Hokkaido is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and no amount of time is enough to fully appreciate its vast nature and diverse attractions. First-time visitors to Hokkaido may be at a loss as to where to go. We will therefore introduce sightseeing spots and ways to enjoy Hokkaido according to seven different themes. If you are planning to visit Hokkaido, please read this article and use it as a reference for your planning.
Popular spots
Here are some of the most popular sightseeing spots that you should keep in mind when traveling in Hokkaido.
Sapporo Clock Tower （札幌市時計台）
Sapporo Clock Tower, a landmark of Sapporo City, was built in 1878. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, it is the oldest clock tower in Japan that continues to tick away the time. It is a symbolic historical building and a must-see when touring Sapporo.
Goryokaku Park（五稜郭公園）
This lush green park in Hakodate has a distinctive star shape. It is also nationally famous as a cherry blossom spot in the spring. Goryokaku Tower is also located near the park, and from the observation space you can see the star shape of Goryokaku Park below.
Asahiyama Zoo（旭山動物園）
This is a very popular zoo in Asahikawa City. The animals are cute and spontaneous, and you can even see penguins taking a walk. The zoo is full of ingenious exhibits that allow visitors to see the animals from various angles, which is sure to be a powerful and relaxing experience.
Jozankei Onsen（定山渓温泉）
Jozankei Onsen is a hot spring resort rich in nature that can be reached in about an hour from Sapporo Station. It is popular as a hot spring resort with beautiful seasonal scenery. It is a recommended location for those who want to enjoy hot springs in Sapporo.
Noboribetsu Onsen（登別温泉）
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring resorts, a rare place with a variety of spring types in one hot spring. Noboribetsu Onsen is located in Noboribetsu City, which is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Sapporo by car. Noboribetsu Onsen is about an hour’s drive from Sapporo and about an hour from New Chitose Airport. Please stop by when you travel in Hokkaido.
Otaru Canal（小樽運河）
Otaru City, which prospered as a trading center, is now a popular area for its retro townscape. The illuminated canalside at night create a fantastic atmosphere. There are cafes, galleries, and souvenir stores in the area, so enjoy Otaru’s art, culture, and gastronomy.
Otaru triangle market（小樽三角市場）
The market is located a minute walk from Otaru Station. The long, narrow aisles are lined with many stores, including fresh fish stores, grocery stores, and eateries. Try the seafood rice bowls and set menus made with seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood.
Lake Toya（洞爺湖）
Lake Toya offers beautiful nature in each of the four seasons. In summer, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing and kayaking. There are also many hot spring resorts and hotels nearby that offer views of Lake Toya, making it a great place to stay.
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A spot full of nature
Hokkaido is blessed with its vast land and abundant nature. Relax in a natural spot where you can refresh your mind and body.
Farm Tomita（ファーム富田）
This tourist farm in Furano Town is famous for its lavender fields. The best time to see the lavenders is usually around July, and the sight of purple lavenders covering the entire slope is breathtaking. In addition to lavender, there are many other types of flower gardens in the spacious park, where visitors can enjoy colorful flowers from season to season. There are also many cafes and stores, making this a spot where visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.
Mt. Moiwa（藻岩山）
Moiwa is easily accessible from the center of Sapporo, making it a relatively easy place to visit despite its natural beauty. The beauty of the area is expressed in each of the four seasons, and is especially popular during the wildflower season in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall.
A ropeway is also available, making it easy to climb to the summit. From the observatory at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast cityscape of Sapporo, and the night view is also recommended. This spectacular view is worth seeing at least once.
Lake Shikotsu（支笏湖）
Lake Shikotsu is known as one of the clearest lakes in Japan. There are campgrounds and bird-watching sites in the surrounding area, making it a great location to get in touch with nature. Hot spring facilities are scattered nearby, so you can enjoy hot spring baths while overlooking the lake.
Blue Pond （青い池）
Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) in Biei-cho is a lake that shines a beautiful blue color due to a combination of various conditions. The mysterious scene created by nature is very popular. The coloring of the lake changes slightly depending on the angle of view, the season, and the weather, which is another highlight of the lake.
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A cultural attraction of Hokkaido
We introduce spots where you can experience the history and culture of Hokkaido! By deepening your understanding of the region as well, your trip will surely be a richer experience.
Upopoy/National Ainu Museum and Park (ウポポイ/民族共生象徴空間)
Upopoi is a facility where visitors can learn about the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, who have been the subject of Japanese manga and TV dramas. The purpose of this spot is to learn about the traditions and culture of the Ainu people and to pass them on to the future.
Abashiri Prison Museum (博物館網走監獄)
A facility where you can learn about the life of prisoners in those days in Abashiri City. It is the only prison museum in Japan. The museum preserves and exhibits buildings from the Meiji period that were actually used in the former Abashiri Prison. The vast grounds are dotted with buildings of great historical value. In the restaurant, visitors can enjoy prison food that is a reproduction of the meals that inmates eat in the current Abashiri Prison.
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Romantic Spots
Hokkaido’s vast landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful at night. We introduce romantic and recommended night view spots that are ideal as date spots.
Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔)
The Sapporo TV Tower, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sapporo, offers a panoramic view in the middle of Sapporo. In winter, you can enjoy the illuminated night view of “Sapporo White Illumination” and “Sapporo Snow Festival”. Climb up the TV tower and enjoy the night view from a height of about 90 meters.
Asahiyama Memorial Park (旭山記念公園)
This is a large park built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sapporo City. The observatory is located at an elevation of 137.5 meters and is popular as a scenic spot for its excellent view. It is especially famous for its night view, which attracts many visitors at night. The park also has several playgrounds with playground equipment and open space, making it a perfect place to enjoy the park with children.
Mt. Hakodate（函館山）
Hakodate, also known as one of the three best night views in Japan. Hakodate is one of Japan’s three most famous nightscapes. A large ropeway takes visitors to the observatory at the summit of the mountain. The night view from the observatory at the top of the mountain is popular worldwide as a romantic nightscape that looks as if it is studded with jewels.
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Photo-worthy spot
In Hokkaido, there are actually many hidden spots with spectacular views that are still little known. Here are some of the best places to take beautiful photos of Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
Hachimanzaka slope（八幡坂）
Motomachi, a tourist area in Hakodate, is famous for its many hills. Especially popular is Hachimanzaka Slope. Located at the foot of Mount Hakodate, the area is lined with churches and Western-style buildings. As the first city in Japan to open its port, the area still retains a strong sense of being the first city in Japan to do so, and some of the buildings are a mixture of Western and Japanese culture.
Meruhen-no-Oka (Hill of Fairy)（メルヘンの丘）
Located about 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport, the picturesque Meruhen Hill is lined with seven larch trees. Since there are no buildings around, you can feel the magnificent nature of Hokkaido, with the sky and the earth stretching on forever. It is a great place to take fantastic photos.
Cape Chikyu (Chikyu Misaki)（地球岬）
Cape Chikyu Misaki, located in Muroran, Hokkaido, is such a popular tourist spot that it was voted No. 1 in the “100 Best Natural Views of Hokkaido. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, which is a powerful sight to behold.
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Unique Spots
Unique and unusual sightseeing spots that can only be found in Hokkaido. If you are interested in traveling outside of the standard spots, please check them out!
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden （函館市熱帯植物園）
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in Hakodate’s Yunokawa Hot Springs. It is famous for its monkeys bathing, and from December to May, monkeys can be seen relaxing while soaking in the hot springs.
Hoheikyo Onsen Hot Spring（豊平峡温泉）
Toyohirakyo Onsen is one of the few bathing facilities in Japan where the spring water is 100% free-flowing. It is also known as the “hot spring of beautiful skin” because it makes your skin smooth and smooth. The open-air bath in the midst of nature is large enough to accommodate up to 100 people. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot spring while stretching out your legs.
Hokkaido Ramen Dojo (北海道ラーメン道場)
This is a popular spot where famous ramen restaurants gather. Sapporo’s miso ramen, Asahikawa’s soy sauce ramen, and Hakodate’s salt ramen are all located here. Located inside New Chitose Airport, this is a great place to stop by while waiting for a flight, after arriving in Hokkaido, or before leaving for home.
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Cool Spots
We introduce you to the unique and cool spots that abound in Hokkaido. Let’s explore these spots filled with Hokkaido’s unique charm and culture.
Noboribetsu Bear Park (のぼりべつクマ牧場)
This bear farm is located in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido. Located at the top of a 550-meter-high mountain, it is accessible via a ropeway from Noboribetsu Onsen Town in about 7 minutes. It is a rare spot where visitors can see Ezo brown bears, which live only in Hokkaido. Visitors can feed the bears and enjoy a spectacular view of Hokkaido from the observation deck on the premises.
Tanukikoji Shopping Street (狸小路商店街)
One of the oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido. It is a shopping arcade with a total length of 900 m with a maximum of 7 blocks and a total of 200 stores, all lined up from 1-chome to 7-chome, and offers a variety of stores such as crepe stores, ramen shops, karaoke rooms, game centers, and souvenir stores. It is always crowded with people, so just strolling around is fun. It is a must-see when sightseeing in Sapporo because of its unique stores.
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Enjoy gourmet food unique to Hokkaido
Ramen, sushi, Japanese food, Japanese sweets… there are many things you will want to eat when you come to Japan, but we encourage you to pay attention to the unique gourmet foods of each region.
Some of the must-see items in Hokkaido are Jingisukan, Kaisendon, Soup curry, Zangi, Butadon(pork bowls), Miso ramen, and Sio ramen. There are many gourmet foods and famous restaurants that originated in Hokkaido.
Particularly recommended are kaisendon (seafood bowls) made with fresh Hokkaido seafood! You can enjoy a variety of kaisendon at markets, pubs, specialty restaurants, and many other places in Hokkaido. Warm gourmet foods such as ramen and soup curry are also recommended during the cold winter months!
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Discover how to enjoy each season
Japan has four distinct seasons, and each season has different scenery and things to do and enjoy. Each time you visit Hokkaido, you can enjoy different attractions. If you are wondering which season to visit, here is an article that explains in detail how to enjoy each season.
