trip to hokkaido

How to Plan Your Perfect Hokkaido Itinerary In 2024

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

We visited some of the best parts of Japan in this 12-day Hokkaido itinerary , and want to inspire you to do the same!

Make no mistake about it, Hokkaido is big. Very big. Distances are vast, the landscape wild and untamed and the weather can change at the drop of a hat. That’s what makes planning your Hokkaido itinerary so difficult.

This is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Full of dramatic natural scenery, hot springs, delicious food, national parks, ski resorts, and charming towns, there is so much to see and do here.

It is also very likely that you will share this stunning scenery with very few people.

So if you have time for a Hokkaido road trip, definitely fit it into your Japan trip.

Table of Contents

Getting Around Hokkaido

When to visit hokkaido, day 1 – sapporo, day 2 – sapporo to asahikawa, day 3 – asahikawa to utoro (gateway to the shiretoko national park), day 4 – shiretoko national park, day 5 – shiretoko national park, day 6 – shiretoko national park to akan national park, day 7 – mashu-ko and mashu-dake, day 8 – mount io, kussharo-ko and akan-ko, day 9 – akan national park to new chitose via kushiro wetlands, day 10 – shakotan peninsula, day 11 – noribetsu onsen and lake toya, save this pin for later, hokkaido travel tips.

If you’re trying to design your Hokkaido itinerary there are a few things you need to keep in mind first. These are some of our Hokkaido travel tips.

READ MORE: Check out our other guide on the absolute best  things to do in Japan !

The best way to get around Hokkaido for this 12 day itinerary is by renting a car. You can check out our post on how to rent a car here .

Hokkaido does offer a JR pass, but services to the major national parks are limited and even then you will still need to take a bus or taxi to get into the parks proper.

Some of the most stunning scenery we saw was when we were driving. Having your own set of wheels will make your experience infinitely more enjoyable and convenient.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Hokkaido has 4 very distinct seasons and each of them have their merits.

Spring brings blossoming flower fields, summer brings bright sunny days, autumn gives us the changing of the leaves and winter dumps a few feet of snow all over the island.

We ended up doing our Hokkaido itinerary in autumn, which gave us beautiful colours and very few tourists. That being said it did bring some cold weather and occasional rain.

However depending on what your interests are you may prefer to travel in a different season. A Hokkaido 12 day itinerary can be beautiful at any time of year.

Our 12 Day Hokkaido Itinerary

This is the exact trip we did during our travels in Hokkaido, with a list of the places we visited, what we did and where we stayed. From the Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden, to the national parks and lakes, this Hokkaido 12 Day Itinerary is packed with cool attractions!

We picked up our wheels and headed for Sapporo City at the start of our 12 day itinerary. This is a great opportunity to pick up some cold weather clothes if you haven’t got that many with you.

Outside of summer, it can get really cold, especially in Shiretoko and Akan. We brought some extra warm clothes and it was definitely a worthwhile investment.

Sapporo is a lovely city to wander around. Checking out the Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck, Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, and the botanical gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon.

In the evening we headed to the top of Mount Moiwa for a beautiful nighttime view over the city. The Sapporo TV Tower also has an incredible view from the Observation Deck, if you didn’t get the chance to visit there earlier in the day.

The fresh seafood is amazing, Hokkaido has the best sashimi in Japan according to the Japanese.

• Where To Eat: Ramen Yokocho and any izakaya serving sashimi.
• Where We Stayed:  We stayed in an AirBnB in Sapporo . This place does have parking, it is important to check that the places you stay in Hokkaido, be it hotels, guesthouses or airbnb’s have parking as it is not always a guarantee. Click here to get $35 off your first AirBnB stay .

Check out our brand new and complete guide on the best  things to do in Sapporo !

Next on our 12 day itinerary, this is where our Hokkaido Expressway Pass came into use. You save a few hours taking the highway to Furano. After getting off the highway it’s stunning scenery all the way to Furano.

If you’re visiting in winter, Furano Ski Resort is one of the best places to go skiing and snowboarding.

But you’ll likely be doing a road trip outside of winter when the weather is more favorable.

Be sure to check out Farm Tomita for a mind blowing display of colour. They sell everything lavender, including a rather delicious lavender ice cream. It sounds awful, but like almost everything in Japan it was delicious.

From here you can take route 237 winding through the Japanese countryside to the quaint little town of Biei. From here you can head to the Blue Pond, a place that you will find on many Japanese postcards.

We elected not to do the above. Instead we attempted to get to the Asahidake cable car station for sunset. The weather had been really cloudy all day until around 3:00 so we decided to go for it.

Around 800m we were surprised with a snow storm. Within a few minutes the road was slippery and our windscreen wipers creaking under the weight of snow. Unsurprisingly we abandoned our plans and headed towards Asahikawa for the night.

Where To Eat: Farm Tomita is a good start for a lavender based snack. An advantage of the hotel is the amazing little izakaya over the road from the hotel serving great food for an even better price.

Where We Stayed: Trend Hotel Asahikawa – Nice hotel, but you can probably find something cheaper when you visit Hokkaido, we booked very late in the day.

We had originally planned to spend the day exploring the Daisetsuzan National Park and then drive onto Shiretoko the next day, but the rain put pay to our plans. One advantage of this was it gave us extra time for later in the trip.

We took route E39 from Asahikawa, but be warned the area circling the northern end of the Daisetsuzan National Park will make you forget about the previous day.

This is a long drive, it probably took us between 4 and 5 hours with rest stops included. This and the previous days drive were where Hokkaido Express was invaluable. It saved us so much time by being able to use the highway.

Utoro is a tiny village at the edge of the Shiretoko National Park. As a result most restaurants stay open till around 8pm.

As a side note, the next town down from Utoro is Shari. Accommodation is usually a little cheaper here, but you a now an hour from the park as opposed to 15 minutes in Utoro.

Where To Eat: Options are pretty limited in terms of choice, however there is a great ramen restaurant and a lovely izakaya about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Staff inside recommended these places to us.

Where We Stayed: Iruka Hotel – Great little guesthouse with friendly staff and a good breakfast .

We checked out the Shiretoko Go-Ko (5 lakes). The long walk around is pretty amazing and you get to sit through a rather interesting safety video about how to avoid bears. The main thing to take away from the video is that if a bear attacks you there is nothing you can do, so best avoid them.

We then checked out the Fureppe Waterfalls, which offers some pretty incredible views. Later on in the day we enjoyed a free foot bath. The guesthouse staff can mark them on a map for you.

