Explore Hokkaido: Seasonal Splendor and Vast Landscapes
Located in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is known for its vast nature, rich culinary culture, and diverse activities. Offering four distinct seasons, the region offers cool summers and beautiful snowy landscapes in winter.
Tourist highlights include Sapporo's Snow Festival, Hakodate's night views, Asahiyama Zoo, and the hills of Biei. Noboribetsu and Jozankei are also famous for their hot springs. Dining options include fresh seafood, Genghis Khan, and soup curry.
For nature lovers, the Shiretoko Peninsula, Daisetsuzan, and Kushiro Marsh are recommended, where visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing and hiking. Hokkaido also offers an abundance of photogenic spots, such as the beautiful Farm Tomita with its flower fields and the Blue Pond.
Offering something for everyone who visits, Hokkaido is an attractive destination for tourists from Japan and abroad.
Where is Hokkaido?
Sapporo Area
About 40 minutes from Shin-Chitose Airport by trains.
Sapporo TV Tower
The 147.2 meter tall Sapporo TV Tower is located at the eastern end of Odori Park in the center of Sapporo City. It was mainly used as a transmission tower for television broadcasting, but now there is also an observation deck where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. The tower's design was inspired by the Tokyo Tower, and it is illuminated at night, making it a symbolic presence in the nightscape of Sapporo. It is also a popular tourist spot and has a souvenir store and restaurant.
Former Hokkaido Government Office
The Former Hokkaido Government Office (commonly known as the Red Brick Town Hall) is a historical building located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, completed in 1888. The building was designed in the American Neo-Baroque style and takes its name from its distinctive red brick construction. This government building was used as the political center of Hokkaido, and is now open to the public and a popular tourist attraction. Inside there are historical exhibits where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Hokkaido's pioneer days. The building and surrounding gardens are also popular photo spots due to their beauty.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo Beer Museum is a beer theme park located in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The museum is a popular destination for beer lovers and interested tourists, as it showcases the history and beer-making process of Sapporo Beer Co. Visitors can learn about the history and technology of beer production, as well as how the Sapporo Beer brand has developed. The facility also offers beer tasting, allowing visitors to enjoy and experience beer-related knowledge and culture.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park with a factory that manufactures the popular confectionery Shiroi Koibito. The facility features a tour of the production process of Shiroi Koibito, a biscuit and white chocolate sandwich. Visitors can actually see the factory's production line and even try their hand at making the confectionery.
The park also features beautiful European-style architecture and gardens, as well as a café and souvenir store, making it a popular spot for families and couples. Shiroi Koibito Park attracts visitors not only for its confections, but also for its beautiful surroundings and fun experiences.
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is known as a place where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Sapporo and the surrounding area. Particularly famous is "Sheep Hill," which can be seen from the observatory, a scenic hill where many sheep are grazing. It is also home to a statue of Dr. Clark's famous words, "Boys, be ambitious!", which inspires many visitors. With souvenir stores and cafes, this is a fun place for visitors to spend time.
Mt. Moiwa
Mt. Moiwa is easily accessible from Sapporo city and is a popular hiking spot for citizens and tourists alike. From the summit of the mountain, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Sapporo city, Ishikari Bay, and Mt. Yotei in the distance. Mt. Moiwa has several hiking courses, each with different levels of difficulty. Moiwa ropeway provides easy access to the summit. There is an observatory near the summit, and the mountain is a year-round tourist destination. Because of its natural beauty and easily accessible location, it is especially popular among families and hikers.
Jozankei Hot Spring
Jozankei Onsen is a famous hot spring resort, located along a beautiful river valley, where visitors can enjoy seasonal views, especially during the fall foliage season. Jozankei Onsen is home to many ryokan and hotels, many of which offer hot spring water from the source. The quality of the hot spring water is believed to be effective in relieving fatigue and improving health, and many visitors come to the area for relaxation and healing. The area also offers hiking and nature walks, making it a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy both the hot springs and nature.
Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho
Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is an eating and drinking district specializing in ramen located in the center of Sapporo, Hokkaido. This Yokocho is known as a place that demonstrates the diversity of Sapporo ramen and its evolution. Visitors can enjoy miso ramen as well as salt and soy sauce based ramen. For tourists, it is the perfect spot to get a quick taste of Sapporo's food culture, and for locals, it is a popular place for everyday dining. Each of the stores lining the narrow alleyways is unique, making it an attractive place for visitors to compare and enjoy a variety of tastes.
