upated itinerary :: 7 days Hokkaido

Works for me! Nature in the form of lakes and mountains and volcanoes is what makes Hokkaido such a special place, so a trip which focuses on nature and landscape is gonna get to the heart of the island what the island is all about...

I would say, having lived in Hokkaido for almost 20 years, that a full day at and around Lake Toya is good enough reason to skip Lake Shikotsu. You won't see that much different stuff there. Besides, going to Otaru gives you a good chance to see many shops with potential souvenirs (glassware, woodcrafts, music boxes), watch or participate in a glassblowing activity (which can be seen from the street but far away), and eat great sushi (on "sushi street", filled with such restaurants). It's only 45 min from Sapporo, so you could stay there the night and have a direct train to Chitose airport, if you make this your last stop, that is. Otherwise, go there on the day after you arrive. Sapporo is big but not the most most touristy city. The Tanuki Koji arcade is also a good place for souvenirs, but that's about all Sapporo itself has to offer other than restaurants. I lived there for 7 years, just so you know.

Thank you so much for the insider information!!

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