Overview

Places of interest in Hokkaido

Overview
1 Noboribetsu
Steaming hell valley and nine spring types
8.5
A spa resort in southwestern Hokkaido where steam rises from a volcanic crater called Hell Valley. Nine types of spring water feed its baths and a free natural footbath, with a demon festival in late August.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 Meet Japanese macaques at the Noboribetsu Bear Park
  • 🌋 Walk through the steaming volcanic valley of Jigokudani
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Noboribetsu Onsen resort
1 Jigokudani Hell Valley Geysir
POI
1 Hotspring Spa
POI
2 Shiretoko National Park
Brown bears and drift ice in Hokkaido
8.3
A World Heritage peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido with volcanic mountains, a hot spring waterfall and some of the highest recorded brown bear densities in the world. Drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk reaches its coast in winter.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Hike to Kamuiwakka Hot Falls and soak feet
  • 🛥️ Take a wildlife boat cruise to see bears
  • 🌲 Walk the scenic Shiretoko Five Lakes boardwalk
2 Lake Mashu
POI
3 Daisetsuzan National Park
Japan's largest national park, in Hokkaido
8.3
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Asahidake Onsen
  • ⛰️ Hike to Mt. Asahi summit, Hokkaido's highest peak
  • 🚠 Ride Asahidake Ropeway to scenic Sugatami Plateau
3 Lake Akan
POI
4 Niseko
Hokkaido powder snow and four linked resorts
8.2
A resort area on the slopes of Mount Annupuri in southwest Hokkaido, known for its powder snow and four connected ski resorts. In summer the same area turns to rafting, hiking and mountain biking under Mount Yotei.
Highlights:
  • 🚵‍♀️ Explore mountain biking trails in Twin Peaks Bike Park
  • 🧗‍♂️ Take a thrilling zipline ride at Hanazono Resort
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard on world-class powder snow
1 Annupuri Ski Resort
POI
5 Furano
Lavender fields and powder snow in Hokkaido
8.1
A farming town in central Hokkaido, about 2.5 hours from Sapporo by direct bus. Its lavender fields draw crowds in July and its ski resort gets powder snow in winter. A seasonal sightseeing train runs through the flower fields.
Highlights:
  • 🎿 Ski on Furano’s world-class powder snow slopes
  • 🏡 Stroll through charming Ningle Terrace craft village
  • 💜 Visit vibrant lavender fields at Farm Tomita
4 Blue Pond
POI
2 Lavender Fields - Tomita
POI
5 Mt. Asahi
Peak
6 Hotel Park Hills
POI
6 Otaru
Canal warehouses, glass shops and sushi
8.0
A port city on Hokkaido's west coast, about 35 minutes from Sapporo by train, with a stone-warehouse canal and over 100 sushi restaurants. The main sights fit into a day. February brings the candlelit Snow Light Path.
Highlights:
  • 🦐 Explore the bustling Sankaku Fish Market for fresh seafood
  • 🎼 Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum and craft your own
  • 🌅 Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal at sunset
3 Otaru Music Box Hall Number 2 Antique Museum
Museum
1 Otaru Port Jukan Street
POI
7 Asahikawa
Asahiyama Zoo, shoyu ramen and sake
7.8
Hokkaido's second-largest city is in a basin in the center of the island and is known for its close-up zoo and soy sauce ramen. Winter adds snow sculptures downtown and penguins strolling through the snow at the zoo.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Sample Hokkaido’s rich miso ramen at local noodle shops
  • ❄️ Admire winter ice sculptures at the famous Asahikawa Winter Festival
  • 🐧 Watch playful penguins during the winter march at Asahiyama Zoo
2 Asahiyama Zoo
Zoo
8 Sapporo
Snow festival city with ramen and beer
7.7
Hokkaido's largest city, laid out on a tidy grid around Odori Park with snowy winters and green summers. Miso ramen, soup curry, fresh seafood and cold beer make it a food-first stop in the north of Japan.
Highlights:
  • ⏰ Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower landmark
  • 🌳 Stroll through Odori Park, Sapporo’s central green space
  • 🌄 Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Moiwa Observatory
3 Sapporo Clock Tower
Museum
4 Shiroi Koibito Park
Museum
5 Sapporo Beer Museum
Museum
7 Lake Shikotsu
POI
2 Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Shopping Mall
6 JOZANKEI ONSEN
Tourism Information
3 Sapporo Factory
Shopping Mall
4 AEON MALL Sapporo Hiraoka
Shopping Mall
4 Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
POI
7 Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
Museum
9 Hakodate
Harbor night view, seafood and a star fort
7.7
A port city at the southern tip of Hokkaido, known for the night view from Mt. Hakodate and a seafood morning market. It also has a star-shaped fort, hillside churches and hot springs, four hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Highlights:
  • 🦀 Visit Hakodate Morning Market for fresh seafood
  • 🏰 Explore the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and tower
  • 🌇 View the cityscape from Mount Hakodate at sunset
8 Hakodate Morning Market
Marketplace
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