Most people think of Tokyo or Kyoto when they plan a trip to Japan. But there’s another part of the country, way up north, that’s completely different. That place is Hokkaido.
It’s Japan’s second-largest island and it’s famous for its wide-open nature. We’re talking huge parks, incredible snow for skiing in the winter, and some of the freshest seafood you can find. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
But because Hokkaido is so huge, figuring out a trip can be tough. It’s hard to know where to even begin, what the best time of year to go is, or how you’re supposed to get from place to place.That’s exactly what this guide is for. We’ll break it all down for you: the best seasons to visit, how to get around, and a full list of the top experiences, must-try foods, and great places to stay on the island.
Let’s Plan Your Hokkaido Trip Together
Thinking about visiting Hokkaido but not sure where to begin? From the lavender fields of Furano to the best ramen spots in Sapporo, we’ll put together a plan shaped around your interests and pace. You get the joy of travelling without the stress of endless research.
→ Start Building My Personalised Hokkaido Itinerary
When to Go & How to Get Around Hokkaido
Figuring out the best time to visit Hokkaido and how to get around are the two most important first steps in planning your trip. Unlike the rest of Japan, the seasons here are very distinct, and the island is so big that travel takes a bit more thought.
What is the Best Time to Visit Hokkaido?
Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit Hokkaido, but what you can do changes a lot with the season.
If you love snow, winter (December to February) is the time to go. This is when Hokkaido gets covered in some of the best, softest powder snow in the world, making it a top spot for skiing and snowboarding at places like Niseko and Furano. It’s also when the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held every year.
Summer (June to August) is the complete opposite. The weather is warm and pleasant, but not as hot and humid as it is in Tokyo or Kyoto, making it a perfect escape. This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking and when the famous lavender fields in Furano are in full bloom.
Spring (April to May) is when the snow finally melts away. It’s a quieter season and a great time to see the island come back to life. The cherry blossoms also bloom much later here than in the rest of Japan, usually around early May.
Autumn (September to November) is another beautiful season, especially in the national parks. The whole island turns bright red, orange, and yellow, and the weather is cool and crisp, which is perfect for hiking and visiting onsen towns.
Getting To and Around Hokkaido
Getting to Hokkaido is pretty straightforward. Most people fly. The main airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS) just outside of Sapporo, with flights from all over Japan and many international cities. The other option is to take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo, which goes through the Seikan Tunnel, the longest and deepest undersea tunnel in the world.
Once you’re there, you have two main choices for getting around. If you plan on exploring the countryside, national parks, or smaller towns, renting a car is your best bet. The roads are wide and easy to drive on, especially outside the cities. If you’re just sticking to the main cities, using the train is a great option. It’s easy to travel between Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate by train without needing a car.
What to Do in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is huge (yes, I know I’ve said this above, but look at a map and you’ll see why it’s worth repeating), so it’s helpful to think about it in different regions. Each area offers completely different things to see and do.
Sapporo
A good place to start is in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s main city. It’s home to the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s biggest winter events where you can see giant, intricate sculptures made of snow and ice (more on that in our events section below).
The city’s layout is organised around Odori Park, where you can find the iconic Sapporo TV Tower, a landmark that offers great panoramic views of the city. Another key symbol of the city is the Sapporo Clock Tower. While some visitors find it smaller than they expect, it’s a historic wooden building from the 19th century and represents the early development of Sapporo.
For a taste of something local, you can visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about one of Japan’s most famous beers. If you have a sweet tooth, a must-visit is the Shiroi Koibito Park, a fun, theme-park-like factory for a famous Hokkaido cookie. For fresh food, head to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, and for shopping, the covered Tanukikoji Shopping Street has everything you need.
Sapporo sounding good so far? Here’s a full guide and itinerary for the area:
Otaru
From Sapporo, it’s an easy 30-minute train ride to Otaru, a small and charming harbour town. The main attraction is walking along the beautifully preserved Otaru Canal, which is lined with charming old stone warehouses that have been turned into shops and restaurants. If you visit in winter, the Otaru Snow Light Path festival lights up the whole city with lanterns and small snow statues, creating a truly romantic atmosphere (we’ll cover this event more later).
You should also explore Sakaimachi Street, a bustling street filled with beautiful glassworks shops, tasty sweet shops like the famous LeTAO cheesecake, and the enchanting Otaru Music Box Museum. For a great view, you can take the Tenguyama Ropeway up the mountain to see the whole city and bay. And for an amazing meal, stop by the Sankaku Market right next to the station for some of the freshest seafood bowls you’ll ever have.
Here’s how to spend a day in Otaru:
Hakodate
Down in the south of Hokkaido is the city of Hakodate. A must-do is visiting the Hakodate Morning Market, where you can try something really unique: catching your own squid from a tank to be prepared for you on the spot. The city is also famous for the incredible night view from the top of Mount Hakodate, often called one of the top three night views in Japan.
