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.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.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 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.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 to see in Noboribetsu: Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu Bear Park and Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village
Top Destinations in Northern Hokkaido
1. Asahikawa
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido. Many people who travel to Hokkaido use Asahikawa as a transit station. The Asahikawa Winter Festival in early February is not to be missed. It is the second largest snow festival in Hokkaido, with breathtaking snow sculptures, ice sculptures, light shows, and fireworks shows. In addition, the Asahikawa Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Hokkaido, where there are various rare animals such as polar bears, penguins, and seals. By the way, other good travel options include visiting Tokiwakoen, one of the “Eight Views of Asahikawa,” and eating soy sauce ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village.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.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: 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