One thing to note about Shiretoko is that the weather can change very quickly. Most of our time there was cloudy, but no rain and a fair few blue skies.

Where We Stayed: Iruka Hotel – Great little guesthouse with friendly staff and a good breakfast.  This guesthouse has a number of WOOFERs working there who can also offer great advice on what to do when you visit Hokkaido.

We spent day 5 of our Hokkaido trip on the eastern side of the peninsula around the port town of Rausu.

To get there follow the road to the Shiretoko pass. The pass is absolutely stunning and is a must if you’re in the area. you get amazing views over the coast, and if you are lucky you will be able to see the summit of Mount Rausu.

When you arrive in Rausu take a left and follow route 87 and check out some of the beach foot spas that run along the coastline. It’s a surreal experience to dangle your feet into a foot spa whilst waves from the sea of Okohtsk crash onto the beach.

The Kamuiwakka Hot Falls back towards Utoro make a great place to stop off on your way back. Do be aware that this is an unsealed 10km road. As soon as dusk hits be on the lookout for deer.

Where To Eat: Sashimi in Rausu. A tiny little restaurant south of the centre right on the coast gave us an incredible meal.

We drove via Abishiri along the Okhotsk road which offers some spectacular coastal views. Abishiri has a really interesting prison museum where you can learn about Hokkaido’s history.

From here we headed on to our onsen hotel close to Teshikaga in the Akan National Park. We entered the park along route 102 which takes you through a pass that gives you incredible views of Lake Kussharo. Try and get there around sunset for the best views.

Lots of accommodation in the area offers breakfast and dinner. We decided not to do dinner to give us the chance to go out and explore the nearby towns. Here it is the same story as Shiretoko, restaurants close early, so try and avoid eating late.

The rooms at the hotel do not have showers or baths in the rooms. You wash in the onsens  in the hotel. A word of warning, it can take a bit of practice to get the temperature right as the taps are extremely sensitive, but its a great way to start and finish your day.

Where To Eat: The nearest town is Teshikaga which has 2 restaurants and a bunch of convenience stores. Your choices are ramen or tempura. On the plus side, both are fantastic.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Parkway . Great little onsen hotel .

One of Hokkaido’s top hikes. Getting to the top of Mashu-Dake takes around 4-6 hours return. Bring plenty of water and warm clothes as the top of the mountain can be very cold.

A few minutes after getting to the top we were treated to our own private snowstorm ! You will need good shoes as the track can be slippery, and although it’s not a particularly challenging walk the last 400m are very narrow and steep so take care.

Also the car packing ticket you get at Mashu-Ko can also be used at Mt Io the next day or vice versa.

The hotel offers a great breakfast that comes complete with raw egg rice. You crack an egg into a little bowl whisk it and add some soy sauce before pouring it onto the warm rice. Delicious.

The scenery around Mount Io is to die for, but the smell is not pleasant, think Rotarua in New Zealand – lots of sulphur.

From here its a short drive to Kussharo where there are plenty of hiking options and a few hot water beaches on the shores of the lake. There is a great hike around the peninsula which gives some beautiful views.

Akan-Ko is approx 50km from Kussharo and is a little more developed for tourism than the other two lakes. The drive from Kussharo-Ko to Akan-Ko is particularly good, probably more interesting than Akan-Ko itself in our opinion.

Akan-ko has a rather cool little foot spa cafe. Perfect after a long day of exploring.

This is a long drive, be under no illusions. We left just before 10 and headed straight for the bihoro pass which is a must. Possibly one of the best views we got in Hokkaido.

From here we drove to the Kushiro wetlands, which is ok but there isn’t a huge amount to do. However it does give you a break from driving and the scenery on the way is excellent.

From here we jumped on the Doto Expressway around 2pm thinking there would be a service station fairly soon after where we could grab some lunch as we were starving. Sadly we were wrong, finally coming across one around 4:30. We ended up staying in New Chitose as there was no affordable accommodation around Shikotsu-Ko.

Where To Eat: The area is dotted with great eats. In particular some amazing izakayas and BBQ (yakinuku) restaurants.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Plus Hostel Sapporo . Has private and shared rooms so you can find something that suits your budget.

Not listed in guidebooks or J apanGuide.com, this peninsula an hour and a half outside of Sapporo is an undiscovered gem. We only found out about it after doing a google search of “what to do in Otaru” and this came up on a TripAdvisor thread.

Probably the most stunning coastland we drove in Japan, with only a few others on the road. Some lovely short walks around the peninsula are well marked by road signs.

From the Shakotan Peninsula back to Chitose you pass through the lovely little town of Otaru. At night the canal and the surrounding buildings are lit up, so its a great place to go for a wander. Also check out the little alleyways close to the canal that around stuffed full of izakayas.

Where To Eat: The alleyways around the Otaru Canal offer a huge variety of great food.

Where We Stayed : Sho Inn Otaru . A small but cosy and affordable hotel in Otaru.

Noribetsu is probably the most famous onsen town in Japan full of hot spring baths and naturally, it is very popular with tourists. In fact, this was probably the busiest place we visited during our time in Hokkaido, but we’d definitely recommend it.

There are plenty of great walks around Hell Valley and the one down to Ooyunuma and the Ooyunuma Foot Spa. A great place to dip your feet after a few steep hills. Very easy to get to from Sapporo or New Chitose.

Checking out Hell Valley itself is also super cool. This volcanic crater is filled with bubbling sulphur hot spring baths and dramatic natural colors. The name “Hell Valley” is fitting because it really looks other worldly.

Driving back from Noribetsu you can choose to check out Lake Toya or Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu Toya National Park.

Lake Toya is one of the most famous sights to see when you visit Hokkaido. Surrounded by volcanoes and peaks, the gorgeous Lake Toya offers some of the most stunning views in the country.

If you’re visiting between April and October, you may get to witness the Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival. On clear evenings, a 20 minute fireworks display lights up the skies around Lake Toya, which is a super cool event to witness.

Where To Eat: The dining options in Noribetsu is pretty pricey, but just outside the town there are plenty of cheap restaurants.

Where We Stayed: Dai-ichi Takimotokan . There are lots of accommodation options in the heart of Noribetsu but this one has a hot spring, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

Day 12 – Saying bye to our car and flying on to Hiroshima

We chose a great day to leave as southern Hokkaido was hit by a huge blizzard. We had planned to go and see Lake Shikotsu but the weather was awful. In fact the winds were so strong that trees were blown down blocking parts of the road that were already covered with snow and ice.

