Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main four islands is located in this region.
Hokkaido is a place that is largely untouched by the city life of Japan. Hokkaido is a relatively unexplored part of Japan, which makes it an ideal place to get away from the crowds.
You can find the top Hokkaido Travel Tips here, as well as a 4-day Hokkaido Itinerary to experience the very best of Hokkaido Summer!
These tips will help you make the most of your Hokkaido trip
Best time to visit Hokkaido
The weather in Japan’s North is different from the rest of Japan. Hokkaido has a cooler climate than most of Japan. If you like to ski and do other winter sports, the best time to go is in winter. Hokkaido’s summer months are ideal for hiking. Hokkaido is best visited in the spring (from April to early June), and autumn (from September until November).
The cherry blossoms are at their best in Hokkaido during spring – late April to early May is the time for a visit. The autumn brings more vibrant colours, and leaves begin to turn. October is the most popular month to see the beautiful colors.
Accommodation in Hokkaido
It’s easy to find great prices on accommodation since it isn’t a popular tourist destination. Most hostels will charge between 2,500 and 4000 JPY for a shared room. I stayed in Yu Yu Hostel in Sapporo Takimoto Inn Noboribetsu, and Perry’s House Hakodate. They are all good and I recommend them. Takimoto Inn was slightly more costly, costing me 8000+ JPY for a night. However, Onsen costs are included.
Hokkaido Food
Hokkaido’s seafood is a delight for lovers. Here you can get the best seafood. The fish markets in Hokkaido are worth a visit. Hokkaido has many inexpensive places to eat. Ramen shops, Soba Noodles and tempura were my favorites. Ramen is available for as little as 800 JPY. Meals range between 250 and 1250 JPY. You can also find vending machine almost anywhere. Take on this tour and eat the food of Hokkaido like a native.
Transportation in Hokkaido
Japan’s public transportation is excellent. The public transport in Japan is excellent. Everything runs smoothly and on time. My budget was largely spent on transportation in Japan.
The fastest and most economical way to travel in Japan is by train. A JR Pass is a good idea if you are traveling long distances. Otherwise, buses will be more convenient. Buses are cheaper but they take longer than trains. A train ticket between Sapporo and Toya, for example, costs approximately 5000 JPY. A bus ticket only costs 1000 JPY compared to 5000 JPY for a train.
Buses run less often than trains, so check out the schedules before you go. You can purchase a 24-hour bus pass in most major cities for under 1000 JPY. This allows you to travel on all routes. Tickets for inter-city buses usually cost about 2,500 JPY.
Activities in Hokkaido
The most popular attractions, such as temples, lakes and parks, are usually free of charge, except those that have a large following. You can visit Hell Valley, in Noboribetsu, for free. However, you will have to pay a fee to enter the Japanese hot springs. Look for attraction or city passes valid for at least a single day to get a good deal. For example, the cost of a Jozenkie one-day ticket that includes return bus fares and onsen is 1700 JPY.
Hokkaido Attractions
Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is also the largest city. It is an excellent place to base yourself. Day trips to cities like Otaru and Jozankei are easy. Must-sees in Sapporo include Odori Park and the Morning Fish Market, among others.
Jozenkei
Jozenkei, also known as an Onsen Town, is a great place to view fall leaves. Visit its Fatumi Park and dam site.
Yoichi and Otaru
Yoichi is a day-trip from Sapporo where you can visit the Nikka whisky museum. Yoichi’s fruit and beverages are also well-known. Try their samples. Visit Otaru after Yoichi, a city famous for its canal. It’s hard to tell if you are in Japan or Europe.
Lake Toya
Lake Toya, a naturalist’s paradise in Shikotsu Toya National Park area, is the perfect place to see the beautiful volcanic caldera and modern art. Take the boat tour to see all the islands. Onsens are a must-see when visiting this area.
Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu, the onsen town of Noboribetsu, is known also as “the department store for hot springs” because of its nine types of springs. The village is a single street with hotels that offer hot springs on either side. You should definitely try the onsen in Daiichi Takimotokan hotel when you are visiting Noboribetsu. The hotel has 20 hot springs baths, both inside and outside. It also offers a stunning view of Hell Valley.
Hakodate
Hakodate, a city in Japan where mountains and beaches meet. At one end, you can see Mt. Hakodate towers over you, and at the opposite end the waves pound the beach. This is a beautiful sight. You can see the view from Mt. Hakodate, the stuff of dreams. Motomachi is a steep neighborhood at the foot of the mountain that looks like it belongs in 20th-century Europe.
