Hokkaido independent travel guide (2025): top things to do, popular tourism attractions, itinerary planning, accommodation, food, transportation, weather, and more - everything you need to know (updated August, 2025) | Trip.com
About Hokkaido
Hokkaido Local Experiences Map
Trending in Hokkaido
Hokkaido Local Travel Guide 2025
Hokkaido Brief Guide
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and rich history. Known for its stunning landscapes, it is also home to the Ainu, the indigenous people of the region. Their unique culture is highlighted through various platforms, such as Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, which offers insights into their traditions and life. Hokkaido is also famed for its culinary delights, notably its fresh seafood and unique local dishes, creating a paradise for food lovers. Outdoor activities are abundant in Hokkaido with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and witnessing the Sapporo Snow Festival's ice sculptures, reaffirming its status as a recreational heaven. Among its renowned attractions are the beauty of Mt. Yotei, the historic Otaru Canal, and the vibrant cityscape of Sapporo.
Hokkaido Must-try Local Experiences
1. Explore Sapporo's Landmarks Take your way to the well-known Sapporo Clock Tower, the historic Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and the lively Odori Park to immerse yourself in Sapporo's rich historical and cultural tapestry. 2. Marvel at the Natural Splendor of the Shiretoko Peninsula As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shiretoko Peninsula boasts remarkable natural beauty, including cascading waterfalls, therapeutic hot springs, and wildlife. A coastal boat tour reveals the awe-inspiring vistas of the shoreline. 3. Skiing and Snowboarding in Niseko Niseko is famous for its top-tier ski resorts and signature powdery snow, providing a remarkable winter sports adventure suitable for all abilities. 4. Relax in Noboribetsu Onsen Renowned across Japan, Noboribetsu Onsen is a premier hot spring destination where you can indulge in soothing, mineral-rich waters amidst stunning natural backdrops. 5. Wander Through Furano's Lavender Fields During the summer, Furano's lavender fields are not to be missed, with their vibrant purple blooms and aromatic scents creating a tranquil and picturesque landscape. 6. Engage with Ainu Heritage at Upopoy National Ainu Museum Delve into the indigenous Ainu people's history, culture, and customs at the Upopoy National Museum and Park in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. 7. Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival An annual February event, the Sapporo Snow Festival showcases magnificent ice and snow art, drawing crowds from across the globe. 8. Taste Hokkaido's Delights Known for its seafood, Hokkaido offers fresh crab, sea urchins, and salmon. Try the local ramen, dairy, and Jingisukan (Mongolian-style grilled mutton). Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to explore the history of Japan's oldest beer and sample some brews, experiencing Hokkaido's beer-making legacy. 9. Explore Nijo Market A hotspot for fresh seafood and regional specialties, Nijo Market in Sapporo is an ideal place to savor Hokkaido's culinary offerings and pick unique souvenirs. 10. Photograph the Blue Pond Renowned for its striking azure hue and scenic surroundings, the Blue Pond in Biei is an idyllic location for photography, particularly in the autumn. With its historic warehouses and enchanting ambiance, Otaru Canal is another popular photography site, especially when lit by gas lamps at night. 11. Embark on a Picturesque Train Journey The Furano-Biei Norokko Train provides a scenic ride through Hokkaido's beautiful countryside, which is most stunning during the summer's flowering season.
Hokkaido Best cities to visit
Niseko, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is a premier destination renowned for its fasinating winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. The ski season here extends from late November to early May, offering over 40km of ski runs across four interconnected resorts with the convenience of the Niseko United "All-Mountain Pass". Beyond the slopes, Niseko is famous for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options, ensuring that there's plenty of entertainment and relaxation after a day of skiing. The region is not only a winter wonderland but also strives to be a year-round tourist spot with various outdoor activities like hiking and rafting.
Hokkaido Transportation
To reach Hokkaido from Tokyo, the fastest and most popular way is by air, with flights landing at New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, typically lasting about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, the Shinkansen bullet train is available from Tokyo, taking about 8 hours to reach Sapporo with a transfer at Shin-Hakodate Hokuto.
