The best 30 places you can't miss when you visit Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the second largest island of Japan, and the largest, northernmost prefecture. From world famous snow festival to flower and lavender fields. Exploring the beauty of nature here yourself is something you must not miss out when you're in Japan. There is so much more for you to discover. You can find various activities here in Hokkaido! Here is a list we would like to show you the best 30 places that you don't want to miss while visiting Hokkaido.

Asahiyama Zoo

The animals of Asahiyama Zoo live in exhibits that are made to mimic their natural environments. Efforts were made especially in the breeding of animals from the colder regions. And the zoo has been successful in the natural reproduction of animals such as polar bears.

Mt. Hakodate

From Mount Hakodate, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Hakodate below. The wide Hakodate Bay and the Tsugaru Strait spread out in front of your eyes. The scenery changes with the seasons, but it is the night view that is overwhelmingly beautiful.

Shiretoko Five Lakes

The expansive landscape of the World Natural Heritage Site, Shiretoko, can be seen at Shiretoko Five Lakes'. It is also the natural habitat of the brown bear, and a tourist spot where nature is untouched.

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen, easily accessible from cities such as Sapporo and Hakodate, is the most popular hot springs area in Hokkaido. You can even do a day trip tour of the 14 hot springs.

Ningle Terrace

Located in the forest of the New Furano Prince Hotel, it’s an area where you can enjoy shopping in the middle of nature. The craft shops and cafes have become famous and popular, and they have even been used on TV shows.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Jigokudani (hell valley) is located right next to Noboribetsu hot springs. White smoke wafts up from the blowholes and you are enveloped in hot air that makes you feel as if you were in hell. The primeval forest in the surrounding area is known for its beautiful foliage in fall.

Mt. Moiwa

Mount Moiwa has one of the top 3 night views of Hokkaido, along with Hakodate and Otaru. On top of that, in the primeval forest of Mount Moiwa, designated as a Natural Monument, you can encounter various examples of flora and fauna.

Farm Tomita

Hokkaido’s leading tourist spot where you can enjoy the entire day. Admire the 15 hectare lavender field and the flowers, and enjoy the delicious culinary making use of local ingredients.

The Seven Star Tree

The Seven Star Tree became an overnight sensation when its image was used on a package of the Seven Star cigarettes. It is a scenic spot that represents the beautiful scenery of the hills of Biei.

Shikisai-no-Oka

Several dozen kinds of flowers bloom in the wide fields, and the large vicinity of Biei Town becomes like a carpet of blossoms. You can also enjoy snowmobiling during the winter.

Lake Mashū

The beautiful scene of a volcano, a forest, and a lake can be found in Hokkaido’s Teshikagacho District. The crater, Lake Mashū, is a prefectural heritage, and the surrounding area can also be enjoyed for its hot springs villages.

Odori Park

With flower beds and lawns prettily arranged, this is a park which beautifully adorns the landscape of Sapporo. Also a rest area for many people, it is used throughout the year for various events.

Blue Pond

This is a prominent tourist spot in the forested hillside of the Biei area. Truly one of the most hidden scenic sites, entry to this area was restricted up until 2010.

The Furano Cheese Factory

Not only can you sightsee through a cheese factory, but there is also an area directly run by the factory which provides products such as cheese and candies. Furthermore, there is also a facility to find out about the history of cheese and workshops.

Lake Toya

A lake located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed from volcanic activity. Along with nature and the surrounding landscape, you are completely free to enjoy the onsen and the outdoors any way you like.

Patchwork Road

The scenery of farmland spreading over a beautiful hilly zone brings together a wonderful collection of flowers and produce. There are many tourist spots to enjoy the grand landscape where you can appreciate the nature of Biei.

Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido Shrine has looked after Hokkaido since the days of its development. On its grounds which are lush in nature, wild animals such as the Hokkaido squirrel can be seen. The beauty of the spring cherry blossoms and plum flowers is also something that cannot be missed.

Shiroi Koibito Park

With not just a tour of the confectioner’s factory, there are plenty of highlights at the park such as displays and the history of candy along with the ability to create your original sweets. This is a place for all those people with a sweet tooth.

Rusutsu Resort

The total length of the ski runs is 42km. One of the charming points of the resort is that there are a variety of courses for beginners and advanced skiers to enjoy.

Otaru Canal

Active as the gateway into a developing Hokkaido from 1923, even now, facilities like restaurants have been revived in their original form. Otaru Canal is also known as the venue for the Snow Light Path Festival.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

The townscape that has been recognized as a prefectural heritage site and the historic red brick warehouse’s atmosphere create a must-see tourist destination when you come to Hakodate.

Niseko Village Ski Resort

The super popular ski resort will satisfy even the most advanced of skiers. The high-quality powder snow is the selling point. In 2014, a shopping area reminiscent of an old Japanese town was also opened.

Kami-no-Koike

A pond that has a depth of up to 5m, it is fed with 12000 tonnes of underground water per day from Lake Mashū. In its clear waters, there are fallen trees and fish. And depending on the season, the hue of the blue color changes.

Nakajima Park

Its contrast with the surrounding beautiful mountains is lovely as a nationally-recognized Important Cultural Property. Nakajima Park is filled with people throughout the year as an event venue.

Abashiri Prison Museum

Part of the buildings that had actually been used during the Meiji Era has been preserved and opened as a museum. Carvings of the prisoners of the time have been left, and there is a fascinating air to the place.

Sapporo TV Tower

The symbol of Sapporo standing out in the middle of the city. There is an observation deck to enjoy the nightscape along with restaurants. It is a superb spot to appreciate the scenery of Sapporo which changes every season.

Goryokaku Tower

The tower opened in 2006 has a height of 107 meters. The view from the observation deck changes depending on the time and scenery. You can also learn about the history of Goryokaku and Hakodate.

Lake Shikotsu

Although it is located in a very cold region of Japan, the water at the bottom of the lake is quite warm which means it is a caldera lake that doesn’t freeze over. The area has numerous tourist spots and surrounding nature.

Biei Hills

The town of Biei in Hokkaido is famous as a town of hills which has been used in commercials and televised dramas. The epic landscape just spreads out and it feels as if you are standing in the middle of a painting.

Ōnuma Quasi-National Park

Located close to Hakodate, this is a large park which includes 3 lakes and the volcano Komagatake. This is a large natural resort which can be enjoyed fully by families for the environment that is very Hokkaido.