Hokkaido

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

Where & what to eat in Hokkaido

10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Sapporo
In a city as large and cosmopolitan as Sapporo, it really isn’t that hard to find good international food or traditional local cuisine. Variations, of course, abound and you’ll be able to pick and choose between pan-Asian, European, Japanese and...
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...
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...

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, however, and the...
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

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 are more than 4,000 venues within this loosely-defined...
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...

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...
Read more