Your Next Stop Japan
Hokkaido 北海道
Hokkaido is the second largest of Japan's islands. It's home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan and some of the best seafood!
Select Attractions
Food
1. Miso Ramen
2. Hokkaido Melon
3. Soup Curry
4. Kaisendon
5. Soft cream
Sapporo 札幌
Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido.
Access: The easiest way to get Sapporo is to take a flight to Shin-Chitose Airport. There are many flights from Tokyo on a daily basis.
Main Attractions: Odori Park, Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo Beer Museum, Sapporo TV Tower, Nijo Fish Market
Festivals: Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo Summer Festival
Night life: Susukino
Tip
Shin-Chitose airport is a great airport for travelers. The facility houses a movie theater, massage parlor, and ramen street! Definitely worth arriving early to!
Odori Park 大通公園, Ōdōri Kōen
Odori Park is a long narrow street park in the middle of Sapporo. It's a great location for walks and is also the location for the Sapporo Snow Festival in February.
Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔) is located right in front of Odori Park and provides a 360 degree view of the city.
Sapporo Beer Museum
サッポロビール博物館
Sapporo Beer is the oldest and one of the most famous brands of beer alongside Asahi and Kirin.
The Sapporo Beer Museum provides a glimpse into the history of the beer brand.
Particularly Cool: The museum has many posters of the beer brand throughout its history, offering a fascinating experience to see how it changed over the years!
And of course: Yes! Tasting is available for beer lovers.
Susukino (すすきの)
Susukino is the primary center for Sapporo's nightlife. With many bars, clubs, and ramen, it's a great place to enjoy Sapporo's local delights.
Otaru 小樽
Otaru is a charming port city located on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan, roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital.
Access: Take the JR Hakodate line from Sapporo to Otaru Station. It is generally about 35 minutes if you take the express train.
Main Attractions: Otaru Canal, Otaru Music Box Museum, Otaru Aquarium
Festivals: Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Asahikawa 旭川
Asahikawa is a vibrant city located in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, about 140 kilometers north of Sapporo.
Access: The JR Hakodate Main Line and the JR Soya Main Line provide convenient rail access, while Asahikawa Airport offers flights to major cities in Japan.
Main Attractions: Asahiyama Zoo, Snow Crystal Museum
Festivals: Asahikawa Winter Festival: Held in February, this festival is known for its large snow sculptures, ice slides, and illuminations, attracting visitors from all over Japan.
Asahiyama Zoo 旭山動物園
Asahiyama Zoo is a popular zoo situated just outside Asahikawa City. You can get there by taking a bus from Asahikawa Station which usually takes around 40 minutes. There are also direct buses from Asahikawa Airport which takes 35 minutes.
Hakodate 函館
Hakodate is a scenic port city located on the southern tip of Hokkaido.
Access: The JR Hakodate Line connects Hakodate with other major cities in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Shinkansen extends to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, providing high-speed rail access to Honshu.
Main Attractions: Goryokaku, Mt. Hakodate
Festivals: Hakodate Port Festival, Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
Goryokaku 五稜郭
Goryokaku, which translates to "5-point fort", is a star-shaped fort in Hakodate. It is a popular sakura viewing spot for locals. There is a 107-meter tower on the fort where you can go up to the observation deck to see Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru Straits, and the Yokotsu Mountain Range.
Mt. Hakodate 函館山
Mt. Hakodate is an inactive volcano located on the southern tip of the Hakodate peninusula. The mountain offers a gorgeous view of the bay and city, making it a must see for travelers stopping by Hakodate. There is a ropeway at the base of the mountain which operate at 15 minute intervals. You can also hike up the mountain which takes about an hour.
Links: Mt Hakodate Ropeway
Niseko ニセコ
Niseko is a world-renowned and popular ski resort area in Hokkaido. It consists of 4 interlinked ski resorts of Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Annupuri and Niseko Village.
Daisetsuzan National Park 大雪山国立公園
Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest park in Hokkaido. It is full of onsens and hiking trails.
Access: The easiest way to get to Daisetsuzan is from Asahikawa.
Main Attractions: Asahidake Onsen