8 Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in August

If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in August in Hokkaido for those who are interested in such things.

To learn more about Hokkaido in summer, check here!

About Hokkaido in August

Weather

In August, Hokkaido enjoys warm and pleasant weather during the day, with average temperatures ranging from about 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. However, in some areas, the temperature may exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Nights are relatively cool, especially inland areas, and it can get chilly, so light long sleeves are useful when going out at night.

Events

August is the season for diverse events in Hokkaido. Festivals offer beautiful fireworks festivals, as well as food and games at food stalls. Beer gardens are also held in many places during this season, where you can enjoy local beer.

Travel

August is the best time for outdoor activities in Hokkaido. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and canoeing in the vast wilderness. Hokkaido in summer is also a great place to taste fresh seafood.

August Fashion

When visiting Hokkaido in August, it is recommended to dress for the temperature difference between warm days and cool mornings and evenings. T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts and shorts or lightweight pants are appropriate during the day, while a light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt is recommended at night and early in the morning. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential to protect against the sun. If outdoor activities are planned, it is also important to wear comfortable, easy-to-move clothing and appropriate footwear.

Camping spots to enjoy in Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s vast nature is the perfect place for camping and other outside activities. Camping in the diverse landscape of clean lakeshores, majestic mountains, and wide grasslands is exceptional. In summer, in particular, the weather is cool and pleasant, and you can fully enjoy activities that bring you closer to nature, such as wildlife watching and star gazing. Here are some camp spots that will make you forget your everyday life and are perfect for a refreshing break.

Niseko Cottage BONGO （ニセココテージボンゴ広場）

The inn is surrounded by the rich nature of Niseko. In addition to camping in large log cottages and other authentic log houses, glamping tents are also available. These adorably decorated, SNS-worthy tents are equipped with a BBQ area next to them, creating an environment where glamping can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Youtei Outdoor

At Youtei Outdoor in Niseko, you can enjoy relaxing rafting and kayaking. Camping sites are also available, limited to one per day, and plans are available to enjoy camping with nothing extra. The camp site overlooks Mt. Yotei, the symbol of Niseko, and there is a spring-fed pond right next to the camp site.

Spots where outdoor activities can be enjoyed

Hokkaido offers an abundance of spots where you can enjoy diverse outdoor activities in the midst of magnificent nature. You can enjoy hiking in the clear mountains, canoeing on crystal clear lakes, horseback riding in the vast grasslands, and much more. Enjoy the outdoors with family, friends, or alone as you face nature in a way that only Hokkaido can offer.

Tokachi Millennium Forest （十勝千年の森）

The “Hokkaido Garden” in Tokachi Millennium Forest consists of multiple gardens with various themes, allowing visitors to experience the magnificent natural beauty of Tokachi.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities in the great outdoors. There is a Segway tour through the grasslands of Hokkaido, a natural cheese making experience unique to Tokachi, the dairy kingdom where cheese making flourishes, and a horseback riding experience.

Tree Adventure Furano（ツリーアドベンチャー富良野）

The Tree Adventure Furano venue is located in the Picnic Garden, about a 1-minute walk from the Shin Furano Prince Hotel. There are a total of 19 tree athletic stages in the forest, offering thrills and exhilaration. There is also an area for small children, so this is a spot that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Paragliding in Tokachi （パラグライディング十勝）

The Paragliding Tokachi allows you to enjoy the great nature of Tokachi from the sky. Tandem tandem experiences with a pilot, flying lessons, and schools are also available. The view from the sky is sure to be spectacular.

A place where you can enjoy making summer memories.

Shiretoko Nature Cruise （知床ネイチャークルーズ）

Shiretoko Nature Cruise offers nature-watching tours, and in August you can see sperm whales and dolphins up close. The sight of sperm whales leaping from their fins is a sight to behold. Even in summer, it can be chilly at sea, so warm clothing is essential.

Garinko ship（ガリンコ号）

The icebreaker Garinko, which thrusts through the ice floes with a large drill, offers fishing cruises during the summer season. Rental rods and bait are available for purchase, as well as Styrofoam to take home, so you can easily participate in the cruise with nothing to spare. Fishing while feeling the fresh breeze of the Sea of Okhotsk is sure to be a memorable experience.

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo （札幌市円山動物園）

Various events are held during the summer vacation at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, where you can meet polar bears, Ezo deer, wolves, and other animals unique to Hokkaido. Admission fees are reasonable, and the zoo is easily accessible by train from Sapporo Station, making it a good choice for sightseeing in Sapporo.

For those who want to know more about Hokkaido