u/Key_Replacement_4237

Hello! We are heading to Hokkaido in late September for a 10-day, multigenerational trip (2 small kids, elderly grandparents). Trying to balance many desires/needs across the group and hoping for input on the following itinerary, which we're hoping hits on a combination of fall foliage/scenery, kid-friendly ryokans, hip-but-quaint craft towns, and easy hikes:

Sep 21–24 — Sapporo (3 nights) - Sapporo (arrive mid-day) + Otaru
Sep 24–27 — Higashikawa (3 nights) - Asahidake + Biei + weather flexibility
Sep 27–29 — Sounkyo (2 nights) - Onsen + Kurodake
Sounkyo → Mikuni Pass → Shimukappu as a full scenic driving day
Sep 29–30 — Shimukappu (1 night)
Sep 30 — Tomamu → CTS → 4:30 PM departure

Questions:

• Would you take on this itinerary (with small kids who don't particularly like car confinement)?
• Is making a loop via the Mikuni Pass (route 39 > route 273 > route 38)
  • 1. open (Google Maps says route 39 is closed between Sounkyo and Mikuni Pass, but I see a recent posting where people say it is open), and
  • 2. worth the additional driving time?
• Would you recommend any different overnight stopping points?
• Any other recommendations would be welcome and appreciated - thank you!