Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Hokkaido has a vast expanse of land that makes up over 20% of Japan's total land area. It is a popular destination even among domestic tourists, offering many attractions including beautiful untouched nature, rich gourmet delights, and abundant hot springs. It is also marked by the distinct changes between seasons, making it possible to enjoy different landscapes and a wide variety of activities every season.

Spring arrives late in Hokkaido, with cherry blossoms typically reaching their peak from late April to early May. This is followed by a season of dazzling fresh greenery. At the same time, colorful flowers begin to bloom in the extensive fields from June to August, transforming them into a carpet of vibrant flowers spreading out across the land. The leaves in the trees begin to turn red from as early as the end of September in some places, and one begins to sense the onset of winter in Hokkaido as the air turns brisk and chilly. Winter tourism is equally attractive with unique winter experiences such as the major winter event, the Sapporo Snow Festival, held in February every year, and drift ice sightseeing in the Eastern Hokkaido area. 

Hokkaido is broadly divided into four regions. These are the Central Hokkaido area centered around Sapporo, the Northern Hokkaido area renowned for the lavender fields of Furano and the northernmost point of Japan in Wakkanai, the Southern Hokkaido area with the famous night views from Mt. Hakodate, and the Eastern Hokkaido area where one can bask in the magic of majestic nature.

Each area has its own distinct features and there are attractive spots dotted all around, but Hokkaido is so vast that seeing it in its entirety would require more than two weeks. It is important to plan your trip for efficient travels. Start by picking out the spots that you must visit, then explore the surrounding tourist destinations. You can enjoy your trip fully with a well thought-out plan.

Colorful, photogenic views spread before your eyes

Summers in Hokkaido are dry and very refreshing. It is a season for reveling in the contrast between the vibrant colors of fields of flowers and bright greenery against the backdrop of blue skies.

Experience summer in the great outdoors and interact with living things

Summer, with its pleasant temperatures and sunny days, is the best time for venturing outdoors into nature. It offers blue skies, white clouds, and mountain ridges in the distance, as well as the cobalt blue sea glistening in the sun, and the bountiful seafood nurtured within it. It is a season when many plants grow vibrant and fresh, and living creatures are active.

Romantic cityscapes in the night

As night falls, the cityscape undergoes a transformation. The port town, illuminated by soft streetlights, exudes a nostalgic air. Looking down from the hill, one can see a beautiful and romantic night view.

This section features sightseeing spots that are perfect for such summer nights. In Hokkaido, the temperature dips at night even in summer, so remember to bring a jacket with you to stay warm.

In spring, cherry blossoms add a pretty pink to the scenery; in autumn, the mountains are covered with red foliage; in winter, a snowy landscape spreads as far as the eye can see. The seasonal views of Hokkaido are impressive and on a scale that far exceeds our imagination. The charm of Hokkaido also lies in being able to enjoy different views in each season, even in the same place.

Hokkaido is blessed with untouched nature, and boasts many of Japan's best natural wonders, including some of the rare natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Its attractions include distinctive landscapes created by topographic and climate conditions, and remarkable world-class views. Enjoy the majestic natural surroundings and seasonal views to the fullest while embracing the power of nature.

From spring to autumn, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing and kayaking in the vast wetlands and lakes, as well as camping under the starry skies. Another great activity is mountain climbing and hiking in mountains that have been designated among the 100 famous mountains of Japan. These can be tailored to suit your level, regardless of whether you are a beginner or advanced climber.

There are plenty of activities to choose from even in the bitter cold of winter. Skiing and snowboarding on the finest powdery snow are highly popular activities! You can also enjoy special experiences such as walking on drift ice or gliding over the snow on a dog sled.'

Hokkaido has numerous active volcanoes, giving it one of the largest number of hot spring resorts in Japan. These resorts are characterized by the abundant variety of spring qualities, water volumes, and magnificent views of nature that vary with the seasons. From historic hot spring resorts to hidden baths, you can enjoy a wide variety of hot springs. We recommend choosing accommodations with on-site hot spring baths.

The full-scale development of Hokkaido began about 150 years ago. From there, it moved rapidly toward modernization, giving rise to the development of its unique history and culture.

The indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Ainu, have developed their own culture, elements of which include the Ainu language, a "spiritual culture" rooted in the belief that souls inhabit everything, as well as traditional dances. Facilities such as Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, and the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum, serve as centers for the revitalization and development of Ainu culture and offer opportunities to experience it through traditional Ainu settlements and exhibits.

Many animals that are unique to Hokkaido live amongst its vast natural environment. Whether or not you get to meet these wild animals depends on the season and your luck, but there are some facilities where you can get to observe and interact with them.

The Japanese crane, designated as a Special Natural Monument, is a winter spectacle in Eastern Hokkaido. It can be spotted in wetland areas such as Kushiroshitsugen and along the Tokachi River, as well as in the Okhotsk region. From spring to summer, they predominantly inhabit the wetlands to breed and raise their young. From autumn to winter, close to 300 wild cranes visit the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, Tsurumidai, and the Akan International Crane Center, where you can observe their elegant and beautiful statures as they perform their courtship dances or take flight powerfully yet gracefully from the snowy fields. They are also bred at the Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Natural Park, where visitors can observe them throughout the year. 

While it can be terrifying the encounter a brown bear in the wild, you can try feeding them at the Noboribetsu Bear Park. You may be surprised at how adorable they can look as they attempt to use their large bodies to endear themselves to you in a bid to get fed. The Bear Mountain in Tokachi is another popular attraction that offers opportunities to observe bears in a home that is similar to their natural habitat.

Other zoos and animal parks across Hokkaido also provide opportunities to see unique Hokkaido animals like the Ezo deer, so be sure to take the chance to interact with these animals.

Gourmet food is one of the pleasures of traveling. Hokkaido is blessed with nature, so there are endless choices when it comes to delicious food made with the best ingredients, such as fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and local specialties. 

There is also a wide range of fresh seafood bowls and high quality seafood such as sea urchin and crab. Be sure to try the distinctive ramen noodles from each area. 

Savor the colorful variety of gourmet delights that are rich in the blessings of nature.