Hokkaido Travel Guide 2025/2026: Top Places, Food & Adventure

Hokkaido attracts many domestic and foreign tourists with its charm. Whether it's family tours, couple vacations, or solo adventures, Hokkaido can bring you unforgettable travel experiences.

We've put together this Hokkaido travel guide to help you plan a Hokkaido trip, including the best places to visit in Hokkaido, Hokkaido attractions, unique Hokkaido experiences, transportation tips, what to pack, and a budget.

Why Hokkaido Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Hokkaido island is located at the northernmost part of Japan and boasts world-class powder snow, stunning natural scenery, healing natural onsen, and charming national parks. In Hokkaido, you can see the blooming cherry blossoms in spring, undulating flower fields in summer, the colorful leaves in autumn, and the snowy landscape in winter.

Compared to bustling Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido offers a more peaceful atmosphere. You can explore beautiful wilderness in Hokkaido. Hike and do outdoor activities in national parks. Enjoying natural beauty while exploring forests and lakes.

Apart from its natural beauty, Hokkaido cuisine is also an allure, especially fresh seafood such as crabs and sea urchins. You can discover culture and history at Hokkaido attractions, like Hokkaido Museum, Hokkaido Jingu, and Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.

Best Time to Visit Hokkaido: Seasonal Highlights

Hokkaido has beautiful scenery all year round, and each season has its own distinctive charm. Choose your preferred season to visit Hokkaido, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Summer (June–August): Alpine Meadows & Coastal Charm

The weather in Hokkaido during summer is cooler and more pleasant than in most parts of Japan. At this time, the greenery in Hokkaido is at its most lush, with forests, mountains, and lakes all presenting a scene full of vitality.

Summer is the most suitable season to visit Furano and Biei. July is the best time for Furano's lavender fields. Besides the lavender season, farms in Furano and Biei also grow other varieties of flowers. Biei's Shirogane Blue Pond is more beautiful with the bright blue sky and green trees in summer.

Don't miss Summer Festivals, such as Asahikawa Summer Festival, Hokkaido Shrine Festival, Makomanai Fireworks Festival, and Sapporo Summer Festival.

However, Hokkaido summer is also the peak season in Hokkaido, with a large number of tourists. It is necessary to plan your Hokkaido itinerary in advance.

Autumn (September–November): Stunning Foliage

Autumn in Hokkaido is the most colorful season. Maple leaves and ginkgo leaves turn red and yellow, which makes Hokkaido a beautiful picture. If you plan a trip to Hokkaido in autumn, Jozankei Onsen Area, Daisetsuzan National Park, and Hokkaido University are great places for appreciating autumn foliage.

Usually, the earliest autumn colors of Hokkaido can be seen in Daisetsuzan in mid to late September. The best time for Gingko Avenue at Hokkaido University is from late October to early November.

In autumn, Hokkaido allows you to taste ripe fruits such as apples and grapes, and experience the joy of a bountiful harvest. Autumn is also the season to enjoy a steaming hot spring bath.

The autumn temperature in Hokkaido gradually decreases, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening.

Winter (December–February): Snow Wonderland

Hokkaido winter is a world wrapped in white, with the entire city covered in snow. Hokkaido has a long winter.

If you want to visit Hokkaido in winter, you can see powder snow from December to March of the following year. The snowfall in November and April is relatively unstable, but some ski resorts still offer opportunities to enjoy skiing. Hokkaido has several world-class skiing resorts, such as Niseko Ski Resort, Rusutsu Ski Resort, Furano Ski Resort, etc.

In addition, there are many hot spring spots in Hokkaido, such as Noboribetsu Onsen, Jozankei Onsen, Niseko Onsen, and more. You can soak in the warm hot spring after spending a day skiing or snow activities. And enjoy the beautiful snow scenery around at the same time.

Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in February. The drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk will reach the northern coast of Hokkaido in January. You can embark on your drift ice tours at Abashiri or Utoro Onsen.

Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossoms & Fresh Greenery

If you love cherry blossoms, spring is the best time to visit Hokkaido. Hokkaido spring is a season covered in a sea of pink cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season in Hokkaido is later than that in Tokyo and Kyoto, usually from the end of April to early May. You can enjoy relatively quiet flower-viewing moments in Hokkaido.

Matsumae Castle, with more than 10,000 cherry trees, is a striking cherry blossom spot. Goryokaku Park is also an ideal place.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park features magnificent active volcanoes, tranquil lakes, and lakeside hot spring towns. You can take a boat trip to explore Lake Shikotsu and admire the lush greenery. Enjoy cherry blossoms when you stroll around Lake Toya.

Top 6 Places to Visit in Hokkaido for First Timers

From lively modern cities to stunning coastal cities, Hokkaido always has a place for you to explore its scenery and culture. You can consider the following the best places to visit in Hokkaido.

1. Sapporo

As the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo has its unique charm in every season.

Odori Park is an oasis located in the central area of Sapporo and serves as the main venue for major events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Beer Festival every year. You can stop to relax in the park. At the eastern end of Odori Park, you can ascend the Sapporo TV Tower to take in the beauty of this city.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most representative festivals in Sapporo. Every February, exquisite snow and ice sculptures of all sizes decorate the entire Odori Park. The colorful lights at night make it even more dazzling.

Explore the history of Japanese beer at Sapporo Beer Museum and taste various beers. At night, immerse yourself in Susukino's vibrant nightlife. You can enjoy a drink at a Japanese izakaya or try the pachinko. In addition, places like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Hokkaido University are all worth visiting.

2. Otaru

Otaru is a city full of artistic atmosphere. Otaru is located to the northwest of Sapporo and borders Sapporo. It takes about half an hour to get there by JR train from Sapporo Station.

The Otaru Canal and its surrounding warehouse are one of the landmarks of Otaru and even the entire Hokkaido, completed in 1923. Nowadays, the warehouses on both sides of the Otaru Canal have been transformed into various shops and restaurants.

Otaru's handicraft industry is well-developed. The exquisite glassware and music boxes add many romantic elements to this city. Kitaichi Glass is one of the most distinctive glassware shops in Otaru. Entering the shop, you will feel like entering a dazzling and dreamlike world.

The historical Otaru Music Box Museum has various types of music boxes. You can customize your own music box.

3. Furano & Biei

Furano and Biei are usually visited together. From vast fields of blooming lavender to serene cafes and gardens, Furano and Biei fulfill all your imaginations about rural idyllic beauty. Farm Tomita is the core scenic area of Furano's lavender. You can ride a bike through the lavender fields and taste the unique flavors, such as lavender ice cream and melons.

Shirogane Blue Pond is a pond with blue water. Withered Japanese larch trees are standing in the pond, reflecting on the surface of the water. On the nights from November to April, the Blue Pond, illuminated by lights, looks charming and mysterious.

Biei's Patchwork Road is hilly and undulating, with colorful farmlands like floral fabrics. This is a place where you can ride a bicycle or drive to appreciate the scenery.

4. Niseko

Niseko Ski Resort is a famous ski resort in Hokkaido, featuring high-quality snow and complete skiing facilities. After a day of skiing, warming up and relieving fatigue in the nearby hot springs is the most enjoyable thing. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are many other winter outdoor activities in Niseko, such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

The highlights of Niseko in other seasons are equally astonishing. From May to October is the fruit-picking season. You can enjoy a strawberry-picking experience with your family in summer.

5. Hakodate

Hakodate is a coastal city in southern Hokkaido, known for its beautiful scenery of Mount Hakodate and fresh seafood.

Hakodate Morning Market is an iconic seafood market in Hokkaido. Here, you can enjoy a delicious feast in the restaurants, savor the freshest seafood dishes, and buy freshly caught aquatic products.

