Imagine a destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights. Hokkaidō, Japan’s northernmost main island, is a place where dramatic landscapes take center stage. With plenty of volcanoes, mountains, lakes, and geothermal attractions, you’re spoiled for choice.
As one of Japan’s main agricultural pillars, Hokkaidō is renowned for its exceptional food, featuring the freshest produce and seafood. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, Hokkaidō has plenty of activities to enjoy year-round. From world-class skiing in winter to lavender fields in summer, this destination caters to all interests and preferences.
Discovering Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise
As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hokkaido experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique charm that attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Hokkaido has something for everyone.
When to Visit Hokkaido
The best time to visit Hokkaido largely depends on your preferences. If you enjoy winter sports, the period from December to March is ideal, with abundant snowfall and world-class ski slopes. For those who prefer milder weather, summer (June to August) is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful landscapes.
How to Get Around Hokkaido
Getting around Hokkaido is most convenient by rental car, especially for exploring remote areas. Alternatively, you can use the JR Hokkaido train network and bus services that connect major cities and attractions. For an extensive trip, consider purchasing a Hokkaido Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains.
Explore the Vibrant City of Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is a vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. As you explore this fascinating city, you’ll discover a plethora of experiences that showcase its rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes.
Sapporo’s Food Scene
Sapporo’s culinary delights are a major draw for visitors. The city is renowned for its regional specialties, including miso ramen, soup curry, and jingisukan (grilled lamb). These dishes are prepared with unique flavors and ingredients that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan, making Sapporo a foodie’s paradise. Be sure to visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about Japan’s oldest beer brand and enjoy a tasting session.
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Hundreds of intricate snow and ice sculptures are displayed across three sites: Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino. The festival attracts over 2 million visitors annually, making it one of Japan’s most popular winter events. Enjoy the magical atmosphere and snow sculptures that bring the city to life at night.
Relax in Hokkaido’s Famous Hot Springs
Experience the epitome of relaxation at Hokkaido’s famous hot springs, where nature’s beauty meets tranquility. Hokkaido is renowned for its abundant hot springs (onsen), with Noboribetsu standing as the most famous hot spring resort area on the island.
Noboribetsu Onsen and Hell Valley
Noboribetsu Onsen is a major onsen area in Hokkaido, featuring the Oyunuma River, which flows with natural hot spring water. Visitors can enjoy a free footbath experience along the riverbanks, surrounded by forest scenery. The area is also known for Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley,” a spectacular volcanic crater with steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling hot springs.
Jozankei Hot Springs
For a more accessible onsen experience closer to Sapporo, Jozankei Hot Springs is an excellent choice. Nestled in a beautiful river valley, it’s particularly stunning during autumn when the surrounding mountains are ablaze with fall colors. Many hot spring resorts, including those in Jozankei, offer traditional Japanese accommodations where you can fully immerse yourself in onsen culture.
Experience the Ainu Indigenous Culture
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Ainu people, Japan’s native inhabitants, at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. The Ainu are an indigenous group that has lived in Hokkaido and parts of northern Honshu for thousands of years, developing a distinct culture closely tied to nature.
Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, opened in 2020 in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, is a significant cultural facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ainu history and culture. It serves as Japan’s national center for Ainu cultural education, featuring a museum, cultural exchange facilities, and a park that recreates traditional Ainu settlements.
Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Ainu traditions, language, and spiritual beliefs, gaining a deeper understanding of their unique cultural practices.
Traditional Ainu Performances and Crafts
At Upopoy, you can experience traditional Ainu performances, including the UNESCO-recognized traditional dance, and listen to the sounds of the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (string instrument). The facility also offers hands-on workshops where you can try traditional Ainu crafts such as wood carving and embroidery.
Ainu cuisine, which utilizes local ingredients, can be sampled at the park’s restaurant, offering a taste of this unique culinary tradition.