Sadly we only saw lake Shikotsu under a fair bit of snow, but it certainly seemed very pretty.

We rented with OTS. The car they gave us was a small modern hybrid which really saved on petrol. The service and packages they offer were comfortably the cheapest and they also have the Hokkaido Expressway Pass set up and installed for you.

Some other companies don’t offer this service and will send it to your hotel, which is pretty inconvenient.

Next stop was to head off and check out the best things to do in Hiroshima .

Renting a car for an epic Hokkaido trip is a once in a lifetime experience. This truly is a place of outstanding natural beauty, culture and hospitality and must for any traveller. Our only regret is that our photos cannot truly convey how beautiful it really is.

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hi, You wrote a great article and it is very informative, thank you very much. May I know when was the above trip: Day 1 ~ Day 12? I will be in Hokkaido from Oct 24 to Nov 3, not sure if it is still worth to travel to Asahikawa?

Hi, do give Richard a message over on his website. He will be able to help you. All the best. https://abearandapig.com/

Hi, I like this report about Hokkaido a lot, am just planing our trip. Been to many other places in Japan before. I only wanted to know, when you have been there, “autumn” is not exact enough to plan 🙂 so can you please be a bit more detailed(like End of Sept. …) ?? Thank you very much!

Hi, I read ur article and need ur advice. Arrive Chitose Airport 27/10/2019, company incentive trip covered Noboribetsu, Jigokudani, Otaru, Sapporo, Mitsui Outlet, Okurayama Ski Jump, Hokkaido Shrine & Tanukikoji St. From 30/10/2019 morning till return flight from Chitose 4/11/2019 09:35 is my free and easy session with another partner Any recommendation program for 30/10 to 3/11?

I will be visiting Hokkaido in November and the group will include elderly and young children. Appreciate if you can recommend itinerary that is suitable

Hope you had a great trip. 🙂

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Hotels

Top Things to Do in Hokkaido

Top Things to Do in Sapporo

Best Hikes in Hokkaido

Amazing National Parks

Best Ski Resorts

Day Trips From Sapporo

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Hokkaido: The Complete Guide

There is nowhere in the world like Hokkaido, let alone just in Japan. The nation’s north most island is an expansive landscape of snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, and endless fields of lavender come summertime. Its capital city of Sapporo is often dubbed the “Tokyo of the north,” and is the birthplace of many of Japan’s best dishes. Home to its native Ainu people, Hokkaido is brimming with its own unique cultural history. All of this without mentioning the seasonal festivals, the skiing, and the three feet of snow in the depths of winter. Hokkaido is like nowhere else, and this is your complete guide to a trip around the island.

Planning Your Trip

Best time to visit : Hokkaido tends to be associated with its winter events and skiing but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do the rest of the year as the island is dry with low humidity  . Arriving in the winter does mean you get to enjoy the spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the carpet of snow that stays for the seasons whether you’re taking to the slopes or wandering the cities.

The summer is also a great time to visit Hokkaido as it doesn’t see the sweltering temperatures and typhoons that the rest of Japan does. You’ll also be able to enjoy the blooming flower fields and national parks, the many summer festivals, and take part in any number of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and climbing. The colorful spring and fall seasons bring the cherry blossom and maple leaves so there really is no bad time to visit Hokkaido.

Language : The Japanese language is spoken on Hokkaido. Hokkaido Ainu is still spoken by the indigenous Ainu people  , mostly on the north side of the island, though very few speak it in their day to day life.

Getting Around : Much like the rest of Japan, the train rules supreme for getting around whether that’s the Sapporo subway or the trains that take you between the cities and towns. Your JR rail pass will work on the bullet trains and JR local trains here, and an IC card like Pasmo or Suica card is helpful for using the subway or city buses. You can also pay for goods in some stores with your IC card which can be easily purchased and topped up at subway stations. 

Intercity buses are also helpful if you want to save money or access areas that you can’t reach by train. Buses can be accessed from the main bus stations in major cities. 

Renting a car is also a very popular option in Hokkaido, the roads are open and the views are incredible and as much of Hokkaido’s beauty is nature-based, it makes seeing these natural sites much easier. It’s also worth remembering they drive on the left in Japan. 

Taxis are available in cities and can be flagged down by putting your arm out or can typically be found outside subway stations and tourist attractions. This is one of the most expensive ways to get around in Japan but can be useful.

Things to Do

Hokkaido is brimming with things to do with its wide stretches of untouched nature and its bustling cities, here are a few to start with.

• Wander Daisetsuzan National Park: A colossal national park in the heart of Hokkaido. Daisetsuzan is a pristine paradise of fields, forests, ponds, and mountains that can be comfortably explored for days.
• Jozankei Onsen: One of the most famous and celebrated onsen in Hokkaido, this hot spring offers picturesque valley views that radically change from season to season.
• Hokkaido Shrine: Found in Sapporo, thousands of visitors each year flock to this Shinto shrine. It’s also one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots on the island.
• Go Skiing at Niseko: South of Sapporo is the small village of Niseko, nestled at the foot of the jaw-dropping Mount Yotei, one of Hokkaido’s prime skiing locations.
• Visit the Ainu Museum : The only museum of its kind in Japan, this was created as a symbol of the Japanese government's commitment to treating the Ainu with respect  . Here you can get to know the culture of the indigenous people of Hokkaido which includes an open-air Ainu village to explore and music and craft classes.

What to Eat and Drink

Hokkaido has a lot to offer for food lovers and taking time to try the local delicacies is very worth your time. Since the climate is generally cooler, most of the dishes will leave you feeling warm and satisfied but this is also an island well known for its soft-serve ice cream, sweet treats, and above all, its seafood.

Try Lavender Ice-Cream and Wine in Furano: Furano is known for its amazing flower and lavender fields and this means it’s a great place to try Lavender ice cream and other desserts. If you’re a fan of vineyards then make sure to enjoy a wine tour of Furano.

Eat Seafood at a Seafood Market: Hokkaido is famous for its seafood and some of the best places to try the freshest seafood prepared in front of you is a seafood market. Some of the biggest on Hokkaido are Nijo Market, Otaru Seaport Market, and Kushiro Washo Market.

Try a Bowl of Ramen on Sapporo Ramen Street: Hokkaido is most famous for its miso ramen, but almost every type of Japanese ramen has a spot on Ramen Yokocho just waiting to be visited.

Try a Genghis Kahn Lamb Barbecue: Perfect if you’re traveling as a group, get together and enjoy a lamb barbecue (Jingisukan), a Hokkaido specialty named after the Mongolian soldiers' concave helmets and their preference for lamb.

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum: Sapporo beer is one of the most beloved beers across Japan and the world, only rivaled by Asahi in terms of global fame. Head to the museum to tour the brewery and do tastings; plus you can visit the large restaurant attached where you can try a number of local dishes.

Where to Stay

Deciding where to base yourself in Hokkaido can be a challenge and many people opt to spend a few days in different areas so they can see the varied beauty of the island. Here are some of the main areas you can stay and what to do nearby. 

Sapporo: The major city of Hokkaido, basing yourself in Sapporo is a great idea if you want to see the city and enjoy some day trips like the nearby retro town of Otaru and Asahikawa. You can also reach some fantastic hot springs nearby such as Jozankei Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen .

Lake Toya: A perfect place if you’re looking to relax and enjoy scenic views. The area is just over two hours from New Chitose Airport and surrounds the unique caldera Lake Toya and the active volcanoes of Usuzan and Showa Shinzan. Relax in the hot springs, visit Silo Observatory, take a cruise on the lake or hike around it!

Furano: Furano is a lovely base at any time of year but it’s blooming in color throughout the summer months. With local vineyards, independent artists to shop from at Ningle Terrace, and spectacular views of the Daisetsuzan mountains, Furano is a truly special part of Japan.

Ski Resorts: If you’re skiing, then there are plenty of resorts to choose from such as Niseko, Rusustu, or Kiroro which are all under two hours from Sapporo and accessible from the airport.

Getting There

Most international flights arrive at New Chitose Airport but if you’re flying domestically, there are 12 airports across the island which may prove more convenient. You can get the train into Sapporo from the airport which takes around half an hour.

If you're arriving into Sapporo on the bullet train, you'll be arriving into Sapporo Station and will be able to catch the subway from there. You can also change to other trains which will take you to other parts of the island.

Culture and Customs

• There's no need to tip in Hokkaido—same goes for Japan as a whole. In some cases, it can even be considered offensive.
• If you're shopping and paying in cash, make sure to place your money in the dish on the counter. Your change will also be placed thereafter. 
• Remember to carry some cash as some places don't take cards. You'll find plenty of ATMs around the city or in convenience stores like 7/11 or FamilyMart.
• The bow is the standard form of greeting in Japan, but a nod will usually suffice.
• When on the subway, make sure not to use the seats reserved for the elderly.

Money Saving Tips

Luckily, Hokkaido’s nature and outdoor pursuits provide a lot of opportunities for free and budget activities. If you enjoy nature trails or hiking, then you’ll find endless free activities in Hokkaido.

• Many of the festivals that are held in Odori Park are free so make sure to keep up with what’s going on in the city. 
• Make sure to try some convenience store food and coffee to save money. Stores like 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart have excellent quality bento boxes and hot snacks.
• Take advantage of tax refunds while you’re shopping. Purchases of more than 5,000 yen (around $46) are exempt from the 10 percent consumption tax. Wherever you see the tax refund sign just show your passport and they’ll sort it out.

Hokkaido Tourism Organization. " About Hokkaido ."

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. "The Saga of the Ainu Language." October 2009

Japan National Tourism Organization. "The National Ainu Museum and Park Promotes the Life and Culture of Ainu people, an Ethnic Group Indigenous to Northern Japan."

The Top 15 Things to Do in Hokkaido

The 10 Best Hotels in Hokkaido

How to Spend a Week in Hokkaido

7 Amazing National Parks in Hokkaido, Japan

Skiing in Japan: A Complete Guide

The Weather and Climate in Japan

The Top 9 Day Trips From Sapporo

18 Best Things to Do in Japan in Summer

Guide to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan

The Top 6 Ski Resorts in Hokkaido

The Top 10 National Parks in Japan

15 Best Things to Do in Sapporo

Weather in Hokkaido: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Best Time to Visit Japan

The Best Time to Visit Hokkaido

The 10 Best Hikes in Hokkaido

Visiting Hokkaido Japan: 14 Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan's Wild North

Travel to Hokkaido, Japan's gorgeous northernmost island, and you'll find spectacular scenery, incredible food, and friendly people! But when taking on a colossal tourist destination like Hokkaido and its great number of scenic sights, you need a foolproof plan to fully enjoy what it has to offer! And we're here to provide clear answers to some common doubts and questions that may have arisen during this planning process. Find out more about Hokkaido's climate, travel distances between sightseeing spots, essential points to note during your trip, must-visit hotspots, and other vital information that will add to your Hokkaido experience.

1. Hokkaido Japan is a huge place! Make sure to plan accordingly

Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island, and it's an enormous place! In fact, the area of Hokkaido is 22% of Japan's total surface area – nearly a quarter of the country – making it Japan's largest prefecture. An important thing to note is that Sapporo , Hokkaido's capital city, is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from New Chitose Airport . Since most people use Sapporo as a base of operations when exploring Hokkaido, here's a quick list of travel distances and times between the city and a few of the island's leading regions for your handy reference (all numbers approximate). ・ Sapporo to Otaru : 40 kilometers (25 miles) / 45 minutes ・ Sapporo to Furano : 115 kilometers (71 miles) / 2 hours ・ Sapporo to Asahikawa : 140 kilometers (87 miles) / 1 hour 20 minutes ・ Sapporo to Hakodate : 305 kilometers (190 miles) / 4 hours 15 minutes ・ Sapporo to Obihiro : 215 kilometers (134 miles) / 3 hours ・ Sapporo to Kushiro : 342 kilometers (213 miles) / 4 hours 40 minutes ・ Sapporo to Shiretoko (Utoro): 377 kilometers (234 miles) / 5 hours 44 minutes

2. When is the best time to visit Hokkaido?

Note that Hokkaido is located at a northern latitude of 41 to 45 degrees, which puts it at the same latitude as other colder regions in the world, such as the southern-central region of France, the northern region of Spain, northern-central region of Italy, New York City, and Toronto, and temperatures may fluctuate by quite a lot in the same day alone. Sometimes, it may even dip below 20C (68F) during the mornings and evenings. Therefore, always be prepared with something warm to wear, like a cardigan or jacket to throw on as needed when it gets a bit too chilly for your liking.

