Hokkaido is the only region to be its own prefecture and belongs to the Hokkaido region in Japan’s geographical concept. It is the northernmost administrative region and the second largest island in Japan after Honshu, ranking as the world’s 21st largest island, slightly smaller than the island of Ireland. Sapporo is the administrative center and largest city of Hokkaido. Centered around Sapporo, Hokkaido forms the Sapporo metropolitan area, which is well-known outside Japan’s three major metropolitan areas.

 

1. Weather

Hokkaido has a temperate monsoon climate characterized by cold temperatures. Snow accumulates from December to March, reaching depths of up to 4 meters. The southeastern coast experiences sea fog in summer, while the northern and eastern coasts see drift ice in winter. Hokkaido is minimally affected by the rainy season and typhoons. It exhibits significant seasonal and diurnal temperature variations, typical of snow regions, with distinct and pronounced four seasons.

 

2. Popular Attractions

Mount Hakodate: Located in Hakodate City, Mount Hakodate features an observation deck at its summit. At night, the shimmering streetlights along the narrow city streets of Hakodate, amidst the pitch-dark sea, create a stunning contrast. Together with the oil lamps lit on fishing boats, they weave a beautiful night view that is acclaimed as one of Japan’s three best nightscapes. Additionally, along with Hong Kong and Naples, it is renowned as one of the “Three Best Night Views in the World.”

Cape Kamui: Located at the tip of the Shakotan Peninsula near Otaru, in Shakotan Town, it is part of the Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park. The waters around the Shakotan Peninsula are deep blue like sapphire, clear and transparent to the bottom, known as “Shakotan Blue.” In summer, the hills are covered with Ezo (Hokkaido) Nadeshiko flowers.

Onuma Quasi National Park: The park is renowned for its unique islands, numerous lakes, and the majestic dormant volcano Mount Komagatake. The park is primarily composed of Onuma, Konuma and Junsainuma lakes, located at the foot of Mount Komagatake, spanning over 9,000 hectares in total. Eighteen bridges connect the islands within the park. Dense wild trees such as Ezo spruce, birch, maple, and rhododendron thrive on the islands and around the lakeshores. Strolling quietly along the lake shore or taking a boat ride around the lake reveals breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Lake Toya: Lake Toya is Japan’s third largest crater lake, formed 110,000 years ago. Even in the cold winter, it does not freeze over. The lake shore is dotted with museums and other artistic attractions, amidst rich natural surroundings.

Mt. Tengu: In the movie “Love Letter”, the poster of Nakayama Miho with her head up in the snow was captured here, which later became a classic scene. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of Otaru cityscape, especially beautiful at night. It’s a popular spot for night scenery, but temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, so dressing warmly is recommended.

Shiretoko: Shiretoko is a peninsula protruding about 70 kilometers into the Sea of Okhotsk in northeastern Hokkaido. Its name is derived from the Ainu indigenous people’s word “Siretok,” meaning “the end of the earth”. When it comes to breathtaking winter landscapes, Shiretoko’s drift ice certainly deserves the title of “a must-see scenery in a lifetime”. In winter, Shiretoko becomes a paradise for drift ice enthusiasts, where slowly drifting ice fills the Sea of Okhotsk. The combination of sea birds and sunlight transforms the water into a simple yet magical spectacle, breathtaking and tranquil.

 

3. Skiing

Rusutsu Resort: As Hokkaido’s largest ski resort, Rusutsu has been honored four times as “Japan’s Best Ski Resort”. With 37 ski runs, it’s widely recognized as Hokkaido’s largest ski area. Located near the renowned hot spring area of Lake Toya, it offers the perfect combination of skiing and hot springs. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from the mountaintop, which overlooks Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya landscapes.

Furano Ski Resort: One of Japan’s most popular ski resorts and among Hokkaido’s busiest, Furano has hosted multiple Ski World Cup competitions. The resort boasts diverse terrain suitable for skiers of all levels and features Japan’s fastest large-scale gondola for seamless skiing and summit experiences in one go.

Niseko Ski Resort: Known for its exceptional snow quality, Niseko is renowned as one of the best places in the world for skiing. It ranks third globally in snowfall, featuring soft, fine powder snow famously called “Japow.” The resort comprises four interconnected large-scale ski areas catering to various skill levels, from beginners to experts.

Kiroro Ski Resort: It is Hokkaido’s top ski resort for snowfall, offering fresh powder daily. It boasts a variety of ski routes, including the longest run of 4,050 meters. Located just a one-hour drive from Sapporo city, it provides convenient access for day trips.

Hoshino Resorts Ski Resort: Nestled in majestic natural surroundings, this mountain resort offers a diverse terrain ideal for skiing. It features extensive hotel facilities and various recreational activities in the snow. A major attraction is the popular “Alice’s Ice Castle”. Managed by Hoshino Resorts, this large-scale ski resort maintains high popularity even outside of the snow season. Its greatest appeal lies in its abundance of ski runs and complex terrain, boasting a total of 29 slopes, making it one of Japan’s leading ski destinations.

 

4. Convenient Transportation Guide

Hokkaido spans a large geographical area, and public transportation options are not as frequent as in cities like Tokyo. Therefore, it is recommended to explore Hokkaido by rental car or chartering a vehicle.

If you choose to use public transportation, be aware that travel time between attractions can be lengthy, and schedules may be limited. It’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance and research transportation options thoroughly to optimize your travel experience.

 

5. Accommodation Recommendations

Sapporo Station Area: Serving as Hokkaido’s central hub and transportation nexus, this area offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and seamless transit connections.

Areas near Ski Resorts: If skiing is a focal point of your trip, consider accommodations directly connected to ski resorts. This allows for easy planning of your skiing itinerary without transportation hassles.