Goryokaku Fort is a Western-style citadel in Japan. Embark on a journey through the fortress and experience the history of Japan. Hakodate is the earliest place in Hokkaido to welcome cherry blossoms. From late April to early May, you can enjoy cherry blossoms everywhere at Goryokaku Fort. From the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, you can overlook the entire star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.

Mount Hakodate's night view is known as one of the most breathtaking night views in the world. You can stand on Mount Hakodate and overlook the whole city. The city's lights are scattered along the coastline, shining.

6. Asahikawa

Watching animals at Asahiyama Zoo is a great way to spend time with your kids. Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique way of animal exhibits. You can see the behaviors of the animals through the unique design of the exhibition hall. Watching polar bears swimming through the glass. Winter is the best time to watch "Penguin Walk" at Asahiyama Zoo.

Learn about the brewing of sake and taste it at amazing sake breweries. Taste various kinds of Ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village. You can find 8 famous ramen shops here. Slurp all the noodles and toppings. The noodles have absorbed the flavor of the broth!

Best Things to Do in Hokkaido

When it comes to Hokkaido, besides skiing, what else can you think of? Let's explore more fun experiences in Hokkaido together!

Skiing in Hokkaido

Skiing in Hokkaido is a must-try experience in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, featuring numerous high-quality ski runs. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you can find a ski run that suits you in the ski resorts of Hokkaido.

Niseko United is a famous and the most popular ski resort with Japan's iconic powder snow. The Rusutsu Ski Resort is well-equipped and has professional ski coaches. Beginners can practice slowly on gentle slopes and experience the joy of skiing, while experienced skiers challenge difficult snow slopes. Compared to Niseko United, Rusutsu Ski Resort is cheaper.

When you are skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful snow scenery in the mountains. After skiing, you can take a hot spring bath to relax your tired body.

Enjoy Onsen

Hokkaido has abundant hot spring resources. Soaking in hot springs is one of Japan's specialties. If you are a hot spring lover, bathing in hot springs is an experience that cannot be missed when visiting Hokkaido. Natural hot spring water is rich in various minerals, which are very beneficial.

The benefits of hot springs vary depending on the minerals they are rich in. Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most popular hot springs in Hokkaido, with nine kinds of mineral-rich hot spring water. The volcanic landscape of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is also a place worth seeing.

We strongly recommend spending a wonderful night at an onsen ryokan to enjoy comfortable hot springs and traditional Japanese cuisine. Take in an outdoor hot spring and immerse yourself in nature.

Explore National Parks

The true treasures of Hokkaido are its various national parks. We suggest spending some time exploring Daisetsuzan National Park, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Shiretoko National Park, Akan-Mashu National Park, and Kushiro Shitsugen National Park.

Daisetsuzan National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. You can explore different landscapes, such as volcanoes, alpine meadows, and hot springs. In the autumn season, watching the colorful leaves of Sounkyo will be a great experience.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is a park featuring volcanoes and lakes. Among them, the most famous scenic spots are Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. You can experience outdoor activities such as kayaking, camping, and hiking. There are hot spring towns by the lake, which are a great place for tourists to relax and unwind.

Shiretoko National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Shiretoko National Park, you would have the chance to explore unspoiled wilderness and discover wild animals such as brown bears and eagles. You can see drift ice in the Shiretoko Peninsula in winter.

Local Cuisine to Try

Seafood: The cuisine of Hokkaido is as rich as its natural scenery. The unique natural conditions have made Hokkaido a treasure trove of seafood. In Hokkaido, you can enjoy fresh seafood all year round. Hairy crab, ikura (salmon roe), and Uni (sea urchin) bowls must not be missed. You can feel the lively atmosphere and sample fresh seafood at Nijo Market in Sapporo.

Ramen: Hokkaido boasts a diverse range of ramen flavors and rich ramen culture. There are three flavors of Hokkaido ramen, including Sapporo miso ramen, Asahikawa soy sauce ramen, and Hakodate salt ramen.

