Must-Visit Spots in Hokkaido

Explore the Best of Northern Japan!

🏞 Lake Akan｜Pristine Beauty and Ainu Culture

Transportation Tips:
• Take a bus from Kushiro Airport (about 1.5 hours) or travel from Sapporo via JR to Kushiro and transfer to a bus (total travel time: 5–6 hours).
• During winter, consider renting a car or joining a guided bus tour for safer and more convenient travel.

Must-Visit Attractions:
• Lake Akan Ice Activities (Winter Exclusive): Includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, and igloo experiences.
• Ainu Village (Akan Ainu Kotan): Learn about the indigenous Ainu culture of Hokkaido; the nighttime performances are a must-see.
• Lake Akan Cruise/Marimo Island: Enjoy a summer boat ride to observe the rare "marimo" algae balls.

Recommended Hotels:
• Lake Akan Tsuruga Resort Spa: Traditional Japanese ambiance with lake-view baths and kaiseki cuisine.
• HINANOZA: Luxurious accommodations with lake-view rooms, perfect for relaxation.
• Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga Wings: Budget-friendly option with excellent hot spring facilities.

Must-Try Foods:
• Venison Burgers and Ainu-style Mountain Vegetable Set Meals: Available at restaurants in the Ainu Village.
• Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream and Cheesecake: Rich and creamy local dairy products.
• Hot Spring Eggs and Lakeside Grilled Fish: Authentic street food flavors.

Shopping Guide:
• Lake Akan Exclusive Marimo Souvenirs: Includes algae ball-shaped charms and scented balls.
• Ainu Handicrafts: Wooden carvings and woven fabrics with ethnic designs.
• Local Hot Spring Skincare Products and Horse Oil Items.

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🏙 Sapporo｜Urban Convenience Meets Snowy Romance

Transportation Tips:
• From New Chitose Airport, take JR or a bus to Sapporo Station (about 40–60 minutes).
• Use the city subway (Namboku Line, Toho Line, Tozai Line) to explore major attractions.

Must-Visit Attractions:
• Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower: Winter snow festival venue; flower fields in spring and summer.
• Hokkaido Shrine: Popular spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves; known for its spiritual blessings.
• Sapporo Beer Museum + Sapporo Factory: A blend of history and culinary delights.
• Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Clark Statue): Offers panoramic city views and grazing sheep.

Recommended Hotels:
• Sapporo Grand Hotel/Keio Plaza Hotel: High-end options with convenient locations.
• UNWIND Hotel & Bar: Stylish design with complimentary evening bar drinks.
• OMO3 Sapporo by Hoshino Resorts: Fun city tours, ideal for young travelers.

Must-Try Foods:
• Genghis Khan BBQ (e.g., Daruma): Hokkaido specialty with non-gamey lamb.
• Sapporo Miso Ramen (e.g., Sumire, Shingen): Rich broth, highly recommended.
• Sapporo Wholesale Market Seafood Bowls: Fresh sashimi and crab bowls are a must.
• Rokkatei/White Lover Sweets: Exclusive items available at flagship stores.

Shopping Guide:
• Odori Park Underground Mall, Tanukikoji Shopping Street: Beauty products, drugstore items, and souvenirs galore.
• Sapporo ESTA, PARCO Department Store: Trendy brands, plus Loft and Tokyu Hands.
• Sapporo Station B1 Food Street: Convenient for shopping and snacking.

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❄️ Hoshino Resort TOMAMU｜Dreamy Snowscapes & Sea of Clouds

Transportation Tips:
• From New Chitose Airport, take JR to "Tomamu Station" (about 90 minutes); resort shuttle available.
• Book bus transfers via the official Hoshino website in advance, especially during winter.

Must-Visit Attractions:
• Unkai Terrace (Summer Exclusive): Ride the gondola at dawn for a chance to see the magical sea of clouds.
• Skiing & Snow Activities (Winter): Beginner-friendly ski lessons and snow play areas for families.
• Mina-Mina Beach: Indoor tropical pool open year-round.
• Ice Village (Winter Exclusive): Features an ice bar, ice chapel, and ice slides, reminiscent of a winter wonderland.

Recommended Hotels:
• RISONARE Tomamu: Premium family suites, ideal for extended stays.
• The Tower Hotel: Close to facilities, classic Hoshino architecture, great for first-time visitors.

Must-Try Foods:
• hal - Creative French cuisine using local Hokkaido ingredients.
• Nininupuri Buffet: Glass-walled restaurant surrounded by forest, offering diverse options.
• Farm Cafe/Milk Soft Serve: Fresh and creamy, made with milk from the resort's own farm.

Shopping Guide:
• Resort souvenir shops selling Tomamu-exclusive items and Unkai T-shirts.
• Hokkaido dairy products and dessert gift sets like ice cream and pudding are popular choices.

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🌉 Hakodate｜Romantic Port City & Million-Dollar Night Views

Transportation Tips:
• Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to "Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station," then transfer to JR (about 20 minutes to "Hakodate Station").
• Alternatively, travel from Sapporo via JR Limited Express (about 3.5–4 hours) or fly directly from Tokyo Haneda (about 1.5 hours).

Must-Visit Attractions:
• Mount Hakodate Night View: Ranked among the world's top three night views; take the cable car to the summit for stunning vistas.
• Goryokaku Park & Tower: Historical site and cherry blossom haven; the tower offers a full view of the star-shaped fortress.
• Motomachi Church District & Hachiman-zaka Slope: Picturesque area with charming foreign-style architecture.
• Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi): Fresh seafood, grilled scallops, and king crab to satisfy your cravings.

Recommended Hotels:
• La Vista Hakodate Bay: Ocean-view hot spring hotel with highly-rated breakfast.
• Hakodate Kokusai Hotel: Close to the port, perfect for evening strolls and night photography.
• Comfort Hotel Hakodate Station: Budget-friendly and conveniently located.

Must-Try Foods:
• Seafood Bowls (Three-Color Bowl/King Crab Bowl): Fresh and flavorful; try "Kikuyo Shokudo."
• Lucky Pierrot: Hakodate-exclusive burger chain; the signature "Chinese Chicken Burger" is a must-try.
• Hakodate Western Cuisine & Curry: A fusion of Western and Japanese flavors reflecting the port city's culinary heritage.

Shopping Guide:
• Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses: Converted into a creative and artisanal shopping district; find glass crafts and Hakodate dolls.
• Morning Market Area: Dried seafood, kelp, and shellfish make great souvenirs.
• Goryokaku Department Store: Convenient spot for sweets, daily goods, and keepsakes.