Hokkaido Travel Guide

This guide is for travelers seeking wide open landscapes, fresh seafood, and winter adventures. It answers the search query: “Hokkaido travel guide” or “things to do in Hokkaido.”

Quick Facts

• Best for: Nature lovers, food enthusiasts, winter sports fans, road trip travelers
• Time needed: 4–7 days (vast distances require more time)
• Main access: New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), Hakodate Airport
• Area type: Rural with urban centers
• Rain friendly: Partially (many outdoor attractions)

Overview

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island, covering about 22% of Japan’s land area with only 4% of its population. The island offers dramatic seasonal changes: lavender fields in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, world-class powder snow in winter, and cherry blossoms in early May (later than mainland Japan).

Unlike the dense urban areas of Honshu, Hokkaido features wide roads, open farmland, and natural parks. The island’s relatively recent development (late 1800s) gives it a different character from traditional Japan. Hokkaido is renowned for dairy products, seafood, ramen, and soup curry.

How to Enjoy

Sapporo

Hokkaido’s capital offers urban attractions including the famous Snow Festival (February), Odori Park, Susukino entertainment district, and the Sapporo Beer Museum. Easy base for day trips to nearby areas.

Furano and Biei

Farm Tomita’s lavender fields bloom mid-July to early August. Biei’s rolling hills feature patchwork fields and scenic roads. Best explored by car or bicycle. Limited public transport.

Otaru

Historic port city with preserved warehouses along the canal. Famous for glasswork, music boxes, and sushi. Easy day trip from Sapporo (30–40 minutes by train).

Food Culture

Hokkaido’s cold waters produce exceptional seafood: sea urchin, crab, salmon, and scallops. Sapporo-style miso ramen features rich broth and butter. Soup curry originated here. Dairy products include fresh milk, cheese, and soft-serve ice cream.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1–2: Sapporo

• Odori Park and TV Tower
• Sapporo Beer Museum
• Ramen Alley or soup curry restaurant
• Susukino nightlife

Day 3: Otaru Day Trip

• Canal walk and warehouses
• Sushi lunch
• Glass and music box shops

Day 4–5: Furano/Biei (Summer) or Niseko (Winter)

• Summer: Lavender fields, scenic drives, farm experiences
• Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, onsen

Tips & Cautions

• Transport: Car rental strongly recommended outside Sapporo. Distances are vast.
• Winter driving: Snow tires mandatory. Mountain passes may close.
• Seasons: Lavender peaks mid-July. Snow season December–March. Cherry blossoms early May.
• JR Pass: JR Hokkaido passes available for train travel.
• Language: Less English spoken outside Sapporo. Translation apps helpful.

Nearby Alternatives

• Hakodate: Historic port city with night views. 4 hours by train from Sapporo.
• Noboribetsu: Famous onsen town. 1.5 hours from Sapporo.
• Niseko: Ski resort with powder snow. 2 hours from Sapporo.

Sources

• Tourism board: Visit Hokkaido Official
• Transport: JR Hokkaido

Last updated: 2026-02-03