Hokkaido: Deep Discoveries
Basic information about Hokkaido
Hakodate is renowned for its stunning cherry blossom views in spring, the romantic nightscape from Mt. Hakodate, and its exceptional cuisine, including fresh seafood and flavorful ramen. Otaru, located approximately an hour's drive from Sapporo, is nestled between the Sea of Japan and nature-rich mountains. The city benefits from two key factors for producing excellent sake: pristine water and seasonal temperature variations.
Northern
Hokkaido
Eastern
Hokkaido
Southern
Hokkaido
Central
Hokkaido
Northern Hokkaido
The Northern Hokkaido area is a popular sightseeing area near Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei, and is famous for its spectacular scenery.
Asahikawa
This is the second-largest city in Hokkaido. The major airport is Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). It is recommended as a base for sightseeing because of its abundance of popular tourist spots and attractions, as well as its easy access to Furano and Biei.
Attractions
- Asahiyama Zoo
- Ueno Farm
- Otokoyama Sake Brewery
- Brewing Museum
- Takasago Meiji Brewery
- Asahikawa Ramen Village
- Asahikawa Winter Festival
- Tohma Limestone Cave
Biei / Furano / Tomamu
These areas are famous for their countryside scenery and the beautiful flower fields that include lavender. There are also great stargazing spots where you can see a natural planetarium with a star-filled sky. These towns thrive on agriculture and livestock farming with awarded wineries and many farm restaurants offering exquisite cheese and fresh seasonal vegetables. A little excursion from Furano to Tomamu offers miraculous views of the Sea of Clouds Terrace from above the clouds. Furano and Tomamu are also popular ski resort areas with fine powder snow where world-class competitions are held, and offer some of the best snow quality in Hokkaido.
Attractions
- Lavender Farm
- Furano Marche
- Shirogane Blue Pond
- Stargazing
- Ski Resorts
- Shirahige Waterfall
Sounkyo
The beautiful valleys with cliffs stretching 24 km are part of Daisetsuzan National Park, which is the largest national park in Japan, and is located at the foot of Mt. Kurodake. In particular, the autumn leaves in the surrounding area with a number of waterfalls create a spectacular view. In summer, many tourists visit to observe the over 250 alpine flora that grow in the park. The high-quality hot springs heal your body after a long day of climbing and strolling.
Attractions
- Ginga-no-Taki Falls
- Ryusei-no-Taki Falls
- Hot Springs
Wakkanai / Rishiri / Rebun
Wakkanai is the northernmost point of Japan, visited by many tourists searching for magnificent nature and seasonal delicacies. It is also the gateway to the popular tourist destinations of the scenic "Rishiri Island" and the flower floating island "Rebun Island”.
Rishiri Island is famous for fishing and tourism. There are many natural scenery spots, including the beautiful mountain Mt.
Rishiri and a popular small marsh, Himenuma, where you can see an "upside-down Rishiri Fuji" reflected on the surface of the water.
Rebun Island is Japan's northernmost island. Trekking is very popular and visitors can observe approximately 300 different kinds of alpine flora found on the 2,000-meter mountains on Honshu without having to climb the mountain. The Ezo-bahoon sea urchin and the northern purple sea urchin grow by only eating luxury food, Rishiri kelp, and are one of the tastiest urchins in Japan. You must try it!
Attractions
- Wakkanai Footpaths
- Kunimare Sake Brewery
- Rishiri Island
- Upside-down Rishiri Fuji
- Otatomari-numa
- Senhoshimisaki Park
- Rebun Island
- 300-kinds-flower trekking
Related Tour
Eastern Hokkaido
The Eastern Hokkaido area is a treasure trove of nature, where you will feel the mystery of nature throughout the four seasons, and offers magnificent scenery typical of Hokkaido. Many unexplored hot springs with a wide variety of spring qualities and great views are scattered throughout the area, including botanical moor springs, which are rare in the world.
Shiretoko / Abashiri / Monbetsu
The World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko is a peninsula with a range of mountains, forest, lakes, and seas that are in harmony and still retains a pristine wilderness where you can encounter a wide variety of plants and wild animals.
Abashiri and Monbetsu offer seasonal flowers from summer to fall in natural flower gardens. In winter, drift ice moving southward from Siberia covers the Sea of Okhotsk, creating a spectacular winter scene beyond imagination that can only be seen in Hokkaido. You can also enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk all year round.
