Welcome to the heartwarming final day of our Eastern Hokkaido 5-Day Charter Tour! Today’s main mission is to travel safely, efficiently, and comfortably from Abashiri back to Sapporo, covering over two hundred kilometers.
Driving this long intercity distance yourself causes extreme fatigue and safety risks, while taking trains requires dragging heavy shopping bags through busy transfers.
With our dedicated Hokkaido private car charter, a professional driver handles the long road while you stop along the way to visit the adorable Kitami Fox Village and a fragrant historic mint town—making your return trip just as exciting!
Day 5 Route: Abashiri ➔ Kitami ➔ Sapporo (Overnight in Sapporo)
| ⚪ Day 1 | ⚪ Day 2 | ⚪ Day 3 | ⚪ Day 4 | 🔴 Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo to Kushiro 👉 【Click here for Day 1 Guide】 | 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 🚗 (You are here!) |
Day 5 Golden 10-Hour Charter Schedule
09:00 – 10:00 (60 mins drive) | Check out from Abashiri hotel ➔ Private drive inland to Kitami City.
10:00 – 11:30 (90 mins stop) | Kitami Fox Village (Kitakitsune Farm). Observe dozens of cute fluffy Ezo red foxes freely roaming in a open-air sanctuary.
11:30 – 13:00 (90 mins stop & lunch) | Kitami Mint Memorial Museum & Kitami Salt Yakisoba. Learn about Kitami’s mint history and savor local salt fried noodles topped with fresh scallops.
13:00 – 18:00 (5 hours drive & rest stops) | Depart Kitami ➔ Express highway charter ride through Central Hokkaido back to Sapporo.
18:00+ | Arrive smoothly at your Sapporo hotel or New Chitose Airport, completing your magnificent 5-day Eastern Hokkaido grand tour!
Note: Travel times and itineraries are fully customizable based on your preferences, seasonal conditions, and actual traffic.
Morning Wildlife Therapy: Kitami Fox Village
Bidding farewell to Abashiri in the morning, your private charter journeys inland toward Kitami—Japan’s leading onion producer.
Our first stop is the beloved Kitami Fox Village (Kitakitsune Farm). Unlike traditional zoos where animals are caged, this farm features a spacious open-roaming environment.
Walking along the raised boardwalks, you can observe dozens of fluffy Hokkaido Ezo red foxes sunbathing, stretching, and playing on the grass. Watching these sleepy, innocent foxes instantly melts away all travel fatigue, offering a rare and heartwarming ecological encounter.
Midday Heritage & Flavors: Mint Museum & Local Noodles
After visiting the foxes, your private driver takes you to central Kitami to discover the town’s legendary “Mint Golden Era.”
During the early Showa period, Kitami produced over 70% of the world’s mint supply! The elegant pastel-green wooden Kitami Mint Memorial Museum preserves original distillation equipment and vintage photographs.
Stepping inside, you are greeted by a crisp, refreshing mint aroma. You can browse natural mint essential oils and soaps, making this the perfect stop for unique local souvenirs.
Lunch Highlight: Kitami Salt Yakisoba
For lunch, indulge in Kitami’s famous award-winning local dish: Kitami Salt Yakisoba.
This gourmet noodle dish strictly uses sweet, locally grown onions and juicy scallops caught in the nearby Sea of Okhotsk, stir-fried on a hot iron griddle with special savory salt sauce. The combination of sweet onions and rich seafood creates an irresistible aroma and rich flavor.
Afternoon Express Return: Premium Nap Time in Your Private Van
After enjoying lunch and souvenir shopping, it is time for the long journey home around 1:00 PM. Crossing Hokkaido’s central mountain range back to Sapporo takes approximately 5 hours.
This long intercity drive is where a Hokkaido private charter truly shines. Forget dragging heavy luggage through train stations or straining your eyes on unfamiliar highways.
Simply recline your plush seat, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, and enjoy a peaceful nap or movie. Your experienced driver will stop at spacious highway rest areas for warm coffee breaks, dropping you off safely at your Sapporo hotel by 6:00 PM.
Recommended Seasonal Clothing Guide & Travel Tips
Kitami lies in an inland basin, featuring hot summers and severe winter cold that frequently records Hokkaido’s lowest temperatures. Prepare for your trip with our seasonal packing chart:
| Season & Months | What to Wear | Travel Insider Tips |
| Spring (Apr – May) | Light down jackets, windproof coats, and warm trousers. | Spring arrives late in Kitami’s inland basin. Chilly winds remain common through May; windproof outerwear is essential. |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Short sleeves, breathable pants, light jackets, and UV protection. | Kitami gets surprisingly hot during summer afternoons, but mountain passes back to Sapporo cool down quickly. Bring a light layer. |
| Autumn (Sep – Nov) | Thermal innerwear (Heattech), thick sweaters, and windproof warm coats. | Foliage peaks across the central mountains in autumn. Evening temperatures drop rapidly; dress in warm layers. |
| Winter (Dec – Mar) | Heavy down coats, non-slip snow boots, beanies, thermal gloves, and scarves. | Sub-zero temperatures create heavy ice on mountain passes. Driving 5 hours on icy roads is hazardous; booking a private charter is strongly advised. |
Book Your 5-Day Eastern Hokkaido Charter Today
This epic 5-day Eastern Hokkaido grand tour turns long transportation legs into a seamless, luxurious travel experience. Skip the planning stress, hazardous winter driving, and train transfers!
Contact our friendly customer service team today to book your Hokkaido private car tour and launch your dream holiday!
✨ 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.