Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
June 4, 2026
Hokkaido is one of the most suitable areas for road trips in Japan. Its appeal lies in the diverse natural scenery, accommodations, and local cuisine that can be enjoyed in each region. For those planning a trip to Hokkaido for the first time, renting a car allows you to avoid being tied to JR train and bus schedules and efficiently combine natural spots, luxurious glamping, and local cuisine into a single route.
table of contents
When choosing accommodation in Hokkaido, it's best to select it according to your sightseeing route. Staying in the same city every night isn't very efficient for a first-time Hokkaido road trip. For a more comfortable trip, plan your itinerary by dividing it into several different accommodation areas. Also, if you're renting a car in Hokkaido, be sure to check if your accommodation has parking. Some hotels in urban areas may charge extra for parking.
Hokkaido Rusutsu Glamping Snow Pod is a luxurious glamping facility located in Rusutsu, Hokkaido. In the summer, you can enjoy BBQ and bonfires in a natural setting, and in the winter, you can enjoy Rusutsu's unique powder snow and winter sports. For meals, you can enjoy a luxurious glamping BBQ in the summer, and in the winter, an Italian dinner course is available by advance reservation. Ingredients from the Rusutsu area are used for the summer BBQ, and you can also enjoy Hokkaido-produced ingredients in the winter Italian dinner.
Located near Lake Toya in Hokkaido, this accommodation allows guests to enjoy the natural scenery and atmosphere of Lake Toya. With on-site parking, it's convenient for those on a Hokkaido road trip. "OKU-TOYA CLUB" also features an outdoor sauna, making it ideal for those who want to add a touch of resort-like charm to their Hokkaido road trip. It's perfect not only for those rushing through tourist spots, but also for those who prefer a more relaxed, stay-type trip surrounded by nature.
Located just a 15-minute drive from the center of Otaru, Hokkaido, this luxurious accommodation boasts a spectacular view that has been selected as one of Hokkaido's three best night views. Guests can enjoy discounted rates at the Asarigawa Onsen hot springs located across from the facility. Enjoy two types of Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) and a colorful vegetable barbecue. You can also cool down your body after warming up in the Asarigawa River, which flows near the sauna.
Upon arriving in Hokkaido, we recommend staying at "Kitahiroshima Kaeru Camp." You can enjoy staying in a trailer house and having a BBQ in the evening, allowing you to start your Hokkaido road trip with an outdoor stay from your very first day.
On the second day, we'll head to Sapporo city center and sightsee around Odori Park and Sapporo Station. For food, we recommend Sapporo miso ramen and Jingisukan (grilled lamb). In the afternoon, we'll travel to Otaru and stroll along the Otaru Canal. You can also enjoy Otaru beer, sushi, and sweets made with Hokkaido milk.
On the third day, we'll head towards Rusutsu and stay at "Hokkaido Rusutsu Glamping Snow Pod." It's recommended to avoid cramming too many sightseeing spots into this day and instead focus on enjoying Hokkaido's nature and the accommodation experience itself. You can enjoy different activities depending on the season, such as outdoor BBQ in the summer and glamping amidst a snowy landscape in the winter.
On the fourth day, we'll drive from Rusutsu towards Lake Toya and stay at "OKU-TOYA CLUB." Lake Toya is one of the areas in Hokkaido where you should definitely consider staying overnight. We recommend combining a lakeside stroll, an outdoor sauna, and sightseeing in the surrounding area to make it a relaxing day rather than just traveling.
We'll start our drive from Lake Toya, stopping at Noboribetsu Onsen and Jigokudani along the way before heading towards Hakodate. We'll stay overnight in Hakodate and enjoy the night view from Mount Hakodate, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, and a stroll through Motomachi. For food, we recommend Hakodate Shio Ramen, seafood izakayas, and sushi.
In the morning, enjoy a seafood rice bowl at the Hakodate Morning Market, then visit Goryokaku Fort and Hachiman-zaka Slope. In the evening, it's recommended to enjoy more seafood cuisine and the night view of Hakodate. By minimizing car use on this day and making use of walking and local transportation, you can take a short break during your Hokkaido road trip.
