For beginners! Complete guide to traveling in Hokkaido - from basic information to preparation tips

• Table of Contents
• Perfect Hokkaido trip planning guide for beginners!
• Step 1: Know the best season to visit Hokkaido
• Step 2: Getting to Hokkaido
• Step 2-2: Transportation within Hokkaido
• Step 3: Recommended sightseeing spots in Hokkaido - Sapporo, Otaru, etc.
• Step 4: What to experience in Hokkaido - Skiing, hot springs, etc.
• Step 5: Practical Hokkaido Travel Advice for Beginners
• Make unforgettable memories in Hokkaido!
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Perfect Hokkaido trip planning guide for beginners!

A trip to Hokkaido is a fascinating journey filled with magnificent nature, beautiful culture, and unforgettable experiences. This land of untouched nature is a paradise in the northernmost part of Japan, where rugged mountains, vast grasslands, crystal clear lakes, and serene coastlines coexist.

Hokkaido's cities are not just full of nature, they are also full of attractions. It is also a treasure trove of food, including fresh seafood, miso ramen, and sweets made with rich Hokkaido milk. There are all kinds of fun things to do, from strolling through the lavender fields of Furano, to enjoying some of the world's best powder snow in Niseko, to relaxing in hot springs.

This guide will provide detailed explanations so that even beginners can plan a trip to Hokkaido smoothly.

Plan your trip to Hokkaido!

Trip To Japan's 11-day self-guided trip to Sapporo allows travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of Hokkaido's capital city. The tour includes comfortable accommodations, a JR Pass for convenient transportation, a personalized itinerary to explore top attractions like the Sapporo Beer Museum and Odori Park, and the option to add on unique local experiences like a soba-making class.

Step 1: Know the best season to visit Hokkaido

The way you enjoy Hokkaido will vary greatly depending on the time of year you travel.

Winter (December to February): Skiing and snowboarding

1) Ski and snowboard season. Winter events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival are also held. Hokkaido is a skiing paradise where you can enjoy some of the world's best powder snow. Ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Public transportation is also well developed, so even beginners can easily visit the ski resorts.

2) At the Sapporo Snow Festival, a famous winter event, giant ice and snow sculptures decorate the city, making Hokkaido's winters even more attractive.

Sapporo Snow Festival

8-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042

Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms decorate the landscape

1) Spring in Hokkaido is later than in the mainland of Japan, with cherry blossoms in full bloom from late April to early May. Goryokaku Park in Hakodate and Maruyama Park in Sapporo are great spots for cherry blossom viewing. You can enjoy the late-blooming cherry blossoms that are unique to Hokkaido, in a landscape that blends in with nature.

Goryokaku Park

44-2 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0001

Summer (June to August): Lavender fields and hiking

1) This is the season when the lavender fields of Furano are in full bloom. Summer in Hokkaido is not as hot as in Honshu, so the appeal is that you can enjoy sightseeing in a cool and comfortable climate.

Farm Tomita

Hokkaido, Sorachi district, Nakafurano, Kisenkita 15

2) In addition to the lavender fields, outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and hiking are popular in national parks such as Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko.

Why not enjoy the magnificent nature of Hokkaido during the refreshing summer?

Shiretoko National Park

〒099-4100 Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

Autumn (September – November)

1) In autumn, Hokkaido is filled with vibrant autumn leaves, beautifully coloring the lakes and mountains. A scenic drive around Lake Toya and eastern Hokkaido is a unique way to enjoy autumn.

2) There is also a wide variety of autumn delicacies, such as crab, salmon roe, and new rice. You can enjoy fresh seafood at places like Nijo Market in Sapporo.

Nijo Market

〒060-0052 1-chome Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Nijo Market is a market in Sapporo's Chuo Ward with a history of about 128 years. Approximately 60 stores are lined up, selling fresh seafood, agricultural products, processed foods, and more. Hokkaido's seafood is particularly abundant here, and seafood bowls with crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, and other ingredients are particularly popular. While it is loved as the kitchen of locals, it is also a popular tourist destination in Sapporo. There are also stores where you can enjoy meals within the market, making it a place where you can experience the lively atmosphere and flavors of Hokkaido.

Step 2: Getting to Hokkaido

Hokkaido can be accessed by plane, bullet train, and ferry.

plane

~From Tokyo

Main destinations: New Chitose, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Memanbetsu, Kushiro, Obihiro, etc.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Available airlines: JAL, ANA, Peach, Jetstar, etc.

~From Osaka

Main destinations: New Chitose and Hakodate

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes

Available airlines: JAL, ANA, Peach, etc.

