Hokkaido Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors in 2025/2026

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is most famous for its world-class powder snow and stunning landscapes. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and skiers who travel to Japan.

Read on and start planning your unforgettable Hokkaido adventure.

Best Times to Visit Hokkaido

The best times to visit Hokkaido are from January to February for skiing on the world-renowned powder snow, and from July to August for lavender fields and outdoor activities.

However, these periods are also peak seasons to visit Hokkaido. It is recommended to reserve your hotels and flights at least 3 months in advance for good prices.

Hokkaido Monthly Weather and Annual Highlights

Hokkaido has distinct seasons with a warm summer and cold winter, and it snows for almost half a year. August is the hottest month in Hokkaido with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F) and the coldest month is January at about -4°C (25°F).

• January to February: Best for skiing with abundant snowfall.
• April to May: Perfect for cherry blossoms.
• July to August: A paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
• September to October: Experience the earliest fall foliage in Japan with minimal impact from typhoons.
• December: Enjoy the earliest skiing opportunities in Japan.

For more detailed information, check out this article: Best Times to Visit Hokkaido: Climate and Things to Do

Where to Go in Hokkaido for a First Visit

Hokkaido is a vast island with cities far from each other. However, each city has its own unique characteristics. If your trip time is less than a week, it is recommended that you visit two or three cities in depth to get a better experience.

Sapporo, Otaru, and Furano are the most popular tourist cities in Hokkaido. The capital city Sapporo offers a blend of local culture, festivals, and history of urban development. Otaru and Furano showcase the history and natural beauty, from canals to flower farms.

1. Sapporo

Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, acts as the region's primary gateway.

Sapporo's New Chitose Airport (CTS), the busiest in Hokkaido, serves as the main transportation hub, connecting the island to major Japanese cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD) is a small domestic airport connected to a few of Hokkaido's cities, being closer to the city center.

Sapporo is especially popular in winter, drawing visitors for its world-class ski resorts and the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival in February.

Don't miss landmarks like Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower during the festival for stunning views. Enjoy a seafood feast at Nijo Market and make your own chocolate at Shiroi Koibito Park as a unique souvenir for family and friends.

The Sapporo Snow Festival

• Dates: from February 4th to 11th, 2026
• Cost: free to attend

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in early February for a week and displays hundreds of large snow and ice sculptures. The festival is usually held in three venues: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, while Odori Park is among the best.

Ski Resorts Close to Sapporo

• Open: early December to early April

There are several ski resorts to choose from around Sapporo, among which Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine Ski Resort are the most popular, with the best powder snow and offering the top experiences.

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Snow World is perfect for beginners and families with children who could play in the snow for a day trip and enjoy gentle slopes and short runs.

Fu's Snow Area offers the best value for money, with the lowest admission and gear rental prices, and long opening hours, enough for you to have a great day.

2. Otaru

After a 30-minute train ride from Sapporo, you would arrive in Otaru, a historic port town famous for its charming canal and traditional buildings. In winter, warm yellow lights illuminate the canal at night, creating a romantic atmosphere against the snow-covered scenery.

Take a leisurely stroll along Sakaimachi Street and visit Otaru Music Box Museum to witness how time has shaped this town. For a breathtaking experience, head to Tenguyama to enjoy a panoramic view of Otaru city and its bustling port.

3. Hakodate

Hakodate, the third-largest city in southern Hokkaido, is a must-visit destination. From April to May, spring is the perfect time to admire cherry blossoms in the star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Beyond its historic buildings inspired by Western architecture, Hakodate is renowned for its fresh and affordable seafood, thanks to its status as a port city.

For a spectacular view, take the Mount Hakodate Ropeway to witness one of Japan's most breathtaking night views, overlooking the city lights as they illuminate the skyline.

4. Asahikawa

A visit to Asahikawa offers a fascinating encounter with animals and nature.