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a large-scale winter festival held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The main venues are Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudomu, where snow and ice sculptures are displayed. The festival features giant snow sculptures and beautiful ice sculptures, and also includes an international sculpture contest. The illuminated sculptures are also extremely beautiful at night, making them a representative view of Sapporo in winter. Many food stalls and live performances also provide winter fun for visitors.
Otaru Area
About 50 minutes from Sapporo Station by trains.
Otaru Canal
Completed in 1923, the Otaru Canal is a historic canal in Otaru City, Hokkaido, and was once used as an important waterway for cargo ships to transport their goods. Today, its beautiful retro scenery has become a tourist attraction, and the stone warehouses along the canal give visitors a sense of the atmosphere of old Otaru. The area around the canal is lit by beautiful gas lamps, which create a fantastic harmony with the snowy landscape, especially in winter. The area has many cafes, restaurants, and stores, as well as canal cruises and other activities that make it an attractive spot for tourists.
Otaru Music Box Museum
Otaru Music Box Store specializes in music boxes, with thousands of different types on display and for sale, and its beautiful interior, housed in an 1890s-era building, attracts visitors with a wide variety of designs and tones. Otaru Music Box Store features interactive experiences such as music box production demonstrations and workshops where visitors can create their own original music boxes. It is also a popular place to visit all year round, with a Christmas market and seasonal events.
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum features the beauty of classic Western architecture and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Financial History Museum features a variety of exhibits related to the financial history of Japan and Otaru. The exhibits include actual instruments and documents used in the operations of the old bank, as well as a collection of coins, allowing visitors to learn about the evolution of the Japanese financial system. The museum also recreates some of the original bank's functions, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the time. The museum will appeal not only to those interested in finance, but also to those interested in architecture and history.
Mt. Tengu
Mt. Tengu is 532 meters above sea level and has an observatory from which you can view the city of Otaru and Ishikari Bay. Accessible by ropeway, there is a restaurant and souvenir store at the top of the mountain as well as an observatory. Mt. Tengu is especially popular in winter, and there are facilities where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. It is also known as a place where various events are held throughout the year and where hiking and nature observation can be enjoyed in the summer. The views from the observatory are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see mountains in the distance.
Hakodate Area
About 4 hours from Sapporo Station or 5 hours from Tokyo Station by trains
Goryokaku
Goryokaku is a historical fortress characterized by its unique star-shaped design. The structure was built in 1857, at the end of the Edo period, for northern defense. Today, Goryokaku is open to the public as a park, and at its center, Goryokaku Tower was built on the site of the former headquarters of the shogunate forces. The tower offers a panoramic view of the entire Goryokaku area and the city of Hakodate. Goryokaku attracts many tourists and history buffs because of its historical importance and beautiful design.
KANEMORI RED BRICK WAREHOUSE
Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse is a group of historic buildings in Hakodate, Hokkaido, now used as a shopping mall and cultural facility. Built between 1909 and 1923, these red brick warehouses were once used for the storage and processing of marine products. Today, the building houses restaurants, cafes, stores, and art galleries, many of which sell local crafts and specialties. It is also known as a cultural hotspot, hosting a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Its unique blend of historical architecture and modern use is an attractive point for tourists.
Mt. Hakodate
Mt. Hakodate is a 334-meter-high mountain located in Hakodate, Hokkaido. The mountain is particularly famous for its night views and is known as one of the three most beautiful night views in the world. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Hakodate city, the Tsugaru Straits, and the surrounding mountains, offering spectacular views day and night. Mt. Hakodate can be reached by ropeway, bus, car, or hiking. At the top of the mountain, there is an observatory as well as cafes and restaurants where visitors can eat and rest while enjoying the scenery. In addition to its beautiful night views, Mt. Hakodate is also an important historical site and an interesting destination for history buffs.
Yunokawa Hot Spring
Yunokawa Onsen is a famous hot spring resort located in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Yunokawa Onsen faces the sea, and many inns and hotels line its shores. Yunokawa Onsen is characterized by its sodium chloride spring water, which is said to be effective in relieving neuralgia, muscle pain, and fatigue. In addition, many accommodations overlook the Tsugaru Straits and are especially known for their beautiful sunsets. Tourists can enjoy not only the hot springs but also a walk on the nearby beach.
Furano Area
About 2 hours 15 minutes from Sapporo Station by trains.