What is Hokkaido like in winter ? If you're thinking of visiting Hokkaido for sports activities like skiing or snowboarding , then come between January and February, when it's winter . It starts snowing in Hokkaido from November onwards, even in the lowlands, so January and February would be the period with the most amount of accumulated snow. According to data from Japan Meteorological Agency, January is also the coldest month in Hokkaido, as average temperatures may plunge to a frosty -3.6C (about 25F). Be sure to put on a warm coat and accessories that will protect you from the cold, such as a hat, a pair of gloves, and perhaps a toasty muffler. Road surfaces often freeze over during winter , and this makes them very slippery. Wear winter shoes with grooved soles for extra friction to get a good grip on the ground as you walk. There is no need to panic if you've forgotten - you can always look out for anti-slip shoe attachments being sold at train stations or airports. Hokkaido is a large place and temperatures will vary depending on region, with some seeing drops to as low as -20 to -30C (-4 to -22F) during winter . For a comfortable trip, always check the temperature range of the place you'll be visiting beforehand and prepare accordingly.

3. What are Hokkaido's main places and best things to do there?

There are countless places to see and things to do in Hokkaido. You can go shopping in a downtown district, eat some fantastic food, or go out into the suburbs to get closer to nature and the serenity it provides. Here's an abbreviated list of some scenic spots and activities to be enjoyed in each region. Sapporo As mentioned earlier, this is the main city of Hokkaido, where there are great places to shop, eat, sightsee, or relax at almost every corner. The Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill are a couple of the more iconic sightseeing places of interest here, which should definitely consider visiting if you haven't already. Check out the article below for more information!

Niseko The Niseko area stretches out at the foot of Mount Yotei and is globally renowned for its high-quality powder snow . Needless to say, this is a popular place for trying out some winter sports . However, even if you are visiting during summer , you're welcome to join in any one of the outdoor activities being held here as well, such as river rafting!

Hakodate The central area of southern Hokkaido. Here is where you'll find beautiful city nightscapes and plenty of historical buildings that are an exciting mix of styles from the East and West. Some local specialties you can find in the markets here are fresh seafood and tasty Western confectionery.

Asahikawa / Northern Hokkaido One can't mention Asahikawa without also mentioning the famous Asahiyama Zoo , but also not to be missed in the nearby area of northern Hokkaido are places of interest such as the hot springs in Sounkyo , the lavender fields in Furano , and the hills of Biei that are breathtakingly beautiful at every turn.

Eastern Hokkaido Perfect for fans of the great outdoors! This region is where you'll find Shiretoko Peninsula , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and mystical landscapes such as the one in Kushiro Marsh . One of the unique experiences to be had here during the winter season is the observation of drift ice .

Other highly recommended destinations to consider are Otaru , famous for its beautiful canal, as well as Noboribetsu , a haven of hot springs that provide the ultimate relaxation. Include the ones that fit better into your plans and enjoy your trip!

4. How to get around Hokkaido

Other than driving in Hokkaido , you can also make use of buses, trains, and airplanes. Buses take a longer time to reach, but most of them are reasonably priced. There are also overnight buses that allow you to maximize your time by resting on the way to the next destination and waking up refreshed and ready for another day of activity. Others may prefer trains as they can relax and watch the sights outside the window slowly roll by without much thought. For either of these transport options, be sure to check up the schedules in advance before including them in your itinerary, as some of the routes are only operated infrequently. Also, if you'll be mainly taking buses and trains during your trip, check to see if purchasing a JR Hokkaido Free Pass will help you to save more on transport fees too.

If your itinerary calls for covering long distances within short amounts of time, then an airplane will be the best choice, even if it may be a bit pricier and flights may be limited to certain time slots. Whichever option you eventually pick, be sure to include lots of leeway into the schedule to accommodate for unforeseen circumstances!

5. How can I rent a car for my trip in Hokkaido?

As mentioned at the outset, the distances between destinations in Hokkaido are very far apart because of how large the island is. Therefore, driving is a very convenient way to get around here - especially if you'll be traveling with family. Another advantage of driving is that you can take your time and do things at your own pace without having to constantly worry about missing the next bus or train. Cars are readily available for rent at Hokkaido. Still, you must make an advanced reservation as soon as your trip is confirmed, especially if your visit is in summer or corresponds with certain holidays in Japan. This reservation will ensure that you'll definitely have a car when you arrive during such busy seasons . Find a company you like and book online via their website . Don't fret about not understanding Japanese, as most rental car websites in Hokkaido support multiple languages. If possible, request an in-car automotive navigation system when making your rental. This will be very helpful in places where map apps on your phone slow down or stop working due to low signal.

6. What are some things to take note of when driving in Hokkaido?

When driving in Hokkaido, the main thing to look out for is for wild animals dashing onto the roads without warning. This happens from time to time in the suburbs with yezo sika deer and Sakhalin foxes . For places where wild animals are often spotted, you'll also see signage warning you to watch out for them. Another thing to note is driving in winter , as the weather can swing to extremes quickly and affect road conditions detrimentally. This will be a challenge for drivers who have never taken winter roads before. Travel time also becomes unpredictable in such situations, so opting for public transportation may be the better choice during cold and snowy seasons , especially if you're not used to navigating frozen roads.

7. What Hokkaido foods should I try?

Each area in Hokkaido has its own unique local cuisine that contains a wide variety of ingredients, so there are plenty of things you can try here. Here's a general overview of what food items to look out for! Seafood Hokkaido being an island and all, let's start with the most obvious one: Hokkaido seafood ! Horsehair crabs and red king crabs can be found in almost every town. Hakodate 's specialty is squid . Otaru has fresh mantis shrimps and urchin. Kushiro has saury. The eastern part of Hokkaido is famous for fish like chum salmon. And that's just a quick list of the more prominent foods you can find! Some seafood delicacies make use of exotic marine creatures peculiar to Hokkaido, such as smooth lumpfish, Japanese bullheads, or surf clams. Preparation and serving methods also vary greatly, from rice bowls to sashimi , charcoal grills, hotpots, and more. Definitely try out the local ishikari- nabe (salmon hotpot) or chanchanyaki (steamed fish and stir-fried vegetables) if you find them being offered on the menu!

