47 Facts about Hokkaido: Some Will Surprise You

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

It is also a popular tourist destination known for its snow festivals, tasty food, and beautiful landscapes.

Looking to visit Hokkaido? Check out these fun experiences 🗾

1. Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, Ningle Terrace (from Sapporo)
2. [Biei/Furano] One-day sightseeing by private car!
3. Otaru & Yoichi Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Sapporo
4. Hakodate Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Hotels:

1. Mori no Spa Resort Hokkaido Hotel 
2. Fairfield by Marriott Hokkaido Minamifurano 

However, many lesser-known facts about this fascinating island are worth exploring.

Here are some interesting facts about Hokkaido.

1) Sapporo Snow Festival

You can’t mention Hokkaido’s winter attractions without discussing the Sapporo Snow Festival.

It’s one of Japan’s most popular winter events, held annually in February.

The festival features hundreds of snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

2) Shirogane Blue Pond

If you’re looking for a stunning natural attraction in Hokkaido, the Shirogane Blue Pond is a must-visit.

Located in Biei, the pond’s vivid blue colour is due to natural minerals dissolved in the water.

3) Noboribetsu Jigokudani

Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a volcanic valley in Hokkaido, Japan.

It’s known for its hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other volcanic activity.

The valley is also a source of hot spring waters for the nearby Noboribetsu Onsen district.

The crater, which formed from the eruption of the Kuttara volcano, is about 450 meters in diameter and covers an area of around 11 hectares.

4) Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo is a popular attraction in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

It is the northernmost zoo in Japan and opened in 1967.

The zoo is known for its unique exhibits, including the first glass tunnel in Japan and the Penguin Parade.

Visitors can see various animals, including polar bears, penguins, and red pandas.

The zoo is accessible by bus or car from Asahikawa city centre.

5) Otaru Canal

You can find the Otaru Canal in the city of Otaru, Hokkaido.

It was built in 1923 to transport goods to the warehouses.

Now, it is a popular tourist destination with a nostalgic atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy the canal view and try the famous foods from Hokkaido at the 11 restaurants nearby.

6) Furano Lavender Fields

During the summer, you can witness the breathtaking Furano lavender fields in Hokkaido, Japan.

The region has several farms, including Farm Tomita and Lavender East, known for their picturesque landscapes and floral beauty.

7) Goryokaku Fort

Goryokaku Fort is a star-shaped fortress in Hakodate, Hokkaido.

It was built in the 19th century to defend against Western powers and was the site of a civil war between the shogunate and the Meiji government.

Today, it is a public park with over 1,600 cherry trees and scenic moats.

8) Hakodate Morning Market

You can’t visit Hokkaido without experiencing the bustling Hakodate Morning Market.

Located just a few steps from JR Hakodate Station, this market is open daily from 5 am to noon.

You’ll find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including crabs, salmon eggs, sea urchins, and other Hokkaido foodstuffs.

9) Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido, Japan.

It is nearly circular, 10 km in diameter from the east to the west and 9 km from the north to the south.

The lake is famous for its stunning scenery and is one of Hokkaido’s renowned spa resorts.

10) Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is located on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan.

It covers most of the Shiretoko Peninsula and is home to unique marine and forest ecosystems.

11) Niseko Ski Resort

Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido is the largest ski resort in the area.

It boasts 48 kilometres of groomed slopes, 11 gates to the backcountry, 70 runs, and 29 lifts.

Niseko United is a collective of four interlinked ski resorts – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri.

12) Sounkyo Gorge

Sounkyo Gorge is a stunning natural site located in Kamikawa, Hokkaido.

Part of Daisetsuzan National Park, it has waterfalls, towering cliffs, and hot springs resorts.

The area is lovely in autumn, and hiking tours are available year-round.

The Kurodake Ropeway offers scenic views of the gorge and surrounding mountains.

13) Ramen Alley

If you’re a foodie, you must visit Ramen Alley in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

The small alley boasts 17 unique eateries.

Each offers a window into the evolution of ‘Miso Ramen’.

Ramen Alley proudly introduced this dish to the world.

14) Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

It was founded in 1869 to enshrine the soul of Emperor Meiji and three other deities significant to Hokkaido’s development.

The shrine plays a crucial role in the local community, hosting annual festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival.

