Current as of: 2025-12-14 JST
Route Overview
The Sapphire Route takes you through the pristine blue landscapes of Hokkaido and Tohoku, from the urban energy of Sapporo to the serene island-dotted seascape of Matsushima. This 7-day itinerary celebrates the natural beauty, seafood culture, and spiritual heritage of Japan’s northern regions.
Total Distance: Approximately 1,200 km | Best Season: July-September | Estimated Duration: 7 days
Day 1-3: Hokkaido (Sapporo & Hakodate)
Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo
Getting There from Tokyo:
•Option 1 (Fastest): Fly from Tokyo (Haneda) to New Chitose Airport, Sapporo (approximately 2 hours). 1
•Option 2 (Train): Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sapporo (approximately 8-9 hours with transfers). 1
Rental Car Pickup: Rent a car at New Chitose Airport for maximum flexibility. Major rental companies include Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Orix. Expect to pay ¥5,000-8,000 per day for a standard sedan. An international driving permit is required. 2
Sapporo Attractions:
•Odori Park (大通公園): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example1 – A 1.5-km urban green space in the heart of Sapporo
•Genghis Khan (Jingisukan): Try Sapporo’s famous grilled lamb at a local restaurant. Expect to pay ¥3,000-5,000 per person.
•Susukino District: Neon-lit entertainment and dining area
Accommodation: Stay in central Sapporo. Budget hotels range from ¥6,000-12,000 per night.
Day 2: Sapporo to Hakodate (Approximately 5 hours by car)
Route: Sapporo → Hakodate via Expressway (approximately 280 km)
Hakodate Attractions:
Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example2 A star-shaped fortress from the Edo period. Admission: ¥900 for adults. The observation tower offers panoramic views of the city and Tsugaru Strait. 3
Hakodate Mountain & Night View (函館山): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example3 Famous for the “100-million-dollar night view.” Accessible by ropeway (¥1,500 round trip) or car. Arrive at sunset for the best experience. 3
Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example4 Over 250 vendors selling fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties. Open 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Try fresh scallops (hotate) and sea urchin (uni). Budget ¥2,000-4,000 for breakfast. 3
Accommodation: Hakodate offers ryokans and hotels ranging from ¥7,000-15,000 per night.
Day 3: Hakodate to Aomori (Ferry + Car)
Getting to Aomori:
•Ferry: Take the Tsugaru Strait Ferry from Hakodate to Aomori (approximately 3 hours 40 minutes). Cost: ¥7,500-9,000 per person. Your rental car can be driven onto the ferry. Reservations are recommended during peak season. 4
•Alternative (Driving): Drive around the Tsugaru Peninsula (approximately 7-8 hours), which adds scenic coastal views but extends travel time significantly.
Aomori Attractions:
Aomori Nebuta Festival (青森ねぶた祭): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example5 If visiting in August, witness this UNESCO-listed festival featuring massive illuminated floats. Festival dates: August 2-7. Admission varies by seating; expect ¥2,000-8,000. 5
Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example6 A 14-km scenic gorge with hiking trails, waterfalls, and pristine blue water. Best visited in autumn for foliage. Free entry; parking ¥500. 5
Lake Towada (十和田湖): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example7 Japan’s second-deepest lake, known for its stunning blue color. Accessible by car; scenic drives around the lake take 1-2 hours. 5
Accommodation: Aomori city offers hotels and onsen ryokans from ¥6,000-12,000 per night.
Day 4-5: Aomori to Miyagi (Sendai)
Day 4: Aomori to Sendai (Approximately 4 hours by car)
Route: Aomori → Sendai via Expressway (approximately 300 km)
Sendai Attractions:
Sendai Castle Ruins (仙台城跡): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example8 Historic castle ruins with panoramic views of Sendai city. Free entry; parking ¥500. 6
Zuihoden Mausoleum (瑞鳳殿): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example9 A beautifully decorated mausoleum of the Sendai daimyo (feudal lord). Admission: ¥700 for adults. 6
Sendai Beef Tongue (Gyutan): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example10 Sendai is famous for grilled beef tongue. Visit a local yakiniku restaurant; budget ¥3,000-5,000 per person. 6
Accommodation: Sendai offers a range of hotels from ¥6,000-13,000 per night.
Day 5: Sendai to Matsushima (Approximately 1 hour by car)
Route: Sendai → Matsushima via local roads (approximately 40 km)
Matsushima Attractions:
Matsushima Bay Cruise (松島湾クルーズ): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example11 One of Japan’s Three Great Views, featuring over 260 islands. Boat cruises depart every 30 minutes from Matsushima Kaigan Station. Cost: ¥1,500-2,000 per person for a 50-minute cruise. 7
Oshima Island (大島): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example12 Accessible by boat, this island offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Free entry; boat fare ¥300 round trip. 7
Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example13 A historic Buddhist temple with cave dwellings. Admission: ¥700 for adults. 7
Accommodation: Matsushima offers ryokans and hotels with views of the bay, ranging from ¥8,000-16,000 per night.
Day 6-7: Return Journey & Departure
Day 6: Matsushima to Sendai (1 hour by car)
Return to Sendai for final shopping and dining. Return the rental car at Sendai Station or New Chitose Airport (if flying out from Sapporo).
Option 1: Return to Tokyo by Shinkansen from Sendai (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes). 1
Option 2: Drive back to New Chitose Airport (approximately 5 hours) and fly to Tokyo.
Day 7: Departure
Depart from Tokyo or continue exploring other regions of Japan.
Practical Information for Foreign Travelers
| Aspect | Details |
| English Support | English signage is available at major tourist sites. Most hotels and restaurants in Sapporo, Hakodate, Sendai, and Matsushima have English-speaking staff or menus. 1 |
| Payment Methods | Cash is recommended for small restaurants and shops, though major establishments accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available in cities. |
| Driving Requirements | An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Rental cars come with navigation systems; English-language GPS is available for an additional fee (¥1,000-1,500 per day). |
| Toll Roads | Expressway tolls are automatic; rental car companies typically provide toll payment cards. Budget ¥2,000-3,000 per day for tolls. |
| Fuel Costs | Gasoline costs approximately ¥160-180 per liter. Budget ¥8,000-12,000 for fuel for the entire 7-day trip. |
| Parking | Most attractions have parking lots costing ¥300-800 per day. Hotels typically offer free parking. |
| Seasonal Considerations | Summer (July-September): Clear skies, warm weather, ideal for driving. Autumn (September-October): Foliage season; roads may be congested. Winter (November-March): Snow and ice make driving hazardous; not recommended for inexperienced drivers. |
Estimated Budget (per person)
| Category | Cost |
| Flights (Tokyo-Sapporo) | ¥10,000-20,000 |
| Rental Car (7 days) | ¥35,000-56,000 |
| Fuel | ¥8,000-12,000 |
| Tolls | ¥14,000-21,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ¥42,000-90,000 |
| Meals | ¥21,000-56,000 |
| Attractions & Activities | ¥14,000-28,000 |
| Ferry (Hakodate-Aomori) | ¥7,500-9,000 |
| TOTAL | ¥151,500-292,000 (approximately $1,050-2,000 USD) |
Sources & References
[1] Japan National Tourism Organization –
[5] Aomori Prefecture Tourism –
Certainty
Certainty: High
Reason: Information is sourced from official government tourism websites, rental car companies, and verified travel guides. Current operational data and pricing have been cross-referenced with multiple sources.