For families with children, Asahiyama Zoo is a must-see destination, where you could marvel at the king penguins' parade, observe polar bears up close, and discover a wide variety of other animals in thoughtfully designed habitats.

To stretch your legs and immerse yourself in nature, take a light hike to Arashiyama Park. From the park's observation deck, you could enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Asahikawa city. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Daisetsuzan mountain range in the distance.

5. Furano

Furano is often paired with Biei for its stunning flower fields and outdoor activities. In the summer, the landscape transforms into a vibrant canvas, with flower fields in full bloom showcasing lavender, sunflowers, sage, cosmos, and more.

It is also popular to visit Furano in winter for skiing. Furano Ski Resort is renowned as one of Japan's best, offering abundant powder snow, slopes for all skill levels, and a top-notch infrastructure. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a beginner, the resort promises an unforgettable winter adventure amid breathtaking snowy scenery.

6. Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is renowned for its mineral-rich hot springs and volcanic landscapes.

At the heart of it all is Jigokudani (Hell Valley), an area characterized by steaming vents, sulfurous streams, and rugged terrain. Walking along the trails around the valley allows you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.

The Noboribetsu Onsen area is a heaven for relaxation, offering a variety of traditional ryokans and public baths that provide both physical and mental rejuvenation. Soaking in open-air hot springs surrounded by serene natural scenery is an experience like no other.

7. Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Shikotsu-Toya National Park, located about a 2-hour drive from Sapporo, is named after its two iconic caldera lakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. This breathtaking park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering outdoor activities suiting all ages.

At Lake Shikotsu, known for its crystal-clear waters, you could enjoy kayaking or canoeing while taking in the serene surroundings. The area also boasts scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.

Meanwhile, Lake Toya is a popular spot for fishing, where you could try your hand at catching local fish species while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

5 Top Things to Do in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is well known as one of the best ski destinations in the world for its excellent powder snow and abundant snowfall. But besides skiing, what could be your top things to experience in Hokkaido? Read on to find out!

1. Experience Skiing and Snowboarding

Without a doubt, if you visit Hokkaido during the winter season, skiing is ranked as the top thing to do. There are dozens of ski resorts scattered across the island of Hokkaido — Niseko and Furano are always mentioned among them.

Niseko is the most popular ski destination, known for its consistent powder snow averaging over 15 meters (49 feet) in snowfall. It offers comprehensive services and activities besides skiing, not limited to snow rafting, snow tubing, and sledding.

Furano also has excellent ski resorts with 30% or more cheaper prices compared to Niseko, so it could be a cost-effective choice for families and is especially recommended for beginners.

It should be noted that the ski season in Hokkaido typically lasts from late December to early April, and January to February is the most popular skiing season. Reserving your itinerary, including hotels and services, 6 months in advance is highly recommended.

Read more details here: Japan Ski Guide — best ski resorts and travel tips.

2. Relax in Natural Sulfur Hot Springs

Hokkaido is relatively colder than other regions of Japan, especially when you visit in winter. Relax in natural hot springs to heal your weary body. Enjoying the snow-covered landscape while doing so could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Noboribetsu Onsen is the most famous one in Hokkaido. Before soaking in the hot spring, take a walk to stroll around this volcanic landscape, and maybe you could understand why this place is also named Hell Valley (Jigokudani).

Looking for top hot springs in Japan? Read more in this article: 10 Best Onsens in Japan

3. Explore the Best National Parks

Hokkaido has developed relatively late compared with other regions, with a vast land to explore, which has allowed it to retain much of its natural wildness and innocence. It is perfect for adventure seekers and experienced hikers to discover its beauty.

Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Japan, featuring alpine plateaus and mountainous landscapes, and it needs some hiking or trekking, which is perfect for hikers and adventure seekers. This hiker's paradise deserves spending days or even weeks exploring it.

Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most remote park of these three from Sapporo. It is known for its vast land, winding coastline, wild forests, and stunning lakes, and is often included in a long trip as a niche attraction.

