The best 40 places to visit in Hokkaido

In Goryokaku park where you can find plenty of Cherry blossom trees you can enjoy the changing of the seasons with cherry blossom viewing during a lovely picnic or a splendid 3 star night view of Hakodate.
The Hokkaido area has plenty of major events to visit during the winter as well! Sapporo's snow festival is the most famous in Japan, featuring amazing snow and ice statues and an illumination spectacle around Odori Avenue.
Whether it is Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the spring or skiing in the winter, there is always something to do in Hokkaido. Let's find out what else there is in northern 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.

Cape Kamui

At Cape Kamui, the most popular place on the Shakotan Peninsula, a 360 degree view can be seen from the tip of the cape that protrudes into the deep sea.

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.

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium

One of the facilities used in the 1972 Winter Olympics. Even now, it is an active ski jump facility used for numerous international competitions. The view from the observation lounge is amazing.

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.

Moerenuma Park

World famous sculptor, Isamu Noguchi, was behind the design of the park. Its beautiful landscape with its geometrical fountains and playground equipment is one of its attractions. It is a park filled with nature, always changing with the seasons.

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.

Philosopher’s Walk

Philosopher’s Walk is an approximately 1.5km walking path along the foot of Mt. Higashiyama. On the western end of a canal built in the Meiji Era lies the stone-paved path which has also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Streets.

Sapporo Snow Festival

One of the largest events in Hokkaido for which more than 2 million people visit annually. Plenty of events where you can encounter huge snow and ice sculptures only to be found in an environment rich in snow.

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 Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu

Graceful skiing on a huge site that spans from the summit of Mt. Annupuri to the foot of the mountain. A ski resort that can be enjoyed by the whole family with a variety of courses.

Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park

At Hokkaido’s only national park, you can enjoy a variety of natural experiences in its wide spaces. The rainbow at Ashiribetsu Falls that can only be seen during October is especially a must-see.

Furano Jam Garden

Hokkaido Prefecture’s Furano is blessed with Mother Nature and idyllic farming communities. You can enjoy sampling jam making the best use of its ingredients and taking part in workshops making use of secret recipes.

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.

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area

Among the ski resorts at winter sports-filled Niseko, this ski area is recommended for its many relatively gentle slopes that will appeal to families and beginners alike.

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.

Oshinkoshin Falls

Selected as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan, it is also one of the Shiretoko Hakkei (8 Picturesque Spots of Shiretoko) as a site that you should not miss. You will also want to focus on the fall’s different expressions over the seasons. The waterfall can be approached midway through a series of stairs.

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.