15) Cape Kamui

Cape Kamui is an 80m-high cape that juts out into the Sea of Japan.

It is located in the western part of Shakotan, Hokkaido.

16) Biei Patchwork Road

You can explore the beautiful scenery of Biei village in Central Hokkaido by driving along the Patchwork Road.

This 14 km-long road is famous for its panoramic view of the fields and hills.

You can also stop at several observatories to enjoy the breathtaking view.

The road is not crowded, so you can appreciate the fresh, clean air.

17) Akan National Park

Akan National Park is on Hokkaido Island.

It’s known for its beautiful lakes, one of which is Lake Mashu, which has some of the clearest waters in the world.

The park covers an area of 90,481 hectares and is home to volcanic craters and primaeval coniferous forests.

Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises, skiing, and skating on the lakes.

18) Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen is a popular hot spring resort located in Hokkaido, Japan.

It has around 56 hot springs that offer visitors a relaxing experience.

The town has many spas and resorts, making it easily accessible.

You can take a day trip from Sapporo or stay overnight to fully enjoy the onsen town.

19) Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park is in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island.

It is the largest national park in Japan, covering 2,267.64 square kilometres.

Daisetsuzan means “great snowy mountains,” accurately describing the park’s terrain.

The park has many towering mountains, such as Mount Tomuraushi and the Tokachi and Ishikari mountain ranges.

20) Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is located in the east of Hokkaido, Japan.

This national park is known for its wetlands.

They cover an area of 268.61 square kilometres.

21) Farm Tomita

If you’re visiting Hokkaido between late June and early August, you must visit Farm Tomita.

It’s a popular tourist destination with over a million visitors every year.

The lavender blossoms are enchanting.

They create a picturesque landscape with diverse and stunning flower fields to explore.

The farm also has a cafe that offers beautiful views of the flower fields.

22) Unkai Terrace

You can witness Japan’s enchanting seas of clouds at Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido’s Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.

Standing at 1,088 meters tall, it is accessible from mid-May to mid-October.

On a clear day, clouds flow over Mt. Hidaka and Mt. Tokachi.

23) Cape Soya

Cape Soya is the northernmost point of Japan, located in Hokkaido.

It offers stunning views of the sea and the Russian island of Sakhalin on a clear day.

Visitors can see the Monument of Peace, a memorial to the USS Wahoo, which was sunk during World War II.

The area also has several gift shops, a windmill, and a lighthouse.

24) Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf

Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist attraction in Kushiro, Hokkaido.

The wharf features restaurants, shops, and an indoor garden.

It is a 15-minute walk from Kushiro Station.

You can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes at various eateries.

25) Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University is a public research university in Sapporo, Japan.

Founded in 1918, it is the fifth-oldest government-authorised university in Japan.

It is known for its strong agriculture, engineering, and natural science research programs.

26) Shikotsu-Toya National Park

It is in the western part of Hokkaido.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is named after the volcanic caldera lakes of Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya.

The park covers 993.02 square kilometres.

It is home to active volcanoes, clear lakes, and many unique plants and animals.

27) Obihiro Horse Racing

Obihiro is home to the world-famous Ban’ei horse races, where large draft horses race while pulling an iron sledge.

The races are held on weekends and holidays, and visitors can also enjoy the Obihiro Horse Museum and petting zoo.

28) Shakotan Peninsula

The Shakotan Peninsula is in western Hokkaido, near Otaru.

It is a mountainous peninsula that projects some 30 kilometres into the Sea of Japan.

The peninsula is part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

The clear blue waters of the Shakotan Peninsula are perfect for diving and snorkelling.

29) Mt. Yotei

Mt. Yotei, or Ezo Fuji, is an inactive stratovolcano in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Its conical shape and resemblance to Mt. Fuji make it one of Hokkaido’s most famous mountains.

Standing at 1,898 meters tall, it offers scenic views and is a popular spot for hiking and skiing.

The last recorded eruption was 2,500 years ago.

30) Lake Kussharo

Lake Kussharo is the largest caldera lake in Japan, located in Akan National Park, Hokkaido.

It has a circumference of 57 km and a surface area of just over 79 km2.

Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking, and cycling around the lake.

31) Cape Notoro

Cape Notoro is a scenic spot on the east side of Lake Nodori in Abashiri city, Hokkaido.

