Best Places to Visit in Hokkaido | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Hokkaido Travel Guide
Quick overview of Hokkaido with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island and a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hokkaido is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including vast fields of lavender in Furano, the majestic peaks of the Daisetsuzan National Park, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu. This region is also famous for its delicious seafood, with fresh catches of crab, scallops, and salmon available in abundance. Whether you're looking to soak in natural hot springs, indulge in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, or simply immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the Ainu people, Hokkaido offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.
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Best Places To Visit in Hokkaido
1. Sapporo : Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido and is known for its beautiful parks, delicious food, and winter sports. The city is famous for its annual Snow Festival, where visitors can see incredible ice sculptures and enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
2. Otaru : Otaru is a charming port town located just a short train ride from Sapporo. The town is known for its historic canal district, which is lined with old warehouses that have been converted into shops and restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood and explore the town's many museums and galleries.
3. Furano : Furano is a picturesque town located in the heart of Hokkaido's farming region. The town is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer months and attract visitors from all over the world. In the winter, Furano is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
4. Asahikawa : Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. The city is home to the Asahiyama Zoo, which is one of the most popular zoos in Japan and is famous for its penguin parade.
5. Noboribetsu : Noboribetsu is a hot spring resort town located on the southern coast of Hokkaido. The town is known for its natural hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the nearby mountains and exploring the town's many shops and restaurants.
6. Hakodate : Hakodate is a historic port city located on the southern tip of Hokkaido. The city is known for its beautiful views of the sea and mountains, as well as its delicious seafood. Visitors can also explore the city's many museums and historic sites, including the Goryokaku Fort and the Hakodate Morning Market.
7. Lake Toya : Lake Toya is a beautiful volcanic lake located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular destination for hiking and camping. Visitors can also enjoy hot springs and boat tours of the lake.
8. Shiretoko : Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. The area is known for its pristine wilderness and is home to many rare and endangered species, including brown bears and Steller's sea eagles. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by boat and enjoy stunning views of the sea and mountains.
9. Abashiri : Abashiri is a small town located on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. The town is known for its icebreaker cruises, which take visitors through the Sea of Okhotsk to see the incredible drift ice formations. Visitors can also explore the town's many museums and historic sites, including the Abashiri Prison Museum.
10. Kushiro : Kushiro is a city located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido. The city is known for its beautiful wetlands, which are home to many rare and endangered species, including the Japanese crane. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood and explore the city's many parks and gardens.
Hotels Map Of Hokkaido
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Tours And Activities In Hokkaido
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Food & Drinks To Try In Hokkaido
1. Sapporo Ramen: Hokkaido is famous for its delicious ramen, and Sapporo, the capital city, is the best place to try it. Sapporo ramen is known for its rich miso-based broth, chewy noodles, and various toppings like chashu (braised pork), corn, and butter.
2. Genghis Khan: This is a popular Hokkaido specialty that consists of grilled lamb or mutton. The meat is thinly sliced and cooked on a special dome-shaped grill, giving it a unique smoky flavor. It is often enjoyed with a side of vegetables and dipped in a savory sauce.
3. Seafood: Hokkaido is surrounded by the sea, making it a paradise for seafood lovers. Don't miss trying Hokkaido crab, which is known for its sweet and succulent meat. Other must-try seafood dishes include uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), and kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).
4. Soup Curry: This is a fusion dish that originated in Hokkaido. It combines the flavors of Japanese curry with a soup-like consistency. The curry is usually served with a variety of vegetables, meat, and rice. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder days.
5. Hokkaido Milk: Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality dairy products, particularly its milk. The cows in Hokkaido are raised in pristine environments, resulting in rich and creamy milk. You can enjoy Hokkaido milk in various forms, such as soft serve ice cream, puddings, and cheese.
6. Melon: Hokkaido is known for its delicious and sweet melons, particularly the Yubari melon. These melons are highly prized and often given as luxurious gifts. You can find them in various forms, including fresh slices, melon-flavored desserts, and even melon-flavored soda.
7. Sake: Hokkaido is home to many sake breweries, producing a wide range of high-quality sake. Take the opportunity to visit a sake brewery and try different varieties of sake. Each brewery has its own unique flavors and brewing techniques, making it a fascinating experience for sake enthusiasts.
8. Hokkaido Beer: Hokkaido is also known for its craft beer scene. There are several local breweries that produce excellent beers using Hokkaido's pristine water and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you prefer a refreshing lager or a hoppy IPA, you'll find a beer to suit your taste in Hokkaido.
9. Hokkaido Cheese Tart: This is a popular dessert in Hokkaido, consisting of a flaky pastry shell filled with creamy and cheesy custard. The tart has a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it a delightful treat for cheese lovers.
10. Hokkaido Ice Cream: Hokkaido is famous for its creamy and flavorful ice cream. You can find a wide variety of unique flavors, such as lavender, melon, and matcha. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a scoop or two of Hokkaido's finest ice cream during your visit.
Best Time To Visit Hokkaido
The best time to visit Hokkaido, Japan is during the summer months of June to August. This is when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The scenic landscapes of Hokkaido, including its famous lavender fields and stunning coastlines, are at their most vibrant during this time. Additionally, summer is also the peak season for various festivals and events, such as the Sapporo Summer Festival and the Hakodate Port Festival. However, it is important to note that accommodation and flight prices may be higher during this period, so it is advisable to book in advance.
Flight Calendar For Hokkaido
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Transportation To Hokkaido
There are several transportation options to Hokkaido, Japan.
1. By Air: The most convenient way to reach Hokkaido is by flying into New Chitose Airport, which is the main international airport serving the region. There are direct flights from major cities in Japan as well as international destinations.
2. By Train: Hokkaido is connected to the mainland of Japan by the Seikan Tunnel, and you can take a train from Tokyo to Hokkaido. The journey takes around 9-10 hours on the Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train) and offers scenic views along the way.
3. By Ferry: If you prefer a more leisurely journey, you can take a ferry from various ports in Japan to Hokkaido. There are regular ferry services from ports such as Aomori, Oarai, and Niigata.
4. By Car: Hokkaido is accessible by road, and you can drive to the region from other parts of Japan. The journey can be quite long, depending on your starting point, but it allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes along the way.
Once in Hokkaido, there are various transportation options within the region, including trains, buses, and rental cars, to help you get around and explore the different cities and attractions.