If you’re planning a trip to Japan, include Hokkaido on your itinerary.
This northern island is known for its stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and unique cultural attractions.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone in Hokkaido.
Geographically, Hokkaido is the second-largest island in Japan and is located in the northernmost part of the country.
It’s known for its rugged terrain, with mountains, forests, and lakes dominating the landscape.
The island is also home to several national parks, including Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the winter, the prefecture is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Meanwhile, during the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Key Takeaways
- Hokkaido is a must-visit destination in Japan, offering stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and unique cultural attractions.
- Geographically, Hokkaido is the second-largest island in Japan and is known for its rugged terrain, mountains, forests, and lakes.
- Hokkaido is a year-round destination, with winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding and summer activities such as hiking and biking.
So, if you’d like to explore Hokkaido, read on!
Geographical Overview
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a vast and diverse region with a unique landscape that includes mountains, lakes, and bodies of water.
The Sea of Okhotsk surrounds the island in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the south, and the Sea of Japan in the west.
One of the most prominent features of Hokkaido is its mountain ranges, which cover about 70% of the island.
The mountains are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Mount Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, is a popular spot for summer hiking and winter skiing.
Hokkaido is also home to several stunning lakes, including Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu, and Lake Mashu.
These lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, making them popular spots for boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
The island is also surrounded by bodies of water that offer unique experiences for visitors.
The Sea of Okhotsk is famous for its drift ice, which can be seen from January to March.
Visitors can cruise to see the ice and even walk on it.
The Sea of Japan is popular for surfing and other water sports.
Overall, Hokkaido’s diverse landscape offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Whether hiking in the mountains, relaxing by a lake, or exploring the sea, Hokkaido has something for everyone.
Seasonal Attractions
Hokkaido is a year-round destination with plenty of seasonal attractions to offer.
Whether you’re visiting during the summer or winter, there’s always something to see and do.
Here are some of the best seasonal attractions in Hokkaido:
Summer in Hokkaido
Summer in Hokkaido, Japan is a great time to enjoy the outdoors.
The weather is mild, and the scenery is stunning.
Here are some of the best things to do in Hokkaido during the summer:
- hiking: Hokkaido has some of the best hiking trails in Japan. You can hike through the lush forests and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
- Fishing: Hokkaido is home to some of the best fishing spots in Japan. You can fish for salmon, trout, and other freshwater fish in the rivers and lakes.
- Flower viewing: Hokkaido is famous for its beautiful flowers, including lavender, sunflowers, and poppies. You can visit the flower fields and enjoy the colourful blooms.
- Festivals: Hokkaido has many summer festivals, including the Sapporo Summer Festival and the Hokkaido Shrine Festival. You can enjoy traditional food, music, and dance.
Winter in Hokkaido
Winter in Hokkaido is a winter wonderland.
The snow-covered landscape is perfect for winter sports and activities.
Here are some of the best things to do in Hokkaido during the winter:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Hokkaido has some of the best ski resorts in Japan. You can ski or snowboard down the slopes and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains.
- Ice Sculptures: Hokkaido garners fame through its ice sculptures. At the Sapporo Snow Festival, you can witness remarkable ice sculptures crafted by artists worldwide.
- Onsen: Hokkaido has many hot springs, or onsen, where you can relax and soak in the warm water. You can enjoy the snow-covered scenery while you soak in the hot water.
- Winter Festivals: Hokkaido has many festivals, including the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. You can enjoy the beautiful snow sculptures and the illuminated snow path.
Whether you’re visiting Hokkaido during the summer or winter, there’s always something to see and do.
Hokkaido has something for everyone, from hiking and fishing to skiing and snowboarding.
Cities and Towns
Hokkaido is home to several cities and towns that offer a unique experience to visitors.
From the bustling city of Sapporo to the charming town of Otaru, each place has something different.
Here are some of the top cities and towns to visit in Hokkaido:
Sapporo
Sapporo city is the largest in Hokkaido, known for its beer, snow festival, and ramen.
The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and restaurants.
You can also visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the history of beer in Japan.
In winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with the Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring massive snow sculptures.
Hakodate
Hakodate is a port city located in the southern part of Hokkaido.
The city is known for its stunning night views from Mount Hakodate and fresh seafood.
It is very popular among couples, especially for seeing the cherry blossoms.
You can visit the Hakodate Morning Market to try some local delicacies or stroll through the historic Motomachi district.
Furano
Furano is a small town located in central Hokkaido.
The town is known for its lavender fields and ski resorts.
In summer, you can visit the Farm Tomita to see the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom.
In winter, the town transforms into a ski resort.
Niseko
Niseko is a popular ski resort town located in western Hokkaido.
The town is known for its powder snow and is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
You can also visit the Niseko Village to experience traditional Japanese culture and try some of the local cuisine.
Otaru
Otaru is a small harbour town located in the western part of Hokkaido.
The town gained recognition for its production of glassworks and music boxes.
You can visit the Otaru Canal to stroll along the water or visit the Otaru Music Box Museum to see some of the beautiful music boxes on display.
Abashiri
This is a small town located in the northeastern part of Hokkaido.
The town is known for its drift ice and prison museum.
You can take a boat tour to see the drift ice or visit the Abashiri Prison Museum to learn about the history of the prison.
Utoro
Utoro is a small town located in the northern part of Hokkaido.
The town is known for its hot springs and stunning views of the Sea of Okhotsk.
You can visit the Shiretoko National Park to see some of the beautiful wildlife or take a dip in one of the many hot springs in the area.
Cultural Insights
Hokkaido is a fascinating blend of Japanese and Ainu cultures.
The Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, have their own distinct culture.
This section will explore both Ainu and Japanese cultures in Hokkaido.
Ainu Culture
The Ainu people have a rich and unique culture that differs from Japanese culture.
They have their language, religion, and customs.
The Ainu people deeply respect nature and believe that all things in nature have a spirit.
They also have a deep connection to the land and the sea.
One of the best places to learn about Ainu culture is the Ainu Museum in Shiraoi.
The museum has exhibits that showcase Ainu history, culture, and way of life.
You can see traditional Ainu clothing, tools, and crafts.
You can also see a traditional Ainu house and learn about Ainu music and dance.
Japanese Culture
Japanese culture is also prevalent in Hokkaido.
One of the most popular cultural activities is visiting an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring.
It is a great way to relax and unwind after sightseeing.
Another popular cultural activity is trying Hokkaido’s famous seafood.
Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood; you can find many seafood markets and restaurants throughout the island.
Some of the must-try seafood dishes include Hokkaido crab, sea urchin, and salmon.
Overall, Hokkaido is a unique blend of Ainu and Japanese cultures.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Hokkaido, you’re in luck!
The area is known for its natural beauty and offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are some of the top outdoor activities you can enjoy in Hokkaido.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Hokkaido.
With its stunning nature and mountainous terrain, Hokkaido offers a range of hiking trails for all skill levels.
Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Daisetsuzan National Park, Shiretoko National Park, and the Niseko Annupuri Range.
You can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and forests while hiking in Hokkaido.
Skiing
Skiing is another popular outdoor activity in Hokkaido, and for good reason.
Hokkaido is known for its amazing powder snow and has some of the best ski slopes in the world.
Some of Hokkaido’s most popular ski resorts include Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.
You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in Hokkaido.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, Hokkaido has something for everyone.
You can enjoy skiing on the slopes of mountains or take a ropeway to the top of the mountain and ski down.
Hokkaido also offers night skiing to enjoy the slopes even after the sun sets.
Whether hiking, skiing, or enjoying the views, you will have a great time in Hokkaido.
National Parks
If you’re looking for a way to get lost in Hokkaido’s wild and rugged nature, visiting one of its national parks is a must.
Here are three of the top national parks in Hokkaido that you should consider visiting:
Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Hokkaido.
It’s located in the center of the island and is known for its stunning mountain scenery.
The park is home to several peaks, including Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido.
The park also has numerous hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife, including brown bears, deer, and foxes.
Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido.
The park is known for its rugged coastline, home to numerous waterfalls and cliffs.
It’s also home to several hot springs, lakes, and forests.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Shiretoko Five Lakes, a series of five interconnected lakes offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Akan National Park
Akan National Park is located in eastern Hokkaido and is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes.