Hokkaido Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hokkaido is during the spring, specifically from April to June. This period offers the chance to witness the famous cherry blossoms and enjoy the comfortable weather with temperatures rising steadily. Spring also coincides with Japan's Golden Week, making it a festive time to explore the region. Another recommended time is early March, where visitors can experience a winter wonderland alongside milder weather, making it easier to explore the island. This period further offers the unique chance to catch the cherry blossom season in other parts of Japan while still enjoying the snowy landscapes in Hokkaido. If you want to experience winter in Hokkaido, the best time to do so is from December to February, when you can enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as attend winter festivals such as the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Hokkaido Travel Tips
1. Plan for Sapporo Snow Festival: The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Hokkaido's most popular events.Requiring reservations for accommodations and some attractions due to high demand. Plan your visit early to secure your spot. Wear non-slip winter boots, and bundle up in warm clothing. Enjoy the food stalls and cozy tents available at the festival. 2. Check Operating Hours for Hot Springs: Many of Hokkaido's famous hot springs (onsen) have specific operating hours and may be closed on certain days. Some are open 24 hours, while others have limited hours or close on specific days. Check in advance to avoid disappointment. 3. Drift Ice Walking: If participating in drift ice walking in the Sea of Okhotsk, always go with a licensed guide and follow all safety instructions. Wear a dry suit to stay warm and buoyant. You may also encounter wildlife like sea eagles and Clione. The activity is weather-dependent and only available in winter. 4. Proper Etiquette in Public Baths: When visiting onsen or public baths, follow proper etiquette such as washing thoroughly before entering the communal baths and keeping noise to a minimum. Tattoos are often prohibited, so check policies in advance or seek private onsen options if you have tattoos. 5. Limited Trash Cans: Public trash cans are scarce in Hokkaido. Carry a small bag to store your trash until you find a proper disposal site. 6. Onsen Town Curfews: Some onsen towns have unofficial curfews, with many businesses closing early. Plan your evenings accordingly, especially in smaller towns like Noboribetsu or Jozankei. 7. Save with Rail Passes: Visitors may consider purchasing a Hokkaido Rail Pass if they plan to travel extensively by train. It offers unlimited travel on JR trains within Hokkaido for a set period. 8. Strict Recycling Laws: Hokkaido has strict recycling laws. Sort your waste properly into designated categories such as burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines provided by your accommodation or local municipality to avoid fines.
Hokkaido Useful Guide
In case of sudden illness or injuries, dial 119, and for crimes or traffic accidents, call 110 immediately. Be aware of natural disasters like earthquakes and prepare emergency response measures, including knowing evacuation routes. While driving, adhere to local traffic rules, beware of icy roads, and avoid sudden maneuvers to prevent accidents. Always prioritize safety and seek local support as needed.
Trip.Best: Hokkaido
Popular Destinations
Sapporo
Jozankei Onsen
Noboribetsu
Hakodate
Otaru
Toyako
Shiretoko Peninsula
Niseko
Things to do in Hokkaido
What to Do
Shiroi Koibito Park
Anonymous user:“非常值得一到，我们用了 trip.com coin 分数钱耒 online 换票超方便，很赞 👍🏻 外面的花园虽不大但打卡拍照留念很不错👍🏻 我们赶上 4pm 前进入工厰亲眼看着白色恋人巧克力的制作很棒的体验，里面有几家餐厅味道不错。另外可以再买票如果想亲手 DIY chocolate 有专人教导 very 👍🏻 Cover car Park 🅿️ 半价 300yen 如果有买票入场观赏巧克力的制作。”
Asahiyama Zoo
Anonymous user:“The place is highly recommended. From the entrance, they let us clean our shoes. Animals are well keep altho some looks lonely. Tickets are consider cheap compared to what we get to see.”
Jozankei Onsen
_TS＊＊＊8:“the onsen is beautiful and it is so enjoyable during the very cold frozen weather, you will like the spa experience and enjoy”
Noboribetsu Bear Park
_TI***b2:“Totally enjoyed this park where the bears are so active. The duck race is quite funny.”
