Enjoy it all year round! Hokkaido's attractions and recommended sightseeing plans

Enjoy it all year round! Hokkaido's attractions and recommended sightseeing plans

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and is an attractive travel destination with beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. There are things to enjoy in each season, such as powder snow in winter and lavender fields in summer, so you can have a special experience no matter what season you visit.

From the bustling cityscape of Sapporo to the tranquil scenery of Lake Toya and Mount Usu, Hokkaido has a lot to offer. Read on to find out more about why Hokkaido is a great place to travel all year round.

Hokkaido is full of seasonal charm

Winter: A paradise for skiing and snowy scenery

Hokkaido is a skiing paradise, with some of the best powder snow in the world. Ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.

At the Sapporo Snow Festival, a famous winter event, giant ice and snow sculptures decorate the city, making Hokkaido even more attractive in winter. Public transportation is also well developed, making it easy for even beginners to visit ski resorts.

Sapporo Snow Festival

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

Spring: Cherry blossoms decorate the landscape

Spring in Hokkaido comes later than in mainland 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.

Summer: Lavender fields and wilderness adventures

Summer in Hokkaido is not as hot as in Honshu, so you can enjoy sightseeing in a comfortable climate. Hiking and outdoor activities are popular in the lavender fields of Furano and national parks such as Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko.

Hokkaido's cool and refreshing summer is the perfect season to enjoy nature.

4. Autumn: The season of autumn leaves and delicious food

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

There is also a wide variety of autumn delicacies, such as crab, salmon roe, and new rice. Fresh seafood can be enjoyed at places such as Nijo Market in Sapporo.

Things to experience in Hokkaido

Experience Ainu culture

The culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, is a precious treasure that is hard to encounter anywhere else. You can learn about Ainu history and traditions at places like the Upopoy National Ainu Museum.

Enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food

Hokkaido is a treasure trove of gourmet food. You can enjoy delicious cuisine in any season, such as juicy pork bowls, Sapporo beer, rich dairy products, and fresh seafood.

Convenient transportation access

Hokkaido has several regional airports, including New Chitose Airport, and has a well-developed railway and bus system. If you use the JR Pass, you can travel smoothly from Sapporo to various locations.

Buy a Hokkaido JR Pass

Hokkaido travel planning and tips

If you're visiting for the first time, we recommend staying for at least five days. By combining city sightseeing in Sapporo with the natural beauty of central and eastern Hokkaido, you can fully experience the charms of Hokkaido.

It's also important to prepare clothing appropriate for the season. In winter, be sure to pack warm clothing, and in summer, choose clothes suitable for lavender fields and hiking.

Plan your trip to Hokkaido

summary

Hokkaido is worth a visit!

Hokkaido is a place where you can experience the beautiful four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, skiing in winter, lavender in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. It is a travel destination filled with the charms of nature, Ainu culture, and gourmet food. Why not plan your trip now and experience the wonders of Hokkaido?

Book a private Hokkaido tour

FAQ

Q. How do you get around Hokkaido?

A. There is a wide range of public transportation options, including JR trains and buses, but renting a car will give you more freedom to explore.

Q. Can I travel even if I don't speak Japanese?

A. English is often spoken in tourist areas, so you can travel without any problems by using simple Japanese and a translation app.

Q. Where can I stay in Hokkaido?

There are a variety of options, from business hotels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and hot spring inns, where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and open-air baths.

Q. Is it safe to drive in Hokkaido in winter?

A. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, it is best to use public transportation or choose a rental car equipped with winter gear.

Q. What are the cultural etiquette in Hokkaido?

A. In hot springs, you should observe general Japanese etiquette, such as washing your body before entering the bath and saying "itadakimasu" (thank you for the meal) and "gochisousama" (thank you for the meal) before and after meals.