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things to do in Hokkaido

9 things to do in Hokkaido, Japan

February 2, 2018 //  by Mae-Gene//  20 Comments

Why, hello there! This post might contain affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase from them. 

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Sashimi that’s so fresh it melts in your mouth. Fields of flowers that go on forever you need to check your hayfever meds. A sea of clouds, you think you’ve stepped into a magical alternative universe.

No, my friends… You haven’t accidentally started reading a book filled with make-believe or fairies.

This is Hokkaido.

The island of Hokkaido is Japan’s most northern prefecture. And while it’s most popular during the winter (hellooo snow!) Hokkaido truly comes alive with color during the summer months of June til August.

If you’re looking for inspiration to plan your trip to Hokkaido, I’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of 9 things to do in Hokkaido, Japan*:

*Not gonna lie: Hokkaido is so beautiful, you might want to move there. The author of this blog post does not take responsibility for any impact this may have on your life or loved ones. That’s all Hokkaido, my friends… 

1. Try Sashimi so fresh, it explodes in your mouth

Remember the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi I mentioned above? Yes, my friends, bring your dollars because, in Hokkaido, you’ll be in seafood heaven.

You might need to line up.

You might need to spend your hard-earned cash.

But for super soft, juicy sashimi? Yes, please!

Our favorite was a restaurant called Hanamaru Sapporo. There was a looooong line while we were there (turns out sushi at 2 pm is popular… But when it tastes this good, any time is sushi time)

Name: Hanamaru Sapporo

Address: Japan, 〒060-0005 Hokkaido, 札幌市中央区北5条西2丁目 ステラプレイス 6階

Opening Hours: 11 am – 10:15 pm daily

things to do in Hokkaido

Immediately after this photo was taken, I attacked this like a woman eating her last meal

2. Get a drink at one of Sapporo’s beer gardens

After all your eating, you’ll probably be thirsty, and what better way to quench your thirst than with an ice cold beer.

No, you have not teleported your way to Germany (geez, how much did you drink?!)

You’re still in Hokkaido!

Sapporo’s beer gardens are located in the heard of Sapporo in Sapporo Oodori Park, and they genuinely do German Beer Gardens justice (except they’re Japanese!)

Grab a glass local Sapporo beer and sit down with some friends!

Name: Sapporo Oodori Beer Garden

Address: 7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan

Are you planning a trip to Japan soon? I’ve got a FREE Japan travel plannin’ resource library, filled with checklists, phrase guides and travel guides. Click the link below to get access:

3. Visit Mt. Hakodate to see the night view

For all my photography lovin’ friends reading this, if you’re looking for things to do in Hokkaido, add this to your list! Photographers travel from all around the world to see the view from Mt. Hakodate at night.

And gosh who can blame them – the lights here truly light up the night sky (move over, NYC!)

The best way to see this view is to take the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway up to the lookout point. You can even check out the official Mt. Hakodate Ropeway website to see a live view (in case it’s foggy!)

Name: Mt Hakodate Ropeway

Address: 19-7, Motomachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0054 Japan

Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm (Summer + Spring), 10 am – 9 pm (Fall + Winter). Check out the up-to-date opening hours at the Mt Hakodate website. 

things to do in Hokkaido

Night time view from Mt. Hakodate

4. Visit Unkai Terrace, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

It’s time for those magical clouds I mentioned above.

The Unkai Terrace is part of the Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, where most visitors visit due to the ski slopes.

The name “Unkai” means “sea of clouds” in Japanse, and visiting this terrace can make you feel like you’re above the clouds in some kind of magical wonderland.

This cloud filled view only appears in the mornings under special atmospheric conditions.

Name: Unkai Terrace, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Address: Nakatomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2204, Japan

Opening Hours: 5 – 8 am (but hours can vary, check the Hoshino Resorts website for most up-to-date opening hours)

5. Go sightseeing at Shakotan Peninsula

Japan isn’t just about the towering skyscrapers in Tokyo or shrines and temples of Tokyo.

No, it’s also about incredible coastal views, water so aqua blue you’d think you were in the Mediterranean (nope, still in Japan my friends!)

The best place in Hokkaido to see these views?

The Shakotan peninsula!  The most scenic spots along the peninsula are Cape Shakotan, Cape Kamui, and Cape Ogon.

