Start your day in Hakodate exploring the morning market as well as Japan's first western style fortress, Fort Goryokaku. Head for Mount Hakodate towards sunset and enjoy the celebrated night view over the city.
Travel by train from Hakodate to Lake Toya. Take the Usuzan Ropeway to get panoramic views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan or follow the walking trails around the mountain's newer craters to see ruins caused by the eruption in 2000. Overnight in Toyako Onsen.
Not far from Lake Toya is Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most celebrated hot spring resort. Enjoy the high quality waters and explore the water's source, the hell valley. Overnight at one of the town's onsen ryokan.
Proceed to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, and spend the next three nights there. Attractions in Sapporo include Moerenuma Park, Mount Moiwa and Susukino among others.
Make a side trip to Otaru, about 40 minutes from Sapporo by train. Check out the beautifully preserved canal area and merchant street.
Drop by Biei, a town surrounded by picturesque landscape and flower fields on your way to Asahidake Onsen. Stay in Asahidake Onsen for the next two nights.
From Asahidake Onsen, explore Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park and a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers.
Proceed to Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second largest city and best best known for its zoo and ramen. Stay one night in Asahikawa.
Travel from Asahikawa to Sounkyo Onsen, a hot spring in Daisetsuzan National Park. The town is also a good base for walks and hikes further into the national park with ropeway access to Mount Kurodake.
Travel from Sounkyo to Shiretoko National Park, another of Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled national parks. Enjoy exploring the national park and spend two nights on the peninsula.
Proceed southwards from Shiretoko to Kawayu Onsen in Akan National Park. The national park is known for its three beautiful lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo.
Stop by the Kushiro Marshland on the way to Kushiro. The park supports the only known population of endangered Japanese cranes. Kushiro Airport provides flights to Sapporo, Tokyo and a few other destinations.
The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.
