Travel Experiences
in Hokkaido
Nature
Experience vast natural beauty like never before
Japan's nature is world-renowned and, as Japan's largest prefecture, Hokkaido is home to a compelling world of breathtaking beauty. Through ocean adventures or exploring natural environments and primeval forests on awe-inspiring hikes, Hokkaido will not disappoint the adventurous traveler.
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Kayaking for All Skill Levels at Niseko's Shiribetsu River
Niseko
Niseko Adventure Center (NAC) provides kayaking courses on the Shiribetsu River in Niseko, ideal for visitors looking for a leisurely alternative to river rafting.
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Shiretoko Goko Lakes: The Top Sightseeing Spot in Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko
Consisting of five small lakes located in the middle of ancient forests and the Shiretoko Mountains, the beautiful scenery to be found here, where sky, mountains, and water meet, is certainly worth a special trip.
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Go Hiking on Distant Rebun Island
Rebun Island
Rebun Island is the perfect spot for adventurers looking for a rugged mountain trail and stunning vistas. The island is famous for its floral ecosystem where many wildflowers, like the aptly named Rebun lady's slipper (a member of the orchid family), are unique to the region.
Culture
Learn firsthand about Hokkaido's unique culture and history
Steeped in Japanese historical significance, Hokkaido is a hotspot for cultural discovery. This includes Zen meditation tutorials that give visitors and enhanced understanding of mindfulness, as well as a wealth of experiences focused on the Ainu indigenous peoples and their traditions. Both experiences provide fascinating insights into how Hokkaido has been shaped over the centuries. Also, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival was originally founded in the 1950s, and through an incredible display of ice sculptures and wintertime delights, it remains one of Hokkaido's greatest cultural attractions.
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The Pride of Hokkaido: The Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo
Despite its massive fame, the Sapporo Snow Festival was originally started in the 1950s by a couple of high school students building snow sculptures in Odori Park. Since then, this humble gathering has grown into a huge festival that attracts almost three million people from across the globe every year. The type of creations that visitors can expect to see during the festival ranges greatly.
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Zen Meditation in Esashi: Learn from the Masters at Shogakuin Temple
Esashi
Shogakuin Temple, located near Matsunotai Park in Esashi, is said to have been founded 400 years ago. Take the rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture and zen meditation at this stately temple whose main hall was rebuilt after a fire in 1894.
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Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park): A Museum Celebrating Hokkaido's Indigenous People
Noboribetsu
Newly opened in July 2020, Upopoy National Ainu Museum is the first nationally run facility dedicated to the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Upopoy, an Ainu word meaning "singing together in a large group", aims to revive and protect Ainu culture, which currently is at risk of extinction.
Activity
Wintertime experiences to invigorate and refresh
Hokkaido's northern location makes it a snowy wonderland during the winter months. Visitors here can enjoy world-class powder on epic ski and snowboarding slopes, while volcanic and rugged terrain provides once-in-a-lifetime encounters with stunning flora and fauna. Afterwards, a proper soak in natural hot springs will revitalize travelers after a long day of travel.
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Take a Steamy Dip at Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most famous onsen (hot spring) town, is abundant in various kinds of volcanic water; each with its own therapeutic chemical qualities. The springs in the area collectively produce a whopping 10,000 tons of water daily.
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Ski Afficionados Rejoice - A Full-Fledged Experience Awaits in Asahikawa
Asahikawa
If you are an avid skier or snowboarder, you will love the mountainous area around Asahikawa. The many ski grounds here feature both exceptional snow quality and wide, well-groomed slopes - with considerably smaller crowds when compared to the ever-popular Niseko.
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Journey to Discover an Abundance of Beautiful, Wild Birds in the Varied Landscapes and Habitats of Eastern Hokkaido
Eastern Hokkaido
There's no better place for birdwatching than Hokkaido. As many as half of the bird species in Japan can be found in Hokkaido alone, including the iconic red-crowned crane and rare species such as the Steller's sea eagle, white-tailed eagle, Blakiston's fish owl, and tufted puffin.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido's vast, sweeping landscapes and cultural history will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Japan's varied diasporas. Outdoor adventures, scenic wintertime excursions and meaningful experiences with Japan's indigenous people are just a few of the reasons Hokkaido is such a wonderful destination.
Hokkaido
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