Hokkaido Summer Travel Guide
Hokkaido's climate is perfect for summer travel, with low humidity and refreshing, dry air even in summer! It's the best season to enjoy the essence of Hokkaido, whether you're exploring vast flower fields or experiencing outdoor activities.
We'll introduce you to the must-visit scenic spots, seasonal gourmet foods, and events in summer Hokkaido. Enjoy Hokkaido's short summer to the fullest!
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Temperature, Clothing, Preparation -Summer in Hokkaido is July and August.
In July and August in Hokkaido, you can wear short sleeves during the daytime! In recent years, when the sun shines, the temperature can rise to about 35°C, but basically, the weather remains pleasant. On the other hand, you may feel chilly in the mornings and evenings, at high altitudes, and during bad weather. It is recommended to prepare a light jacket.
Recommended summer spots to enjoy the vast landscape typical of Hokkaido.
- Lavender
- When it comes to flower fields in Hokkaido, many people think of the lavender fields that look like a purple carpet. These beautifully colored and vibrant lavender fields are a popular spot for tourists every year. The best time to see the lavender is only about a month each year. Be sure to visit during the peak season!
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- Sunflower
- When it comes to summer flowers, sunflowers are the best! Their vibrant color brings energy and cheer. The sight of sunflowers stretching to the horizon is a unique spectacle in Hokkaido! The fields turn a vivid yellow, creating a stunning contrast with the summer blue sky, making for perfect photo opportunities. The best time to see them is from late July to early August.
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- Shirogane Blue Pond
- A popular spot in Biei, where the blue water surface creates a beautiful and magical atmosphere. The blue color changes with the seasons, weather, and time of day, allowing you to enjoy rich hues. Summer is said to be the season when the blue is most beautiful. It looks like you can take some photogenic pictures!
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- Unkai Terrace
- Located at an altitude of 1,088 meters, the 'Unkai Terrace' at Hoshino Resort Tomamu is an observation facility where you can closely view the sea of clouds that appear when weather conditions are right. The sea of clouds is most likely to be seen from June to September. The fantastical and dynamic landscape of the sea of clouds is truly a breathtaking sight.
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- Driving with spectacular views
- The endless straight road is a scenic route where you can feel the grandeur of Hokkaido! The refreshing summer in Hokkaido is the perfect season for a drive. Why not go on a scenic drive? The straight road stretching through the great outdoors is a picturesque spot unique to Hokkaido.
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Hokkaido Gourmet Foods in Season in Summer
- Corn
- Hokkaido is a place where you can enjoy freshly harvested corn. Its juicy sweetness is a point of pride. The large temperature difference between day and night and the long hours of sunlight in Hokkaido's climate are ideal for growing sweet corn. If you visit the corn-producing region, it's a must-try delicacy!
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- Japanese flying squid
- Surumeika (Japanese flying squid) is in season during the summer. The exceptionally fresh surumeika offers a translucent beauty and a crunchy texture. It is recommended to enjoy it raw as sashimi. The innards, known as 'goro,' can also be eaten fresh and are considered a delicacy. Be sure to try it!
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- Melon
- One of the classic flavors of Hokkaido souvenirs is melon. Hokkaido melons are known for their rich aroma and refined sweetness. You can enjoy different varieties depending on the region. In addition to various melon-flavored sweets, if you visit Hokkaido, be sure to try the fresh fruit itself!
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- Scallop
- Hokkaido boasts the highest scallop catch in Japan. Scallops grown in its rich seas are packed with flavor and nutrients. You can enjoy their refined sweetness raw, or savor the concentrated umami of grilled scallops. Their plump and springy texture makes them a delight in any dish.
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- Soft serve ice cream
- When you think of Hokkaido, you think of farms, and when you think of farms, you think of soft serve ice cream! Soft serve made with fresh milk is exquisite. It's delightful to enjoy Hokkaido's unique flavors like melon soft serve and haskap soft serve, made with local specialties. Under the refreshing summer sky of Hokkaido, be sure to try the variety of soft serve ice creams.
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Enjoy the short summer! Recommended Events
- Fireworks Display
- Fireworks launched into the unobstructed night sky of Hokkaido are a must-see event! They beautifully decorate Hokkaido's short summer. Many fireworks festivals are held around hot spring towns, making them perfect for creating travel memories. It will surely be an unforgettable moment.
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- Sapporo Summer Festival
- If you want to enjoy summer in Sapporo, this is a must! Over the course of about a month, you can enjoy various events such as Bon Odori, Tanuki Festival, and Susukino Festival. The beer garden that appears in Odori Park, a summer tradition in Sapporo, boasts over 10,000 seats, making it one of the largest in Japan. Let's fully enjoy the short summer of the northern country!
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- Furano-Biei Norokko Train
- The Furano-Biei Norokko Train is a perfect sightseeing train for enjoying the magnificent scenery of Hokkaido. It leisurely travels through summer fields where vibrant flowers like lavender bloom in abundance. The refreshing breeze that flows through the large open windows is pleasant, allowing you to experience the refreshing summer of Hokkaido. Enjoy the breathtaking views that can only be seen from the train windows.
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- Hokkaido Balloon Festival
- The sight of numerous hot air balloons rising over the vast plains of Tokachi is truly breathtaking! Every year, many hot air balloons gather from all over the country for the Balloon Festival, and the colorful balloons beautifully stand out against the clear blue summer sky of Hokkaido. There are also popular ride experiences available, so be sure to take this opportunity to try it out!
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- Hokuryu Sunflower Festival
- On a 23-hectare hill, about 2 million sunflowers bloom in full glory! The sunflower field, basking in the summer sunshine, is a popular spot visited by over 200,000 tourists every year. You can enjoy around 30 different types of sunflowers in the World Sunflower Corner and explore a giant maze made of sunflowers, making the most of your time in the sunflower field.
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Still more! If you're visiting Hokkaido in the summer, check this out too!
- Swimming beach
- Although you might not typically associate Hokkaido with beach activities, you can actually enjoy swimming in the sea at tourist spots like Otaru and Ishikari. The spacious beaches are a unique charm of Hokkaido. Thanks to the dry and refreshing climate, you can comfortably spend time at the beach. Make the most of Hokkaido's short but precious summer!
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- Campground
- To fully enjoy Hokkaido's great outdoors, camping is the best option! The harsh winter season is suited for advanced campers, while the comfortable summer is recommended for beginners. There are various styles of campsites, including those where you can easily experience camping without any equipment and those where you can enjoy hot springs. Be sure to find your favorite campsite!
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- Lakes & Swamps
- During the hot season, refresh yourself by enjoying the sparkling and cool scenery of the waterside! You can experience the magnificent landscapes unique to Hokkaido. Water activities such as canoeing and snorkeling in the great outdoors are also highly recommended.
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Ranking of popular articles
- Hokkaido Summer Travel Guide
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