Top 10 Must-Sees in Hokkaido

Welcome to Hokkaido – Japan’s untamed northern frontier, where timeless beauty whispers through the lush landscapes, where contemporary cityscapes meet rustic charm, and every season paints a unique, breathtaking picture. 

This pristine destination is a paradise for the true traveler, offering an eclectic mix of sights and experiences that marry tradition with modernity and wilderness with urban comfort.

Join us as we unravel the top 10 must-see sights and places to visit in Hokkaido, each promising a unique and immersive encounter with the island’s inner essence. From tranquil hot springs and blooming fields to bustling markets and pristine natural parks, we invite you on a journey of discovery that will ignite your senses and carve unforgettable memories.

Huddled within the center of Hokkaido, Furano is an idyllic countryside destination characterized by its stunning landscapes. During the summer, Furano’s rolling hills transform into a vibrant patchwork of flower fields, painting the landscape with different hues from lavender to poppies, cosmos, and sunflowers. The popular Farm Tomita attracts enthusiasts with its stunning array of rainbow-colored fields featuring pink phloxes, white baby’s breath, blue salvia, and more. After taking in the sights, you can indulge in lavender-flavored ice cream and other local delicacies.

As winter arrives, Furano morphs into a snowy wonderland, becoming one of Japan’s premier ski resort locations. With its perfect powder, extensive slopes, and stunning mountain vistas, Furano draws winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. Add to these the picturesque snow festivals, ice carving exhibitions, and the opportunity to try local winter delicacies, and you’ve got yourself an all-year-round destination.

Situated in Asahikawa, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo and stands apart due to its innovative exhibits. Rather than focusing on mere viewing, the zoo aims to present animals behaving as they would in nature. For instance, the unique Penguin House allows you to observe these fascinating creatures diving and swimming from an underwater perspective, while the Polar Bear Aquatic Park and Seal Aquarium are designed to mimic their natural habitats. 

Lake Toya, a nearly circular caldera lake, boasts extremely deep crystal-clear waters that don’t freeze even in Hokkaido’s harsh winters — so the Lake Toya Cruise runs year-round. The serene lake, with Nakajima Island at its center, is surrounded by forested mountains, among them Mount Usu, an active volcano you can ascend on a ropeway. Hiking trails, pleasure boat tours, and cycling paths around the lake offer an immersive nature experience. Lake Toya also presents a unique spectacle every summer night — a fantastic fireworks display that lights up the night sky, reflected in the lake’s placid waters.

One of Japan’s most beautiful and unspoiled national parks, Shiretoko National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on the Shiretoko Peninsula, it boasts a raw, untamed wilderness that serves as a habitat for brown bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Outdoor lovers can embark on guided nature walks or boat tours to admire the breathtaking beauty of the Five Lakes area. In winter, the park turns into a magical realm of ice, with drift ice walking tours offering a unique way to witness marine wildlife. 

Hakodate, one of Hokkaido’s major port cities, is where East meets West. Its distinct blend of Japanese and Western influences is reflected in its architecture, most visible in the Motomachi district where you can find Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal churches sitting next to Japanese-style residences.

However, what truly makes Hakodate a must-visit destination is its seafood. At the Morning Market, you can savor the day’s fresh catch, indulge in sushi at one of the many local eateries, or feast on a succulent crab dinner. Before you leave, remember to witness one of Japan’s top night views from the summit of Mount Hakodate which can be accessed effortlessly via the Hakodate Ropeway.

Otaru, a small harbor city near Sapporo, is known for its beautifully preserved canal area and its historic buildings. The charming cityscape, featuring gas lamps and stone warehouses along the canal, harkens back to the herring trade’s heyday. A romantic stroll down the canal in the evening, when the gas lamps are lit, is a must. Additionally, Otaru is renowned for its glassware. Many glass workshops and retail stores along Sakaimachi Street offer beautiful handcrafted pieces, perfect for souvenirs. 

Covering over 54,000 acres, Daisetsuzan National Park is Hokkaido’s largest national park. The park is home to a chain of volcanic mountains, including Hokkaido’s tallest peak, Mount Asahi. Its untamed wilderness, alpine landscapes, roaring waterfalls, hot springs, and a diverse range of wildlife offer endless opportunities for hiking, nature photography, and wildlife spotting. In the autumn, Daisetsuzan is one of the first places in Japan to see the leaves change, creating a stunning display of fall colors. 

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a city that perfectly blends urban comforts and nature’s beauty. Its broad tree-lined streets and parks offer respite from bustling city life. Visit the iconic Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic city views, enjoy the city’s green lung at Odori Park, or explore Hokkaido’s rich history at the Hokkaido Museum. For beer lovers, a tour of the historic Sapporo Beer Museum is a must, while foodies can indulge in the region's famous ramen at the Ramen Alley. 

Abashiri, located on Hokkaido’s northeastern coast, is renowned for its drift ice phenomenon. During winter, the Okhotsk Sea’s surface freezes, creating a surreal icy landscape that extends to the horizon. Abashiri offers special tours on icebreaker ships, such as the Aurora, for an up-close experience of the drift ice. The city also hosts the Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival in February, where you can enjoy ice sculptures, local food, and fireworks.

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. The town, nestled in the volcanic landscape, is renowned for its diverse range of hot springs, each offering unique healing properties. There are nine different types of water with different mineral compositions, such as sulfur springs, salt springs, and iron springs. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely soak in one of the many public or private baths. A stroll through Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley”, with its spewing sulfuric gasses and hot steam vents, offers an awe-inspiring view of the area’s geothermal activity.