Area Guide "Central Hokkaido"
The Central Hokkaido area, including the Hokkaido city of Sapporo, is the center of Hokkaido tourism. New Chitose Airport is located in this area, providing easy access to the city. Sapporo, where city and nature are in harmony, as well as Otaru and other popular tourist destinations and noteworthy spots, offer many attractions. This area is also recommended for first-time visitors to Hokkaido.
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Wide range of enjoyment in Sapporo and Jozankei
Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido
Sapporo is a city where you can enjoy a wide range of activities from cutting-edge popular cuisine to historical buildings. The center of the city, with its well-developed roads in all directions, is easy to explore on foot even for first-time visitors. Large-scale events are held in each season, attracting many tourists.
Here are some of the must-visit classic spots in Sapporo.
- Odori Park
- Located in the center of Sapporo, this park is about 1.5 km long. It is a place of recreation and relaxation for citizens, with seasonal flowers in the flowerbeds and a beautiful fountain. Major events are held in the park every season. In summer, the beer garden is a lively event, and in winter, the "Sapporo Snow Festival" is a popular event. The "Tokibi Wagon," where visitors can taste grilled and steamed corn, is a local feature of Hokkaido. It is open from spring to fall, so you can savor the corn then.
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- Sapporo TV Tower
- This landmark of Sapporo stands at the eastern end of Odori Park. The observatory floor, about 90 meters above the ground, offers a panoramic view of the city. At night, the observatory is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere that differs from that of the daytime. The view changes with the seasons and time of day, making it enjoyable no matter how many times you visit. In winter, the Sapporo White Illumination is held.
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- Sapporo Clock Tower
- The oldest pendulum tower clock in Japan still in operation today, it was built by Dr. W.S. Clark as a martial arts training hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University). One of the fun things to do is to look for the 17 stars hidden in the clock tower.
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- Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
- In summer, sheep can be seen spending time in the vast pastureland, and the idyllic scenery of this observatory is so attractive that it is hard to believe that it is in the city of Sapporo. A statue of Dr. Clark, described as the "founding father" of Hokkaido, stands here. There is also a restaurant where visitors can enjoy "Genghis Khan" Mongolian barbecue. There is also a footbath, making it an ideal spot to take a break from sightseeing. In summer, lavender fields spread out, creating a typical Hokkaido scene.
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- Shiroi Koibito Park
- This is a theme park for Shiroi Koibito, a famous confectionery popular as a souvenir of Hokkaido. The English garden in the courtyard is filled with more than 200 varieties of roses, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Inside the building, visitors can take a tour of the manufacturing plant and even try their hand at making their own sweets with an original message, making it a fun experience for both children and adults.
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- Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Curb Market
- It is the largest market in Hokkaido. You will find many fresh seafood and vegetables from Hokkaido. Some stores close in the afternoon, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning. You can also enjoy talking with the shopkeepers while shopping.
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- Sapporo Beer Museum
- It is the only museum about beer in Japan. Visitors can enjoy learning about the history of Sapporo Beer, which spans more than 140 years, and listen to explanations of beer brewing. Premium tours with a fee are popular for the enjoyable explanations given by the guides. There is also a theater that only the participants can enter. You can also learn how to pour delicious beer. At the end of the tour, you can drink the limited-edition beer only available on the tour.
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Mt. Moiwa, a spectacular view that can be seen from within the city of Sapporo.
Mt. Moiwa, located almost in the center of Sapporo, offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the city of Sapporo. The summit is accessible by ropeway and cable car. There is a paved promenade that stretches about 600 meters from Chufuku Station to Sancho Station, where we recommend taking a walk while enjoying the nature (about 15 minutes on foot).
The night view from Mt. Moiwa was selected as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan." It is one of the best nightscape spots in Japan.
Jozankei Onsen, surrounded by valleys and deep forests
Jozankei Onsen is a hot spring that is easily accessible from the center of Sapporo in about 40 minutes. 56 sources of hot spring water are available, and there is an abundance of hot spring water. The clear, colorless sodium chloride spring water warms the body from the inside out. During your sightseeing, you can also enjoy footbaths at several locations in the hot spring resort area.
Jozankei offers beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. The autumn foliage is especially breathtaking. Autumn foliage spots such as Futami Suspension Bridge and Houheikyou Dam are crowded with many people. We also recommend Canadian canoeing along the Toyohira River, which flows through the valley, in a stable canoe to view the autumn leaves.
In summer, "JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE" blends nature and illumination, and in winter, "Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way)" illuminates Jozankei with a fantastic array of candles. These and other events offer a different atmosphere no matter how many times you visit.
"Area around Sapporo" where you can enjoy the great outdoors
Green tourism utilizing agriculture and healing pristine nature
This area is conveniently accessible from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo. There are many spots where you can play in nature, including the rape field in Takikawa, which has the largest area planted with rape blossoms in Japan. Green tourism such as farming and harvesting experiences are also popular.
Lake Shikotsu is the clearest lake in Japan in terms of water quality. Its unique blue color is called "Shikotsu Blue. There are many leisure activities on the lake. The sightseeing boat has an underwater observation deck that allows visitors to look down to the bottom of the river and see what is happening in the lake. Canoeing is also popular.