Visit Asahiyama Zoo’s Unique Animal Exhibits
Asahiyama Zoo revolutionizes the traditional zoo experience with its innovative ‘behavioral exhibition’ concept, allowing you to observe animals engaging in their natural behaviors.
The zoo is famous for its Penguin-kan, where you can watch penguins “fly” through water in a glass tunnel, creating a magical illusion.
Penguin Parade and Polar Bear Exhibits
The winter season brings the Penguin Parade (December to March), where penguins waddle through the snow-covered grounds, delighting visitors. The polar bear exhibit offers unique underwater viewing areas, showcasing these animals swimming gracefully.
Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, attracts over 3 million visitors annually, making it one of Japan’s most popular world-class wildlife attractions.
Ski World-Class Powder in Niseko
Experience the thrill of skiing in Niseko, renowned for its world-class powder snow. Niseko has long been consistently rated as having some of the best slopes in the world thanks to its unbelievably powdery snow, which lends itself well to snow surfing and boasts an incredible après scene.
Niseko is internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier powder skiing destinations, famous for receiving over 15 meters of light, dry snow annually. The Niseko United ski area comprises four interconnected resorts that can all be accessed with a single lift pass, offering over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Other Top Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
Beyond Niseko, Hokkaido offers several other top-notch ski resorts. Tomamu Resort is ideal for families and beginners, with wide, gentle slopes and the unique Ice Village attraction. Furano Ski Resort offers a more authentic Japanese skiing experience with less international crowds and some of the steepest slopes in Hokkaido.
Other notable ski areas include Rusutsu, known for its tree skiing, Kiroro, which receives some of the highest snowfall totals, and Sapporo Teine, convenient for day trips from Sapporo. The winter sports season in Hokkaido typically runs from late November through early May, with January and February offering the most reliable powder conditions.
Savor Hokkaido’s Exceptional Seafood
The waters around Hokkaido are teeming with a variety of seafood, offering a culinary experience like no other. Hokkaido’s cold, nutrient-rich waters produce some of Japan’s finest seafood, making it a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Hakodate Morning Market
Begin your day with breakfast at the Hakodate Morning Market, a seafood lover’s paradise. Here, over 250 stalls offer the freshest catches starting from 5 AM daily, allowing you to sample just-caught delicacies or even try the unique experience of “fishing” for your own squid.
Must-Try Crab Varieties
Hokkaido is particularly famous for its crab varieties, including king crab, snow crab, horsehair crab, and hanasaki crab. These are in season from late fall to early spring, offering a delicious treat during the winter months.
Some of the must-try dishes when visiting Hokkaido include:
- Kaisendon, a fresh seafood donburi featuring ingredients like crabs, salmon roe, and sea urchin.
- Fresh crab dishes, showcasing the rich flavor of Hokkaido’s crab varieties.
- Sea urchin, squid, scallop, and salmon roe, all of which are plentiful and delicious.
| Seafood Type | Season | Recommended Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Crab | Late Fall to Early Spring | Kaisendon |
| Sea Urchin | Summer | Sashimi |
| Scallops | Year-round | Grilled Scallops |
For the ultimate seafood experience, consider staying at a ryokan that serves kaiseki-style dinners featuring multiple courses of artfully prepared seafood dishes. This will give you a deeper appreciation for Hokkaido’s culinary delights and provide a memorable food experience in this beautiful city.
Planning a day trip to nearby markets like Sapporo’s Nijo Market or Kushiro’s Washo Market can also be rewarding, as they offer a wide range of fresh and dried seafood products. Enjoy trying various dishes and savoring the flavors of Hokkaido during your trip.
Hokkaidō Island, Japan: Best Things to Do in Otaru
For a memorable day trip, head to Otaru, a city known for its glassware and music boxes. Located just 30 minutes from Sapporo by train, Otaru is a perfect destination for a trip to experience its historic charm.
Otaru Canal and Historic Warehouses
Otaru’s picturesque canal, completed in the 1920s, is a must-visit. The waterway is lined with historic warehouses that now house shops and cafes, creating a nostalgic atmosphere, especially in the evening when gas lamps illuminate the canal.