Hokkaido Summer Itinerary: Four Days
Hokkaido offers outdoor enthusiasts a paradise. Hokkaido is best known as the northernmost destination for world-class skiing and winter sports. Japan’ssecond-largest and least-developed island makes for a great summer vacation.
It’s no secret that many Japanese tourists flock to the area in order to enjoy the alpine scenery and avoid the high humidity and temperatures of other parts of Japan.
The island was ours for four days. We didn’t have enough time to see the entire island so we concentrated on Central Hokkaido, which is home to mountains, lakes, hotsprings and farms.
Hokkaido Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Niseko and drive there
- New Chitose Airport is located outside Sapporo. Renting a car will allow you to explore the entire island. Renting a car is a great way to explore the island. Just make sure the GPS voice in your vehicle has been switched over to English. If you don’t know Kanji, the destination can still be entered using a telephone number.
- Niseko is a winding two-hour drive away from the airport. The district’s powder-snow and ski resorts are its main attractions. Although it is quieter in summer, this district makes a great base to explore the parks, hot springs, and lakes of the region.
- The Kimamaya Hotel is a chic, cozy hotel in Hirafu. The boutique hotel has nine rooms and offers a personalized, amazing service. It also provides complimentary use of its stone and cedar spa tubs and breakfast in The Barn restaurant, which is connected to the hotel. Head to Niseko Village after settling in. Try the vegetable buffet, followed by milk puffs or ice cream at Milk Kobo if you arrive early.
- If you only have an hour spare, take a walk along the nature trail that runs near the Hilton.
- After a late night soak in the Kimamaya spa tubs, spend the remainder of the day window-shopping and looking for a restaurant in Hirafu.
Explore Lake Toya on Day 2.
Hirafu is just 45 minutes away from the northern part of Lake Toya. This area, which forms part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. You can spend a full day driving around the caldera. You can stop at points of interest, such as overlooks or parks. Here are some of the highlights we enjoyed:
- Toyako Sculpture Park : Stroll through the park’s waterfront to see large-scale art. Grab a snack from the roadside stand, and sit on the benches in the park to enjoy the stunning view of the lake. Parking is available at several lots along the route.
- Uzusan Ropeway After viewing Lake Toya at close range, enjoy an aerial view from Mount Usu. From two observation platforms perched on the side of an active crater, the ropeway (a fancy term for a Gondola) offers 360deg views. From the farthest platform, the Outer Rim Trail begins. The 40-minute one-way trip along the edge of crater allows hikers to get better views of fumaroles, and the Pacific.
- Toyako Behind the Toya Mizunoeki Market, there’s an adorable little beach and pier. Cafe Lake Toya is located across the street, offering delicious coffee and freshly-baked goods.
Day 3: Travel to Sapporo
It’s time to say goodbye to Niseko and welcome the more vibrant lights of Hokkaido capital Sapporo. This city is a great starting point for visiting the northerly parts of Hokkaido.
- Yoichi Distillery is a must-see for connoisseurs. English-speaking visitors can self-guide their tour using a brochure provided or a cell phone application. Then, after learning more about the production process, you can head over to their tasting room and get three free samples of the cheaper drinks. You can also pay to drink the better stuff at the Whisky Drinking club, which is similar to a pub. You can also purchase the popular or unique blends at the gift store.
- Take the scenic route from the distillery and then stop in Otaru’s canal district to have lunch or drinks.
- After arriving in Sapporo, check into your hotel. The Sapporo Hotel is a business hotel that’s located near the main city attractions. You can spend the afternoon strolling around to view sites such as the TV Tower and Clock Tower. There are also municipal parks and markets. Relax in one of the many beer gardens.
Day 4: The Fields of Furano
Early in the morning, drive two hours north to Furano. This area is known for its flower farms and patchwork of landscapes.
- Farm Tomita is a 50-year old institution, which has been growing flowers. Take a stroll through the colorful fields and breathe in their fresh air, especially those of hillside lavender. Don’t forget a selfie stick. It’s a photographer’s paradise. The farm is free to walk and park on the property. It makes money by selling food and souvenirs.
- Navo Café in Furano is a charming, Hobbitesque cafe where you can enjoy a healthy lunch.
- Continue to Biei and enjoy more fun in the outdoors. Aoiike Blue Pond is a mystical body of artificial water created by a dam. The birch tree dead trees are absorbed by the water, which is a strange aquamarine colour.
- Then, continue to Shirahige Waterfall, and finish your holiday bathing in one of three onsens nearby: Shirogane Fukiage or Kamihoroso. Entrance fees are only a few dollars, and towels can also be rented at a small fee.
We hope you enjoy our Hokkaido itinerary! Explore this stunning part of Japan.