Farm Tomita
Farm Tomita is a vast flower farm located in Furano Town. The farm is especially famous for its lavender, and in summer, beautiful lavender flowers cover the entire area. Visitors can enjoy not only the lavender, but also the spectacular scenery of various flowers blooming in different seasons. In addition to the flower fields, Farm Tomita also has souvenir stores and cafes that sell flower-related products, and visitors can taste lavender soft serve ice cream and other local specialties. There are also many photo spots within the farm, where visitors can enjoy taking commemorative photos with the beautiful scenery in the background. This place with its rich nature and beautiful scenery is a popular spot that attracts many tourists from home and abroad.
Shirogane Blue Pond
Shirogane Blue Pond is a natural tourist attraction located in Biei-cho, Hokkaido. The bright blue color of the pond is caused by natural minerals dissolved in the water. The site shows different beauty in each of the four seasons, and especially in winter, the contrast of white and blue covered with snow attracts visitors. An easy walking trail is provided around the pond, allowing visitors to safely enjoy the natural scenery. With its mysterious colors and natural beauty, Shirogane Blue Pond is a favorite spot for many photographers and tourists.
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is a popular zoo in Hokkaido, and is famous for its "behavioral exhibits" in which animals show their natural behavior. Special environments are created so that the animals can showcase their natural behavior. Especially during the winter months, the penguin snow walk is a popular event that attracts many visitors. The entire zoo is family-friendly, with numerous exhibits that bring the animals closer together. Asahiyama Zoo offers a new way to interact with animals, providing visitors with an enjoyable experience and learning opportunity.
Yubari Melon
Yubari melon is a type of high-quality melon produced in Yubari, Hokkaido. This melon is highly regarded both in Japan and abroad, especially for its sweetness and juicy texture. Yubari melons are also famous for their beautiful appearance with a uniform mesh covering, and are often used as gifts and for special celebrations. In addition, a dish of Yubari melon topped with ice cream is exceptional. The Yubari melon, with its high quality and unique flavor, is very popular in the market as a luxury fruit and continues to be loved by many people.
Asahikawa Ramen
Asahikawa ramen is a typical local ramen of Asahikawa, Hokkaido. This ramen is characterized by a soy sauce-based broth blended with pork bones and chicken bones. This soup is relatively clear and refreshing, but at the same time has a deep flavor. Asahikawa ramen is popular as a warm bowl of soup in Asahikawa in the cold winter, and is favored by many ramen fans for its clear yet rich flavor.
Kushiro Area
About 4 hours from Sapporo Station by trains.
Kushiro Washo Market
Kushiro Washo Market is a local market in Kushiro, Hokkaido, where fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits are sold. The market is a favorite among locals and is especially crowded with shoppers seeking locally caught seafood and produce. The Washo Market is also popular with tourists and has several eateries that serve dishes made with local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy the unique liveliness of the market and the pleasure of buying fresh produce directly from the market. The Washo Market is loved by local residents and visitors alike as a place where one can experience the daily life of Kushiro.
Kushiro Marsh
Kushiro Marsh is the largest marsh in Japan, located in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, and is an important nature reserve registered as a national special natural monument and under the Ramsar Convention. The marsh covers an area of approximately 18,290 hectares and is known as a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The marsh is important for its unique vegetation and for its many rare plants and animals, including red-crowned cranes, deer, and foxes. The vast wetlands also offer natural beauty in all four seasons, especially in summer, when visitors can enjoy nature through canoeing and walking tours. Kushiro Marsh is especially valuable to nature lovers and bird watchers, and visitors love it as a place where they can experience beautiful scenery and a rich ecosystem.
Nusamai Bridge
Nusamai Bridge is a famous bridge in Kushiro City, Hokkaido. The bridge spans the Kushiro River and is considered one of the symbolic landmarks of Kushiro City. The area around the bridge is popular as a spot from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the natural beauty of Kushiro and the city. It is especially known for its beautiful sunsets, attracting many camera enthusiasts and tourists at dusk. In addition, the bridge's name "Nusamai" is derived from the Ainu word "nusa mai" (to go around the cape), which has a deep meaning in local history and culture. The Shidemai Bridge is a must-see when visiting Kushiro.
Akan-Mashu National Park
Akan-Mashu National Park is a Japanese national park located in eastern Hokkaido. The park features beautiful caldera lakes such as Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo, as well as a rich natural environment. Lake Mashu in particular is known for its mysterious beauty as "Lake Mashu of the Mist”. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is also known as a hot spring resort, with many places for visitors to relax, such as Lake Akan Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, and Lake Kussharo Onsen. The national park also offers hiking, canoeing, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and other activities that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature all year round.
