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Hokkaido, the only prefecture among Japan's 47, is also the northernmost administrative region. It is Japan's largest island after Honshu and the 21st largest island in the world, slightly smaller than Ireland. The Tsugaru Strait borders Honshu to the south and Sakhalin to the north. Sapporo is Hokkaido's administrative center and largest city.
Hokkaido is world-renowned for its captivating snowscapes, and winter is the perfect time to visit. The annual Hokkaido Snow Festival takes place in early February at Odori Park and Makomanai Self-Defense Force Plaza, where visitors can enjoy spectacular ice sculptures. International ice sculpture masters showcase their skills, creating magnificent and ingenious masterpieces. Hokkaido's hot springs are also a delight to visit in winter.
Summer (June-August) and winter (December-February) are the best seasons to travel to Hokkaido.
The Sapporo Snow Festival, held in early February every year, is the biggest event in Hokkaido in winter. At this time, Sapporo is covered with snow accumulated over the winter, and the city is transformed into a silver fairy-tale landscape. This season is also a good time to find hot springs in Hokkaido.
Please note : Japan's New Year holiday runs from December 29th to January 3rd of the following year. Many attractions are closed during this period. If you choose to celebrate the New Year in Hokkaido, please consider the inconvenience caused by the closure of attractions in advance.
June - August: Summer is the season when lavender blooms in Hokkaido. Furano is a world-renowned lavender producing area. From early June to late August every year, the hillsides and plains become a sea of purple flowers, and it is known as the "Provence of the East".
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of snow country
Most people's first impression of Hokkaido comes from the snow here. It has a long and harsh winter. Asahikawa City in northern Hokkaido still holds the record for Japan's coldest temperature - minus 41 degrees Celsius. In Abashiri in northeastern Hokkaido, you can also enjoy the drift ice landscape that is rare in the world. This is all a subtle reminder of how cold Hokkaido is. The other side of the cold is the unparalleled winter landscape. If you are someone who is not afraid of the cold, then bravely come to Hokkaido to see the spectacular snow scenery.
lavender fields
The stretch from Furano to Biei embodies the essence of idyllic Japanese countryside. Rent a bicycle locally and spend a day embracing the leisurely lifestyle of a Japanese drama heroine. Or, arrive early to Farm Tomita to avoid the throngs of tour groups and capture photos of the untouched flower fields. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Furano, the essence of Hokkaido summer is now before your eyes.
Million-dollar snow country night view
Before Sapporo became Hokkaido's capital, Mount Hakodate, as the first port city to open to navigation, held the highest position in Hokkaido and boasted the most developed urban landscape of its time. Hakodate's attractions are worth a day or two to explore, and the night view of Mount Hakodate is hailed as one of the world's three most spectacular night views. While photos of Mount Hakodate's nightscape may seem largely the same, save for clarity and seasonality, you can bet that witnessing this million-dollar night view in person will truly astound you.
Recommended travel time: 5-7 days
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has a rich history of indigenous Ainu culture and later Japanese settlement during the Meiji era. It is renowned for natural beauty, agriculture, seafood, and winter sports, making it both culturally and economically significant.
Hokkaido is in northern Japan. Major entry points include New Chitose Airport near Sapporo and Hakodate Airport. Within cities, public transport includes trains, buses, taxis, and rental cars. Walking is suitable for central districts.
Hours vary by attraction; museums generally open 9 AM–5 PM, ski resorts follow winter hours. Best times are winter (Dec–Feb) for snow sports and festivals, and summer (Jun–Aug) for flower fields and hiking.
Fees vary: museums (~¥500–¥1,500), national parks free, ski resorts (~¥3,000–¥6,000/day). Tickets can be purchased online for major attractions or at the entrance for local sites.
Advance booking is recommended for ski resorts, popular museums, and ferry rides (1–2 weeks). City sightseeing and parks usually do not require prior booking.
3–5 days for Sapporo and nearby areas; 1–2 weeks to explore wider Hokkaido including ski resorts, national parks, and coastal towns.
Yes, many attractions offer guided tours in Japanese and English; some museums and parks provide audio guides in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Day 1: Sapporo city highlights; Day 2: Otaru and nearby coast; Day 3: Furano & Biei; Day 4: Lake Toya & Noboribetsu; Day 5+: Niseko or Daisetsuzan National Park.
Yes, Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb), lighted Mount Hakodate at night, evening ski sessions in Niseko, and seasonal illumination events in cities.
Winter ski resorts and summer flower fields are crowded on weekends and holidays; weekdays are quieter. Avoid Golden Week for lower crowds.
Most attractions provide clean toilets, cafés, vending machines, rest areas, and souvenir shops; ski resorts have extensive facilities.
Urban areas and major attractions are accessible; some hiking trails and ski areas may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is often needed in rural areas; major cities, museums, and hotels accept cards and mobile payments.
Seafood restaurants in Hakodate, ramen shops in Sapporo, cafés in Furano and Otaru, and ski resort restaurants in Niseko.
Limited but available in Sapporo, Otaru, and some resort areas. Specialty vegetarian, vegan, and halal restaurants exist mainly in urban centers.
Range from luxury resorts in Niseko, Hakodate, and Lake Toya, mid-range hotels in Sapporo, and guesthouses in Otaru and Furano.
