Quick guide to Hokkaido

Hokkaido makes up more than 20% of the total area of Japan. Hokkaido accounts for more than 20% of Japan's total land area. The vast expanse of nature, straight roads that stretch endlessly ahead, and fields of blooming flowers as far as the eye can see - these are the views that everyone longs to see
Hokkaido's gourmet delights, such as fresh seafood and ingredients grown in nature, will no doubt make your trip even more enjoyable. Simply by filling your mouth with the freshly picked vegetables, you will be moved by the delicious taste of these ingredients.
Each area offers different scenery and gourmet food, so you will be able to enjoy new adventures no matter how many times you visit. Come and rediscover the joy of travelling in Hokkaido.

For First-time Visitors to Hokkaido

Enjoy the spectacular seasonal views against the backdrop of Hokkaido's majestic natural environment, and experience the wide range of unique activities it offers.
This section features Hokkaido's many attractions, including exquisite gourmet delights and hot spring resorts where you can enjoy varied spring water quality!

Area Guide

Sapporo/Jozankei: Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Mount Moiwa, Hoheikyo Dam, etc.
Area around Sapporo: Lake Shikotsu, Northern Horse Park, Lake Katsurazawa, etc.
Area around Otaru, Niseko: Otaru Canal, Shakotan Peninsula, Mount Yotei, outdoor experiences, etc.
Area around Toya, Noboribetsu, and Hidaka: Lake Toya, Mount Usu, Jigokudani, Cape Erimo, etc.

Hakodate, area around Hakodate: Mount Hakodate, Hakodate morning market, Goryokaku Park, Onuma Quasi-National Park, etc.
Matsumae, Esashi, Okushiri: Matsumae Castle, Former Nakamura Family Merchant House, Okushiri Island, etc.

Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Tenninkyo: Asahiyama Zoo, Kurodake, Asahidake, Tohma Limestone Cave, etc.
Area around Furano, Biei: Lavender Farm, Blue Pond, Unkai Terrace, etc.
Wakkanai, Rishiri, Rebun, Rumoi: Cape Soya, Path of White Shells, Rebun Island, Rishiri Island, Kunimare Sake Brewery, etc.

Shiretoko, Abashiri, Monbetsu: Shiretoko Five Lakes, whale watching, drift ice, Abashiri Prison Museum, Road to the Sky, etc.
Tokachi, Obihiro: Gardens, Mikuni Pass, Lake Shikaribetsu, Lake Onneto, etc.
Kushiro, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Nemuro: Kushiroshitsugen National Park, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, Cape Nosappu, etc.

Central Hokkaido

Central Hokkaido includes Sapporo, the heart of Hokkaido. There are many sightseeing spots nearby that you can visit easily, where cities and nature are blended in harmony. There is good access from New Chitose Airport, and is the perfect area for those driving in Hokkaido for the first time.

Northern Hokkaido

This area is blessed with magnificent nature and abundant marine products, for example, the second largest city of Asahikawa; Biei and Furano with their beautiful rural landscapes; Wakkanai, Rishiri, and Rebun at the northernmost tip of the country. There are numerous photogenic scenic spots here.

Southern Hokkaido

Enjoy history as well as gourmet delights, for example, Hakodate, a popular destination for the beautiful relief features of Mt. Hakodate and exotic townscape; Matsumae, the northernmost castle town in Japan; Esashi, which used to prosper as a trading hub for Kitamae-bune (Japanese freight vessels); Okushiri, where you can enjoy rich seafood dishes to your heart's content.

Eastern Hokkaido

Eastern Hokkaido has a beautiful and majestic natural environment, and is renowned as the home to many natural monuments, such as Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage. The hot spring areas located by the sea or lakes are also distinctive and full of character. Here, you can enjoy nature in a uniquely Hokkaido way.

Useful Information for Your Trip

What type of clothing is suitable for each season? What should I bring? This is my first time to Hokkaido - what is the distance between each city?
Is it all right to rent a car? What should I do if I encounter wild animals?
This section features various useful information for your trip to Hokkaido!