It offers a spectacular view of the Sea of Okhotsk north and the Shiretoko mountain range east.

The cape is also home to a 21-meter lighthouse featured in several movies and commercials.

Visitors can enjoy the grassy plains on the cliffs and observe the floating ice in the Sea of Okhotsk.

32) Ainu Museum

The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Hokkaido is the first national museum in Japan to focus on this distinctive culture.

It promotes and preserves Ainu culture.

Visitors can learn about the Ainu language, spirituality, and traditional dances.

The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events.

33) Ginga no Taki Falls

Ginga no Taki Falls, also known as Milky Way Falls, is a beautiful waterfall in the Sounkyo Gorge of Hokkaido.

The waterfall is approximately 120 meters high and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan.

The water falls gently like a white thread, creating a breathtaking view.

34) Rausu Kunashiri Observatory Deck

Visit the Rausu Kunashiri Observatory Deck for a panoramic view of Kunashiri Island.

The observation tower is located 167 meters above sea level and overlooks the city of Rausu.

35) Abashiri Prison Museum

Abashiri Prison Museum showcases the history of Abashiri Prison, one of Japan’s most notorious Meiji-era prisons.

The museum preserves buildings used in the prison since the Meiji era and shows the role the prison played in developing Hokkaido.

36) Ningle Terrace

Ningle Terrace is a charming shopping area in the forest near the New Furano Prince Hotel.

It has over a dozen wooden cottages, each dedicated to selling unique, handcrafted items, from candles to pottery.

37) Cape Erimo

Cape Erimo is located at the southernmost point of Hokkaido, Japan.

It has strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 10 meters per second or more.

Cliffs and rock reefs surround the cape, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery.

38) Sapporo Beer Museum

At the Sapporo Beer Museum, you can learn about the history of beer in Japan and the process of beer making. The museum is in a former brewery from the Meiji Period.

You can also taste different types of Sapporo beer.

39) Mt. Asahidake

Mt. Asahidake is the highest peak in Hokkaido, standing at 2,290m.

Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

The climbing season is short, from late June to early October.

The mountain offers stunning views and a variety of alpine plants.

40) Odori Park

Odori Park is famous in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

It is home to many of Hokkaido’s best-known events, including the Snow Festival in winter.

41) Shiretoko Five Lakes

Shiretoko Five Lakes is located in the heart of Shiretoko National Park, a designated World Heritage Site of Hokkaido.

To reach the lakes, you can turn left and drive for about ten kilometres until you reach the parking lot of the Shiretoko Five Lakes visitor centre.

42) Shibazakura Takinoue Park

Shibazakura Takinoue Park is one of the most famous spots in Hokkaido.

It is famous for the stunning pink and purple flowers that cover the mountainside.

The Takinoue Moss Phlox Festival occurs yearly. It lets visitors see the beautiful flowers up close.

43) Matsumae Castle

Matsumae Castle is the northernmost castle in Japan, located in Matsumae District, Hokkaido.

It was built in 1606 by Keisuke Matsumae, the first lord of the Matsumae family, and is the only traditional Edo-period castle in Hokkaido.

The castle was used to defend against Ainu attacks and offers stunning cherry blossom views.

44) Lake Mashu

You can find Lake Mashu in Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido.

It is a stunning endorheic crater lake with a 20 km shoreline and a maximum depth of 211.4m.

The lake is surrounded by pristine nature and has been called the clearest lake in the world.

Thrill-seekers can hike around the crater’s edge to the top of Mt. Mashu, the smaller crater on the lake’s south side.

The hike takes at least two hours each way.

45) Bihoro Pass

Bihoro Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Eastern Hokkaido.

It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

The observation deck at the pass is a popular spot for visitors to stop and take in the view.

The pass is also a popular route for bicycle touring.

46) Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a wooden structure in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Built-in 1878, it is the oldest clock tower in Japan.

The tower was initially used as a military drill hall for Sapporo Agricultural College.

47) Cape Nosappu

Cape Nosappu is the easternmost point of Hokkaido and Japan’s mainland.

The Cape Nosappu Lighthouse, built in 1872, is the oldest in Hokkaido.

You can see the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk from the lighthouse.

The surrounding park exhibits history and life in the Northern Territories.