The park has several active volcanoes, including Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan.
The park also has several hot springs, lakes, and forests.
One of the park’s main attractions is Lake Akan, known for its unique blue-green colour and the marimo, a type of algae that grows in the lake.
Local Cuisine
You can’t miss out on the amazing food.
Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood; you’ll find some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes here.
One of the most famous seafood dishes is the Hokkaido crab, a must-try for seafood lovers. You can enjoy it in various forms, such as grilled, boiled, or sushi.
Apart from seafood, the area is also famous for its beer.
Sapporo beer is one of the most popular beers in Japan and is brewed in Hokkaido.
You can visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the history of beer in Japan and enjoy a fresh glass of Sapporo beer.
If you’re a fan of ramen, you can’t miss the chance to try miso ramen in Hokkaido.
Miso ramen is a local specialty with rich and savoury miso-based broth.
You can find miso ramen in almost every ramen shop in Hokkaido.
Another local speciality is jingisukan, a grilled mutton dish named after Genghis Khan.
Jingisukan is cooked on a convex pan and is usually served with vegetables.
It’s a hearty and delicious dish you can enjoy in many restaurants in Hokkaido.
The Yubari melon is famous here when it comes to fruit.
Along with Soft serve ice cream, it’s a popular sweet.
Make sure to try as many local specialities as you can during your visit to Hokkaido.
Festivals and Events
Hokkaido is known for its vibrant festivals and events, which are held annually.
Something is always happening in Hokkaido, from traditional Japanese festivals to modern music events.
One of the most famous events is the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
Artists worldwide craft intricate ice sculptures that define this festival’s identity.
Every year on February 5th, the event occurs across three locations: Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino.
Attendees can relish food stalls, live performances, and other activities alongside the sculptures.
Another well-received occasion, the Hokkaido Shrine Festival, unfolds in June at Sapporo’s Hokkaido Shrine.
This festival is a celebration of the shrine’s founding and includes traditional Japanese music, dance performances, food stalls, and other activities.
If you’re a fan of flowers, check out the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival, which takes place from late July to mid-August.
This festival is held in the town of Hokuryu and features over one million bloom sunflowers, food stalls, and other activities.
For foodies, the Niseko Autumn Food Festival is a must-visit.
This festival takes place in September and features local food and drink vendors, live music and other entertainment.
Shopping and Souvenirs
When it comes to shopping in Hokkaido, there are plenty of options to choose from.
You’ll find it all here whether you’re looking for souvenirs, local crafts, or high-end fashion.
Hokkaido offers prime shopping opportunities, notably at the converted warehouses along Otaru Canal.
These warehouses now house shopping stalls that vend glassware, souvenirs, Hokkaido delicacies, and coffee.
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the fascinating and fun shopping options.
If you’re in Sapporo, be sure to check out the three conjoined malls at Sapporo station, including Stellar Place, which offers a variety of shopping options.
If you’re looking for souvenirs to take home with you, Hokkaido has plenty of options.
Sapporo Souvenir Shop Tanukikoji is a great place to start, offering an amazing selection of Calbee and Nestle products.
Hokkaido Souvenir Shop Kobushiya has every sort of souvenir imaginable.
Kita Kitchen is another great option, offering a collection of famous regional items from Hokkaido.
If you’re a beer fan, don’t miss the Sapporo Beer Museum.
This museum offers a fascinating look at the history of beer in Japan and the brewing process.
You can also sample some of Sapporo’s famous beer while you’re here.
The museum is located in the Sapporo Beer Garden, which is also home to several restaurants and shops.
With so many options, you can find something that suits your taste and budget.
Travel and Transportation
When planning your trip to Hokkaido, it’s important to consider transportation options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Getting to Hokkaido
If you’re coming from Tokyo or Osaka, the easiest way to get to Hokkaido is by plane.
Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport is the main airport for the region and is well-connected to major cities across Japan.
Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by train, you can take the Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station and transfer to a local train to Sapporo.
Getting Around Hokkaido
Once you arrive, several transportation options are available to explore the region.
Public transportation is convenient and affordable, with trains and buses connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
Sapporo Station is the central hub for train travel in Hokkaido, with multiple lines connecting to various parts of the island.
