Tokyo & Hokkaido summer · 7 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo

• Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky · 2 h. Sunset Shibuya Sky slots sell out — book online a few weeks ahead.
• Tokyo Skytree observation decks · 1.5 h. Clear winter mornings show Mt Fuji; pair with Asakusa, one stop away.

Local tip: Sunset Shibuya Sky slots sell out — book online a few weeks ahead.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo

• Senso-ji & Asakusa old town · 2 h. Arrive before 9am; Nakamise snack stalls open around 10am. Lit up at night with no crowds.
• Meiji Jingu & Harajuku · 3 h. Shrine forest is calm early; Takeshita Street is packed on weekend afternoons.

Local tip: Arrive before 9am; Nakamise snack stalls open around 10am. Lit up at night with no crowds.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo

• Akihabara electronics & anime district · 2.5 h. Carry your passport for tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000.
• Shinjuku evening: Omoide Yokocho & Golden Gai · 2.5 h. Tiny bars often add a seat charge; mostly yakitori, so vegetarians should eat elsewhere first.

Local tip: Carry your passport for tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Tokyo → Sapporo

Sapporo · Tokyo to Sapporo, Flight Haneda–New Chitose ~1.5h + transfers

• Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower · 1.5 h. Hosts the Snow Festival in February and beer gardens in July–August.
• Sapporo Beer Museum & tasting · 1.5 h. Free entry; the tasting set is paid. Jingisukan lamb barbecue at the beer garden next door.

Local tip: Hosts the Snow Festival in February and beer gardens in July–August.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Otaru canal day trip

Sapporo

• Otaru canal day trip · 6 h. 40 min by JR; glassworks, music-box museum and sushi street. Snow Light Path in February.

Local tip: 40 min by JR; glassworks, music-box museum and sushi street. Snow Light Path in February.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Sapporo

Sapporo

• Mt Moiwa ropeway night view · 2 h

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Sapporo

Sapporo

• Miso ramen at Ramen Yokocho, Susukino · 1 h. Broths are pork or seafood based; vegetarians do better with soup curry, which often has a vegetable version.

Local tip: Broths are pork or seafood based; vegetarians do better with soup curry, which often has a vegetable version.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Sapporo

Sapporo

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.