In winter, the "Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival" is held, where the lake water is frozen by sprinklers. The various ice sculptures up close are a sight to behold. During the day, they glow a natural blue, and at night they are colorfully illuminated to create a fantastic world.
Enjoy Gourmet Food on a Day Trip
The Sorachi region is noted as one of the leading wine-producing areas in Hokkaido. There are many small-scale wineries that are particular about their wines, and you may encounter rare wines. It is refreshing to drive around and enjoy the scenery of farms and vineyards.
Sunagawa City, located in the middle of Sapporo and Asahikawa, has "Sunagawa Sweet Road. Approximately 20 confectionary stores line the road, mainly along National Route 12. There is a wide variety of store types. You can enjoy visiting sweets shops such as Japanese sweets, Western sweets, and cafes.
Otaru and Niseko, where you can enjoy port towns and activities
Strolling around the port and canals in Otaru
Otaru, which flourished as a port town, has many attractions including historic buildings made of massive stone. Stately warehouses line the coast of Otaru Canal, a typical spot. The scenery gives a tasteful atmosphere. Glass crafts and music boxes are popular souvenirs. Also, visiting sushi restaurants is a fun way to spend time.
- Otaru Canal
- The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923, is the symbol of Otaru. Stone warehouses line the canal. The stone warehouses and waterway still retain the appearance of those days. The stone-paved walkway lined with gas lamps is recommended for a stroll. Cruise boats offer a great view of the canal from the waterway and the streets of Otaru. From dusk, the gas lamps are lit, creating a romantic scene.
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- Otaru Art Base
- This area is a collection of four historic buildings built in the first half of the 20th century. Each exhibits outstanding art and craft works from around the world.
The Stained Glass Museum exhibits about 140 pieces of stained glass windows made using traditional techniques that decorated the windows of English churches. The former Otaru Branch of the Mitsui Bank is a stately bank building. The Nitori Art Museum has an Art Nouveau and Art Deco Glass Gallery. This is a place where you can enjoy fantastic art. 
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- Sakaimachi Dori
- It is the best shopping street in Otaru. You can find Otaru souvenirs. Souvenir stores and cafes line the approximately 800m street. There is also the Otaru Orgel Doh and the LeTAO Main Store, a Western confectionery store. You can enjoy walking around the town with its many retro buildings.
- Otaru Sakaimachi-dori Shopping Street Official Website（Japanese）
- Site of the Former Temiya Line
- This is the site of the former Japan National Railways (JNR) Temiya Line, which was discontinued in 1985. Approximately 1,600 meters of the track has been maintained as a walking path, and visitors can freely walk on the track. It is a popular spot on social media for taking photojournalistic pictures. You may be able to take a photo that looks like a scene from a movie.
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- Otaru Sankaku Market
- Located right in front of JR Otaru Station, the market has a long history dating back to around 1948, with about 15 stores lining a narrow street about 200 meters long. There are fresh fish stores and restaurants where you can enjoy seafood bowls. The atmosphere of the market and the lively calls of the shopkeepers will make you feel the real pleasure of your trip.
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- Kitaichi Hall
- 167 lamps warmly illuminate the interior of this café and restaurant, which was renovated from a warehouse built in the early 1900s. Each lamp is lit one by one by hand every day. Visitors who enter the restaurant during opening hours can observe the lighting process. Recommended for a morning stroll in Otaru.
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Otaru Canal Cruise
The Otaru Canal Cruise takes about 40 minutes to circle around Otaru Port and the North Canal. You can enjoy a different atmosphere from the view from the land. The interesting talk by the boatman is also attractive. Day cruise is recommended for those who want to listen to the explanation. The night cruise offers a romantic atmosphere.
Popular Driving Routes, Yoichi, Niki and Shakotan Peninsula
In Yoichi, there is the Yoichi Distillery where Nikka Whiskey is made. Visitors can observe the whiskey production process and learn about the history of Nikka Whiskey.
Niki is famous for its fruits. Visitors can enjoy picking seasonal fruits such as strawberries and cherries.
The Shakotan Peninsula, with its beautiful and varied coastline, is an excellent driving spot. The Shakotan Peninsula is also famous for sea urchins, a specialty of Hokkaido. The beautiful sea, with a color that is described as "Shakotan Blue," is a magnet for visitors. The fantastic evening view of the sea tinted in crimson is also not to be missed.
Enjoy Activities in Niseko
Niseko offers a wide variety of activities in the great outdoors. In summer, you can go canoeing or enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting. In winter, you can enjoy the best powder snow when skiing. You can also experience balloon flights, horseback riding, and other activities that are not easily found in everyday life. These are just a few of the many extraordinary experiences that can only be enjoyed on a trip to Niseko.
Niseko is also dotted with hot spring resorts with abundant spring water. You can relax in the hot springs and heal your body after a long day in the outdoors.
