AOAO SAPPORO SWEET AQUARIUM
Winter Aquarium of Love
December 19, 2025 to March 22, 2026
Discover the secrets of love in the animal world together with Pingu™.
Hokkaido Four Types of
Natural Realms
Urban Tourism, Mountain Tourism,
Historical Culture, Nature Experiences
Hokkaido is a treasure trove of travel experiences, encapsulating Japan’s grand nature.
Its magnificent landscapes, spread across 7 national parks, 5 quasi-national parks, and 12 prefectural parks, change their appearance with each season.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers outdoor adventures, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter invites snow activities.
Here, you can enjoy four distinct natural regions—a rarity in Japan.
Urban tourism in the Sapporo area, mountain tourism in the central region, historical and cultural tourism in southern Hokkaido, and nature experiences in eastern Hokkaido.
“Four Seasons × Four Natural Regions = 16 Attractions”—this is the true power of Hokkaido tourism.
Hokkaido Tourism Information / Table of Contents
- Explore Hokkaido in Depth I
Popular 4 Areas (4 Types of Natural Neighborhoods)
Travel plans from the airport
Large-Scale Hokkaido Tourist Map You Can Hold in Your Hand
Digital Walking Map - Explore Hokkaido in Depth Ⅱ
All About Hokkaido
Hokkaido’s Four Seasons, Hokkaido’s Flowers, Animals, Cherry Blossoms, Mountain Climbing
Hokkaido Nature & Cultural Experiences
Complete Guide to Hokkaido Nature Parks - Exploring Sapporo Tourism I
All About Sapporo
Shopping, Duty-Free, Gourmet Dining, Night Views, Snow Activities - A La Carte
A.Spotlight! Hokkaido’s Best Rate Hotels
B.Regional & Company-Specific Information
C.Frequently Asked Questions
D.Questions/Consultations
Explore Hokkaido in Depth II
Popular Spots in Hokkaido
Otaru Aquarium has begun winter operations.
2025.12.13-2026.2.23 (Open throughout the New Year holidays)
Penguin Snow Walk 11:30 / 12:40 / 13:30 / 14:40 (4 times a day)
Enjoy the snow in Sapporo! Hokkaido’s Snow*PARCO
Sapporo PARCO offer a selection of Sapporo lifestyle items that are useful for snow sightseeing.
Highlights of Hokkaido Tourism
Useful Travel Info for Hokkaido
Specialized Info from Local Areas & Businesses
【Sapporo Area】#Sapporo #Otaru #Otaru Aquarium #Souvenir Shop Kobushiya #SUNDRUG #Handmade bag Mizubasho #Sapporo PARCO #KAWAII♥PARCO #Snow＊PARCO #DAIMARU SAPPORO #APIA #Sapporo Stellarplace #AEON Otaru #MaxValu Maruyama Class #MaxValu Kutchan #SOUP CALYI PICANTE #Uni Murakami Sapporo #Nissay Sapporo Building #Sapporo Odori Park #AOAO SAPPORO #Otaru Kourakuen #Grand Park Otaru #Shogetsu Grand Hotel #NISEKO KANRO no MORI #Midorinokaze Resort #BOUROU LAKE TOYA
【Sapporo City Walk】#Sapporo Factory #Sapporo PARCO #APIA #Sapporo Stellarplace #DAIMARU SAPPORO #AEON Hokkaido #Handmade bag Mizubasho #Fuji Megane #SUNDRUG #Souvenir Shop Kobushiya #Daimaru Fujii CENTRAL #Sony Store Sapporo #Nissay Sapporo Building gourmet street
【Central Hokkaido Area】 #Kamikawa / Sounkyo #Hotel Taisetsu #AEON MALL Asahikawa Station #AEON MALL Asahikawa Nishi
【Southern Hokkaido Area】#Hokuto #Kikonai #Esashi #Shikabe #Nanae #Mori #Uni Murakami Hakodate #Uni Murakami Hakodate ekimae #AEON Yukawa #MaxValu Hakodate Wakamatsu #Mori Sakura Map #Hakodate Area Passport #Experience “Kankoma”! #Bourou Noguchi Hakodate #HAKODATEKaikyoNoKaze
【Eastern Hokkaido Area】#Nemuro #Tsubetsu #Abashiri #Teshikaga #Watanabetaiken Farm #Yellow Lamp Inn MORI TSUBETSU #Kushiro Prince Hotel #Kussharo Prince Hotel
【All Hokkaido】#AEON Hokkaido #MaxValu #Ship of Hokkaido
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season to visit Hokkaido?
