Driving in Hokkaido: Understanding the Distances and Travel Times

Common Misconceptions about Traveling in Hokkaido

• It is not uncommon for tourists to have unrealistic expectations about their travel plans, such as visiting Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and Sapporo in a single day or comparing seafood in Hakodate and Kushiro within a two-day trip.

Comparing Hokkaido’s Size to Other Japanese Cities

• Hokkaido’s east-west distance (about 500km) is roughly equivalent to the straight-line distance between Osaka and Fukuoka, while its north-south distance (about 400km) is comparable to that between Tokyo and Osaka.
• Hokkaido alone accounts for approximately 22% of Japan’s land area.

How Long Does It Take to Travel Around Hokkaido?

• Traveling around Hokkaido by car, passing through major cities and covering a distance of approximately 2,300km, would take at least 7 nights and 8 days, assuming a daily driving distance of 300km.
• Expect to drive for 4-5 hours every day and ensure you have enough rest or alternate drivers to fully enjoy the trip.

Travel Times to Sapporo from Various Cities in Hokkaido

• Otaru: 39km, approximately 47 minutes
• Niseko: 107km, approximately 2 hours 34 minutes
• Asahikawa: 140km, approximately 1 hour 49 minutes
• Obihiro: 195km, approximately 3 hours
• Wakkanai: 337km, approximately 5 hours 9 minutes
• Kushiro: 301km, approximately 4 hours 41 minutes

Travel Times to Hakodate from Various Cities in Hokkaido

• Otaru: 248km, approximately 4 hours 17 minutes
• Niseko: 186km, approximately 3 hours
• Asahikawa: 406km, approximately 5 hours 32 minutes
• Obihiro: 438km, approximately 6 hours 5 minutes
• Wakkanai: 635km, approximately 8 hours 51 minutes
• Kushiro: 544km, approximately 7 hours 46 minutes

Travel Times to Noboribetsu (Noboribetsu Onsen) from Various Cities in Hokkaido

• Otaru: 145km, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Niseko: 108km, approximately 2 hours
• Asahikawa: 236km, approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
• Obihiro: 236km, approximately 3 hours 13 minutes
• Wakkanai: 433km, approximately 6 hours
• Kushiro: 342km, approximately 4 hours 54 minutes

Conclusion

• Keep in mind the vastness of Hokkaido when planning your trip, and avoid setting unrealistic routes.
• Enjoy the beautiful drives through Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes, such as flower fields, farms, lakes, and coastlines.
• Although Hokkaido’s highways are continuously being expanded, some areas are still under construction and might require using non-highway roads, especially when traveling to the eastern part of the island. Be sure to check road traffic information before your trip.

Remember, Hokkaido is known for its large size and straight, easy-to-drive roads that truly make you appreciate the island’s scale. Enjoy your trip and make unforgettable memories on your next Hokkaido driving adventure!