Scenic Roads Trips in Hokkaido
Why not cruise along secret roads loved by local drivers?
This lakeside road around a caldera feels like diving straight into the water —
a truly unforgettable drive.
Scenic Roads
Trips in
Hokkaido
Popular Hokkaido's Itineraries
Here are some of our most popular road trips in Hokkaido.
Expert-crafted plans from 3 to 16 days—find one that fits your trip!
7-Day Hokkaido Itinerary Example
Our most popular itinerary takes you through Southern Hokkaido—an ideal choice for your first road trip in the region.
7 Days Itinerary-C
- 1
Noboribetsu (1 night)
Start your adventure in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring town. Visit breathtaking Lake Toya and explore Ainu culture at an indigenous museum.
- 2
Hakodate (1 night)
Feel like a local in this iconic port town known for red brick warehouses and old streets, then enjoy the stunning night view from Mt. Hakodate.
- 3
Lake Toya (1 night)
Begin your day at the morning market indulging in the freshest seafood. Drive a hidden scenic road to Onuma Park, then relax in a lakeside onsen at Toya.
- 4
Otaru (1 night)
Cruise along a scenic road to the hidden gem of Cape Kamui. Then, explore Otaru, an iconic canal town with old warehouses, sushi, and elegant glasswork.
- 5
Furano & Biei (2 nights)
Take a drive through Hokkaido’s picturesque countryside with colourful flower fields, the famous Blue Pond, and beautiful Farm Tomita.
Hidden Hokkaido:
Drive Beyond the Map
Hokkaido’s vast scale means traveling by car is the only way to explore it fully. Public transport reaches only a few major cities, like Sapporo and Otaru, while many iconic sights and hidden gems in the south and east remain out of reach without a car. A self-drive travel experience unlocks scenic roads, dramatic mountains, and peaceful countryside—all at your own pace.
Driving also lets you chase the seasons, from cherry blossoms to lavender fields and autumn foliage. By moving across regions and altitudes, you’re more likely to catch peak seasonal views wherever they are.
More than just a convenience, a car gives you access to places that trains and buses can’t reach:
Hidden gems only accessible by car:
Cape Kamui – Majestic cliffs with vast views and few visitors
Naitai Highland Farm – Endless sky and horizon for road trippers
Scenic drives worth the journey:
Road to the Sky – A straight road stretching into the distance
Fujino Route 2 – A secret farm road only Drive Japan users know
With Drive Japan, you can find expertly crafted itineraries to enjoy all of these spots—and more—on a seamless self-drive adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about road-tripping in Hokkaido
What is Drive Japan?
Drive Japan is a website for those exploring Japan by rental car. You can browse and purchase Itinerary Packs, which are sets of detailed maps and expert-curated information for your chosen itinerary. It helps you enjoy a safer, smoother, and more fulfilling trip than planning on your own. Recommended rental cars and hotels are also listed for easy booking. Please note: we are not a travel agency and do not handle bookings or provide drivers.
What is included in the Itinerary Pack?
Your Itinerary Pack includes a detailed itinerary with must-see highlights and hidden gems, daily Google Maps with 15-20 recommended spots to give you flexibility and freedom, curated hotel and restaurant lists, and expert tips such as “arrive in Otaru before 3 PM as many shops close by 5.” All content is tailored to your chosen route for a safer, smoother, and more rewarding journey.
See Details about Itinerary Pack.
I’m visiting Japan for the first time. Can I travel by rental car?
Yes! Japan is 75% mountainous, so many beautiful spots, especially in rural areas, are hard to access by train. Roads are well maintained, and outside major cities, traffic is light and driving is easy. While driving on the left may feel unfamiliar, most travelers adjust within half a day. If you want to journey beyond Tokyo or Osaka, a rental car is a great choice.
Start by browsing itineraries to plan your ideal trip.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Japan?
Yes, most visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your regular driver’s license. The IDP must be obtained in your home country before travelling to Japan. Some countries (like Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Slovenia and Taiwan) can drive with an official Japanese translation of their license instead.
You can view details by country on this site (external link)