Attractions
- Shiretoko Five Lakes
- Whale Watching
- Drift Ice
- Abashiri Prison Museum
- Road to the Sky
Kushiro / Lake Akan / Lake Mashu / Lake Kussharo
Kushiro is the base for sightseeing in the eastern Hokkaido area and the major airport is Kushiro Airport (KUH). Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo are three lakes that in particular attract many tourists.
Kushiro Shitsugen is the largest wetland in Japan with lakes and marshes that are remnants of the sea and was designated as Japan's first Ramsar Convention-listed wetland. It is a valuable habitat for many species of wildlife, including Japan's largest wild birds, such as the red-crowned crane, which is designated as a special natural treasure. Outdoor activities can also be enjoyed throughout the four seasons.
Lake Akan is known as a caldera lake inhabited by the "Marimo" moss balls, a national natural monument. During the severe winter season, the rare and spectacular "frost flowers" can be seen. On the south side of the lake, the Akanko Ainu Kotan and Lake Akan Onsen are located where visitors can experience the Ainu culture and hot springs.
Lake Mashu is one of the clearest caldera lakes in the world, where there are no rivers flowing into the lake and no impurities are mixed in, and its deep indigo blue water is known as “Mashu blue”. The lake is called "Misty Lake Mashu" since it is often shrouded in deep fog. A sea of clouds can be seen when climatic conditions prevail.
Lake Kussharo is the largest caldera lake in Japan, shining in cobalt blue. The view from the observatory is spectacular. Hot spring water boils from beneath the sandy beach, and surfaces when the sand is dug up in some places. The Kussharo Lakeside Hot Spring Resort is located on the eastern and southern shores of the lake, where a variety of hot springs with different qualities are available.
Attractions
- Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park
- Lake Akan
- Akanko Ainu Kotan
- Akanko Ainu Theater
- Bokke Nature Trail
- Lake Mashu
- Lake Kussharo
- Cape Nosappu
Tokachi / Obihiro
The Tokachi area is a vast patchwork of farmland and green fields, and its beautiful scenery is perfect for driving. It is one of the nation's most productive upland cropping regions, where agriculture and livestock farming are thriving, offering many farm restaurants run by farmers and ranchers, where visitors can enjoy gourmet foods that take advantage of the tranquil scenery and fresh ingredients.
Obihiro is the base for sightseeing in Tokachi. A major airport is Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO). “Buta-don” or pork bowl is a specialty of Obihiro that is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy savory pork and white rice.
Attractions
- Taushubetsu River Bridge
- Naitai Highland Farm
- Hokkaido Garden Path
- Mikuni Pass
- Lake Shikaribetsu
- Lake Onneto
Related Tour
Southern Hokkaido
The Southern Hokkaido area consists of the southwestern part of Hokkaido, offering a rich variety of nature, culture, and history. It is one of Japan's leading fishery bases where visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood. Compared to other areas, there are smaller temperature differences throughout the year and less snowfall.
Hakodate
Hakodate is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido, and is an exotic city with a blend of Japanese and Western style buildings developed greatly by incorporating various cultures from other countries. A major airport is Hakodate Airport (HKD). The JR Shinkansen connects Tokyo Station and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in about four hours.
Attractions
- Motomachi area
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
- Hakodate ramen
- Yunokawa Onsen
Onuma
Onuma offers beautiful seasonal scenery and a variety of activities all around. Onuma Quasi-National Park is the cradle of Hokkaido Resorts and includes three lakes, 126 islets, and the beautiful volcanic Mt. Komagatake. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent view from the lakes, especially during autumn, and many activities such as a boat cruise, cycling, smelt fishing on ice and snow activities.
Attractions
- Onuma Quasi-National Park
Matsumae / Esashi
Matsumae and Esashi prospered through the Kitamaebune trade and inherited many historical assets, retaining vestiges of the Edo period. Matsumae-cho is the northernmost castle town in Japan and is known for its cherry blossoms. Esashi-cho prospered from herring fishing as a port of call for the Kitamae merchant ship. The Japan Sea coastline connecting these towns with its strange rock formations and spectacular views is a popular driving route known as the "Oiwake Soran Line".