Toya, Noboribetsu and Hidaka, where you can feel the energy of the earth
Noboribetsu Onsen, a hot spring with 9 different types of spring water
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, boasting a daily output of 10,000 tons and nine different types of spring water. The sight of white smoke rising from the surface of the mountains is a reminder of the energy of the earth. Noboribetsu Onsen has spots where you can see the source of the spring. At Jigokudani (Hell Valley), visitors can experience the crater ruins up close. At Oyunuma, sulfur spring water of about 130 degrees Celsius gushes out violently at the bottom of the swamp. The "Oyunuma River Natural Footbath" is a natural footbath spot with benches set up in the river of sulfur spring water flowing from here. Visitors can enjoy the footbath while listening to birds chirping in the midst of nature.
- Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- This is the most popular spot in Noboribetsu. Jigokudani is a vast area of exploding craters. The hot springs and steam gushing out from everywhere resemble scenes from hell. It is difficult to enter directly due to the high temperatures, but there is a walking trail where visitors can take a stroll. You can feel the energy of the earth with your whole body.
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- Noboribetsu Bear Park
- From the center of Noboribetsu Onsen town, take the ropeway to the ranch. At the ranch, you can observe charming female brown bears and powerful male bears up close. You can experience feeding the bears and see how clever they are as they try to gain favor in order to get fed.
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- Oyunuma River Natural Footbath
- Oyunuma was formed at the site of an explosive crater created by the eruption of Mt. Hiyori. Hot spring water overflows from there into Oyunuma River, where visitors can enjoy a footbath while listening to the murmur of the river and the chirping of birds.
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- Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
- This culture park recreates the streets and culture of Japan's Edo period (1603-1867). Powerful ninja action shows are performed daily. Visitors can rent costumes from the Edo period and walk around the park to feel like they have stepped back in time.
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Toya, Muroran, and Shiraoi, a complex area of nature and culture
This area is a popular resort area where you can enjoy hot springs while viewing beautiful lakes. It is also easily accessible from New Chitose Airport. Various events are held throughout the year, attracting many visitors. It is also known for its beautiful autumn foliage in fall.
Lake Toya is a place where one can feel the energy of nature and the mystery of the mountains and the earth. The surrounding area is designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park. You can learn about Ainu culture at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi.
- Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
- Located in Shiraoi-cho, Upopoy serves as a national center for the promotion of Ainu culture. Visitors can learn about Ainu culture in a complex of facilities including the National Ainu Museum. At the Cultural Exchange Hall, traditional Ainu performing arts are shown. In the Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village), a traditional Ainu village is recreated.
*Image: Exterior view of the National Ainu Museum (courtesy of The Foundation for Ainu Culture) 
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- Lake Toya
- Lake Toya is a deep cobalt blue caldera lake. Legend has it that a beautiful goddess lives here. It is the third largest lake in Japan. A cruise boat ride around the lake's floating Nakajima Island offers a view of the mountains that is different from the scenery seen from land. Lake Toya Onsen, located on the shores of the lake, hosts a fireworks display every day from April to October.
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- Mt. Showa-Shinzan
- Mt. Showa-Shinzan is designated by the Japanese government as a special natural monument. Mt. Usu erupted in 1994, and the flat wheat field suddenly rose with an earthquake. It is said to be a "miracle mountain" because it took only two years to take its current shape. The powerful volcanic plumes that continue to rise even today is an impressive sight.
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- Usuzan Ropeway
- The ropeway connects the foot of Mt. Showa-Shinzan to the summit of Mt. Usu. It takes about 6 minutes to reach the summit. From the window of the gondola, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mt. Usu mountain range and Lake Toya below. In autumn, the entire area is tinted with the colors of autumn leaves, creating a beautiful scene. You can also enjoy the view of the mountains from the observatory.
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- Muroran Factory Nightscape
- Muroran is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is Hokkaido's representative heavy and chemical industry and bay city. Large factories line the area around the port. The night view of the factories is the most beautiful in Hokkaido. In addition to the shining light, the presence and structural aesthetic of the factories are impressive. You can enjoy the night view from the sea by night cruising.
Pastoral landscape at the foot of the Hidaka Mountains
Hidaka is a horse-producing region that accounts for most of the production of light breed horses in Japan. Beautiful thoroughbreds run through the pastures that stretch across the foot of the Hidaka Mountains.
The Shizunai Nijukken Road, famous for its cherry blossoms, is covered in pink in spring and is crowded with tourists who come to enjoy the spectacular view.
Cape Erimo is located at the southernmost point of the Hidaka Mountains, which is approximately 150 km long. It is one of the windiest areas in Japan, with winds of 10 mph or more blowing more than 290 days a year. Cape Erimo Lighthouse, selected as one of the 50 best lighthouses in Japan, stands at the tip of the cape and watches over the sea.
Click here for a list of spots in the central Hokkaido area.
■ Click here for a list of spots in Sapporo and Jozankei.
■ Click here for a list of spots in the area around Sapporo.
■ Click here for a list of spots in the areas around Otaru and Niseko.
■ Click here for a list of spots in the areas around Toya, Noboribetsu and Hidaka.
Click here for other area guides.
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