The most recommended times are *summer (July–August)* and *winter (February)*—both offer iconic Hokkaido experiences.
Spring (April–May)
Cherry blossoms and moss phlox bloom around Golden Week. Enjoy snowmelt rafting and spring delicacies like asparagus and hairy crab.
Summer (June–August)
Lavender fields in Furano and Biei are breathtaking. Cool and comfortable weather makes water sports and BBQs popular. Seasonal treats include melon and Hanasaki crab.
Autumn (September–November)
Early autumn foliage (September–October) is stunning. Trekking and hot-air ballooning let you enjoy nature. Seasonal flavors like salmon roe and potatoes, plus food festivals, are highlights.
Winter (December–March)
Powder snow makes it ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Snow festivals and illuminations are held across the region. Try smelt fishing and winter-only seafood.
Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Hokkaido
Central Hokkaido (Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu)
Sapporo’s classic spots: Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru Canal, Noboribetsu Jigokudani
Southern Hokkaido (Hakodate)
Night view from Mount Hakodate / Goryokaku Park / Hakodate Morning Market / Ōnuma Quasi-National Park
Central Region (Asahikawa, Furano, Biei)
Asahiyama Zoo / Farm Tomita (Nakafurano) / Blue Pond (Biei) / Scenic driving routes in Biei
Eastern Hokkaido (Shiretoko, Lake Mashū)
Shiretoko Five Lakes (World Natural Heritage Site) / Kushiro Marsh / Drift ice in Abashiri (winter) / Lake Mashū, Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan
Recommended scenic spots in Hokkaido:
Blue Pond (Biei) : Spring to autumn; illuminated in winter
Kamuiwakka Pond (Kiyosato) : Spring to autumn (snowshoe tours in winter)
Sea of clouds at Tsubetsu Pass (Tsubetsu) : Early mornings from summer to autumn
Shikisai-no-Oka (Biei) : Flowers in summer, snow in winter; Snowland in winter
Night view from Mount Hakodate (Hakodate) : Year-round
Cape Kamui (Shakotan) : Summer (Ezo-kanzo flowers bloom)
There are many more breathtaking spots to discover.
Seasons and clothing in Hokkaido
Spring (April–June)
Mornings and evenings in April are still chilly. From May, it finally starts to feel like spring. / Temperature & clothing→
Summer (July–August)
Low humidity and refreshing air. Comfortable in short sleeves during the day, but mornings and evenings can be cool. / Temperature & clothing→
Autumn (September–November)
September is cool, and the cold intensifies from October. Some areas begin to see snow in November. / Temperature & clothing→
Winter (December–March)
Sub-zero temperatures are common, with heavy snowfall. Strong winds make it feel even colder. / Temperature & clothing→
Winter events in Sapporo
Sapporo Snow Festival : Early February every year (e.g., scheduled for February in 2026)
Sapporo White Illumination : Late November to mid-March of the following year
Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo : Late November to December 25
Jozankei Onsen Snow Candle Way : Late January
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival : Early to late February
Access from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Airport Shuttle Bus
Travel time: approx. 1 to 1.5 hours (depends on traffic) / Fare: approx. ¥1,000–¥1,100 / Stops at major areas like Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. Some routes stop in front of hotels.
New Chitose Airport Shuttle Bus Timetable (No Reservation Required, 9 Routes) Hokkaido Chuo Bus→
JR Rapid Airport Train
Travel time: approx. 37 minutes / Fare: approx. ¥1,150 / Fastest and direct to Sapporo Station. Operates every 12 minutes during the day.
Taxi
approx. 50 minutes / Fare: approx. ¥13,000–¥15,000 (including expressway tolls)
* Delays may occur in winter, so allow extra time.
UU-Hokkaido® is now being disseminated locally through 16 portals around the world. It publishes Hokkaido sightseeing maps and CityWalk maps of Sapporo and its suburbs.