Japan Hokkaido Travel Guide, Tailor-made Japan Tour Packages
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country.
Hokkaido is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and ski areas. Rugged Daisetsuzan National Park is home to steaming, volcanic Mount Asahi. Shikotsu-Toya National Park contains caldera lakes, geothermal springs and a Mount Fuji look-alike, Mount Yotei. Popular ski resorts include Rusutsu, Furano and Niseko.
Destinations | Major cities
Sapporo
Sapporo is not only all about outdoor fun, great food and famous beer, with landscapes. A winter wonderland and summer haven. Snow and Sapporo are entangled: the city hosted Asia's first-ever Winter Olympics in 1972, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival offers big awe to visitors from the worldwide. In other seasons, Sapporo's green expanses and blossom displays are breathtaking.
Otaru
Otaru is a quaint and small harbor city in northwest of Sapporo. The name "Otaru" is recognized as being of Ainu origin, possibly meaning "River running through the sandy beach". It faces the Ishikari Bay, and has long served as the main port of the bay. The city was an Ainu habitation, and its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions make Otaru a pleasant day trip from Sapporo or a nice stop en route to or from Niseko or the Shakotan Peninsula.
Noboribetsu
In a country that is home to over 3,000 hot springs, that’s a considerable achievement. Noboribetsu is arguably the best therapeutic hot spring waters in Japan, it is Japan’s most famous hot spring resort. The reason for Noboribetsu’s successful hot springs? Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley”, a phenomenal volcanic valley situated just above the town, which is the source of its outstanding thermal waters - and rumoured to be inhabited by “oni”, Japanese ogres or demons!
Hakodate
The picturesque city of Hakodate that the third largest population in Hokkaido is renowned for its delectable seafood and splendid night views, also its historical background. Its location at the southern tip of Hokkaido makes it a convenient base for exploring the abundance of nature nearby. There are still a lot of architectures in western style on streets, it is attributed to the influences by western cultures.
Asahikawa
Asahikawa is Hokkaido's second-largest city with a major zoo and flourishing culture of arts and crafts and superb powder snow, it lies to the northwest of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and is a major gateway to Sounkyo Gorge and Furano. It has well over 100 rivers flowing through it, the area also presents great runs for skiing and snowboarding when winter comes along, plus a snow festival that rivals Sapporo's.
Furano
Furano is nicknamed the "navel town", and literally a festival to celebrate it, because of its position in the heart of Hokkaido. It's a large expanse of rolling hills. For situated along the Sorachi River, Furano belongs to Furano-Ashibetsu Nature Park. In winter, Furano is prime downhill and cross-country skiing territory with world-class slopes. In Warmer weather, here is perfect for river rafting, trekking, cycling, golf and other activities. And do not miss the flower fields on summer!