Glass Workshops and Music Box Museum
Visit Sakaimachi Street to explore glass workshops and the Otaru Music Box Museum. You can try glassblowing and craft your own glass art, or browse through over 25,000 music boxes at the museum, making for a unique tour experience.
Discover Hokkaido’s National Parks
Hokkaido’s natural beauty is on full display in its six national parks, each offering a unique landscape that showcases the island’s diverse scenery. You can explore these natural wonders by visiting one of the many national parks, such as Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shiretoko National Park
Declared a World Heritage Site in 2005, Shiretoko National Park is a true natural gem. To experience its beauty, you’ll need to block off a few days to hike around and explore the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for Sika deer and brown bears, visit the numerous waterfalls and lakes in the protected area, and for those willing to combat the cold, drift ice can be seen in the Shiretoko Peninsula in the winter.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Nestled within Daisetsuzan National Park is Lake Shikaribetsu, the park’s only natural lake and Hokkaido’s highest-altitude lake. This beautiful body of crystal-clear water can be enjoyed throughout the year, with highlights being summer for hiking and sea kayaking, and autumn for eye-catching foliage and increased sightings of pikas.
Hokkaido boasts six national parks, each offering distinct natural landscapes ranging from volcanic mountains and pristine lakes to untouched forests and dramatic coastlines. Other notable national parks include Akan-Mashu, Kushiro Shitsugen, and Shikotsu-Toya, each with its unique features and attractions.
Indulge in Hokkaido’s Dairy Delights
Indulge in the rich flavors of Hokkaido’s dairy delights. Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality milk, making it a paradise for those who love dairy products. The island’s cool climate and vast pastures create ideal conditions for dairy farming, resulting in milk that’s exceptionally rich and creamy.
Farm Tomita and Lavender Fields
Farm Tomita in Furano is a must-visit destination, especially during the summer months when its lavender fields are in full bloom. As you ride through the fields on a tractor, you’ll be surrounded by the fragrant purple flowers. The farm is a haven for food and flower lovers alike, offering a variety of colorful flowers including poppies, lupines, and sunflowers.
Hokkaido’s Famous Soft Serve Ice Cream
Hokkaido’s soft serve ice cream is a treat you won’t want to miss when visiting the island. With unique flavors like lavender, melon, and squid ink, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to try the lavender soft serve at Farm Tomita for a truly unforgettable experience.
Explore the Historic Port City of Hakodate
Step into Hakodate, where Japanese and Western influences come together in a fascinating way. This historic port city is a must-visit destination on your Hokkaido tour, offering a unique blend of cultures and historical landmarks.
Mount Hakodate Night View
The night view from Mount Hakodate is renowned as one of Japan’s three best night views, offering a spectacular panorama of the city lights. The observation deck provides a breathtaking view, making it a perfect spot for a night out.
Fort Goryokaku
Fort Goryokaku, Japan’s first Western-style fortress, played a crucial role in the Boshin War. Take a guided tour of the fort and enjoy the observation deck at Goryokaku Tower, which offers aerial views of the fortress’s unique star shape.
Soak in Natural Wonders at Lake Toya
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Toya, a caldera lake nestled within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Take a sightseeing cruise on this lake, which remains unfrozen throughout the year due to its unique volcanic activity. The lake is surrounded by four small islands known as Nakajima, offering panoramic views and opportunities to spot native wildlife.
The area around Lake Toya is dotted with numerous hot springs, with lakeside resorts offering open-air baths that overlook the volcanic mountains. You can enjoy various activities here, from hiking to exploring the geological wonders.
Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan
Explore the geological marvels of Mount Usu, an active volcano that has erupted multiple times in the past century. Take a ride on the Usuzan Ropeway to witness the views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan, a mountain that emerged in the 1940s due to volcanic activity. Showa Shinzan is one of Japan’s youngest mountains and a testament to the region’s dynamic geological nature.