Otaru Tenguyama
Anonymous user:“The cable car experience at Tengu Mountain in Otaru is amazing! The couple took the cable car from the foot of the mountain and slowly ascended. It took ten minutes to reach the top of the mountain, overlooking the panoramic view of Otaru City and the blue bay. The romantic index is full! The wind on the top of the mountain is slightly cool, and the photos taken while walking are all great. Although the stay is only one hour, the cable car is efficient and the scenery is magnificent. It is definitely worth including in the Hokkaido itinerary list!”
Sapporo TV Tower
657***08:“Tickets are issued quickly and are easy to pick up. Although the observation deck is small and part of it is a shop, the glass is clean, the view is good, and there is interaction. I was given an ice cream discount coupon that can be used at the bottom of the tower. You can go up and take a look if you pass by.”
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
_TI***j0:“the devil is tempting, with los of famous onsen hotels there, you can enjoy the really good experience there , very nice .”
Otaru Canal
_TI***j0:“So nice to go and wander around the city famous scenic spot, it is always nice to come back there for a chill afternoon”
Odori Park
Stevenwei009:“do not underestimate how beautiful this park is. people are just chilling here, having delicious grilled corn and butter potato, so nice”
Mt. Moiwa
OMMBMH:“It's worth a visit. In the afternoon, I went to Mt. Moiwa from JR Sapporo. I took a taxi to the entrance of the Mt. Moiwa cable car for 2,900 (the driver drove the wrong way, it should be less than 2,700). I bought the ticket directly on Ctrip. When I arrived, I went directly to the window to scan the code to get the ticket. I thought there were not many people on Mt. Moiwa during the day, but it was not the case. There were quite a few people waiting for the cable car. The cable car is divided into two sections. There is a cafe where you can sit down after the first section, or go to the top to see the scenery at the foot of the mountain. There are many elderly people who hiked up the mountain. They are very thin and carry hiking sticks. They look very impressive. In fact, there is not much to see at the top of the mountain. You can take a rest and take the cable car down. There are no shops at the foot of the mountain. Just walk forward and take the tram. You can transfer to the subway in the city. The fare is not expensive. Looking at the old man walking briskly, I suddenly feel that the meaning of travel may lie in these inadvertent moments-not how beautiful the scenery on the top of the mountain is, but the people and things encountered along the way, which make the ordinary journey vivid and unforgettable.”Where to Stay
PREMIER HOTEL CABIN PRESIDENT HAKODATE
Guest User:“Great location as the hotel is across JR Hakodate Station Square and just beside Hakodate Morning Market. It is not the newest hotel but it’s straightforward and convenient.
Getting around Hakodate is easy since the hotel is in a central location. They also offer complimentary beverages to hotel guests from 1300H to 1900H daily.
My only concern with this hotel is their air condition which does not cool sufficiently. Despite setting the controls to max, our evenings were quite warm. Kindly look into this issue which I have read from other reviews. The hotel also has a certain odour buy it was not an issue.”
Mercure Sapporo
Anonymous User:“Decently size hotel at 21msq. Next to Hosei Susukino Metro station (a stop away from Odori Station in Tohu Blue Line) and within walking distance to airport bus bus-stop. Many restaurants and eating places around including Tanukokoji Walking Street. Hotel changes towels and replenish water & amenities daily but only clean every 4 days. Overall nice hotel, good location and convenient most places of interests.”
Premier Hotel -Cabin- Asahikawa
Anonymous User:“Room is small. Onsen is natural and nice to go to. Booked here cos I wanna go to blue pond from the hotel vicinity.”
HOTEL GLOBAL VIEW HAKODATE
Anonymous User:“We stay here for 2 nights.
Hotel have a very good location 👍🏻
Driving where nearby attractions place very easy to reach.
There was 5 car parking 🅿️
easy us although late check in still have many parking (parking have to pay at front desk)
Many restaurants & convenience store nearby.
Room are spacious & very comfortable with seaview balcony.
The buffet breakfast have variety of food so delicious 😋
Will definitely stay again, we ❤️ this hotel very much.”
Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park
Guest User:“Spacious and clean room with good amenities. 15 minutes walking distance from the train station.”
Resort Inn North Country
Guest User:“You need a car to get to this hotel even though it is not far from the town center. There is carpark available for hotel guests.
Breakfast is nice with lots of variety. Room is big but no lift. There is an indoor and outdoor hot pool in the public bath but outdoor was not open during my visit.
We stayed for 2 nights and we enjoyed our stay. Staff at recep and restaurant are friendly”
Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park
Aina Isabel:“Our stay in Grand Mercure went well. Staff are very accommodating however, the room that we got is quite old (with an old room smell) compared to the recent vlog that we watched from youtube video of Ms. Hazel Quing. Hoping that there would be a standard look/interior on all of the rooms.”
HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park
Sonnet&:“Pretty Good 👍🏻
The hotel is close to Hirobashi station, just a 5-minute walk.”
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo
an16111:“Professional staff team, very friendly up to the Japanese & Crowne Plaza brand.
Happy with the stay, will come & stay again, likely will opt for bigger size room type.”
ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose
Edwin Y:“The hotel is location about 20 mins away from the airport by driving. It is a shame that they don't provide shuttle service for pick-up or drop off to the airport, nevertheless it is a common sense to expect such service since the hotel has an airline name in it. It takes about 2200 yen to the airport by taxi one trip.”
Portom International Hokkaido
CHUI YI:“had a flight cancelled in the evening, so glad that i had booked this hotel . only a few mins walk to this hotel directly after getting back the luggage, even with the suitcase cart to the room door!!!
had buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant, good! and the lift of the hotel took me directly to departure hall! The room amenities are adequate, i had my home going flight cancelled and had no clean sleeping clothes with me. Lucky that they hv comfy onsen outfit that i could wear overnight.
:) recommended”
Hilton Niseko Village
Tella:“The hotel is porfessional and all staff are friendly, greeting each time they see you - it does make a difference to the feel of the hotel to have friendly staff.
I didnt understand the set-up at first, but now that Ive seen it I can help clarify - there are several hotels in the area that share a central location called Niseko Village and Pure activities - Hilton and another hotel open up directly onto these two areas within a 2 min walk. The Pure activities include the adventurous outdoor fun like the tree walk.
There is also a shuttle bus that runs several times a day to some key locations and is great if you dont have a car.
I also just want to thank Trip.com for helping me. I initially booked a different hotel but it did not go well and Trip.com reperesentatives (Lexi) really helped me and put me at ease when I was starting to worry that I wouldnt have a place to spend the night for our family.”What to Eat
Hyousetsu No Mon
没有蜡olling:“A good crab restaurant in the central district of Sapporo. It is now well-known and is often reserved by Chinese and Korean people. Generally, reservations are required in advance. The taste is really good. I still want to have a try every time I go to Sapporo.”
菓子工房フラノデリス
M25***40:“Went to buy milk pudding and cheesecake which was really good. It was full of locals and tourists. So avoid peak times if possible as you may have to queue for a long time and the shop itself is a bit small.”
Hanakoji Sawada
没有蜡olling:“In the new version of the tire guide, Hanakoji Sawada replaced Onmi to take the three-star Japanese food spot, so we arranged our first dinner here. We called to confirm the set meal with hairy crabs to indulge in it. From seasonal vegetables and bamboo shoots to Furano wagyu, from fresh fruits to seafood, it once again proves that Hokkaido is a great place where ingredients can create miracles. One of their specialties is sea urchin sushi made with eggplant, which is a great experience!”
Ajinohitsujigaoka
诗意情节:“Come to Sapporo to eat BBQ~ It's freezing outside but warm inside. Lamb & chicken, plus a steak! The quality of the meat is very good. The boss said it's all imported from Canada. It really melts in your mouth! The service is also great!”
Sushi-dokoro Hyotan
没有蜡olling:“In order to reward my husband who has worked hard for a year (working to support the family on weekdays, taking care of the baby + traveling and various family services on weekends), the three of us went out to eat sushi. It is really not easy to find a sushi restaurant that is suitable for taking children. It has been selected as a century-old restaurant for 4 consecutive years. It is hard to describe the feeling after eating. In the future, when I take my baby out to eat something good, it is better to go to a Chinese restaurant (all kinds of baby-friendly), Japanese food is also good, and French food is challenging.”
