Hokkaido in the summer is perfect for a family trip. With its vast natural scenery and refreshing climate, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy with your children. In this article, we'll introduce a model itinerary for a 3-day, 2-night family trip to Hokkaido. We've carefully selected must-see places in Hokkaido, so if you're planning a family trip with children or a couple, be sure to use this as a reference.

Summer Hokkaido Family Trip Model Itinerary Day 1

Here's a model itinerary for the first day of a summer family trip to Hokkaido. The plan isn't too packed, making it easy to tour with children. If you have time, try combining it with other spots.

■New Chitose Airport

Our summer Hokkaido family trip itinerary begins at New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's gateway. It's conveniently accessible from all over Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima.

The airport is packed with facilities for children to have fun at, including the "Kids Uniform Experience" where they can pretend to be a pilot or flight attendant, and the "Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park" where they can enjoy attractions. There are also many restaurants and souvenir shops, making it the perfect place to enjoy Hokkaido cuisine.

There is also a "New Chitose Airport Stamp Rally" that can be completed in about 30 minutes, so children won't get bored while waiting for the procedure. Once you have rented a car at New Chitose Airport, your trip to Hokkaido will finally begin.

address

2F, Domestic Terminal Building, New Chitose Airport Airport, Bibi, Chitose City, Hokkaido

Opening times

7:00-20:00 (Last Order 19:20)

Access

Approximately 1 hour by car from Sapporo

Official website

https://www.hokkaido-airports.com/ja/new-chitose/

■Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory

The first tourist spot we visit is the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory. It is a popular spot in Hokkaido, and it is customary to take a photo with your right hand raised in front of the statue of Dr. Clark. Sheep graze on the vast grounds, creating a tranquil landscape typical of Hokkaido. It is also a perfect spot for a family trip.

In the summer, lavender fields spread out before you, creating a beautiful purple landscape. You can also enjoy Hokkaido's local cuisine, Jingisukan, and sweets such as Shiroi Koibito soft serve and melon soft serve.

address

Hokkaido Sapporo 1 Hitsuyokegaoka, Toyohira-ku, Hokkaido

Opening times

October to May: 9:00 to 17:00
June to September: 9:00 to 18:00

Access

札幌から車で約35分

Official website

https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/

■F VILLAGE ADVENTURE PARK

After enjoying the Hokkaido gourmet dish of Jingisukan, head to ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, in Kitahiroshima City. Inside the stadium is F VILLAGE ADVENTURE PARK, where you can enjoy activities that make use of nature, such as aerial athletics, zip lines, and large swings.

This is a spot where both adults and children can have fun moving their bodies to their heart's content. There is also a food truck, with popular items such as "Ball Waffles" and "Skysider." There are also limited-time menu items, so be sure to check them out when you visit.

address

1 F VILLAGE Village, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido

Opening times

9:30～17:00

Access

Approximately 19 minutes on foot from Kitahiroshima Station

Official website

https://www.hkdballpark.com/activity/25/

■tower eleven hotel

After having fun at the athletic facilities, we head to our accommodation for the night tower eleven hotel, located on the same premises. The hotel is decorated with baseball-themed interiors and accessories, making it a playful space perfect for families traveling with children.

Another attraction is being able to enjoy the hot springs and sauna while watching a baseball game, a special experience that can only be had here.

In addition, Escon Field has a wide range of indoor facilities, so you won't have to worry about finding a place to play even on rainy days. Another great thing about Escon Field is that you can have fun regardless of the weather.

address

Hokkaido Kitahiroshima City F VILLAGE 1 ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO Inside TOWER11 4F

Check-in/Check-out

13:00-/9:00 (maximum 10:00)

Access

Approximately 19 minutes on foot from Kitahiroshima Station

Official website

https://www.hkdballpark.com/hotel/12/

Summer Hokkaido Family Trip Model Itinerary Day 2

On the second day of our summer Hokkaido family trip itinerary, we head to Lake Toya. Enjoy the natural beauty that only Hokkaido can offer.

■Lake Toya canoe experience

The area around Lake Toya is full of facilities where you can enjoy nature, such as horse trekking, park golf, and campgrounds. Canoeing is especially recommended for summer trips.

There are also canoes available for ages 3 and up, so the whole family can have fun. Reservations are required, so you can go at your own pace without worrying about others. Even during the summer, when it tends to get crowded, you can relax and enjoy the lake scenery.

address

Toya Toy Box
224-1 Toyacho, Toyakocho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Opening times

8:30～18:00

Access

Approximately 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Official website

https://toyatoybox.com/menu

■Water land

After enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Toya on a canoeing trip, head to Toyako Onsen. The hot spring town is dotted with gourmet spots, and we recommend enjoying lunch while looking out at the lake.

After your meal, head to Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa, your accommodation for day two of this itinerary. After checking in, enjoy a swim in the heated pool, Water Land.

There are plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy, from a wave pool to a fountain pool and a splash river. There is also a soft floor for small children, so the whole family can have fun. Rental swimsuits are also available, so you can come empty-handed.

You can enter as many times as you like during your stay, making it a perfect memory for your summer family trip. It's also recommended for sightseeing on rainy days.

address

7-1 Toyako Onsen, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido

Opening times

14:00～20:00

Access

Approximately 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Official website

https://www.toyasunpalace.co.jp/pool/

■Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa

After having fun in the pool, enjoy the hot springs and the hotel's cuisine. Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa is a hotel that boasts an open-air bath with a panoramic view of Lake Toya.
Bathing while watching the sunset or night sky is an exceptional experience. During the summer, fireworks are launched almost every day, which you can enjoy while soaking in the hot springs.