Visit the Blue Pond in Biei
One of Hokkaido’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Blue Pond in Biei, is a sight to behold. This man-made pond, known as Shirogane Blue Pond, has gained worldwide fame for its electric-blue waters, a result of aluminum hydroxide particles reflecting blue light wavelengths. The pond’s unique color, combined with the hauntingly beautiful dead silver birch trees rising from its surface, creates a mystical landscape that attracts photographers and visitors alike.
The Blue Pond was originally part of a flood control system following the eruption of nearby Mount Tokachi. Today, it’s one of Hokkaido’s most photographed destinations, especially during the early morning when the water is calm.
Nearby Flower Fields
Just a short trip from the Blue Pond, Shikisai-no-oka offers panoramic views of vibrant flower fields that blanket the rolling hills during summer and autumn. This picturesque landscape, set on Hokkaido island, is a perfect place to enjoy nature’s beauty.
The hills of Shikisai-no-oka are covered with thousands of flowers across dozens of species from April to October, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland where you can enjoy snowmobiling or sledding.
Enjoy Hokkaido’s Seasonal Festivals
From snow sculptures to autumn foliage, Hokkaido’s festivals celebrate the island’s diverse seasons. You can experience the best of Hokkaido through its numerous events throughout the year.
Summer and Autumn Festivals
Summer brings vibrant matsuri (festivals) like the Hokkaido Shrine Festival in June, featuring lively parades and food stalls. The Furano Lavender Festival in July celebrates the peak blooming season with special events and markets. Autumn festivals focus on harvests and fall colors, such as the Jozankei Maple Festival, showcasing spectacular red and gold foliage through illuminated night walks.
Winter Light Festivals
Hokkaido’s winter festivals are a major draw, with the Sapporo Snow Festival in February being a highlight. It transforms Odori Park into a winter wonderland with massive snow and ice sculptures illuminated at night. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival creates a magical atmosphere with thousands of small snow candles lining the historic canal.
Sample Hokkaido’s Unique Cuisine
Hokkaido’s distinct culinary identity is a result of its cold climate, agricultural abundance, and cultural influences. The island offers a variety of dishes that are both delicious and warming, making it a perfect destination for food enthusiasts.
Sapporo Ramen and Soup Curry
Sapporo is famous for its rich miso-based ramen, which was developed to combat the harsh winter cold. The city’s ramen is characterized by thick noodles and generous toppings, including butter and corn. Another specialty is soup curry, a warming dish that combines Japanese and Indian culinary influences, featuring chunky vegetables and tender meat.
Jingisukan (Grilled Lamb)
Jingisukan, named after Genghis Khan, is Hokkaido’s signature grilled lamb dish. It’s cooked on a special dome-shaped metal grill, allowing fat to drain while imparting a distinctive flavor. This dish reflects the island’s history of sheep farming introduced during the Meiji era.
| Dish | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo Ramen | Rich miso-based broth with thick noodles | Miso, noodles, butter, corn |
| Soup Curry | Warming curry with a soup-like consistency | Curry, vegetables, meat |
| Jingisukan | Grilled lamb on a dome-shaped metal grill | Lamb, special grill |
Planning Your Perfect Hokkaido Adventure
With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, Hokkaido is a destination that has something for everyone. As you plan your trip to this beautiful island, consider the best time to visit based on your interests.
The best time to visit Hokkaido depends on whether you prefer winter sports, summer hiking, or autumn foliage. With New Chitose Airport as the main gateway, accessing Hokkaido is convenient, with direct flights from Tokyo taking about 90 minutes.
To explore Hokkaido’s highlights, including its national parks, hot springs, and unique attractions like Asahiyama Zoo, plan for at least 7-10 days. Consider renting a car for flexibility or using the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for convenient travel. Hokkaido offers plenty of unique accommodations and experiences that will enhance your connection to the island’s nature and culture.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Hokkaido is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. With its wide open spaces, abundant wildlife, and fewer crowds, Hokkaido offers a refreshing change of pace that has attracted visitors for years.
The above is subject to change.
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