However, Shikotsu-Toya National Park is close to Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, making it easy to include in your itinerary without wasting any time needed to transfer. It offers beautiful views and various activities that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and you could visit the nearby Noboribetsu Onsen for a relaxing experience.

4. Visit Flower Fields and Farms

Unlike the freezing cold winter, Hokkaido has a warm and sunny summer with an average temperature of about 20°C (68°F), which is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Wander through the blooming flower fields in Furano, surrounded by colorful flowers, and have a taste of lavender flavor milky ice cream. These would make a perfect summer for you in Hokkaido.

5. Try Hokkaido's Famous Ramen

No matter whether you have tried Japanese ramen (noodles) or not, Hokkaido's unique flavors are what you should not miss out on.

Sapporo miso ramen is the most iconic dish, featuring a rich, hearty miso-based broth topped with chashu (braised pork). Having some ramen during a cold night would warm you up quickly and give you strength for the next day's adventure.

Remember to inform the chef in advance to adjust the softness of the noodles and the thickness of the soup according to your taste. Bon appétit!

How Many Days to Spend in Hokkaido

If you're planning to include Hokkaido in your first visit to Japan, we highly recommend basing yourself in Sapporo due to its convenient transportation and central location, which could save both time and money.

A minimum of 5 days allows you to explore Sapporo and Otaru, offering a glimpse of Hokkaido's charm. Experience the island's history and local life at Nijo Market, Odori Park, Otaru Canal, and more.

To fully cover Hokkaido's major highlights, an 8–14 day itinerary is ideal. This gives you the opportunity to discover the island's stunning natural scenery, historical buildings, rich culture, and fresh cuisine.

For inspiration, we've outlined two sample itineraries below, tailored to 5, 8, 14 days, and beyond, to suit your travel needs.

5-Day Itinerary in Hokkaido

Five days are enough to explore one area or two cities casually, giving you a relatively full image of Hokkaido.

• Sapporo (2–3 days): Odori Park, Nijo Market, Sapporo TV Tower, and a food adventure
• Otaru (1–2 days): Otaru Canal, the Stained Glass Museum, and a chocolate-making experience

For an Itinerary That Lasts 8–14 Days or More

Having 8 or more days allows you to explore more cities and areas:

• Asahikawa (1–2 days): Asahiyama Zoo and a visit to Asahikawa Ramen Village
• Furano (1–2 days): known for stunning flower fields and farms
• Shiretoko Peninsula (1–2 days): perfect for nature lovers to hike and explore
• Noboribetsu (1–2 days): enjoy authentic Japanese onsens
• Hakodate (2 days): Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower, and a leisurely walk at Cape Tachimachi

Below is a detailed 8-day Hokkaido itinerary. You could use it as your tour or our travel advisors could adjust it based on your interests and duration.

• Day 1: Sapporo arrival
• Day 2: Sapporo to Furano via Asahikawa (Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa Ramen Village, and Clark Horse Garden)
• Day 3: Furano highlights (a Furano farm, flower fields, and the Blue Pond)
• Day 4: Furano to Noboribetsu (Noboribetsu Jigokudani and Bear Park)
• Day 5: Noboribetsu (Lake Toya and a ninja experience)
• Day 6: Back to Sapporo via Otaru (Otaru Canal, Otaru Music Box Museum, and a chocolate-making experience)
• Day 7: Sapporo highlights (Sapporo Clock Tower, Hokkaido Museum, Odori Park, and Nijo Market)
• Day 8: Sapporo departure

How to Get to Hokkaido

To get to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, the most convenient and fastest way is by air. While it is possible to travel to Hokkaido by train or ferry, these options take significantly longer — at least three times longer than flying.

By Air

There are 13 airports in Hokkaido, connecting Sapporo to other cities in Hokkaido with seven air routes, taking about 1 hour to travel between them.