You should also visit the massive, star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, a historic citadel that you can see from above at the nearby Goryokaku Tower. It’s especially beautiful when its grounds are filled with cherry blossoms. Don’t forget to walk through the Motomachi district, where you’ll find beautiful Western-style buildings and historic churches, and stroll down the picturesque Hachiman-zaka Slope which leads down to the harbour. Finally, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses along the waterfront are a great place to shop and eat.
There are so many beautiful sights that you can see with just an overnight trip to Hakodate:
Central Hokkaido (Furano & Biei)
In the middle of Hokkaido are the famous hills of Furano and Biei. The main reason people come here is to see the lavender fields at Farm Tomita, which are bright purple in July. You should definitely try the lavender-flavoured soft-serve ice cream while you’re there.
You can also visit Shikisai-no-oka, which has fields covered in what looks like rainbow stripes of different flowers. The whole area is great for a scenic drive along what people call the “patchwork roads,” which take you past famous trees you might recognize from old advertisements. You also can’t miss the Shirogane Blue Pond, which has a very strange and pretty blue colour from natural minerals in the water.
Niseko
When you head west, you’ll find some of Japan’s best ski areas. Niseko is probably the most famous spot for skiing and snowboarding in the world because of its amazing powder snow, which people call “Japow.” The ski area is actually four resorts on one big mountain, and the village at the bottom is full of great restaurants and bars. But it’s not just for winter. In the summer, you can go hiking, or try rafting on the rivers in nearby Shimukappu.
If skiing in Japan is in your bucket list, here are some spots to consider:
Noboribetsu
In the southern part of Hokkaido, you’ll find some of Japan’s best hot springs. Noboribetsu is one of the most famous onsen towns because it has lots of different kinds of hot spring water. The source of all this water is Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley.” It’s a big, steamy volcanic crater that you can walk through on wooden paths. It’s a really cool sight. You can also visit the nearby Oyunuma Pond, a hot sulphur spring, and follow a river for a natural foot bath.
Shiretoko
For those who love wild nature, eastern Hokkaido is the place to be. This is where you’ll find Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. It’s a truly unspoiled part of Japan where you can walk the trails around the beautiful Shiretoko Five Lakes, take a boat cruise to see waterfalls cascading into the sea, and look for wildlife like brown bears and sika deer.
In the winter, the area is famous for the thick drift ice that flows down from Russia and covers the sea. You can even take a tour to walk on it. This region is also home to other incredible natural areas, like Akan Mashu National Park with its three stunning caldera lakes (Akan, Mashu, and Kussharo), and the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan’s largest wetland and the home of the majestic red-crowned crane.
What to Eat in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is famous for having some of the best food in all of Japan. The island is known for its incredible farming, fresh dairy, and amazing seafood. Here are some of the must-try foods you’ll find there.
One of the biggest reasons people visit Hokkaido is for the seafood. The cold waters around the island mean the seafood is top quality. You can find it everywhere, but a must-try is the famous Hokkaido crab. There are a few different types, like king crab and snow crab, and you can enjoy them all year round.
A really unique Hokkaido dish is Jingisukan, which is the Japanese name for Genghis Khan. It’s a dish where you grill your own mutton, lamb, and vegetables on a special dome-shaped metal skillet right at your table.
Sapporo is famous for two dishes: ramen and soup curry. Sapporo ramen is usually miso-based, with a rich pork or chicken broth. Sapporo soup curry is different from normal Japanese curry; it’s a thin, soup-like curry served with big pieces of chicken and vegetables.
You’ll also find a local style of fried chicken called zangi. It’s similar to karaage, but the chicken is marinated first before being battered and deep-fried, which makes it extra flavourful.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you should try Ishikari Nabe. It’s a type of hot pot (called nabe in Japan) where the main ingredient is salmon, and the soup is flavoured with miso.
Finally, you can’t leave Hokkaido without trying its dairy products and sweets. The island is known for its high-quality milk, which is used to make amazing butter and some of the best soft-serve ice cream you’ll ever taste. The famous lavender ice cream and sweets made from local melons are also things you have to try.
Where to Stay in Hokkaido
You can find all sorts of places to stay in Hokkaido, and the best choice really depends on where you are and what you’re doing. Here are a few great options to get you started, from ski chalets to lakeside ryokans.
For City Explorers
If you’re staying in Sapporo and want the most convenient location possible, it’s hard to beat the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo. It’s located directly on top of the JR Sapporo Station, so you can get off your train and be at your hotel in minutes. The big draw here is the incredible view from the high-floor rooms.
→ See the high-floor views and check prices for JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo here.