Dairy & Wine: Hokkaido's milk and dairy products are of high quality. If you visit Furano in the summer, don't forget to taste soft-serve ice cream and visit the Biei Cheese Craft Factory. Continue tasting wines and grape juice at Furano.

Meat: Those who love meat mustn't miss Jingisukan BBQ (Genghis Khan BBQ), a grilled mutton dish in Hokkaido.

How Many Days to Spend in Hokkaido

5-7 days is a suitable duration for short-term travel in Hokkaido, covering major cities such as Sapporo, Otaru, or Furano. You can visit some Hokkaido attractions and enjoy the local cuisine and natural scenery.

For 8 to 14 days, you can travel extensively in Hokkaido or plan to explore more regions.

You can check the following 7-day and 8-day Hokkaido itineraries. According to your interests, you can contact us to customize your Hokkaido travels.

7-Day Hokkaido Skiing Tour (Winter)

8-Day Hokkaido Itinerary (Summer)

How to Get to Hokkaido

By Plane

Taking the plane is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Hokkaido. Hokkaido has several airports, such as New Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport, and Hakodate Airport etc. You can take direct international flights from Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and other places to New Chitose Airport. For long-haul flights or those without direct flights, you can first arrive in Tokyo or Osaka and then transfer to Hokkaido.

By Train

After arriving in Tokyo or Osaka, if you don't want to take a plane anymore, you can also travel to Hokkaido by train. Traveling through Japan on the Shinkansen bullet trains should be on your bucket list! It takes about 5 hours to travel to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in Hakodate from Tokyo. You can purchase a Japan Rail Pass to take the Shinkansen. With a Japan Rail Pass, you can take JR trains unlimited times.

By Ferry

If you enjoy sailing, taking a ferry to Hokkaido will be a unique and interesting way, which also provides a scenic sea view. The departure port is Oarai (about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo), while the arrival port is Tomakomai in Hokkaido. It takes about 18 hours. The Sunflower ferry offers two sailings a day, including an evening ferry departing at 19:45 and a night ferry departing at 01:45.

Read a detailed guide to get to or around Hokkaido.

Accommodation

There are various hotels in Hokkaido, ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to traditional Japanese onsen ryokans. Japanese-style ryokans get you an immersive traditional Japanese culture experience, but they are more expensive than hotels.

Sapporo is usually the top choice for visiting Hokkaido. Sapporo has convenient transportation and is located near New Chitose Airport. In addition to the attractions within Sapporo, staying in Sapporo allows you to easily travel to Otaru, Niseko, and Jozankei Onsen.

If you want to fully enjoy skiing in Hokkaido, Niseko is an excellent accommodation choice. When exploring the southern part of Hokkaido, you can stay in Hakodate. Staying at JR Hakodate Station is recommended.

What to Pack for Hokkaido

Hokkaido has four distinctive seasons. You need to prepare clothing according to the season you visit.

Spring and autumn: Layered clothes, long-sleeve shirts, a cardigan, and a waterproof jacket.

Summer: Light clothing, sun protection (sunscreen/sunglasses/hat), and rain gear (raincoat/umbrella).

Winter: Thermal base layers, waterproof coat, snow boots, gloves, and scarves.

How much does It Cost to Travel in Hokkaido

The cost in Hokkaido varies depending on your choices (season, accommodation, activities, etc.). The average price of economy hotels in Hokkaido is around $38. A 4-star or 5-star hotel will be more expensive.

The cost of visiting Hokkaido is relatively high during peak seasons (such as the winter skiing season and the summer lavender season), while it is relatively cheaper during off-peak seasons. It is better to book your Hokkaido itinerary about 6 months in advance during peak season.

Plan Your Hokkaido Trip with Hi Five Trip

Ready to discover the unique beauty on a Hokkaido tour package? Hokkaido is a charming place. No matter which season you choose to travel, you can always experience the true Hokkaido. Traveling with Hi Five Trip, we offer customized itineraries and private services.