
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?What to see & do in Hokkaido
Featured stories & fun stuff15 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 do. A lot of historical attractions, as well as shopping malls and parks, are located in Sapporo, and draw many...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...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...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...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...5 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...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...Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido
The Niseko ski resort is one of the premier Japanese skiing destinations on the island of Hokkaido. It has an...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...
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 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...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...