Meat products Mutton is something you don't want to miss here, especially the jingisukan (grilled mutton) dish. Choose whether you want your meat served plain so you can add your favorite sauces later, or to cook it in a broth until the soup's taste permeates the meat entirely. As for chicken dishes, try to find a specialty store or Japanese-style izakaya pub that has something called zangi on their menu. Zangi is a fried chicken dish that is unique to Hokkaido. Unlike the other fried chicken dishes usually served in other parts of Japan (known as karaage), the chicken meat and batter of zangi are both seasoned before being deep-fried to a crispy goodness, so each shop will have its own special flavor! Don't forget to try out some top-class Shiraoi-wagyu and Tochika-wagyu beef as well, and the premium pork offered in places like Kamifurano.

Dairy products Hokkaido has plenty of pastures with dairy cows providing fresh Hokkaido milk for direct consumption or to be made into derivative products such as cheese and soft-serve ice cream, depending on the area. Especially of note is Tokachi, an area that has been given the distinguished title of Hokkaido's Dairy Kingdom.

Vegetables Hokkaido produces great-tasting agricultural products every season . Some examples are asparagus, corn, potatoes, onions, and a range of legumes. All of these can be used as ingredients in straightforward local fare, like steamed potatoes with butter. Not to be forgotten are the rice and grains being produced in great quantities in Hokkaido as well. Biei , Furano , and Tokachi are big on wheat cultivation, and as a result, local-made wheat products like bread and pasta are widely available and very popular here. Speaking of the Tokachi area, the towns of Shintoku and Horokanai are famous buckwheat producers, so they may be worth checking out if you're a soba noodles-person. Fans of Japanese rice will love the high-quality rice available here as well, including such premium brands as Yumepirika and Nanatsuboshi.

Fruits And, of course, no list of Hokkaido foods would be complete without mentioning the fruit most people associate it with - the melon! Of course, you may immediately think of the Yubari King premium melons , but there are plenty of other melon-producing places in Hokkaido as well if you take some time to explore a little. The sourish but refreshing blue honeysuckle (also known as haskap berries) is another fruity Hokkaido delicacy you should try. These berries can be enjoyed as-is or through one of the many snacks made with their juices. Cherries, apples, and prunes are a few other fruits that serious fruit hunters will be on the lookout for during a trip to Hokkaido. Do some research on what delightful local specialty each area is famous for before your trip, and complete your trip with a fantastic local meal!

8. What Hokkaido souvenirs should I buy?

Confectionery You can't go wrong with Ishiya Seika's "Shiroi Koibito," an exquisite and delectable langue de chat cookie snack. Other popular items to look out for are Hokkaido confectionery giant Rokkatei's "Marusei Butter Sandwich Cookies," Royce' raw chocolate , Ryugetsu's "Sanpouroku" layer cake , and Kitakaro's "Kaiseki Okaki" baked mochi flakes. LeTAO is another reliable manufacturer of confectionery souvenirs. They're most famous for their "Double Fromage" snacks. Still, most of their other baked goods and chocolate products travel well and are very suitable for bringing home as souvenirs. Processed food Visitors from abroad love Hokkaido's chinmi . The term literally means "rare flavor," and it covers a variety of uncommon snacks and processed food such as saketoba (preserved salmon) and scallop eyes. Chinmi can be readily found in almost every supermarket in Hokkaido. Dairy products Besides cheese and butter, ice cream is also a popular souvenir. You'll be spoilt for choice as there are plenty of farm brands and dairy manufacturer products available for purchase. Alcohol Each region in Hokkaido has its own special local sake. Some of the more famous examples of brands would be Mashike Town's Kunimare, Sapporo 's Chitosetsuru, and Kuriyama Town's Kobayashi Shuzo. Of course, there's also no end to unique craft beer for the adventurous, including a particular drift ice beer that is as refreshing as it is an attractive shade of blue! Hokkaido is also a wine-producing region , with white grapes such as Kerner and Niagara, and red grapes like Yamasachi and Pinot Noir, being the main cultivated varieties. General goods The range of lavender-based products available in Furano comes highly recommended, as there are plenty of useful products to choose from, including things like essential oils and bath soap. Along the same vein, the mint-based products from Kitami are must-buy items for those who enjoy the herb's energizing fragrance. Several Hokkaido cosmetics brands have been garnering more attention in recent years as well, so keep your eyes peeled for them too! All items mentioned above can be found in specialist shops, department stores , train stations, airport shops, souvenir stores, or convenience stores at some tourist hotspots.

9. What Hokkaido festivals and events can I join?

The internationally renowned Sapporo Snow Festival is one event you should definitely look out for, but there are also other fun and exciting festivals to join throughout the year, even if you won't be visiting in winter . Here's a quick and fun list! ・Early May: Hakodate Goryokakusai ( Hakodate City) Held in Goryokaku Park . The impressive Imperial Parade is one of its highlights. ・Early June: YOSAKOI Soran Festival ( Sapporo City) A dance parade held in Sapporo City with teams of participants dishing out high-energy dances over a few days. (The event has been canceled for 2021; please check the official website for the latest information.) ・Late July: Hokkaido Heso Matsuri ( Furano City) An amusing festival where participants dance around with exposed stomachs painted to look like faces. ・Late July: Otaru Oshio Matsuri ( Otaru City) The main event of this festival is the massive dance parade through town. On the final day, there will be a fireworks show . ・August 9 – 11: Ubagami Daijingu Togyosai (Esashi Town) A traditional festival that has been designated as one of Hokkaido's Intangible Folk Cultural Property. ・Late August: Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri ( Noboribetsu City) An intimidating float of King Enma, lord of the underworld in Japanese folklore, is paraded through the hot spring town. ・September: Kushiro Sanma Matsuri ( Kushiro City) Sanma, or saury fish, is the main feature of this festival. Visitors can look forward to enjoying charcoal-grilled saury and taking part in exciting events like a saury-grabbing contest! Needless to say, there are plenty of other festivals and events as well, so do some research on which ones will be held during the dates of your visit and drop by for a healthy dose of cultural immersion.

10. Any tour packages I can take to enjoy Hokkaido to the fullest?

Yes, there are a variety of Hokkaido vacation packages. Our recommendation is any one of the nature tours, all of which have been carefully designed to appeal even to those who are not used to outdoor activities , complete with explanations about highlights to look out for during the tour. Many of these guided tours can be found in the Niseko or eastern Hokkaido areas, but if you do a little bit of research beforehand, you're likely to find some in other regions of Hokkaido as well! More information can be found on the homepages of individual tour packages, many of which support bookings and reservations in multiple languages for the convenience of non-Japanese visitors. So consider adding a tour or two to your itinerary to enrich your Hokkaido experience! There are also bus tours that bring you on a fixed route to a few mainstream tourist destinations. These tours are efficient ways of hitting most of the well-known hotspots without needing to plan your own schedule, so the convenience will undoubtedly appeal to some. In addition, some travel agencies organize their own tours, while others are provided by bus companies.

