12 days in Sapporo, Hakodate & Nagoya Itinerary

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Venture out of the city with trips to Otaru Canal (in Otaru) and Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery (in Yoichi-cho). There's lots more to do: stroll around Odori Park, examine the collection at Sapporo Beer Museum, don't miss a visit to Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and take a stroll around Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town.

To find photos, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Sapporo road trip website .

Jakarta, Indonesia to Sapporo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. Traveling from Jakarta to Sapporo, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Jakarta in December; daily highs in Sapporo reach 0°C and lows reach -2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Change things up with these side-trips from Hakodate: Nanae-cho (Hakodate Nanae Snow Park & Onuma Quasi-National Park). There's much more to do: take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hakodate Orthodox Church, contemplate the long history of The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, and explore by horseback at Dosanko Farm Hakodate.

For where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hakodate trip planning website .

Getting from Sapporo to Hakodate by combination of flight and shuttle takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in December, and nighttime lows around -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can travel to Nagoya.

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.

Venture out of the city with trips to Waju no Sato (in Kuwana), Chubu Park (in Toin-cho) and Ise (Okageza, Ise Grand Shrine, & more). The adventure continues: explore the historical opulence of Nagoya Castle, make a trip to Osu Shopping Street, observe the fascinating underwater world at Toba Aquarium, and admire the masterpieces at Tokugawa Art Museum.

For more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read Nagoya attractions planner .

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Hakodate to Nagoya takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Hakodate in January; daily highs in Nagoya reach 7°C and lows reach 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Sun) to allow time for travel back home.