In late July, events such as "Summer Festa," "LOVE TOYA," and "Toya Summer Festival" are held, allowing you to enjoy the lively atmosphere unique to summer.

address

7-1 Toyako Onsen, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido

Check-in/Check-out

14:00/10:00

Access

Approximately 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Official website

https://www.toyasunpalace.co.jp/

Summer Hokkaido Family Trip Model Itinerary Day 3

On the third day of our summer Hokkaido family trip itinerary, we'll enjoy a drive to Hakodate. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Lake Toya, and you can enjoy the typical Hokkaido scenery along the way.

■Mount Hakodate

When you arrive in Hakodate, head to Mount Hakodate first. General vehicle traffic is restricted at night during the summer, but it is accessible by car during the day. If you take the ropeway, you can enjoy an aerial stroll while looking out over the cityscape of Hakodate.

There is an observation deck and a shop at the top of the mountain, and we recommend spending a relaxing time strolling around. If the weather is good, you can enjoy an open view that stretches all the way to the distant mountains. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hakodate in the refreshing summer air.

address

Mount Hakodate, Hakodate City

Opening times

Free stroll
◆Hakodate Ropeway
April 20th - September 30th 10:00-22:00
October 1st to April 19th 10:00-21:00

Access

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport

Official website

https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/spot/detail_10095.html

■Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck

The next place you should visit after Mount Hakodate is Goryokaku, a historic spot that represents Hakodate. It is a beautiful star-shaped castle that is also popular as a park where you can stroll around.

If you want to enjoy the full view of Goryokaku, we recommend Goryokaku Tower.※The tower also has a star-shaped castle tower, and from the observation deck you can get a panoramic view of the star-shaped castle. There is also a "see-through floor" with tempered glass under your feet, so you can enjoy the thrills with your children.

The park has a wide expanse of grass, perfect for a stroll. In the summer, the fresh greenery is beautiful, and you can feel the history of Goryokaku as you walk. There are gourmet spots scattered around the area, such as conveyor belt sushi restaurants and hamburger shops, so we recommend having lunch while enjoying a stroll.

※See "Goryokaku Tower Official Website"

address

43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido

Opening times

9:00-18:00 (Final ticket sales at the observation deck at 17:50)

Access

Approximately 10 minutes walk from Goryokaku Park Entrance bus stop

Official website

https://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/

■Rokkatei Goryokaku Branch

After enjoying the spectacular view from the observation deck and strolling around Goryokaku Park, head to Rokkatei Goryokaku Branch to look for souvenirs. This confectionery shop, which represents Hokkaido, stocks popular items such as Marusei Butter Sandwich and Strawberry Chocolate.

After enjoying your shopping, take a break in the cafe inside the store. From the large glass windows, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Goryokaku's moat and rows of cherry blossom trees.

address

27-6 Goryokakucho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido

Opening times

Shop/9:30-17:30
Cafe / 11:00-16:00 (LO 15:30)

Access

Police Station [Police Station Side] Approximately 3 minutes walk from the bus stop

Official website

https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/

■Hakodate Airport

Our Hokkaido family trip itinerary is finally coming to an end. We head to Hakodate Airport for our return flight. The airport is packed with restaurants and souvenir shops, so you can relax before your flight.

At Sushi Mitsuya, you can enjoy sushi and seafood bowls in a stand-up style, making it the perfect finale to your Hokkaido gourmet experience. There's also a kids' corner, so it's convenient for spending time with your children while you wait for boarding.

Your fun family trip to Hokkaido has come to an end. As you reminisce about your memories, it's time to board the plane home.

address

511 Takamatsucho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido

Opening times

7:00～20:00

Access

Approximately 20 minutes by car from Goryokaku

Official website

https://airport.ne.jp/

Frequently asked questions about Hokkaido Family Trip

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about family trips to Hokkaido. If you are planning a trip to Hokkaido with children, please use this as a reference.

■What are the must-visit places for a trip to Hokkaido with children?

We recommend "ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO" as a spot you can enjoy with your children. Inside the stadium, there is an athletic facility called "F VILLAGE ADVENTURE PARK" with plenty of areas for active play, including aerial athletics and zip lines. You can also enjoy the unique experience of watching a baseball game while soaking in a hot spring.

​Canoeing on Lake Toya is also popular for those looking to experience nature. You can feel the great outdoors as you sail across the lake, and it's also a valuable learning opportunity for children. Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa's hot springs and heated pools are great spots to enjoy even on rainy days, so you can have fun regardless of the weather.

■How much does a 2-night, 3-day family trip to Hokkaido cost in the summer?

Although it depends on the details of the trip, a summer family trip to Hokkaido will cost around 80,000 to 120,000 yen per person. Including airfare, accommodation, rental car fees, meals, sightseeing, etc., a trip for a family of four can be expected to cost around 300,000 to 450,000 yen.

In addition, if you add activities such as canoeing and aerial athletics, as well as admission fees to tourist attractions, the total cost can reach around 500,000 yen.

Summer is the best season for tourism, and it is a time when accommodation and airfares are expensive. You can save money by booking early and using discounted airfares.

Enjoy nature and history on a summer family trip to Hokkaido

In this article, we've introduced a model itinerary for a summer family trip to Hokkaido that can be completed in three days and two nights. This plan is designed with ample space to make it easy to travel with children. Experience the natural beauty and history that only Hokkaido can offer, and enjoy a trip that will create memories for your family. Please use this as a reference for a trip plan that the whole family can enjoy.