Attractions
- Matsumae Castle
- "hanshu-ryori"/feudal lord cuisine
- "Matsumae-zuke" pickles
- Inishie Kaido Street
- Ubagamidaijingu Shrine
- herring soba
Okushiri
Okushiri Island is the fifth-largest island in Hokkaido, located about two hours away by ferry in the northwest of Esashi. The main airport is Okushiri Airport (OIR). The island is known for its unspoiled nature and interesting rock formations along the coastline. The blue sea, which is as clear as 25 meters, is called “Okushiri blue.” The island is also a seafood paradise, with abundant sea urchins, abalone, and other seafood. Gourmet foods such as Okushiri wine, Okushiri wagyu beef, and mountain products can also be enjoyed.
Attractions
- Nabetsuru-iwa Rock
- "sanpeijiru”/local soup
- Okushiri Winery
Related Tour
Central Hokkaido
The Central Hokkaido area is the center of Hokkaido tourism and the most popular tourist destination for first-time visitors to Hokkaido. New Chitose Airport (CTS), the gateway to Hokkaido, is located in this area, providing easy access to many tourist attractions.
Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, where nature and city are in harmony, and offers a wide variety of enjoyment, including large-scale events, historical buildings, and cutting-edge cuisine.
Attractions
- Odori Park
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Sapporo Beer Museum
- Shiroi Koibito Park
- Sapporo Snow Festival
- Mt. Moiwa - night view
Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen is a popular hot spring resort area with 56 sources of clear, colorless sodium chloride hot spring water and is a day excursion from Sapporo. It is surrounded by valleys and deep forests and offers beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons, especially in autumn.
Attractions
- Futami Suspension Bridge
- Houheikyou Dam
- Jozankei Nature Luminarie
- Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro
Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu, known as the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan, has a unique blue color called “Shikotsu blue” and is the clearest lake in Japan in terms of water quality. There are many leisure activities including canoeing and a sightseeing boat with an underwater observation deck. In winter, the "Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival" and its various colorfully illuminated ice sculptures creates a fantastic world.
Attractions
- Underwater Glass Boat
- Clear-bottom Kayak
- Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Otaru / Yoichi / Niki / Shakotan Peninsula
Otaru was a bustling port town and the commercial center of Hokkaido. The Otaru Canal and many historical buildings remain, making it a pleasant place to stroll around. Glass crafts and music boxes are popular souvenirs and touring sushi restaurants is part of the fun in the town.
Driving to Yoichi, Niki and Shakotan Peninsula are very popular routes from Otaru. Yoichi has awarded wineries and the Yoichi Distillery where Nikka Whiskey is made. Niki is famous for its fruits, where visitors can enjoy picking seasonal fruits. Shakotan Peninsula offers beautiful scenic spots with a varied coastline and the “Shakotan Blue” sea, and is famous for sea urchins.
Attractions
- Otaru Canal
- Kitaichi Hall
- Otaru Art Base
- Otaru Sankaku Market
- Sakaimachi Dori
- Yoichi Distillery
- Wineries
- Blue Cave
Niseko
Niseko offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and is a well-known ski resort with the world's best powder snow. In summer, visitors can enjoy balloon flights, horseback riding, canoeing, and whitewater rafting. After a long day in the outdoors, you can relax in the hot springs.
Attractions
- Ski resorts
- Hot springs
- Outdoor activities
Toya / Noboribetsu
Lake Toya is a very popular traditional hot spring resort area with a beautiful lake recognized as a Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark where you can feel the mystery of nature and the earth. The surrounding area is designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido with nine different types of spring water, where you can see the source of the spring and the sight of white smoke rising from the surface of the mountains, reminding you of the energy of the earth. An excursion to Shiraoi offers a look into the Ainu culture.
Attractions
- Lake Toya
- Mt. Showa-Shinzan
- Mt. Usu/Usuzan Ropeway
- Jigokudani/Hell Valley
- Oyunuma
- Oyunuma River Natural Footbath
- Noboribetsu Bear Park
- Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
Hidaka / Erimo
The Hidaka area is one of Japan's leading thoroughbred breeding areas, with idyllic pasture landscapes at the foot of the Hidaka Mountains.
The Shizunai Nijukken Road is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido, where a 7-kilometer /4.4mile straight stretch of the road is lined with over 2,000 cherry trees. It has been selected as one of the “100 best roads in Japan” and “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots."
Cape Erimo is located at the southernmost point of the Hidaka Mountains, and is one of the windiest areas in Japan. The reefs off Cape Erimo are home to around 500 harbor seals, which can be observed using binoculars.
Attractions
- The Shizunai Nijukken Road
- Cape Erimo
- seals watching