11. How can I get to know Ainu culture better?

The Ainu are indigenous to the northern region of Japan, especially the island of Hokkaido island. As a people, they have deep respect for the natural world around them, and thus the common thread that can be seen in their lives is that of harmony with nature , which has also influenced the culture of the people of Hokkaido. There are several places in Hokkaido where you can get to know Ainu culture better. Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) opened in 2020 and serves as the main base in efforts to revitalize and expand Ainu culture. Here, you'll find historical and cultural exhibits and artifacts related to the Ainu being displayed in a way that makes them easy to learn from. Mukkuri (a kind of mouth harp), traditional dances, and traditional arts are performed on stage from time to time, and Upopoy has activities that visitors can take part in to understand Ainu food culture better or make their own traditional craftworks.

12. Where can I find the best city nightscapes in Hokkaido?

City sights at night in Hokkaido are as beautiful as the day, but with an added mystique! One of the more popular night scenes can be found in Hakodate , atop Mount Hakodate . Touted as one of Japan's three most beautiful city nightscapes, the sight of the land beneath sparkling with lights against the deep darkness makes it seem as if the terrain itself were floating upon nothing.

The night view of Sapporo is also considered one of Japan's three most beautiful city nightscapes, and there are a few places you can go to enjoy this electrifying sight. There's the easily accessible Sapporo JR Tower, or the observation decks in Sapporo TV Tower , Mount Moiwa , or Mount Okurayama. Other places of note are Asahiyama Memorial Park and the rooftop Ferris wheel of the NORBESA building in the Susukino district. For extra comfort when enjoying the night views , book a room at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo and get an exclusive view of the city's night lights all to yourself for the duration of your stay! Otaru and Mount Tengu are other places you can visit for a fabulous night scene. For something unique, try to catch a glimpse of the fantasy-like factories of Muroran at night!

13. Is it true you don't need a map to get around Sapporo?

The truth is, because Sapporo 's buildings are designed in a grid-like pattern, you can indeed get around without a map if you remember certain key points. One such key to remember is that the city is organized into sequentially numbered blocks clearly indicated on street signage. Therefore, it's relatively simple to use these numbers as a reference to get to your destination. The grid system of the city reflects its origin. Sapporo was established in 1869 during the Meiji era (1868 to 1912) and the city structure was based on the streets of Kyoto, which has a similar system for its plots of land. Currently, the city is divided into cardinal directions along Minami 1 Jo-dori Avenue and the Sosei River . To the north of this division is the administrative district; the south houses the residential district, whereas factories are located to the east. Odori Park sits in between the north and south regions of the city as a firebreak. Sapporo City developed into what we now see with those elements as its foundation.

14. Do people in Hokkaido speak Japanese? Yes - Hokkaido-ben!

The people in Hokkaido speak a slightly accented version of standard Japanese along with a number of local vocabulary quirks that often slip casually into normal conversations. So if you have to ask, "Was that Japanese?" then it's most probably something from the Hokkaido-ben dialect ! Here's a quick list in case you're curious. ・ Namara Used as an intensifier, similar to words like totemo (very) or sugoku (extremely). Use " Namara umai ssho ," to tell someone that the food was very delicious! ・ Azumashii This adjective describes something comfortable or calming. The negative plain form of this adjective is azumashikunai . ・ Nanmo nanmo For when you want to reassure someone thanking you profusely that what you did was "no problem at all." ・ Menkoi Used to describe something or someone cute or adorable. The negative plain form of this adjective is menkokunai . ・ (Gomi wo) nageru In standard Japanese, nageru (throw) is mostly used in the context of throwing something around, such as a ball. In the Hokkaido dialect, it specifically means to dispose of something. ・ Tobiki The Hokkaido-ben word for corn ( tomorokoshi ). You'll also hear a lot of -dabe or -dabesa when talking to people in Hokkaido, as those are sentence-ending particles peculiar to the region of Hokkaido that serve the same purpose as -desu or -desho . If you speak some Japanese, try replacing your standard sentences with some of these words to give the locals a pleasant surprise and make their day.

Text by: Minna no Kotobasha *Information in this article is accurate as of April 2021. English translation by: Huimin Pan

• Area Sapporo / Chitose
• Category Other Sightseeing
• How To: Sightseeing

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Hokkaido Hokkaido Explore Japan's northernmost prefecture

• Destinations

Japan’s northern island is famous for its beautiful wilderness, world class powder snow, delicious seafood and fascinating indigenous culture. Just a short flight from Tokyo, Hokkaido is the perfect escape in all seasons

Hokkaido is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, thanks to its abundant powder snow and top resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Sapporo, Hokkaido’s main city, famous for Sapporo beer, Sapporo ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival . Hakodate is a traditional port with charming historical areas and gorgeous night views. Hokkaido’s mild summers provide relief from Japan’s humidity, and the perfect conditions for hiking and exploring the many National Parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with natural hot springs, volcanic lakes and unforgettable experiences. Explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people at Lake Akan , and journey to the Shiretoko Peninsula to see free-roaming brown bears, foxes and deer.

Find the latest information on the Sapporo Snow Festival at https://www.snowfes.com/

How to Get There

Hokkaido is accessible by plane from all major airports in Japan to New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, with international flights from Shanghai and Seoul. Direct flights from Tokyo take about 90 minutes. There are also several international flights. It is possible to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo. The Japan Rail Pass can be used to travel on the Shinkansen.

The fastest way to reach Hokkaido is by plane . Flights from Tokyo to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport take about 90 minutes. By train, it takes around eight hours from Tokyo. Take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo. There are also some inexpensive long-distance ferries from Honshu to ports outside of Sapporo. Niigata, Oarai (Ibaraki Prefecture), Sendai, Nagoya, Maizuru (Kyoto Prefecture) and Tsuruga (Fukui Prefecture) all have ferries that go to Hokkaido.