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the main international gateway to Hokkaido and is normally your first stop. It takes about 1½ hours to fly from Tokyo to Sapporo.

Direct flights are available from major cities in Japan (such as Tokyo and Osaka) as well as some international hubs (including Seoul and Taipei).

Travelers from other continents usually require at least one layover to reach Sapporo, except for Australia, which is expected to have direct flights from Sydney to Sapporo starting in December 2025.

By Train

While the Shinkansen (bullet train) is a popular mode of transportation in Honshu, it is not yet widely available in Hokkaido.

The farthest you could take the Shinkansen from Tokyo is to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in Hakodate, which takes about 5 hours. From there, you would need to transfer to a conventional train for an additional 4-hour journey to reach Sapporo.

By Ferry

Ferries operate from ports, such as Oarai and Niigata, traveling to Hokkaido's Tomakomai or Otaru.

This is the slowest way to reach Hokkaido. The average travel time is about 15 hours but it offers a scenic experience and is the only option if you're traveling with your car from Honshu to Hokkaido.

How to Get Around Hokkaido

When traveling in Hokkaido, air and train could be your top choices from Japan's convenient public transportation, especially when you are traveling between its major cities.

If your goal is to explore one area deeply or venture into the vast wilderness, consider traveling via a private tour as this would be the most cost-effective way.

By Train

From Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, which is also the center of the train network center, you could easily get to most cities by train in about 3 hours.

It should be noted that not all trains have a baggage space for suitcases. Even if your train has, you are only allowed to take two pieces of luggage with you of a limited size, while other luggage needs to be shipped.

It is recommended that you travel light when traveling in Japan. After all, most of the necessities could be bought in Japan at reasonable prices.

By Air

If your travel plan contains some long-distance transfers with a tight schedule, domestic flights are your best option for saving time.

Notice that Sapporo has two airports — New Chitose (CTS), the international airport, and Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD). Make sure that you get to the correct airport before you embark since transferring between the two takes about 1½ hours.

Travel via a Private Tour

Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in Japan and the public transport is not flexible enough to suit your limited time and visiting schedule.

However, travel via a private tour could maximize your preferences through a tailor-made itinerary, a private car, and a professional local guide. The only downside is that it would be more expensive but, in return, you would have the best experience for your trip.

Why Is Car Rental Not Recommended?

In addition to the hassle of renting and returning a car, you are also required to obtain a Japanese driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) before hitting the road.

What's more, the strange country and unfamiliar road conditions add more challenges to your driving, not to mention black ice on the roads and whiteout conditions in winter, nor sudden encounters with wild deer that run into the middle of the roads in summer.

How Much Does It Cost in Hokkaido?

Costs in Hokkaido are almost the same as in other regions in Japan.

For example, a bottle of water costs US$1, a bowl of ramen costs US$5–8, and a meal at a sushi restaurant costs US$15–50. Budget hotels cost US$35–70 per night, while high-end hotels are more expensive.

It should be noted that prices might double during winter, especially in January and February due to the peak season and massive skiing crowds. It would be wise to reserve your hotels and skiing itinerary 6 months in advance to ensure your travel plan.

What to Pack for Hokkaido

Hokkaido has distinct seasons, with a cool and short spring and autumn, a mild summer, and a long and cold winter.

Sunscreen is a must since your outdoor activities would not be short and the local brands may not suit your needs. Wearing layers could help you adjust to the changes in temperatures.

Except for winter when you need to make adequate preparations for the cold, you could travel light in other seasons and buy most of your needs locally.

Let Us Help You Plan Your 2025/2026 Japan Trip

Are you expecting to travel to Japan in 2025/2026? See below for some of our most popular Japan tour itineraries that include Hokkaido:

• 8-Day Hokkaido Summer Vacation
• 9-Day Best of Japan's Winter
• 14-Day Japan Highlights and Skiing in Hokkaido

Contact us and we'll help you to plan your Japan itinerary based on your personal preferences.