Sapporo route: Hill of Buddha, Otaru and Costco in Hokkaido
This 402.5 km route covers a summer trip through Hokkaido, Japan, starting from Fukuoka and arriving in Hokkaido. The itinerary includes stays in Sapporo with visits to Costco Sapporo, Hill of Buddha, and the Shiroi Koibito theme park, followed by a day trip to Otaru featuring shopping at Parco and soup curry dining in the Susukino District.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- 札幌市, 日本
- End
- Susukino District
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- 札幌市, 日本 — Explore Sapporo's blend of modern retail culture, a hilltop Buddhist temple offering city views, and sample the region's famous butter cookie confections.
- Sapporo — One hour drive from airport
- Costco Sapporo — Shopping destination mentioned in chapter
- 小樽市, 日本 — Discover the historic port town of Otaru with its shopping district, then experience Hokkaido's signature spiced soup curry, a beloved local culinary specialty.
- Otaru — 40 minute drive from Sapporo; day 3 destination
- Fukuoka (departure point) — Starting city; 2.5 hour flight to Hokkaido
- Hokkaido (arrival) — Northern island destination
- Susukino District — Entertainment district; dessert shop visit
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Flight from Fukuoka to Hokkaido takes 2.5 hours. Rent a car from Nissan Rent a Car; take shuttle bus to carpark. Drive is about 1 hour into Sapporo.
- Where to stay
- Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo: modern ryokan with welcome drinks after check-in, public zen onsen, but limited storage space for unpacking.
- Food
- Sea urchin restaurant (Yoichiya in Otaru): expensive but offers multiple sea urchin varieties, homemade crab miso soup with free refills, and bowls made by local ceramicist.
- Timing
- Visit Mermaid Coffee Roasters about 1 hour after opening to avoid rush. Beans roasted in-house, cookies baked fresh daily.
- Tip
- Hill of Buddha entrance fee: ¥300 (increasing to ¥500). Designed by Tadao Ando. It rains frequently—plan indoor activities on rainy days.
- Food
- Hokkaido has night parfait culture. Try dessert shops in Susukino District at night. Some ice cream shops offer 19 color sodas for ice cream floats.
- Tip
- Shiroi Koibito Park: Tudor-style houses with English rose garden. Musical performances every hour. Garden and shops are free entry. Self-guided chocolate factory tour includes 1 free cookie.
- Transport
- Otaru is 40 minutes drive from Sapporo. Famous for glass production. Canal built in 1920s now serves as tourist photo spot.
- Food
- Soup curry is a must in Hokkaido. Choose soup base, protein, spice level, and toppings. Summer soup curries are thinner than typical versions.
- Save money
- Costco Japan sells Hokkaido-exclusive items (cooler bags, Haribo T-shirts) at good prices. 2 Costcos in Hokkaido total. Hot dogs cheaper than restaurants.
- Tip
- Otaru has Snoopy stained glass themed souvenirs and shops. Check Kitaichi Glass Museum (historic Meiji-period building) and glass bead-making workshops.
- Tip
- Hokkaido has own convenience store brand: Seicomart. Stocks Hokkaido-exclusive ice creams, drinks, food and branded merchandise.