• Hitting the slopes of Niseko and Rusutsu in winter
• The rolling hills of Furano’s lavender farms in summer
• Fresh seafood including succulent crab, salmon and fresh sushi
• The unspoiled wilderness of Hokkaido’s national parks

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Local Specialties

It's curry in a delicious soup form. This spicy dish is filled with seasonal vegetables such as potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, peppers, cabbage, okra and lotus root. Chicken leg is the standard meat, but you can choose ingredients and toppings such as lamb, pork, or oysters, and adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.

Hakodate Ramen

Hakodate ramen takes the traditional pork or chicken soup base and adds kelp or other seafood to give it the flavor of Hakodate's rich fishing heritage. The result is a lighter, saltier and less oily soup stock.

Obihiro Butadon

Locally sourced pork is aged briefly to bring out its natural umami. It is grilled with a sweet and spicy sauce and served on Hokkaido rice, with more sauce. A simple dish that showcases the natural flavors of Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Seafood

Japan is synonymous with seafood, and it features on menus everywhere throughout the country. Yet, for the very freshest, most delicious and widest array, Hokkaido is considered the place to go. Crab, shrimp, scallops, sea urchin, fish roe, squid and salmon are but a few of the delicacies for which Japan's northern island is famed. To try a little of everything, order kaisendon—a generous assortment of fresh seafood served on a bed of rice.

Ishikari Nabe

The Ishikari River in Hokkaido is famous for the delicious salmon that swim in its waters. Ishikari nabe marries this salmon with locally grown potatoes and various seasonal items in a kelp and miso broth, all cooked together in a boiling clay pot.

Muroran Yakitori

Pig farming flourished in this region in the 1930s, and many yakitori restaurants began putting Muroran yakitori on their menus. Also known as Muroran yakiton, the dish got its name because the juicy chunks of pork are skewered and grilled in the same way yakitori is prepared.

Bibai Yakitori

While most yakitori places offer the standard, recognized chicken parts, Bibai is all about the gizzards, hearts and livers. Try a few skewers and see what you've been missing.

Sapporo Ramen

Served in a rich miso soup and topped with butter, sweet corn, bean sprouts and pork, this winter warmer is on the menu at ramen restaurants throughout Sapporo and the rest of Hokkaido.

Kegani, horsehair crab, can be served raw, boiled or grilled, and yields exceptionally sweet, tender meat. You can find kegani in sushi, bento boxes and hot pots across Hokkaido.

Kushiro Kattedon

Buy a bowl of rice at Kushiro Washo Seafood Market and wander the stalls, filling it with as much fresh, reasonably priced seafood as you like.

Okhotsk Atka Mackerel

Hokke, also known as the Arabesque greenling, lives in the cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. A flavorful, juicy fish, hokke can be served raw, boiled or grilled with lemon and soy sauce. Its high fat content makes it a great partner for white rice and alcohol.

Cuts of lamb or mutton and vegetables are cooked at the table on a domed metal grill. Served with dipping sauces, it's a delicious, communal style of dining. The dish's name refers to Genghis Khan, because the Japanese thought lamb was a favorite of Mongolian soldiers.

Yubari Melon

A hybrid melon grown in greenhouses in Yubari that is famous for its perfectly round shape and intense sweetness. You might never enjoy another melon quite as much ever again.

Asahikawa Ramen

With an extra layer of oil on top of a delicious soy sauce-based soup, Asahikawa ramen is extra fun to slurp thanks to its thin, firm and wavy noodles.

Traditional Ainu Crafts

Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido is home to the Ainu, indigenous people who have a deep respect for nature and believe God is found everywhere. They once survived by hunting, fishing and foraging, and created many beautiful objects used in their daily lives such as knives and clothing.

Nibutani Trays

Hand-carved wooden trays featuring traditional motifs unique to Ainu culture, including soft spirals, diamond-shaped eyes, thorns and fish scales. Each piece is intricately fashioned to accentuate the wood grain. Ainu bachelors didn't put a ring on it, they carved love tokens, including Nibutani trays.

Nibutani Tree-Bark Textiles

Bark from Manchurian elm or Japanese lime trees is handspun and woven into distinctively textured fabric. Used in regional kimono, workwear and accessories, this durable, breathable natural textile is Mother Nature’s Gore-Tex. Nibutani tree-bark cloth was a common material in Ainu households for centuries.

Yakumo Wood-Carved Bears

Farmers in the little town of Yakumo, Hokkaido, couldn’t work in winter because of the snow, so in 1924 they started carving kibori kuma as souvenirs to make money and fight boredom. This carving of a bear biting a salmon has become one of Hokkaido’s most iconic souvenirs.

Bolta Figurines

Bolta ningyo are dolls welded from bolts, nuts, washers and other components, made in Muroran, a city of iron in Hokkaido. The five-centimeter-high bolta character comes in 100 poses, appearing as a warlord, musician, singer, tennis player, tea ceremony master, astronomer, thinker and many other guises.

Seasonal Highlights

When the snow melts, Hokkaido is transformed. Hokkaido's northern location means the cherry blossom season is later than in other parts of Japan, with blossoms appearing in the second half of May.

Summer is lavender season in Hokkaido, and there are dozens of other flower festivals too. The last mountain snows melt, allowing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, golf, rafting and other green season sports. It is also less humid and cooler than other parts of Japan.

In fall, enjoy the colorful foliage along the streets and in the national parks. Taste Hokkaido's seasonal produce when it is freshly harvested, and fresh salmon roe from the salmon that travel up the rivers in fall. Autumn in Hokkaido is short, and it's not unusual to see autumn colours and snow at the same time.

When it comes to skiing in Japan, Hokkaido is a popular destination for powder snow. Don't miss a chance to glide down the slopes of the Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano resorts after a fresh snowfall. The Sapporo Snow Festival, with its giant snow and ice sculptures, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Drift ice boat cruises and 'drift ice walks' on the ice floes are also becoming increasingly popular.

Related Links

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Hokkaido (�k�C��, Hokkaidō) is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall , below zero temperatures and frozen seas , while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country .

With its unspoiled nature , many national parks and rural landscapes, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers , cyclists and campers from June to September.

Top destinations in Hokkaido

Niseko •

Furano •

Sapporo •

Noboribetsu •

Hakodate •

Otaru •

Jozankei Onsen

Kiroro Ski Resort

Shiretoko ••

Rishiri and Rebun ••

Daisetsuzan ••

Onuma Park •

Akan Mashu National Park •

Lake Toya •

Lake Shikotsu •

Kushiro Marshlands

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hokkaido government, northern road navi.