2026 Recommended
Travel Information for Hokkaido
Hokkaido is an island where diverse experiential tourism unfolds like a story, making the journey itself a tale.
Hokkaido is packed with travel inspiration: breathtaking seasonal views, local cuisine, hot springs, town strolls, nature experiences, and convenient transportation. From dawn to dusk, your journey unfolds like a story, with new discoveries at every turn. Connecting with locals is another unique charm of this land. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, why not begin your journey to discover Hokkaido’s allure?
Featured Town Information
In Hokkaido, “slow travel” is gaining popularity.
Rather than rushing from one tourist spot to another, this style of travel encourages walking around a chosen destination and its surroundings, savoring the local nature, hands-on experiences, history, culture, townscapes, and gourmet delights.
Interactions and conversations with local residents enrich your journey and leave lasting memories.
From snowy winter landscapes, to spring and early summer when flowers bloom in full glory, and the vibrant colors of autumn foliage—these towns offer seasonal charms you’ll want to revisit again and again.
The Joy of
Shopping in Hokkaido
One of the highlights of traveling in Hokkaido is shopping.
The thrill of finding exclusive, seasonal items available only here and now is irresistible.
You’ll want to hunt for hidden gems—from local specialties and souvenirs to seasonal fashion and winter goods.
We introduce trusted department stores, unique boutiques, large-scale malls, shopping centers, and specialty shops.
Must-Try Foods in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is known as Japan’s “Kingdom of Food,” offering an abundance of seafood, mountain delicacies, fruits, wine, sake, and beer.
The three famous crabs—king crab, snow crab, and hairy crab—are all Hokkaido specialties. So are rice, soba, beans, asparagus, potatoes, and dairy products. Even beer hops, sake rice, and wine grapes are grown here.
That’s why dishes like crab, sea urchin, seafood rice bowls, wagyu beef, local chicken, jingisukan (grilled lamb), shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, ramen, sushi, soup curry, sweets, soft serve ice cream, apples, melons, and watermelons are all Hokkaido delights.
We’ve selected menus that truly capture the essence of Hokkaido and introduce popular restaurants loved by locals and tourists alike.
Make your trip unforgettable with delicious Hokkaido cuisine!
Let’s Play in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido is full of hands-on travel experiences.
Meet marine life at aquariums, interact with animals at farms, and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Feel the ocean breeze, take in vast landscapes, and explore towns where history and culture come alive.
Make your travel memories deeper and more special—immerse yourself in the unique joys of Hokkaido.
Bus Travel Makes Sightseeing in Hokkaido Easy
To comfortably explore vast Hokkaido, intercity express buses are highly recommended.
With extensive routes connecting major cities, you can enjoy scenic views during your ride.
They’re often more affordable than trains and offer many direct, no-transfer options—giving you greater freedom in your travels.
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.