OTARU SUSHI KOU
没有蜡olling:“The extremely popular Kozushi, I can say that I have watched it grow up, from being unknown on Xingang Street to becoming famous after moving to the old railway pedestrian area. In addition to being fresh and having a high CP value, the taste is also improving day by day. I hope its popularity will not drop. Yu, the motivation for progress is also constant, keep going”
Soup Curry GARAKU
没有蜡olling:“It is said that one of the must-eats in Sapporo is soup curry. I chose the most popular one. Fortunately, we went early and caught the first round of the night market queue. We didn't have to wait too long. It's a very special basement restaurant. The queue is on the stairs. As the name suggests, soup curry is a soupy curry. The food was served quickly. It felt like it was stewed first and processed later. It goes well with rice. However, I still like ordinary Japanese curry more. I prefer the thick feeling rather than the watery feeling.”
Yozoranojingisukan
摆渡修行:“I am one of the few qualified candidates. The friend who went to eat with me is from Chile and has a large sheep farm in his hometown.
"I am very picky about sheep." The first sentence my friend said when he entered the door. I secretly broke out in a cold sweat.
お通し is marinated lamb. The fat and lean are balanced and the meat is firm. The sour taste is very appetizing with green onions.
"What kind of cooking is this? Not bad."
It's a good start, and it seems that we can still maintain the friendship.
There are not many choices on the menu, nothing more than the various parts of the lamb and the combination of different sauces. The lamb has no sheep smell at all. The second time I went with another friend, my friend was still praising "this sheep is so clean" in the first half hour, and in the second half hour it became "this sheep is really tasteless".
The menu also has options for pork belly and mutton, but we ignored them. After two drinks, my friend was getting more and more high. "OMG they should open such restaurants in Chile, people are gonna be crazy!!! What’s this called again? Chinchinsukan?" I shyly stopped her from continuing. No, we didn’t eat any weird parts. I quickly ate all the lamb and blocked her mouth.”
Letao Cheesecake Labo
没有蜡olling:“Half-baked cheesecake I was strolling around after lunch on the day before leaving and accidentally discovered this store. I learned that this was a limited-time store, so I decisively chose a box to bring back. Although I already had a lot of luggage, I couldn't resist the temptation of delicious food. The taste is pure, and it can't be compared with the various famous bakeries at home. Alas, our ingredients are still incomparable to others. This needs to be refrigerated. I like to put it at room temperature for a while before eating it, it will taste better”
Calbee+ Shinchitosekuko
cparissh:“In addition to selling French fries, Calbee French Fries Store also sells some other small snacks. The variety of French fries here is more than that in the supermarket, including French fries, potato chips, and various potato products.”
Ebisoba Ichigen Main Shop
没有蜡olling:“Yihuan's shrimp noodles are really good [smirk] The soup is really made from shrimps. The queue is comparable to that of Wudi's. The taste is really good [good][good][good] You can give it a try”Hokkaido Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes
Japan's Autumn Foliage Season | Early Autumn in Hokkaido in September
I knew Hokkaido wouldn't let me down!
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park ชมทุ่งทิวลิปสุดอลัง🌷
Recommend three must-see cafes for solo travelers in Sapporo, Hokkaido💫
Hokkaido Kiroro Grand Family Adventure
Hokkaido's Summer Flower Fields, Every Frame Like a Desktop Wallpaper
Hokkaido isn't just about skiing - summer in Hokkaido is breathtakingly beautiful too!
Hokkaido's Skiing Paradise! Kiroro Peak
Best of Hokkaido
Top 50 Hot Spring Hotels in Hokkaido
Top 50 Ski Hotels in Hokkaido
Top 20 Premium Hotels in Hokkaido
Top 20 4-Star Select Hotels in Hokkaido
Other Recommended Cities
Tokyo
Osaka
Kyoto
Nara
About
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.