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Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost Island, is the country’s last wilderness. The high mountains, crystal-clear lakes and wide-open spaces set it far apart from the hustle, bustle and city lights of southern Japan — and its empty, sweeping roads are ideal for self-driving. Despite its remote location, Hokkaido is linked to the main island by air and rail, and our specialists visit regularly so they can share their experiences to build a tailor-made trip to suit you.
This is where you’ll find Japan’s highest concentration of national parks, which vary from the almost fluorescent-green Kushiro Wetlands to Shiretoko National Park, where you can sometimes spot brown bears and sea lions. As Tokyo swelters through July and August, Hokkaido welcomes warm, temperate weather ideal for hiking in the high peaks of Daisetsuzan National Park or relaxing by the mirror-like waters of the island’s many caldera lakes. From December to February, Arctic air from Siberia is drawn across Hokkaido, ensuring the plentiful snowfall that makes this area a popular winter sports destination and providing the raw materials for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
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Places to visit in Hokkaido
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Hokkaido, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itinerary featuring Hokkaido
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Hokkaido, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Hokkaido
- Akan-ko National Park Hokkaido
- Asahidake Hokkaido
- Hakodate Hokkaido
- Kushiro Hokkaido
- Sapporo Hokkaido
- Shiretoko National Park Hokkaido
- Sounkyo Hokkaido
- Utoro Hokkaido
- Towadako & Hirosaki 231 miles away
- Nyuto Onsen 279 miles away
- Tazawako 284 miles away
- Kakunodate 294 miles away
Photos of Hokkaido
Our expert guides to exploring Hokkaido
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Hokkaido, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Hokkaido at its best.
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Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island
Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a volcanic, alpine-forested wilderness with bubbling hot springs and vivid-blue caldera lakes. Japan specialist Toby explains how you can make the most of your visit by self-driving across the island.
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Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
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Honeymoons in Japan Honeymoons in Japan
Honeymoons in Japan
Honeymoon couples looking for a cultural adventure will be spoiled for choice in Japan. Country specialist, Layla, discusses some of the highlights for those wishing to honeymoon here.
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Accommodation choices for Hokkaido
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Hokkaido. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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JR Tower Hotel Nikko
Sapporo -
Hotel Bearmonte
Asahidake -
Tsuruga Hotel
Akan-ko National Park