Hokkaido
What you need to know before you go
Hokkaido is Japan’s northern prefecture and home to a snowy paradise with brilliant natural features and welcoming cities and towns available in equal measure. Winter holidays are especially popular here, given all the snow and opportunities for skiing among resorts like Furano and Niseko. Additionally, you can embrace the season in the city of Sapporo thanks to the Sapporo Snow Festival held every year, though the city’s signature beer and ramen are available all year long.
If you plan on visiting during the summer, Hokkaido welcomes you to mildly warm weather that offers a satisfying reprieve from southern Japan’s humidity. These conditions make it suitable for hiking and exploring the various national parks in the region, such as Daisetsuzan National Park and Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu. If you find yourself near one of the coastal regions of Hokkaido, expect some of the best seafood in the country, including freshly caught crab and salmon.
Top destinations in Hokkaido
Where will you go next?Niseko
Niseko is a village in the heart of Shiribeshi Subprefecture on the island of Hokkaido known for its scenic mountain range, ski resorts and outdoor adventure activities. The Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area and Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort offer lodges...Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. It’s well known for ramen, beer, snow, and being home to some of Japan’s most spectacular festivals. The most impressive is the Sapporo Snow Festival, held annually in Odori Park with huge scenes and...
What to see & do in Hokkaido
Featured stories & fun stuff5 Best Ski Resorts in Niseko
This guide to the best ski resorts in Niseko shows you the top spots for winter action in one of Japan’s premier skiing destinations. This part of Hokkaido has wilderness and consistent snowfall and powder quality throughout the snowy season...15 Best Things to Do in Sapporo
Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, is the 5th-largest city in Japan and packed with interesting things to...8 Best Things to Do with Kids in Sapporo
Sapporo has all kinds of attractions that families can enjoy in any season or any weather. You can harvest vegetables...10 Most Recommended Ski Resorts in the Sapporo Area
Sapporo, the undisputed centre of Hokkaido, is something of a tourist hub, bringing together the best of Hokkaido and Japan...10 Best Road Trips from Sapporo
Venture out from Sapporo and you'll find some great road trips. Hokkaido is full of hidden charms. Taking a drive...9 Places Where Locals Love to Go in Sapporo
Wondering which places locals love to go in Sapporo? For starting your trip in vast Hokkaido, it’s a good idea...Top recommended ski resorts in Hokkaido
Hokkaido seems to have a ski resort at every turn. Hokkaido's ski resorts are highly acclaimed not only by Japanese...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Sapporo
Sapporo is packed with great places for couples to enjoy perfect dates. The city has beautiful parks where you can...10 Things to Do in Sapporo on a Small Budget
Visiting Sapporo on a budget is possible thanks to the endless attractions that you can enjoy for little or no...
Where & what to eat in Hokkaido
10 Best Local Dishes from Sapporo
Hokkaido is arguably the best fishing zone in the world. Surrounded on 3 sides by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, the city is right at the crossroads between 4 ocean currents. And if...10 Best Foodie Areas in Sapporo
The vast city of Sapporo, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, covers an area about twice the size of Tokyo. An...10 Great Restaurants in Sapporo
The best Sapporo foods everyone should try are served at different local venues throughout the city. Sapporo is like a...
Where to shop & what to buy in Hokkaido
10 Best Shopping Experiences in Sapporo
As in most large Japanese cities, shopping malls are the most popular places to shop in Sapporo. You'll find all manner of goods inside, from souvenirs and bargains, to exclusive, designer goods. There's no such thing as a typical mall...9 Best Markets in Sapporo
Sapporo is known for its rich food culture and at its best markets you can find fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits from around Hokkaido. From famous restaurants that bring in the tourists to hidden gems where the locals dine, Sapporo...
Where to go & what to do at night in Hokkaido
9 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Sapporo
The best things to do after dinner in Sapporo include endless fun nightspots, especially in the entertainment district of Susukino. Make the most of your Sapporo nightlife by barhopping or dancing all night at a dance club. The night view...10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Sapporo
Many nightlife lovers see Sapporo as a more laid-back and relaxed destination than equivalent-sized cities in Japan. The main nightlife centre is Susukino – the largest north of Tokyo – with many 24-hour bars, restaurants, pubs. It's estimated there...
Useful information
Sapporo Travel Essentials
Our Sapporo Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Japan. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from New Chitose Airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do...