can comfortably visit each area, with a relaxed schedule ideal for even first-time visitors. The journey begins at either New Chitose Airport or Asahikawa Airport and circuits through the must-see spots of North Hokkaido.
DAY1
Access via JR train from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.
Access via bus from Asahikawa Airport.
Access via bus from Asahikawa Airport.
Around noon
Arrive at Asahikawa Station
Depart Asahikawa Station around 1:10 p.m.
Travel to Asahiyama Zoo via bus (Asahikawa Denkikidou).
Arrive around 1:50 p.m. Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo’s greatest appeal lies in its innovative behavioral exhibits, which allow visitors to observe animals up close in habitats carefully modeled after natural habitats. Particularly popular highlights include the Penguin House, where penguins fly gracefully through the water, the Seal House with its distinctive vertical tank that seals swim up and down through, and the polar bear exhibits that showcase the animals’ powerful, dynamic movements. Throughout the zoo, thoughtfully designed viewing areas make it easy to witness the animals behavior at close range, ensuring that even a short visit offers a rich and memorable experience.
*Asahiyama Zoo is closed in early to mid-April (typically around April 8–26) for spring opening preparations.
*Asahiyama Zoo is closed in early to mid-April (typically around April 8–26) for spring opening preparations.
Arrive around 4:10 p.m..
Travel to Asahikawa Station via bus (Asahikawa Denkikidou).
Overnight stay at a hotel in central Asahikawa.
Access via JR train from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.
Access via bus from Asahikawa Airport.
Access via bus from Asahikawa Airport.
Around noon
Arrive at Asahikawa Station
Depart Asahikawa Station around 1:00 p.m.
Travel to Kamui Kotan via Dohoku (Coastal) Bus No. 56 Rumoi Line.
Arrive around 1:30 p.m..
Get off at the Kamui Kotan bus stop.
1:30 p.m. Kamui Kotan
Located on the outskirts of Asahikawa, Kamui Kotan is a scenic gorge shaped by the Ishikari River, where you can experience dramatic natural landscapes up close. From the suspension bridge, visitors can enjoy striking views of flowing water and rugged rock formations, making for an excellent photography spot. Remnants of a former railway station and informational signboards offer insight into the area's history. The quiet beauty of the gorge, strangely out of place near a major city, can be enjoyed even on shorter treks.
Arrive around 3:40 p.m.
Travel to Asahikawa Station via Dohoku (Coastal) Bus No. 56 Rumoi Line.
Overnight stay at a hotel in central Asahikawa.
DAY2
Depart Asahikawa Station at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Biei Station at 1:03 p.m..
Travel to Biei via JR Furano Line.
1:45 PM – Board at Biei Station
Take Dohoku Bus Route 39/42 (Biei–Shirogane Line)to the Blue Pond
Get off at Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance.
Arrive around 2:10 p.m.. Blue Pond
At Blue Pond, you can enjoy the spectacle born from the vivid color of the water and the stark silhouettes of the dead trees that rise up from within. The hue of the pond subtly changes depending on the weather and the angle of light, its character transforming from hour to hour. Walking the wooden path around the pond reveals shifting shades of blue and reflections on the water’s surface, as you view it from different angles. Even a short stroll is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, and the site is widely regarded as one of Biei’s most iconic natural attractions.
Board at 3:07 p.m. at Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance.
Travel to Shirogane Onsen via Dohoku Bus No. 39/42 Biei–Shirogane Line.
around 3:15 p.m..
Get off at Shirogane Onsen.
Check in and stay overnight at Shirogane Onsen.
After check-in Relax at Shirogane Onsen
After arriving at Shirogane Onsen, take time to unwind in the hot springs and soothe away the fatigue of your journey. If time permits, consider a short visit to Shirahige Falls, located just a short distance from the onsen town, where you can admire the powerful sight of water cascading down rugged rock faces up close. Afterwards, enjoy a light stroll around the Shirogane Onsen area, soaking in the calm atmosphere created by the surrounding forest and river. Rather than packing in sightseeing, Shirogane Onsen offers the pleasure of slow, restful moments immersed in nature.
DAY3
Board at Shirogane Onsen at 9:16 a.m. or 10:02 a.m..
Travel to Biei Station via Dohoku Bus No. 39/42 Biei–Shirogane Line.
around 9:44 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
Arrive at Biei Station (South Exit)
Arrive around 10:00 a.m.. Explore the townscape of Biei.
Starting from Biei Station, enjoy a leisurely walk around the Hon-dori area and its surrounding streets. Lined with buildings featuring distinctive triangular roofs, the area has a calm atmosphere unmistakeably its own and is ideal for exploring on foot. Along the way, you may wish to stop by Roadside Station Oka-no-Kura to browse local specialties, or take a break at one of the cafés near the station. With views of the Tokachi Mountain Range stretching out in the distance, this gentle stroll offers a relaxed way to soak in the charm and ambience of Biei between travel segments.
Depart Biei Station at 12:09 p.m. and arrive in Furano at 12:43 p.m..
Travel to Furano via JR Furano Line
Arrive around 1:00 p.m. Lunch and a walk around downtown Furano
After arriving at Furano Station, enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll around the city center. Furano Marche is home to the tourist information center and a collection of restaurants, where you can enjoy meals and light bites made with local ingredients, as well as browse for souvenirs. After lunch, take a walk around the Hon-dori area and soak in Furano’s laid-back, small-town vibe.
Arrive at Ningle Terrace around 2:30 p.m.. Ningle Terrace
Set within the forest of Furano, Ningle Terrace is a charming strolling area with small craft shops scattered among the trees. The shops are a joy to explore, filled with handmade items crafted from materials characteristic to Hokkaido such as wood, glass, and leather. Meanwhile, the wooded walkways offer a leisurely walking experience with plenty of scenic photo opportunities. With a distinctly Furano Vibe, Ningle Terrace makes for an inviting, relaxing destination, whether you linger long or just stop off for a short stroll.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Furano.
DAY4
At 10:30 a.m., depart from Shin Furano Prince Hotel or applicable stop
Around 12:30 p.m..
Arrive at Asahikawa Station
Lunch near Asahikawa Station
At 1:25 p.m. or 2:25 p.m., depart from Asahikawa Station
Arrive at 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m..
Stay overnight at Sounkyo Gorge Onsen.
After check-in Relax at Sounkyo Gorge Onsen
Once you've checked in, take time to unwind in the hot springs and ease the fatigue of travel. If time allows, enjoy a short walk around the Sounkyo Gorge Onsen area, while soaking in the distinct atmosphere created by the surrounding cliffs. You may also head over to the Kurodake Ropeway base station to enjoy a nice bit of scenery and get a preview of the next day’s activities. Rather than packing on sightseeing, the best way to enjoy Sounkyo Gorge Onsen is to relax at your own pace.
DAY5
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning Sounkyo Gorge Walking Trail
Carved by the volcanic activity of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, Sounkyo Gorge is renowned for its dramatic scenery, featuring towering columnar cliffs and steep rock walls. The well-maintained walking trail along the river offers close-up views of the gorge's impressive depth and striking rock formations, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of Sounkyo even on a short walk.
The trail is relatively easy to walk, and comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are sufficient. As mornings can be chilly, bringing a light jacket is recommended.
Depart from Sounkyo Gorge at 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Arrive in Asahikawa at around 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.
Continue to Asahikawa Airport by bus
, or to Sapporo / New Chitose Airport by JR train.