Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Your journey begins the moment you land at New Chitose Airport, the main air gateway to Hokkaido. Head to the JR New Chitose Airport Station located on the first basement floor of the terminal—this is where your Hokkaido adventure starts!

Enjoy the scenic train ride to Otaru. After passing through Sapporo, the view suddenly opens up to the vast Sea of Japan on your right, setting the perfect mood for the days ahead.

Just a short train ride from Sapporo, the charming port city of Otaru invites you to stroll its nostalgic streets and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Hokkaido.

Otaru is famous for its abundance of sushi restaurants—more than 100 across the city. The highlight is Otaru Sushiya Dori, a 200-meter street lined with long-established sushi shops. Along with classic favorites, try seasonal local delicacies such as herring, mantis shrimp, and sea urchin, freshly caught from the nearby Otaru coast.

The Otaru Canal stands as a symbol of the city, where the history of Hokkaido’s early development still lingers. Lined with old stone warehouses and historic buildings, it’s one of the most beloved spots in Otaru.

Around the canal, you can enjoy strolling through charming cafés, and craft stores housed in beautifully renovated heritage buildings.

As evening falls, the gas lamps light up softly along the water, wrapping the canal in a nostalgic glow that deepens from dusk into night—a scene that captures the timeless charm of Otaru.

Experience the charm of Otaru from the water on the popular Otaru Canal Cruise. Departing from Chuo Bridge, this 40-minute journey takes you along the canal and harbor with a friendly, characterful captain as your guide.

In the evening, the Night Cruise is especially enchanting—gas lamps reflect on the calm surface of the water, creating a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere unique to Otaru.

It’s an ideal activity for a day trip from Sapporo, offering a fresh way to enjoy the city’s nostalgic beauty.

Sapporo is home to many Jingisukan (grilled mutton barbecue) restaurants, offering a variety of styles—from fresh lamb to seasoned mutton, and from marinated to dipping-style sauces.

For those who want to savor great beer with delicious Jingisukan, the Sapporo Beer Garden is the perfect place.

Here, you can enjoy freshly brewed beer straight from the factory alongside sizzling Jingisukan, grilled right at your table. Sharing this classic Hokkaido pairing makes for an unforgettable travel memory filled with flavor and fun.

It takes about 20 minutes on foot to walk from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino. Along the way, you can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere and distinctive Sapporo scenery.

Take a relaxed stroll through three must-see spots that capture the charm and energy of Sapporo—all easily explored within a single morning.

Hakodate was Japan’s first international trade port and one of the earliest cities in Hokkaido to embrace Western culture. This unique history gives the city its distinctive atmosphere—where East meets West in beautiful harmony.

From the Motomachi district, lined with elegant churches and Western-style buildings, to the world-famous night view from Mt. Hakodate, the city offers countless photo-worthy sights filled with romance and history.

The night view from Mt. Hakodate is one of Japan’s most celebrated sights, earning a prestigious three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

From the summit, the city spreads out like a fan, sandwiched between two large bays, creating a breathtaking scene as the sky deepens from blue to indigo and the city lights begin to sparkle. It’s truly the most photogenic spot in Hakodate.

For the best experience, arrive at the mountaintop observatory about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the city gradually light up in all its brilliance.

The Hakodate Morning Market is a lively gourmet hub with about 250 shops, offering the freshest catches of the day—from squid, the city’s specialty, to crab and salmon.

Try your hand at squid fishing inside Ekini Market, or explore Donburi Yokocho, where restaurants serve hearty seafood bowls at great prices.

Start your day here and savor the vibrant flavors of Hakodate’s ocean bounty—this is the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast and a taste of local life.

Goryokaku Park is one of southern Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. From late April to early May, about 1,600 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, paint the historic star-shaped fortress in soft shades of pink.

Rising nearby, the Goryokaku Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of this Western-style fort—its star-shaped outline beautifully framed by blossoms each spring.

During the Hakodate Goryokaku Festival, the park comes alive with parades and performances that celebrate the city’s rich history and vibrant spirit.

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, the Motomachi area is the city’s cultural centerpiece—filled with Western-style buildings and historic churches that reflect the prosperity of the Meiji era.

The atmosphere changes beautifully throughout the day: tranquil in the morning, golden at sunset, and romantic when illuminated at night.

Take a leisurely walk through its sloping streets and architectural gems to discover your own perfect photo spot in this timeless and picturesque district.

Your Hokkaido adventure comes to an end here at JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. From this gateway, board the Hokkaido Shinkansen and head back to Honshu—just about 60 minutes to reach the entrance to the Tohoku region.

As the train speeds through the undersea tunnel, take a moment to reflect on your journey and savor the emotion of traveling between Hokkaido and Honshu, two lands connected by beauty, culture, and unforgettable memories.

At the Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse, you can feel the excitement of the world-famous Aomori Nebuta Festival all year round.

The museum showcases full-sized festival floats that actually paraded through the city, allowing visitors to admire their intricate craftsmanship and bold expressions up close.

With the sounds of shamisen, flutes, and Nebuta drums filling the air, the exhibits vividly recreate the energy, artistry, and history of this spectacular summer festival—inviting you to immerse yourself in its vibrant spirit any time of year.

Located within Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki Castle is the northernmost surviving castle keep in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Each spring, about 2,600 cherry trees burst into full bloom, transforming the castle grounds into a sea of pink. As one of Japan’s three most famous cherry blossom spots, it attracts countless visitors eager to witness this breathtaking scenery.

When night falls, the illuminated blossoms reflected on the moat create a magical, dreamlike view, perfectly blending the beauty of nature with the grace of traditional Japan.

Zuihoden is the ornate mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain, originally built in 1637.

Although it was once designated a National Treasure in 1931, the structure was tragically destroyed during World War II. The current building was beautifully reconstructed in 1979, faithfully preserving its original splendor.

Adorned with intricate carvings of plants and butterflies, Zuihoden showcases the brilliance of the Momoyama architectural style, revealing a striking blend of traditional Japanese artistry and subtle Western influence.

Renowned as one of Japan’s Three Great Views, Matsushima has long enchanted travelers with its breathtaking bay dotted with about 260 small islands.

Enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the bay, where ever-changing views of pine-covered islets unfold before your eyes. The area is also home to historical landmarks such as the national treasure Zuiganji Temple and Entsuin Temple, known for its romantic connections to love and good fortune.

Don’t miss Matsushima’s two local delicacies—anago (conger eel) and oysters—for a taste of the region’s coastal charm. Take your time and spend a full day soaking in the beauty and history of this unforgettable destination.