There are many flights to New Chitose Airport in particular, and access to Sapporo city is convenient. If you use an LCC, you can enjoy a trip to Hokkaido at a great price!

bullet train

1) Hokkaido can be accessed not only by plane, but also by Shinkansen. It takes about 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Hokkaido Shinkansen "Hayabusa" without any transfers.

2) From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Hakodate city: It takes about 20 minutes from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto by conventional train or bus.

From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo: Take the Hokuto limited express train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (approximately 3.5 hours).

The Shinkansen has the advantage that it is less affected by weather than airplanes and can easily carry large luggage. Be sure to give it a try as a means of transportation during your trip to Hokkaido!

Buy a Hokkaido JR Pass

ferry

In addition to the Shinkansen and airplanes, you can also access Hokkaido from Honshu by ferry. Ferries depart from Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Niigata, Toyama, and other areas. Ferries allow you to bring your car or motorcycle with you, so they are also recommended for people who want to enjoy driving or touring.

How to get from Honshu to Hokkaido by ferry

Step 2-2: Transportation within Hokkaido

1) JR and buses

There is ample public transportation available, including JR and buses.

2) Car rental

Public transportation (trains and buses) is well established, but if you are visiting rural areas or national parks, renting a car is convenient. Foreign nationals will need an international driver's license, so prepare one in advance. A one-day rental car costs about 4,000-7,000 yen. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, it is better to use public transportation or choose a rental car equipped with winter gear.

Renting a car in Hokkaido

Step 3: Recommended sightseeing spots in Hokkaido - Sapporo, Otaru, etc.

1) Sapporo: The central city of Hokkaido. It is full of attractions such as Sapporo Beer, the Sapporo Snow Festival, and Hokkaido Historical Village.

2) Furano and Biei: A paradise for photography lovers, with colorful flower fields and hilly landscapes.

3) Shiretoko National Park: A spectacular spot that is also registered as a World Heritage Site. You can enjoy waterfalls and wildlife observation.

4) Noboribetsu Onsen: One of the leading hot spring resorts in Japan. Along with the spectacular view of Jigokudani, you can enjoy hot springs with a wide variety of spring qualities.

5) Otaru: A port town with beautiful canals. Fresh seafood and glasswork experiences are available.

Book a private Hokkaido tour

Step 4: What to experience in Hokkaido - Skiing, hot springs, etc.

1) Skiing and Snowboarding: You can enjoy winter sports at world-famous ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano.

2) You can spend some relaxing time at Jozankei Onsen or Noboribetsu Onsen.

3) Fresh seafood and Hokkaido's unique delicacies, such as miso ramen, are indispensable in Hokkaido

4) Hokkaido hosts a variety of events that take advantage of its climate. If you visit Hokkaido, be sure to take part in events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Hakodate Port Festival .

Hakodate Port

3-19-2 Minatomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-0821

5) Visiting farms and ranches in Hokkaido. In Hokkaido, you can enjoy experiential tourism by visiting farms and ranches, such as Farm Tomita's lavender soft-serve ice cream and the Noboribetsu Bear Ranch, where you can observe and feed the bears.

Farm Tomita

Hokkaido, Sorachi district, Nakafurano, Kisenkita 15

Noboribetsu Bear Park

224 Noboribetsu Onsencho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 059-0551

Step 5: Practical Hokkaido Travel Advice for Beginners

1) Prepare clothes according to the season

Hokkaido experiences extreme temperature differences, so be sure to prepare appropriate clothing for the season. In winter, be sure to take precautions against the cold, and in summer, choose clothing suitable for lavender fields and hiking.

2) Book your accommodation early

There are a variety of options, from business hotels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and hot spring inns. At hot spring inns, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and open-air baths. Popular areas such as Furano and Niseko require early reservations.

Make unforgettable memories in Hokkaido!

A trip to Hokkaido is a luxurious trip where you can enjoy magnificent nature, traditional culture, and exquisite cuisine. Whether it's lavender fields, snow-covered ski resorts, or fresh seafood, you'll be impressed wherever you go.

Use this guide to plan your own trip to Hokkaido. The land of Hokkaido is waiting for you!

Book a private Hokkaido tour

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is English spoken in Hokkaido?

A: English is often understood in urban areas, but it can be difficult in rural areas. Make use of basic Japanese phrases and translation apps.

Q: Can I use credit cards in Hokkaido?

A: Credit cards can be used in urban areas, but in rural areas you will likely need cash, so be sure to bring enough Japanese yen with you.