Just look at this magic:

things to do in Hokkaido

Beautiful views from Cape Kamui

For more inspiration on beautiful spots to visit in Japan, check out this blog post:

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:  9 magical photos that will make you fall in love with Japan

6. Smell the flowers in a flower field in Furano

For my fellow hayfever suffers out there, AVERT YOUR EYES.

For everyone else, please continue as per usual…

If you’re looking for ideas of things to do in Hokkaido, you can’t miss Furano! There are two major flower farms in Furano – Farm Tomita which is more touristy (and can get pretty crazy in the summer) or Shikisai no Oka, which gets less busy.

The flower fields here stretch out forever (people even rent golf buggies to save themselves the walking!)

Furano also has seasonal lavender fields – if you want to see this, make sure you plan ahead- lavender is seasonal!

Name: Shikisai no Oka

Address: Japan, 〒071-0473 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei, Shinsei, 第3

Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 6 pm daily

things to do in Hokkaido

Not going to lie, my hayfever suffering self still loved the flower fields at Shikisai no Oka

7. Visit the Blue Pond, Biei

I’m not sure what is with Hokkaido and aqua blue water. I mean you’d expect it on the coast, but inland?

Not so much!

Which is why the Blue Pond in Biei is such a surprise!

This is a great stop if you’re looking for things to do around Furano. If you want to visit, you’ll need to either drive or organize a trip with one of the local tour guides.

Public transport out here is practically non-existent, but the effort is well worth it!

Name: Blue Pond, Biei

Address: Shirogane, 美瑛町 Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan

Opening Hours: 24 hrs (but don’t go at night because you won’t be able to see anything!)

Blue Pond Biei Hokkaido

8. Rent a bicycle or drive around Biei and visit some of the flower fields and famous trees along the way.

From this entire list of things to do in Hokkaido, this has to be my favorite!

Why should you visit Biei?

The area is famous not only for flower fields but there are also specific trees made famous in Japanese and Korean TV commercials! (trees so famous that crowds of people are trying to photograph them!)

You can also stop by some of the adorable farms and eat fresh ice cream or cheese. We loved stopping for matcha flavored ice cream after riding our bikes around all morning (what a reward!)

things to do in Hokkaido

One of the many fields in Biei

things to do in Hokkaido

These trees are famous in Japan – they’re featured in local commercials!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:  The Ultimate 4 day Kyoto Itinerary

9. Go hiking at Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido’s largest national park and is heaven for hikers and outdoor lovers. It’s also home to deer and brown bears (!!) When visiting; we took the ropeway up Mt Ashidake, which is also the highest mountain in Hokkaido.

From here we did a 1hr loop walk (another option is to hike further up Mt Ashidake, but if you want to do this make sure you do your research in advance!) before hiking back down. For those who love hiking and being outdoors, Daisetsuzan National Park is a must-visit.

things to do in Hokkaido

Views when hiking down from the ropeway at Mt Ashidake 

So there you have it – my guide to things to do in Hokkaido!

Hokkaido was one of my favorite prefectures to visit in Japan.

This incredible island is the perfect place to visit during the summer. From delicious sashimi to mountainous views, there’s bound to be something for you to do, regardless of your travel style or interests.

Psst – are you planning your Hokkaido trip? Here are some helpful links for you…

Heading to Sapporo?  Book your hotel room now!
Don’t forget to pick up a guidebook: this is my favorite Japan guidebook! 
Want more Japan tips?
 Check out my posts here, or if you want some help packing I’ve got the ultimate packing guide here

things to do in Hokkaido

I’d love to hear from you!

What does your list of things to do in Hokkaido look like?

Or have you been to Hokkaido? What was your favorite place to visit there?

Leave a comment below and let me know!

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Category: Japan, Other Japan

About Mae-Gene Yew

Why hello there, new friend! I'm Mae-Gene, the travel-obsessed Aussie girl behind The Wandering Suitcase blog.

I'm obsessed with eating copious amounts of sushi and hiking in New Zealand. But on most days you can find me in my home city of Melbourne dreaming of my next adventure, working my lil' corner of the internet (this blog!) or gettin' ready to strap on my hiking boots. Read more...

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Comments

  1. Caroline

    February 2, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    OMG, I’ve been to Japan so many times over the years, but STILL haven’t made it to Hokkaido, and I’ve been dying to…mostly because of all that amazing food that I keep hearing about (love your food photos here btw). Those landscapes are gorgeous as well. MUST go ASAP!

