Hokkaido北海道

Big skies, deep snow, and very good seafood.

Hokkaido is Japan's northern island, and it feels different from the rest of the country. Cities are newer and roads are wider. Farmland, volcanoes and lakes fill the space between them. Summer is cool and dry, which is why many Japanese escape here in July. Winter brings serious snow and the Sapporo Snow Festival. Distances are long, so pick one or two bases, like Sapporo or Hakodate, rather than trying to cover the whole island.

Places to go

SapporoHokkaido's easygoing capital of ramen, beer and snow.Otaru local favoriteA small canal port with glass shops and sushi.Hakodate local favoriteHarbor city with a famous night view.Furano local favoriteLavender in summer, powder snow in winter.

Through the year

springSpring comes late: Sapporo's cherry trees usually open around May 1 and reach full bloom around May 6.

summerSummer is the cool, dry escape season, and Furano's lavender usually peaks in mid-July.

autumnMountains change color first, and Sapporo's maples typically peak around late October.

winterSnow covers everything from December, and the Sapporo Snow Festival runs February 4–11 in 2027.

Don’t miss

SapporoEasy base city with ramen alleys, a beer garden and Odori Park.
OtaruA canal port town about 30 minutes from Sapporo by rapid train.
HakodateNight views from Mt. Hakodate and a busy morning market.
Furano and BieiLavender fields in July, rolling farmland the rest of the year.
Jozankei OnsenA gorge hot-spring town you can reach from Sapporo for the day.

What to eat

Miso ramenSapporo's rich, warming bowl, often topped with butter and corn.
JingisukanLamb and vegetables grilled on a domed iron pan.
KaisendonA rice bowl piled with crab, salmon roe and sea urchin.
Soup curryA thin, spicy curry broth with big pieces of vegetables.

Getting there

Tokyo (Haneda) → New Chitose: about 1h30 by air, then about 37 min to Sapporo on the JR Rapid Airport train.

Good for: Winter and snow lovers, Food-focused travelers, Road trippers

psst — Distances are bigger than the map suggests. Check train times before you plan two cities in one day.