When it comes to Hakodate, one hotel is famous above all others for its breakfast: La Vista Hakodate Bay. Its breakfast buffet has been voted the best in Japan multiple times and features an incredible all-you-can-eat spread of fresh seafood. On top of that, it has an amazing rooftop onsen with a perfect view of the harbour.
→ Find out more about its famous breakfast and check prices for La Vista Hakodate Bay here.
For Ski Lovers (Niseko Area)
If you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, having your own space is a huge plus.
The Orchards Niseko is perfect for this. They offer modern, private chalets with kitchens, which means you can relax in your own living room after a long day of skiing. It’s a great choice if you want more space than a standard hotel room.
→ Check prices and see photos of The Orchards Niseko here.
But if you’re looking for a truly special, high-end experience, Zaborin is one of the best luxury ryokans in the area. The big draw here is that each villa comes with its own private indoor and outdoor onsen, so you can soak in complete privacy. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s an unforgettable experience.
→ Find out more and see if Zaborin fits your budget here.
For Nature & Onsen (Lakeside Stays)
If you’re exploring the wilder, eastern part of Hokkaido, a great base is Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga. It’s located right on the shore of Lake Akan, so the views are incredible. The hotel is known for its huge hot-spring baths, including one on the top floor that looks out over the lake. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking.
→ Check availability and see the lake views at Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga here.
For a luxurious escape near a beautiful, clear lake, the Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta is a fantastic choice. While the whole place is beautiful, the best rooms are the ones that come with their own private open-air hot-spring bath right on the balcony. Imagine soaking in your own onsen under the stars—it’s an amazing experience.
→ See which rooms have a private onsen available here.
Major Hokkaido Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Hokkaido has amazing festivals and events throughout the year, but there are a few huge ones that are worth planning your trip around. These are the big events that draw crowds from all over Japan and the world.
Sapporo Snow Festival
This is the most famous winter event in all of Japan, held for about a week every February. The main site is in Odori Park, which gets completely taken over by enormous, incredibly detailed sculptures made entirely of snow and ice. Some are as big as buildings and often feature famous characters or amazing architecture. There’s also an international snow sculpture competition, so you can see artists from around the world at work. A second site in the Susukino district features intricate ice carvings, while a third site (the Tsu Dome) is more of a family-friendly area with big snow slides and activities.
Otaru Snow Light Path
Held in mid-February, often right after the Sapporo festival, the Otaru Snow Light Path is a much quieter and more romantic event. The main area is along the famous Otaru Canal, which is lined with hundreds of candles floating in glass buoys on the water. Another beautiful area is along the path of a former railway line, which is also decorated with glowing snow lanterns and small sculptures. Instead of being a big, busy festival, it’s a peaceful event that makes the whole town feel magical and is perfect for a quiet evening walk.
Furano Lavender Season
This is probably the most famous summer sight in Hokkaido. While it lasts for most of the summer, the best time to see the lavender is in mid-July. The whole Furano region, especially the famous Farm Tomita, is where you’ll see vast fields turn a vibrant purple, and the smell of lavender is everywhere. It’s a huge event that attracts people from all over the world, and trying the famous lavender soft-serve ice cream is a must-do part of the experience.
Hokkaido Travel FAQs
How many days are enough for Hokkaido?
For a quick trip just to see Sapporo and a nearby town like Otaru, 3 or 4 days is enough. For a bigger road trip to see multiple parts of the island, you’ll need at least 10 to 14 days.
When is the best time to see snow in Hokkaido?
For the best, most reliable powder snow and to see the big snow festivals, you should visit between late December and February.
Where should I stay in Hokkaido?
It really depends on your plans. Stay in Sapporo for city life, Niseko for skiing, Hakodate for history, or near a lake like Akan or Shikotsu if you want to be close to nature and onsen.
Is renting a car necessary in Hokkaido?
It’s highly recommended if you want to explore the countryside, national parks, and flower fields. However, if you’re only visiting the main cities like Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate, you can easily get by just using the train.
Is it easy to drive in Hokkaido in the winter?
No, it can be very dangerous if you are not experienced with driving in heavy snow and on icy roads. It’s generally only recommended for those who are very confident in winter driving conditions.
What should I pack for a trip to Hokkaido?
In winter, you need serious warm clothes: thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, snow boots, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. In summer, it’s pleasant, so t-shirts are fine, but you should always bring a light jacket or sweater for the cool evenings.
Can I do a day trip to Furano and Biei from Sapporo?
Yes, but it will be a very long and rushed day, especially using public transport. The best way to see this area is to either rent a car and drive yourself or join a bus tour. Staying overnight in the area is an even better option if you have the time.
Can I use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo in Hokkaido?
Yes, but mostly just in the bigger cities. You can use cards like Suica, Pasmo, or Kitaca on the trains and subways in the greater Sapporo area, but they won’t work in many rural areas. It’s always a good idea to have cash with you.
