HOKKAIDO
The vast, northernmost island of Japan is a land of pure nature, famed for its world-class powder snow in winter and its cool, floral summers.
From the bustling capital of Sapporo to the untouched national parks and exceptional seafood and dairy, Hokkaido offers a unique, refreshing escape unlike any other part of Japan.
Why Visit Hokkaido?
Winter Wonderland: Home to legendary resorts like Niseko, enjoy the world’s finest, lightest, and most reliable powder snow for skiing and snowboarding.
A Culinary Paradise: Experience arguably the freshest seafood in Japan, along with creamy dairy products, local ramen, and the unique Genghis Khan lamb BBQ.
Spectacular Nature: Escape the humidity of Honshu with cool summers perfect for exploring colorful flower fields, volcanic lakes, and deep wilderness in seven national parks.
Smart Travel
Peak Seasons (Late December–February & July–August): These are the most popular times. Winter is for snow sports and the Sapporo Snow Festival. Summer is for pleasant weather, flower fields, and hiking. Book well in advance and expect higher prices.
Shoulder Season (May & October): These are great times for a peaceful trip. May brings the tail end of the cherry blossoms, and October is perfect for viewing Japan’s first, stunning autumn foliage.
Deep Off-Season (March-April, November-Early December): This is the quietest and most affordable time. Early spring can be unpredictable with melting snow, and November is a transitional month, too late for foliage and too early for deep snow.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Sapporo
The island’s modern capital and a major hub. It’s famous for its miso ramen, the annual Snow Festival, and its local beer. The city is laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid.
Your Smart Tip: The city’s underground network and connecting passages (like Chi-Ka-Ho) are a lifesaver for quickly navigating the city center during the deep cold of winter.
Niseko, Rusutsu & Furano (Snow & Flower Country)
This central region contains Hokkaido’s most famous ski resorts, globally known for their unparalleled powder snow. In the summer, Furano transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors with its iconic lavender and rainbow flower fields.
Your Smart Tip: To save money in Niseko, look for accommodation in the neighboring town of Kutchan, which is less focused on international tourism and offers more local flavor.
Hakodate
A historic port city in southern Hokkaido with a distinct, charming atmosphere. Its main attractions are the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, the historic motomachi district, and the world-famous night view from Mount Hakodate.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Hakodate Morning Market early for the freshest possible seafood breakfast, including their famed kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) and the chance to fish for your own squid
Daisetsuzan & Shiretoko National Parks
Daisetsuzan is the largest and wildest national park in Japan, home to pristine mountains and an alpine climate. Shiretoko is a remote, protected peninsula offering incredible wildlife viewing, including brown bears.
Your Smart Tip: For Daisetsuzan, visit in late September to catch the earliest and most vivid autumn colors in Japan, often preceding the foliage in other parts of the country by a month.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is much cooler than the rest of Japan. Summers (July-August) are mild and pleasant, with low humidity. Winters (December-March) are extremely cold with heavy, consistent snowfall and below-freezing temperatures.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Onsen (Hot Springs): Hokkaido has many famous onsen. Traditionally, you must thoroughly wash before entering the bath, and tattoos are often prohibited in public onsen.
Seating: Be aware of kamiza (seat of honor). In traditional rooms, the seat furthest from the entrance is for the most important guest.
Ainu Culture: Be respectful when engaging with the culture and history of the indigenous Ainu people, particularly in museums and cultural parks like Upopoy.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$50), mid-range hotels/business hotels ($80–$150), luxury/ryokan ($180+). Prices double during the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Food: Quick meal/ramen ($8–$15), fixed-price lunch ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($35–$60 per person).
Transport: Inter-city train/bus (varies widely), city subway/bus (approx. $1.50–$3 per ride).
Activities: Ski pass ($50–$80/day), museum/attraction entrance ($5–$15).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$120 (hostels, ramen, public transport).
- Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions, some train travel).
- Luxury: $220+ (onsen resorts, gourmet meals, rental car).
Getting Around
By Train: The JR train network connects major cities like Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa. Consider the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for extensive travel.
By Car: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring national parks and flower fields, especially outside of major cities. Be extremely cautious of snow and ice if driving in winter.
By Bus: Buses are a good option for inter-city travel and reaching remote destinations not served by trains.
Must-Try Food
Kaisen-don: A rice bowl topped with the freshest catch, often including uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), and fresh crab.
Sapporo Miso Ramen: A rich, savory miso broth with a generous pat of butter and corn, designed to warm you in the cold climate.
Genghis Khan (Jingisukan): Mutton and vegetables grilled on a dome-shaped metal grill and dipped in a soy-based sauce.
Soup Curry: A thin, intensely flavorful curry broth with large chunks of local vegetables and meat.
King Crab / Snow Crab / Horsehair Crab: Hokkaido’s famous crab is often served simply, boiled or grilled, to highlight its sweet flavor.
Ika Somen (Squid Sashimi): Raw squid sliced into thin strips resembling noodles, particularly famous in Hakodate.
Buta-don: Thick slices of pork grilled in a sweet-savory soy glaze and served over rice, a specialty of the Obihiro area.
Hokkaido Corn: Remarkably sweet corn, often eaten simply boiled or grilled with soy sauce in the summer.
Hokkaido Milk Products: Creamy, rich dairy used in fresh milk, butter, cheese, and famous soft-serve ice cream.
Melon (Yubari King): World-renowned, expensive, and exceptionally sweet cantaloupe melons, a summer delicacy.
Shiroi Koibito: A famous souvenir cookie—two thin butter biscuits with a layer of white chocolate.
Must-Try Drinks
Sapporo Beer: One of Japan’s oldest and most popular beer brands, brewed in the city of its namesake.
Local Sake (Nihonshu): Sake made with Hokkaido’s famous, clean water and cold climate.
Whisky (Yoichi Distillery): A renowned Nikka whisky distillery located on the coast, known for its rich, peaty flavor.
Haskap Liqueur: A sweet, slightly tart liqueur made from the local haskap berry.
Hokkaido Wine: Wines, particularly white and sparkling, are an emerging product from the island’s cool-climate vineyards.
Soft Drink (Ribbon Napolin): A historic, distinctly orange-colored soda, popular in the region.