The most efficient route is to return your rental car in Hakodate and depart from Hakodate Airport. If you drive back to New Chitose Airport, it will be a long journey, so be sure to allow ample time for refueling, returning the rental car, and boarding procedures. It's also important not to cram too many sightseeing spots into your last day.
| Area | Recommended gourmet | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Otaru | Sushi Street, Otaru Denuki Alley, LeTAO Sweets | Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi caught in the waters off Otaru. |
| Sapporo | Sapporo miso ramen, Jingisukan (grilled lamb), seafood from Nijo Market | There are many restaurants in the city center, offering a wide variety of choices. |
| Rusutsu | Summer BBQ and winter Italian dinner courses at the accommodation. | Enjoy meals and other activities all within the resort. |
| Lake Toya | Japanese set meals and white fish dishes in a hot spring town. | Enjoy fresh ingredients |
| Noboribetsu | Jigokudani hot spring eggs, Noboribetsu caramel milk | Enjoy local flavors |
| Hakodate | Salt ramen, seafood rice bowl from the morning market, Lucky Pierrot hamburger | A town where you can enjoy ramen, seafood, and hamburgers all at once. |
| Area | Recommended sightseeing spots | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Otaru | Otaru Canal, Kitaichi Glass | The retro port town atmosphere is its charm. It's also recommended for a stroll while enjoying the night view. |
| Sapporo | Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Shiroi Koibito Park | Recommended for sightseeing around the city |
| Rusutsu | Resort Ferris wheel, highland gondola in summer, ski resort in winter | You can enjoy it in different ways throughout the four seasons. |
| Lake Toya | Mount Usu Ropeway, Showa Shinzan, Lake Toya sightseeing boat, lakeside hot spring town | It's a great place to enjoy both an active volcano and a lake at the same time, and is recommended for leisurely sightseeing. |
| Noboribetsu | Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Konpira Crater Disaster Remains, Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (historical village). | Enjoy the unique atmosphere of a volcanic landscape and hot spring resort (be aware that there is a sulfurous smell around Jigokudani). |
| Hakodate | Hakodateyama night view, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Goryokaku, Hachiman-zaka slope, Motomachi churches | Its beautiful night view, known as one of the world's three greatest night views, is a major attraction. |
In Hokkaido, hotels in urban areas may charge an additional fee for parking. Glamping facilities in the suburbs often have easier parking, but be sure to check whether you can park right next to your room or if you need to walk from the parking lot to your room.
Unlike large hotels, glamping facilities may not allow check-in until late at night. Also, dinner and BBQ plans may require advance reservations. When planning a road trip in Hokkaido, be sure to arrive at your accommodation early, as delays could affect check-in and meals.
Even if your rental car is equipped with snow tires, it's important to slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns, and try to avoid driving on mountain roads at night as much as possible. If you have no experience driving on snowy roads, it's recommended to reduce long-distance travel during the winter and stay in areas that are relatively easy to access.
"Kaeru Camp" and "Snow Pod" offer BBQ and meal plans, while "OKU-TOYA CLUB" is recommended as a place to stay for a relaxing time around Lake Toya. Rather than searching for restaurants outside every night, planning to enjoy meals at your accommodation for one or two nights during your trip will allow you to enjoy a truly Hokkaido-style stay while reducing travel time.
For first-time visitors, it's recommended to divide your accommodations into different areas according to your sightseeing route. Staying in Kitahiroshima or Sapporo on your first day, Rusutsu or Lake Toya in the middle of your trip, and finally Hakodate will allow you to enjoy the unique characteristics of each region of Hokkaido as you travel.
If you're looking for convenient accommodation near New Chitose Airport for your first or last day of travel, "Kitahiroshima Kaeru Camp" is a great choice. If you want to enjoy nature and skiing, "Hokkaido Rusutsu Glamping Snow Pod" is a good option, and if you want to relax around Lake Toya in winter, "OKU-TOYA CLUB" is perfect.
Yes, there are accommodations available during the winter. However, in some trailer-type rooms, the kitchen, shower, and flush toilet may be unavailable to prevent freezing. Please check the availability and facilities for each room type and time of year before booking.
You need to make careful judgments based on your own driving experience. Even with a rental car equipped with snow tires, it's important to slow down, avoid sudden braking, and avoid driving on mountain roads at night as much as possible. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, it is recommended to reduce long-distance travel and stay mainly in areas where traffic routes are easy to understand.
The greatest appeal of a road trip in Hokkaido is the freedom to combine nature, lakes, outdoor accommodations, and local cuisine into a single journey. Rather than rushing to visit many tourist spots every day, making the accommodation itself a destination in the trip allows you to enjoy Hokkaido's unique atmosphere at a more leisurely pace. On the first day, experience a trailer house and Hokkaido BBQ at the easily accessible "Kitahiroshima Kaeru Camp," then enjoy the nature, snowscapes, and summer BBQ of Rusutsu at "Hokkaido Rusutsu Glamping Snow Pod." Furthermore, a route that allows you to enjoy the nature and tranquil atmosphere around Lake Toya at "OKU-TOYA CLUB" will make your Hokkaido road trip even more fulfilling.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
