With more than 100 ski resorts and an abundance of fine champagne powder, winter sports tend to top the list of things to do in Hokkaido. However, outdoor adventures abound year-round on the island, with its rugged and scenic wilderness of mountains, volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, forests, and flower fields. Japan’s northernmost island also offers some of the country's best food (mainly seafood, ramen, and dairy products), charming coastal villages, indigenous Ainu culture, hundreds of onsens, and the largest nightlife district north of Tokyo in its capital, Sapporo.
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 226 | Reviews 778 |
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
