Your dream journey into Eastern Hokkaido’s grand wilderness officially takes off! Eastern Hokkaido is world-famous for its pristine wildlife and volcanic lakes. However, because the region is vast and key attractions are hundreds of kilometers apart, public transit is extremely limited.
To explore Eastern Hokkaido elegantly in 5 days, our 5-Day Private Charter Tour is your perfect solution! The transportation logistics on Day 1 starting from Sapporo are crucial.
With a dedicated private car charter, you don’t need to haul heavy luggage to catch trains. Guided by a professional driver, we will travel from Sapporo across the Tokachi Plain for gourmet delicacies, ending at the port city of Kushiro to chase one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
Eastern Hokkaido 5 Day Charter Tour Day 1 Route: Sapporo ➔ Obihiro ➔ Kushiro (Overnight in Kushiro)
| 🔴 Day 1 | ⚪ Day 2 | ⚪ Day 3 | ⚪ Day 4 | ⚪ Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo to Kushiro 🚗 (You are here!) | Lakes & Mist Kushiro ➔ Lake Akan 👉 【Click here for Day 2 Guide】 | Hidden Gems Lake Akan ➔ Shiretoko 👉 【Click here for Day 3 Guide】 | Coastal Wonders Shiretoko ➔ Abashiri 👉 【Click here for Day 4 Guide】 | The Return Abashiri ➔ Sapporo 👉 【Click here for Day 5 Guide】 |
Day 1 Golden 10-Hour Charter Schedule
08:00 – 11:00 (180 mins drive) | Departure from Sapporo hotel ➔ Take the highway across Hidaka Mountains to Obihiro.
11:00 – 12:45 (105 mins stop & lunch) | Obihiro Butadon & Rokkatei Flagship Store. Feast on smoky charcoal-grilled pork bowls, followed by crispy fresh cream puffs at Rokkatei.
12:45 – 13:45 (60 mins stop & drive) | Kofuku Station (Happiness Station). A nostalgic wooden train station covered in pink wish tickets from global travelers.
13:45 – 16:30 (165 mins drive) | Obihiro ➔ Kushiro City. Rest comfortably in your spacious private van during this long stretch.
16:30 – 18:00 (90 mins stop) | Nusamai Bridge Sunset. Witness one of the “World’s Top 3 Sunsets” casting golden light over the river.
18:00+ | Check-in at your Kushiro hotel. Enjoy authentic Robatayaki (Japanese fireside grilling) for dinner!
Note: Travel times and itineraries are fully customizable based on your preferences, seasonal conditions, and actual traffic.
Midday Feast in Tokachi: Obihiro Butadon & Legendary Desserts
Departing from Sapporo in the morning, you can relax in the spacious back seat of your private vehicle while enjoying views of the Hidaka Mountain Range. After a smooth 3-hour drive, your driver arrives at Obihiro, the heart of the Tokachi Plain.
Obihiro is Hokkaido’s agricultural center, famed for its top-tier pork. Upon arrival, the aroma of savory soy sauce and caramel fills the air—the signature scent of Obihiro Butadon. Thick slices of local pork are charcoal-grilled to sizzle, brushed with a rich, sweet-savory glaze, and served over hot rice. It is an indispensable soul food when visiting Tokachi.
Exclusive Treats at Rokkatei Flagship Store
After lunch, stroll over to the flagship store of Rokkatei, Hokkaido’s confectionery giant. Here, you can try the store-exclusive “Saku-Saku Pie.” Featuring a freshly baked, crispy pastry shell filled with chilled custard cream, its dual texture provides a sweet conclusion to your Tokachi food tour.
Afternoon Romance: Kofuku Station & World-Class Sunsets
Following your culinary adventure, your private charter takes you into nostalgic railway history before heading east toward Kushiro Port.
A 20-minute drive brings you to Kofuku Station (Happiness Station). Though the railway line is decommissioned, it remains a famous romantic landmark. The wooden station building is covered inside and out with pink “tickets to happiness” left by visitors from across the globe. Couples can ring the happiness bell, walk along the historic tracks, and snap photos with vintage orange train cars.
Basking in the Golden Glow of Nusamai Bridge
Leaving Kofuku Station, your driver takes you directly to Kushiro City, arriving at Nusamai Bridge just before dusk.
Ranked alongside Manila and Bali, Kushiro’s sunset is celebrated as one of the World’s Top 3 Sunsets. Unique latitude and coastal fog refract the sunlight into an intense, fiery red. Watching the golden dusk light up the bronze statues of the Four Seasons and sparkle over the river is the ultimate romantic start to your Eastern Hokkaido journey.
Eastern Hokkaido Day 1: Recommended Seasonal Clothing Guide
Eastern Hokkaido experiences cooler temperatures than Sapporo. Kushiro, facing the Pacific Ocean, is frequently blanketed by sea fog in summer, making evening temperatures feel quite chilly. Stay comfortable with our seasonal packing guide:
| Season & Months | What to Wear | Travel Insider Tips |
| Spring (Apr – May) | Light down jackets, windproof coats, and warm trousers. | Spring snowmelt happens late in Eastern Hokkaido. Sea breezes at Nusamai Bridge are strong, so head protection (beanies) is advised. |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Short sleeves, light jackets (mandatory), and sun hats. | Kushiro is a famous summer retreat! Evening temperatures often drop below 20°C (68°F), so bring a jacket when watching the sunset. |
| Autumn (Sep – Nov) | Thermal innerwear (Heattech), thick sweaters, and windproof warm overcoats. | Autumn foliage peaks in October around Tokachi. Temperature swings between day and night are extreme, so layering is essential. |
| Winter (Dec – Mar) | Ultra-thick down coats, non-slip snow boots, beanies, and thermal gloves. | Winter roads in Eastern Hokkaido freeze heavily. Long-distance winter driving is extremely hazardous for tourists; booking a private charter with an experienced local driver is strongly recommended. |
Start Your Eastern Hokkaido Charter Tour Today
Day 1’s 10-hour intercity journey from Sapporo to Kushiro turns long-distance travel into an enjoyable experience thanks to the luxury and flexibility of a private charter. Rest well in Kushiro tonight, savor authentic Robatayaki, and prepare for our deep dive into mysterious Lake Akan tomorrow!
Contact our friendly Hokkaido Private Charter customer service team today to reserve your vehicle and start your unforgettable Eastern Hokkaido adventure!
✨ Exclusive Bonus for Your Private Tour:
The beauty of Hokkaido goes beyond the famous landmarks. To make your journey more heartfelt, we’ve prepared a list of “Hidden Gems” tucked away within our classic itineraries.
🔒 How to Unlock Your Secret Map?
Simply complete your booking to instantly unlock these hidden spots. We will send you a personalized custom itinerary, ensuring your Hokkaido memories are truly one-of-a-kind.