Hokkaido Attractions
Hokkaido, located in the northernmost part of Japan, is the country’s second largest island. It has rich natural scenery, including vast forests and majestic mountains, and is famous worldwide for its snow scenery, hot springs, skiing resorts, cherry blossoms, and lavender fields. It is generally divided into four regions according to its geographical location: Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern. The cities that you must not miss when traveling to Hokkaido are Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, and Asahikawa. It takes about 5 to 7 days to visit these cities and must-see attractions in other areas of Hokkaido, such as Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Furano Ski Resort.
Hokkaido in winter
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Must-Visits in Central Hokkaido
1. Sapporo
Sapporo is the political, economic and cultural center of Hokkaido and one of the five largest cities in Japan. It has both the prosperity of a metropolis and the unique snow scenery of Hokkaido. Attractions in Sapporo are mainly historical sites and modern buildings and the followings should not to be missed.
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Odori Park, the most vibrant place throughout the year, where the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in early February every year; Shiroi Koibito Park, a romantic place for lovers, where you can learn the production process of Shiroi Koibito chocolate and make chocolate cookies by yourself; Sapporo TV Tower, a landmark building. Besides, the surrounding Mt. Moiwa, Hitsujigaoka, and Jozankei are good places for hiking and hot springs.
Top Attractions in Sapporo: Odori Park, Sapporo Snow Festival, Maruyama Park
2. Otaru
Otaru is a port city and one of the most exotic cities in Japan. You can see many Western-style buildings here, as well as the beautiful Otaru Canal lined with many red brick buildings. On sunny days, taking a boat tour along the Otaru Canal is the best way to take in its beauty. Another major feature of Otaru is the exquisite handmade craft glass, which you can appreciate at the Otaru Taishou Glass Museum. In addition, you can take a ropeway to the top of Mountain Tenguyama to see the night view known as one of the “Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido”, and go to the Otaru Music Box Museum to immerse in the fairy-tale world of music.
Top Attractions in Otaru: Mountain Tenguyama, Otaru Canal, Otaru Orgel Museum, Otaru Snow Light Path
3. Lake Toya
Lake Toya is the third largest volcanic lake in Japan, famous for its non-freezing lake landscapes and hot springs and volcanoes around. Here, you can take a ropeway to the top of the active volcano Mount Usu to hold a panoramic view of the lake; enjoy a cruise trip to Nakajima Island in the lake center and feed seagulls at the same time; appreciate the fireworks display that lasts for seven months from April 28 to October 31; as well as get up close with bears and sika deer in nearby pasture.4. Noboribetsu Hell Valley
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is a crater relic, formed after a volcanic eruption. There is no plant here, and the surrounding air is filled with a pungent smell of sulfur, so it is named “Hell Valley.” There are many geothermal vents in the valley, which constantly spew smoke and steam, attracting a large number of tourists every year to visit this mysterious attraction. The best time to visit is at night, because it is more mysterious under the light.More attractions in Noboribetsu: Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu Bear Park and Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village
More to see in central Hokkaido: Mount Tokachi, Biei Town
Top Destinations in Northern Hokkaido
1. Asahikawa
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A penguin at Asahiyama Zoo
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Top Attractions in Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival, Asahiyama Zoo
2. Furano
Furano is a leisure tourist destination that has different charm all year round and stands out for its rural scenery. There are many attractions here that attract tourists from all over the world, such as Ningle Terrace, Furano Ski Resort and Farm Tomita.|
A flower land in Hokkaido
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Ningle Terrace is a fairytale-like village, where you can see wooden houses set in the forest, surrounded by Christmas trees and snowmen. Furano Ski Resort has the best powder snow in Hokkaido and was once the venue for the World Cup Alpine Skiing. The longest ski run is 4,000 meters (4,400 yards), and there are 23 ski slopes with unique features, which can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts. Farm Tomita is the largest lavender field in Japan. In addition to lavender, the flower fields here also grow cosmos, salvia, and other colorful flowers, forming a “Rainbow Sea of Flowers.”
More to see in Furano: Flower Land Kamifurano, Furano Cheese Factory, Furano Kan Kan Mura, and Furano Winery
Where to Go in Southern Hokkaido
1. Hakodate
Hakodate located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido is famous for its exotic streets and dazzling night views. The must-see attractions include: Mt. Hakodate, whose night view is one of the three most beautiful night views in the world known as the “Million Dollar Night View”; Goryokaku, Japan's first Western-style castle, with a star-shaped park around, which is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Hokkaido; Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, known for its unique architectural style, is Hakodate's food and shopping paradise. In addition, there are many historical buildings and churches in the city, as well as a “morning market” where you can enjoy delicious seafood.
Top Attractions in Hakodate：Mt. Hakodate, Goryokaku Park, Matsume
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2. Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is the second deepest lake in Japan. To its north and south, stand several active volcanoes. The lake water is clear, and it is a habitat for migratory birds. The sunset view is beautiful, making it a great spot for photographers. Additionally, the Shikotsu Ice Festival is held every February, featuring large ice sculptures, ice slides, fireworks, and a light show, among other colorful activities.Highlights in Eastern Hokkaido
1. Kushiro Marsh
Kushiro Marsh is the largest wetland in Japan. Its main feature is its vast area and the fact that it is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, including the Japanese crane, sika deer, and arctic fox, as well as the white-tailed eagle and Salamandrella keyserlingii. To make it easier for visitors to enjoy the scenery, several observation towers have been built on the surrounding hills. Among them, the Hosooka Tenbōdai Observatory is the best place to overlook the wetland, where you can see the winding Kushiro River and the mountains.2. Shiretoko Peninsula
Shiretoko Peninsula is the most pristine place in Japan, known as “The Last Secret Realm in Japan” and was officially listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Here, you can see natural lakes, underwater forests, rare birds, the Shiretokogo Lake surrounded by primeval forests, and the Furepe Falls, known as the “Tears of the Girl.”3. Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship
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Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship
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More to see in eastern Hokkaido: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu