Home to snow-capped peaks and the cavernous forests of Japan's wild north, the island of Hokkaido is a mecca for outdoor adventurers. Topped by the urban crown of Sapporo, the prefecture's neon-lit capital, Hokkaido combines metropolitan sparkle with exceptional skiing opportunities and the unspoiled beauty of three spectacular national parks. Before flocking to its natural wonders, join a Sapporo sightseeing tour to visit popular attractions including Hitsujigaoka Observatory Hill, the chocolate-themed Shiroi Koibito Park, and the Historic Village of Hokkaido. The city makes a convenient launchpad for day trips to Lake Shikotsu; the hot springs of Hoheikyo Onsen; the emerald Nopporo Forest Park; and Otaru, where you can take a rickshaw tour through this seaside town steeped in Japanese tradition. Winter-sport enthusiasts will be in heaven; ski on the world-class slopes of Niseko or experience smelt ice fishing in Kushiro before heading to the further-flung corners of Furano and Biei, famed for panoramic vistas and flower-filled fields. Meanwhile, the crystal-clear lakes, bubbling volcanoes, and steaming onsens of Daisetsuzan National Park beg to be explored by intrepid outdoor adventurers. If you're traveling to Hokkaido from Tokyo or Osaka, go by plane to shorten your journey time, as it can take up to 24-hours by car and will still require at least nine hours of travel time by bullet train.
The best time to visit Hokkaido varies depending on what you want to do. Many visitors come to the island in the summer, when blooming fields of sunflowers, lavender, poppies, and other flowers paint the countryside and events like the Yosakoi Soran Festival (which features traditional dance competitions) provide entertainment. Winter is also popular, thanks to the island’s ski slopes and the Sapporo Snow Festival, which is typically held in early February.
Japan boasts clean, efficient public transportation, and Hokkaido is no exception. You can get to all major places of interest by public train or bus, though you may want to hop a short flight if you’re traveling a long distance across the island. There is also a bus specifically designed for tourists, the Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus, which offers two different routes and makes stops at many attractions, such as Lake Akan and the Asahiyama Zoo.
Hokkaido is the homeland of the Ainu, one of Japan’s two Indigenous peoples. You can learn about Ainu culture and history in a number of places, including the new National Ainu Museum and Park, which is located in the Shiraoi District. In Sapporo, you can also see Ainu handicrafts at the Ainu Culture Promotion Center or enjoy Ainu cuisine at Umizora no Haru, a restaurant that adds a modern twist, or at Kerapirka, which also hosts live music.
Local Currency Japanese Yen (¥) | Time Zone JST (UTC +9) | Country Code +81 | Language(s) Japanese | Attractions 20 | Tours 207 | Reviews 528 |
The northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido is famous for skiing and snowboarding on its plentiful powder snow. It’s also known for its natural beauty and scenery (mountains, lakes, volcanoes, hot springs, and flower fields), as well as some of the best food in Japan, including fresh seafood and dairy products.
...MoreYou will need at least one week in Hokkaido, the second-largest island of Japan, to do it justice. Plan to spend a day or two in Sapporo, and the rest of the time enjoying the island’s countless ski resorts, national parks, lavender fields, and onsens (natural hot springs).
...MoreWith more than 100 ski resorts, skiing and snowboarding are top draws. Other activities include exploring the six national parks, seeing the lavender fields, soaking in the hundreds of onsens, learning about indigenous Ainu culture, and trying the island’s seafood, ramen, and dairy products.
...MoreHokkaido has traditionally been inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people. Japan didn’t start settling in the area until the late 19th century. As a result, the culture and even architecture are different from that of the rest of Japan. Hokkaido’s weather is also different, with longer and colder winters and milder summers with less humidity.
...MoreIt depends on your interests. For winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, and snow and ice festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival, February is the best month. For the best chances of seeing cherry blossoms, visit in May. To see the lavender fields and enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, visit in July.
...MoreYes. Even though Hokkaido is an island, you can take the bullet train there through the Seikan Tunnel, one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world, which connects the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido. The bullet train ride between Tokyo and Hakodate takes just over four hours.
...More
![[Biei/Furano] One-day sightseeing by private car!](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/07/b4/3a/c8.jpg)
![[Otaru & Yoichi] Stroll around Otaru (Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, Music Box Hall, etc.) and go to Yoichi Nikka Whiskey by private car (Sapporo departure and arrival)](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/0f/ef/4c/91.jpg)
![[Departure from Sapporo] Noboribetsu Jigokudani, Lake Toya, Cape Chikyu by private car](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/10/6f/e7/20.jpg)