Abashiri Area
About 5 hours 30 minutes from Sapporo Station by trains.
Abashiri Prison Museum
Abashiri Prison Museum is a historical museum located in Abashiri, Hokkaido, and is housed in a former actual jail. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience the history of the Abashiri Prison, which was used from the 1880s to the early 1950s, and the life that was lived there. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Japanese prisons through guided tours and by exploring on their own. The museum is also important as a place that demonstrates the grim side of Japan's modernization and offers value to many visitors from an educational perspective.
Sea Ice Museum
Sea Ice Museum is a museum in Abashiri, Hokkaido, where visitors can learn about the science and nature of drift ice that appears annually in the Sea of Okhotsk. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and hands-on experiences related to drift ice, allowing visitors to learn more about the formation of drift ice and the ecosystems that are supported by it. In particular, visitors can actually touch drift ice in the museum's drift ice experience room, where the temperature is -15 degrees Celsius. There is also a 3D video of drift ice and exhibits of creatures related to drift ice, showing visitors the beauty and severity of the Sea of Okhotsk's natural environment. The Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum is especially recommended for families and nature lovers.
Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival
The Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival is a winter event held every February in Abashiri, Hokkaido. During the festival, visitors can enjoy winter attractions such as ice sculpture displays and ice slides at a special site in Abashiri City. There will also be many delicious winter food stalls and events to experience local culture. At night, the illuminated ice sculptures create a fantastic atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of Okhotsk in winter. This festival has become a tradition in Abashiri during the cold winter season, and is a lively event every year.
Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park is a nature-rich tourist destination located in eastern Hokkaido and is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The park is characterized by rugged mountains, dense forests, and beautiful coastlines, and is home to wildlife such as Ezo sika deer and Steller's sea eagles. Visitors can get up close and personal with nature by hiking on the Shiretoko Five Lakes, taking a cruise around the Shiretoko Peninsula, or experiencing canoeing. Shiretoko offers beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons, especially during the summer and fall seasons, which attract many nature lovers and photographers.
Wakkanai Area
About 5 hours 30 minutes from Sapporo Station by trains.
Sarobetsu Wetlands
Sarobetsu Wetlands is a vast nature reserve located at the northern tip of Hokkaido, and is one of the largest wetlands in Japan, covering approximately 24,000 hectares. Visitors can walk along well-maintained walking trails and observe the expanse of grasslands, plants unique to the wetlands, and many wild birds. Especially from spring to summer, wildflowers are in full bloom, making it possible to enjoy the beautiful scenery. This place is recommended for those who want to experience the beauty of nature and is popular among nature lovers and photographers.
Rishiri Island & Rebun Island
Rishiri Island and Rebun Island are two adjacent islands, both popular tourist destinations rich in natural beauty.
Rishiri Island is famous for its beautiful stratovolcano called Rishiri Fuji, which many people visit for hiking and mountain climbing. The waters surrounding the island are rich in marine products, especially seaweed. There are also several hot spring facilities, making it the perfect place to relax in nature.
Rebun Island is known as an island of flowers, and is especially famous for the many wild flowers that bloom from spring to early summer. There are many walking trails on the island, which can be enjoyed from an easy stroll to a full-scale trekking. Rebun Island also has many nature preserves, which are suitable for bird watching and photography.
Both islands are especially recommended for nature-loving tourists, who will be refreshed by the spectacular scenery and quiet environment.
Cape Sōya
Cape Soya is the northernmost cape in Hokkaido and is known as the northernmost point on the Japanese mainland. It is famous for its spectacular views of the vast Sea of Okhotsk, offering visitors an unforgettable vista. Cape Soya is home to a monument and a lighthouse, and visitors are welcome to explore their surroundings. There are also several restaurants and souvenir stores around Cape Soya for visitors to relax and enjoy.
Toyotomi Hot Spring
Toyotomi Onsen is a popular hot spring resort located in the Soya region. This hot spring is particularly famous for its high-temperature, sulfur-rich spring water, which is also known as "Bijin-no-yu" (hot water of beauty) due to its quality. Surrounded by nature, visitors can enjoy the hot springs in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy not only the hot springs but also nature walks and bird watching in the surrounding area. Therefore, this spot is especially recommended for nature lovers and those who want to spend a relaxing time.
04/23/2024