5 Places You Can't Miss in Hokkaido, Japan: The Top Tourist Attractions

Hokkaido is the northernmost independent island of Japan, and it is the largest prefecture in terms of area, covering approximately one-fourth of the country's land area, which is equivalent to 40 Tokyos. Exploring all of Hokkaido is roughly equivalent to exploring 4 to 6 prefectures of Honshu Island. Hokkaido is divided into four main regions: "Dōō" (Central Hokkaido), "Dōnan" (Southern Hokkaido), "Dōtō" (Eastern Hokkaido), and "Dōhoku" (Northern Hokkaido).

Among them, Sapporo is the center of Central Hokkaido, while Hakodate is the center of Southern Hokkaido. These areas are well-connected and have a concentration of tourist attractions, making them the most recommended regions for first-time visitors to Hokkaido.

Hokkaido experiences distinct four seasons, each suitable for travel throughout the year. The region is known for its abundant hills and mountains, boasting picturesque natural landscapes. Particularly in winter, heavy snowfall occurs, making it a renowned destination for skiing. Worth mentioning is that while cities like Tokyo and Osaka now offer lamb dishes, authentic Japanese lamb cuisine is still best savored in Hokkaido. Here are the five places in Hokkaido you should definitely visit.

Central Hokkaido (Dōō)

Although situated in the middle of Hokkaido, Central Hokkaido is often referred to as the "gateway to Hokkaido." Whether flying from China or other parts of Japan, most flights will land at New Chitose International Airport in Sapporo. Tourism in Central Hokkaido radiates outward from Sapporo. Staying in Sapporo and Lake Toya is recommended, as this will allow you to explore most of the region.

Recommended duration: 3 to 5 days

Sapporo Upon arriving in Hokkaido, don't miss out on exploring Sapporo, the largest and most developed city in the region. When in Sapporo, a must-visit is Odori Park located in the city center. The park features a wide variety of trees, flowers, and open grassy areas for relaxation. It hosts the Lilac Festival and Sapporo Snow Festival annually. At the end of the park stands the Sapporo TV Tower.

• Explore the Susukino district, known for its nightlife.

• Visit the Odori Park, a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

• Take a walk along the Sapporo Beer Museum, learn about the history of beer in Japan and taste some local brews.

Otaru

Leaving Sapporo, take the JR Hakodate Line to Otaru. Along the way, you'll pass by the Shiroi Koibito Park, the place where the iconic "Shiroi Koibito" chocolate, representing Sapporo, is produced. The factory has been transformed into a themed park, where you can not only tour the production line but also create your own unique sweets firsthand.

Otaru's Sakaimachi Shopping Street is a hub for buying souvenirs. Here, you'll find renowned confectionery shops like Kitakaro, Rokkatei, and LaTAO offering delectable treats. Otaru Music Box Museum provides enchanting melodies, while Kitaichi Glass dazzles with its intricate glass products. These are some of the most popular local specialties.

Along the way, you'll also encounter numerous Western-style buildings that have stood for over a century. As evening falls and the streetlights illuminate, a romantic European town atmosphere envelops the area.

Furano

This is Hokkaido's beauty representative. Technically part of Northern Hokkaido, it's quite close to Central Hokkaido and is often visited in conjunction with it.

In Furano, you can witness spectacular snowscapes and snow-covered mountains in winter, while summer offers vast fields of wheat and lavender, showcasing different colors throughout the year. For a first-time visit to Furano, I recommend exploring places like Furano Farm Tomita, Blue Pond, Shirogane Waterfall, and the Patchwork Road. If you're departing from Sapporo, taking the Furano Lavender Express high-speed bus directly to the Furano region is a convenient option.

Other highlights: Hot Springs & Skiing

The attractions in Central Hokkaido extend beyond this. For instance, there are two major non-freezing lakes in Hokkaido – Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. One is mysterious and serene, while the other is vibrant and lively. Surrounding these lakes, you'll find active volcanoes like Mount Showa Shinzan, Mount Usu, Mount Yotei, and even a bear farm to visit. Lake Toya has nightly fireworks displays during summer, and Lake Shikotsu hosts the Hyoutou Matsuri (Ice Light Festival) in winter. These attractions are great to include in your first-time visit to Hokkaido.

Southern Hokkaido (Dōnan)

Southern Hokkaido refers to the southern part of Hokkaido, where the climate is relatively mild, and the winter snowfall isn't as heavy as in other areas. There are fewer places to visit in this region. For a first-time trip to Southern Hokkaido, I recommend focusing on exploring Hakodate, one city, to experience its urban vibe.

Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days

Key Destination: Hakodate Hakodate is one of Japan's few large Western-influenced cities. Although it's not very large, it offers a lot to see and experience, including natural beauty, historical architecture, hot springs, delectable cuisine, and various outdoor activities, making for a rich travel experience.

Goryokaku in Hakodate is the last castle built during the Edo period in Japan. It's not a traditional Japanese castle; instead, it was designed in Western architectural style. The castle's outer shape is that of a pentagram, which is said to ensure no blind spots for defense against attackers. Next to Goryokaku is a tall tower that provides panoramic views of the castle grounds. The scenery is especially charming during cherry blossom season