If you plan to travel extensively throughout the region, consider purchasing a Hokkaido Rail Pass.
This pass allows unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains for a set time and can save you money if you plan to take multiple trips by train.
For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a popular option.
Hokkaido’s wide-open roads and stunning landscapes create a scenic and enjoyable driving experience.
Rental car companies are at major airports and train stations throughout the region.
Travel Tips
When using public transportation in Hokkaido, it’s important to plan ahead and be aware of schedules and routes.
While trains and buses are generally reliable, delays and cancellations can occur due to inclement weather or other factors.
It’s also worth noting that Hokkaido’s climate can be unpredictable, with heavy snowfall and icy roads common during the winter months.
If you plan to drive or travel by train during this time, check weather and road conditions beforehand and plan accordingly.
Overall, with a little bit of planning and preparation, getting around Hokkaido can be a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
Accommodation
When visiting, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable and convenient place to stay.
Luckily, Hokkaido has many accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
One popular type of accommodation is the onsen or hot spring resort.
Many onsen resorts offer traditional Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, so you can choose the best accommodation.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of affordable hotels and guesthouses in Hokkaido.
A popular option is the Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa.
This hotel offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Ryokans are a great option for those who want to experience traditional Japanese-style accommodation.
These traditional inns offer tatami mat floors, futon beds, and traditional Japanese meals.
One popular ryokan in Hokkaido is Takinoya, located in the Noboribetsu Onsen area.
No matter what accommodation you choose, take advantage of Hokkaido’s hot spring baths.
Many hotels and resorts have hot spring baths, a great way to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Points of Interest
Hokkaido is a land of natural beauty and unique experiences.
Here are some of the top points of interest that you should not miss during your visit:
Lake Toya
Lake Toya is a caldera lake that was formed by volcanic activity.
It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the prefecture and a must-visit place.
The picturesque lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene relaxing environment.
You can enjoy a boat ride, fishing, or even a hot spring bath on the lake.
Blue Pond
The Blue Pond is a stunning natural wonder created by accident.
It was formed due to erosion control measures taken at a nearby river.
The accident-prone erosion control measures near the river created the stunning natural wonder of the Blue Pond.
Natural minerals in the water lend a striking blue colour to the pond.
Beautiful trees surround this picturesque body of water, rendering it an ideal location for photography.
Lavender Fields
Hokkaido is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom from late June to early August.
The fields are a sight to behold, with their vibrant colours and sweet fragrance.
The Furano area is particularly famous for its lavender fields and is a must-visit place during the summer season.
Furano Winery
Furano Winery is one of the most famous wineries in Hokkaido.
It is located in the Furano area and offers a variety of wines to taste.
The winery also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal paired with their wines.
The vineyards surrounding the winery offer a beautiful view of the countryside.
Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido.
It belongs to the Shikotsu Toya National Park.
The hot springs are known for their healing properties and are a popular destination for relaxation.
The resort also offers a variety of activities, such as hiking and skiing.
And nearby, you can visit the scary-sounding hell valley.
Tokachi Millennium Forest
This is a nature park that is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
The park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
The park also has a restaurant that serves local cuisine made from fresh ingredients.
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in Japan.
It is in Asahikawa and is known for its unique exhibits and animal shows.
The zoo is particularly famous for its polar bears and penguin exhibit, designed to mimic the penguins’ natural habitat.
Ningle Terrace
Ningle Terrace is a unique shopping area located in the Furano area.
The area is lined with wooden chalets that sell handmade crafts and souvenirs.
It is also decorated with fairy lights, making it a magical place to visit during winter.
Observation Decks
Hokkaido is home to many observation decks that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
A few places with famous observation decks include the Sapporo TV Tower, Mt. Hakodate Observatory, and the Otaru Shukutsu Observatory.
These observation decks offer a unique perspective on the beauty of Hokkaido.
Before You Go
Hokkaido is a land of natural beauty and unique experiences.
Because of that, it’s one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations.
These points of interest are just a few of the many attractions that Hokkaido has to offer.
Whether you are a nature lover or a foodie, Hokkaido has something for everyone.
So, the next time you visit Japan, visit Hokkaido.
