As the northernmost prefecture and an island on its own, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in any season in Hokkaido. Especially in the summertime of Furano city, you can enjoy the spectacular view of lavender fields. You can’t miss Sapporo city, the largest and most famous city, known for the Sapporo Snow Festival held every February. Fresh vegetables and seafood are also a must try when you are traveling to Hokkaido!
Highlights
Sapporo
Being the fifth largest population in Japan, Sapporo is the most vibrant city in Hokkaido. Located in the westside of Hokkaido, it is famous for beer, ramen and fresh seafood such as crab. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held for one week in Sapporo, which is one of the most popular winter events in Japan. Large snow sculptures, projection mapping, snowboarding shows and tasty specialities from around the area are enjoyed during the festival, sure to delight guests of all ages.
Furano
Furano is located in the center of Hokkaido, well known for its rural landscapes and hills to go skiing or snowboarding in winter. During the summer, you can enjoy various types of flowers, the most famous one being the Lavender. Don’t miss the spectacular view of lavender fields in places like Tomita Farm. There are also other spots with picturesque views around Furano, especially the Blue Pond and the Panorama Road in Biei.
More Destinations
- Niseko and Ski Resorts
- Niseko Town is the most famous ski resort in Japan, world-known for its light powder snow. Every winter, Niseko attracts many oversea visitors to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities such as snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Besides Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro are also some of the renowned ski resorts in Hokkaido.
- Hakodate and South Hokkaido
- Hakodate, the third most populated city in Hokkaido, is famous for its spectacular night view from Mt. Hakodate. Guests can also enjoy fresh seafood in the fish market. Goryokaku, a star-shaped citadel, is also a must visit place in Hakodate. It attracts many visitors especially in spring for its cherry blossom view.
- Asahikawa and North Hokkaido
- Asahikawa is located in the center of Hokkaido and the second most populated city in Hokkaido. Asahikawa Zoo is the highlight of sightseeing in this area, where you can meet animals you can only find in Hokkaido, such as Hokkaido deer and penguins. Asahikawa is also home to some world-known brands of Sake, like the Otokoyama Sake. Visit the breweries and enjoy sake-tasting here.
- Kushiro and East Hokkaido
- Kushiro is a port city located in East Hokkaido. In this area, you can explore more wildlife and nature of Hokkaido, especially Lake Akan and Kushiro Shitsugen which is the largest marshland in Japan. In winter, you will have a chance to see the amazing drift ice along the Shiretoko coast by going on an icebreaker cruise too.