10 best places to explore in Japan's beautiful Hokkaido

Hokkaido doesn’t try to impress—it simply does. Japan’s northernmost island feels refreshingly different from the country’s fast-paced cities, offering wide-open landscapes, dramatic seasons, and a deep connection to nature. Winters are crisp and snow-heavy, summers are cool and flower-filled, and every corner of the island seems to reward travellers who slow down and look around. From world-class ski slopes and quiet coastal towns to volcanic lakes and untouched wilderness, Hokkaido is a destination you don’t just visit—you experience. Here’s a curated list of the ten best places to explore in beautiful Hokkaido.

1. Sapporo
Sapporo is where urban energy meets winter magic. The city comes alive during the Sapporo Snow Festival, when giant ice and snow sculptures transform streets into open-air art galleries. Outside festival season, Sapporo charms visitors with leafy parks, historic buildings, and one of Japan’s best food scenes. Spend your evenings in Susukino, slurping miso ramen or sampling fresh seafood, and don’t skip the Sapporo Beer Museum, a tribute to Japan’s oldest beer brand.
Best time to visit: December to February for snow festivals; summer for parks and outdoor cafés.

2. Otaru
Romantic, nostalgic, and effortlessly charming, Otaru feels like a town caught between eras. Its canal—lined with old warehouses and softly glowing lamps—becomes especially enchanting in winter. Glass workshops, music boxes, and seafood restaurants line the streets, inviting you to wander without a plan. Otaru is also known for its exceptional sushi, thanks to its coastal location and fresh daily catch.
Travel tip: Come at dusk to see the canal lights reflected on snow-covered paths.

3. Niseko
Niseko has earned global fame for one reason: powder snow. Consistently ranked among the world’s best ski destinations, it attracts winter sports lovers from every corner of the globe. But Niseko isn’t just for skiers. After a day on the slopes, soaking in a hot spring with Mount Yotei in the distance feels almost surreal. In summer, the region transforms into a green playground of hiking trails and cycling routes.
Best time to visit: December to March for snow; summer for outdoor adventures.

4. Furano
Furano is a postcard brought to life. In summer, rolling fields burst into shades of purple, pink, and yellow as lavender and wildflowers bloom across the countryside. Farm Tomita is the star attraction, but the entire region feels gently cinematic. Come winter, Furano swaps flowers for snow, becoming a quieter ski destination with fewer crowds and stunning alpine scenery. Local produce—especially melons, cheese, and wine—is another reason to linger.
Seasonal highlight: Mid-July for peak lavender season.

5. Biei
If you’ve ever seen photos of Hokkaido’s rolling hills, chances are they were taken in Biei. This small town is famous for its painterly landscapes—soft hills, endless fields, and winding roads that seem designed for slow travel. The Blue Pond, with its unreal turquoise colour, changes mood with the seasons and light, making it a favourite among photographers. Cycling through Biei is one of the most peaceful ways to experience rural Hokkaido.
Pro tip: Rent a car or bicycle to explore beyond the main sights.

6. Shiretoko National Park
Remote, rugged, and breathtaking, Shiretoko Peninsula is where Hokkaido shows its wild side. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to brown bears, deer, foxes, and some of Japan’s most untouched landscapes. In summer, hiking trails lead to waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. In winter, the coastline fills with drift ice, creating an otherworldly scene of frozen beauty that feels straight out of a nature documentary.
Best time to visit: February–March for drift ice; summer for wildlife and trekking.

7. Lake Toya
Lake Toya sits calmly within a volcanic caldera, surrounded by forested hills and distant peaks. The atmosphere here is slow and soothing—perfect for travellers looking to unwind. The nearby hot spring towns offer lakeside onsens, and during summer, fireworks light up the night sky almost daily, reflecting beautifully on the water.
Stay suggestion: A lakeside ryokan for private onsen views.

8. Hakodate
Hakodate blends history, culture, and coastal beauty effortlessly. Known for one of Japan’s most famous night views, the panorama from Mount Hakodate is especially stunning after sunset. Explore the Hakodate Morning Market for ultra-fresh seafood breakfasts, stroll through historic Western-style neighbourhoods, and visit the red brick warehouses that glow warmly in winter.
Must-see: The city lights from the cable car viewpoint.

9. Asahikawa
Asahikawa is often seen as a gateway city, but it’s well worth exploring on its own. The highlight is Asahiyama Zoo, where innovative enclosures allow visitors to see animals behaving naturally—even in winter. The city is also a ramen hotspot, with rich, soy-based broths perfect for cold days.
Tip: Visit in February to see the Asahikawa Winter Festival, with massive snow sculptures.

10. Rishiri and Rebun Islands
For travellers craving isolation and raw beauty, Rishiri and Rebun Islands deliver something special. Located off Hokkaido’s northwest coast, these islands offer dramatic cliffs, coastal trails, and sweeping sea views. Mount Rishiri, often compared to Mount Fuji, is a challenging but rewarding climb, while Rebun is known for rare alpine flowers that bloom close to sea level.
Best time to visit: June to September for hiking and wildflowers.

Hokkaido isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s about long drives, quiet moments, changing skies, and landscapes that make you pause. Whether you’re chasing powder snow, lavender fields, volcanic lakes, or untouched coastlines, Hokkaido offers a version of Japan that feels spacious, soulful, and unforgettable.