hay03,
Thanks for your info. I've bookmarked it & will try soon.
Going to Lake Toya to play : cruise (50min), water park (2 hrs), hot spring (1 hr), fireworks (20min), dinner buffet (1.5-2hr) - really does not have enough time if we take free hotel shuttle to & back. That's why I plan to take JR to Lake Toya in the morning (& to avoid checking in at the same time with other passengers on the bus, besides, the bus takes at least 1 hr more on transportation) & the next morning, JR to Noboribetsu, then the following day free shuttle bus from hotel to Sapporo.
I just joined this forum a couple of days ago. Have you all shared your detail itinerary before, i.e. places to visit at each city? I'll be very curious to know if I miss out anything must-see & I am open to share mine with you all too.