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:31 pm

      Oh girl, you have to do it! You’re right – everyone raves about Hokkaido, but with good reason! We didn’t know much about the area until we had some Japanese friends mention we should go. I definitely am hoping to visit again (I loved it that much!) Hope you get to visit Hokkaido the next time you’re in Japan 🙂

      Reply
  2. Odette

    February 2, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Oh wow that is just beautiful! Japan has been on my list for ages but I had never heard about Hokkaido, will definitely add this one to my Japan Bucket List <3 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:35 pm

      Yessss I’m so glad to hear you are adding Hokkaido to your bucket list! We find not enough non-Japanese tourists visit Hokkaido (or even know about its existence!).

      Reply
  3. Ruth

    February 3, 2018 at 12:00 am

    What a beautiful place! I haven’t been to Japan (and do not know a lot of the country) but I really want to go one day. This area, with all its natural attractions, looks ideal for me.

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:37 pm

      I hope you get to visit Japan one day soon, Ruth! And you’re right – I remember reading you were at the Grand Canyon recently? If you love the outdoors, Hokkaido is a great place to visit!

      Reply
  4. Rosie

    February 3, 2018 at 12:20 am

    Hokkaido is on my travel bucket list. Thanks for the tips on the things to do in Hokkaido.

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:37 pm

      I’m so glad to hear this Rosie! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures when you get to visit 🙂

      Reply
  5. Viola

    February 3, 2018 at 12:21 am

    This list is awesome! I am actually going to Sapporo next week for Yuki Matsuri (snow festival)!! It’s also super famous. I’m so excited. Will be planning a summer visit this year as well. Can’t wait to see the beautiful flowers! <3

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:39 pm

      Girl, I loved reading your snow festival post – it looked like so much fun! Can’t wait to stalk your blog for more of your Japan adventures. And I am so glad to hear you’re visiting again in summer. I’m not a huge flower person, but the fields are just so beautiful, I couldn’t stop taking bucket loads of photos!

      Reply
  6. Gabbski

    February 3, 2018 at 12:30 am

    I haven’t been to Japan yet, but will definitely add Hokkaido after reading your post!

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:41 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that, Gabbski! You will love Japan – there is something for everyone, the country has such diverse experiences and landscapes!

      Reply
  7. Elaine Masters

    February 3, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    So many reasons to visit Hokaido. I’d love to be there for the ice sculptures but visiting when the flower fields are in bloom sounds wonderful too. That view point to the clifss and ocean is just stunning. Can’t wait to see more of Japan one day.

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:42 pm

      Hi Elaine, I’ve heard the ice sculptures are amazing! I’ve had a couple of friends visit Sapporo at that time and they always rave about how amazing it is. Hokkaido really is an all-seasons destination 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about your Japan adventures!

      Reply
  8. Alexine

    February 4, 2018 at 12:40 am

    I just watch a movie about Japan, with Tokyo city and Sapporo and it was amazing I would love to visit all your cities listed here. If everything will be okay we’ll visit Japan and Korea this year 🙂

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      February 17, 2018 at 11:43 pm

      Hi Alexine, I’m so glad to hear you’ll be visiting Japan and Korea this year! I’m sure you will LOVE it! What was the movie that you watched called? I’d love to check it out!

      Reply
  9. Intan

    August 7, 2018 at 11:54 am

    Hey there. I went to hokkaido last month. It’s truly an amazing experience. I wish that i extend my trip. There are few places that i’ve missed due to time-constraints.
    But i just wanna add one more attraction which i love so much and i think many people do too – – > Otaru canal is a nice place.

    Reply
  10. Kanna

    March 26, 2019 at 8:06 pm

    I was born in Hokkaido in 1967. My mother is full Japanese. My dad is American. I am thinking about a trip to my birthplace. We left when I was 8 months old. So this will be all new to me. My mother didn’t like to talk much about her life there so it would be an adventure for me. She passed away 12 yrs ago.

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      March 26, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      Hi Kanna, thank you so much for sharing your story! I loved my time in Hokkaido, it is so different to the rest of Japan. I hope you get to visit your birthplace, that’ll definitely be an adventure for you! Do you know if you have extended family or relatives still living in Hokkaido? Wishing you all the best on your adventure!

      Reply
  11. Ravin kumar

    May 24, 2021 at 1:09 am

    This information is impressive; I am inspired with your post writing style & how continuously you describe this topic. Thanks for sharing this information.

    Reply

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