Trip To Hokkaido: 11 Best Things To Do in Hokkaido, Japan

Traveloka Accomodation
02 Jan 2023 - 7 min read

Things to do at Hokkaido - Do you like reading comics? Or watching Japanese dramas? Or are you a big fan of anime? You must have dreamed of going to Japan if the answer is yes.

Japan is the country where the comics and anime that you watch come from. This country located in East Asia is famous for its advanced technology and culture that is still very strong. Japan is indeed one of the countries that many people dream of visiting.

Japan has four major islands namely Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Hokkaido Island, the second largest island, is located in the north of Japan. Hokkaido is the largest district in Japan. Its area is about 22% of Japan, half of the area consists of mountains. The temperature is low all year round, and the climate zones are different from other areas, so you can see Hokkaido’s unique flora and fauna.

As previously stated, Japan has advanced civilization and technology. One such technology is the Seikan Tunnel which connects the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido and is the deepest and longest sea tunnel in the world. This tunnel functions as a railway line with a length of 53.85 km. It's amazing, isn't it?

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. But overall, Hokkaido is such a large area, it would take you more than one day to get around it. So, if your goal while on vacation to Japan is Hokkaido, prepare for at least 5 days to be able to try as many tourist destinations as you can visit.

Fun Things To Do in Hokkaido

1. Ride the Gondola on Mount Hakodate

Gondola at Mount Hakodate - Things to do in Hokkaido

Hakodate is a city located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido and is known as a port city. You can witness its natural beauty from the top of the mountain. Ride the Gondola on Mount Hakodate. Ride the Gondola on Mount Hakodate.

Apart from that, you can also try Fort Goryokaku. This is a star-shaped fort with a western-style building design, which presents a beautiful natural panorama. Goryokaku is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing locations in Hokkaido.

2. Enjoying The Hot Springs

Yunokawa Hot Springs - Things to do in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is famous for its hot springs which are believed to cure several ailments. The most famous and crowded resort visited by guests is Yunokawa. Here you can swim and soak in natural hot springs. The hot spring pool is comfortable and clean, one of the characteristics of the Japanese in taking care of the things they consider important.

There is also a Hakodate morning market for those of you who want fresh seafood. There are also various typical snacks that you can try. This market is open from 5 am, so you don't need to feel hungry in the morning.

3. Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival)

Sapporo Yuki Matsuri - Things to do in Hokkaido

The Sapporo Snow Festival is the most popular winter festival in Japan. This festival has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. Here visitors can see ice and snow carved in various forms. Starting from various beautiful world buildings to famous cartoon or anime characters. Yuki Matsuri can be enjoyed in February.

You can even try staying at the Ice Hills Hotel, a pop-up hotel built temporarily out of ice. This hotel doesn't last long because as the temperature rises, the ice melts.

4. Sapporo Tour City

Odori Park - Things to do in Hokkaido

Sapporo is an economic, cultural and political center. You can find various interesting things when visiting here, including neat roads, Odori Park which has a variety of beautiful flowers, the Clock Tower Building or clock tower which is one with a museum containing the history of the city, and Jozankei Spa which is a natural resource resort. famous hot springs not far from Sapporo.

Don't forget to try the Okurayama Observatory. Children will definitely like it because here you have the opportunity to see the process of making chocolate and taste it.

5. Enjoying Nature at Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park - Things to do in Hokkaido

Next is Shiretoko National Park which is located in East Hokkaido (Shiretoko Peninsula). An area that has 5 lakes with each lake having its own beauty, various waterfalls, up to drift ice attractions. It should be noted that Shiretoko National Park is the only national park in Hokkaido which is included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites and is one of the prides of Japanese citizens.

For those of you who are tired of daily activities, the views of the waters and mountains in Shiretoko can calm your mind. There are various deer and even bears that you can observe from a distance. Don't forget to try the nutritious and delicious seafood here.

6. Enjoy the beautiful lavender flowers in Furano

Tomita Lavender Farm - Things to do in Hokkaido

Lavender flowers have been cultivated in Hokkaido for more than half a century. In summer, which falls in June-August, is the best time to visit and enjoy the lavender flowers in bloom. The flower garden in Furano is arranged so neatly, with benches that visitors can use to sit.

The famous Lavender Farm is Tomita Farm. You are free of charge to enter and enjoy the beautiful views this garden has to offer. In addition, there are also cafes and shops that sell various Lavender derivative products

7. Floats on Otaru

Otaru- Hokkaido

Otaru is a city 30 minutes away by train from Sapporo. The streets and architecture built in this city will take you back in time. There are many historical buildings that are well-maintained and you can still see them today. Try to come to Chuo Bridge to enjoy the view of the city of Otaru from the river which is so clean. You'll never forget the 40-minute boat ride around beautiful Otaru.

You can book the canal route in Otaru city either during the day or at night. However, at night it is more expensive because the scenery that can be seen is much more beautiful.

8. Himawari No Sato

Himawari No Sato is a sunflower farm located in a small town called Hokuro-Cho. It is about 119 km away and can be reached by train from Hokkaido in just 1 hour and 50 minutes. This garden is very large, located on an area of ​​23.1 hectares.

At least, there are 31 types of sunflowers cultivated here. At peak blooming time, there are 1.5 million sunflowers in bloom. Here you can rent bicycles, visit the observatory, and also try the services of a tourist tractor.

9. Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park - Things to do in Hokkaido

Located in Kamikawa-Cho, this National Park is huge and unspoiled. The natural scenery is very beautiful. You can climb the Daisetsuzan observation platform to witness it. If you like hiking, the best time to visit is spring and autumn.

From the observation deck, visitors have the opportunity to witness not only the majestic Daisetsuzan mountain range but also the "sea of ​​clouds" by Sounkyo Gorge in the early morning.

There are many kinds of alpine plants and autumn leaves around Kurodake 5th Station and around Kurodake 7th Station, and you can also enjoy nature by cycling in Sounkyo Valley at the base by renting a bicycle.

10. Taste the Delights of Hokkaido Ramen

Visiting Japan is incomplete without trying the original food from there, namely Ramen. Ramen is a noodle dish served with broth and various toppings. Very delicious to eat in a variety of conditions. One of the most popular Ramen in Hokkaido is Hakodate Ramen. Its characteristics are found in clear broth and also thin noodles.

There is also Asahikawa ramen which is famous for its rather oily taste. Asahikawa ramen broth is a blend of soy sauce and broth from the sea and meat. Apart from that, there are also Sapporo Ramen, Kushiro Ramen, and Muroran Curry Ramen. All have their own characteristics.

11. Enjoying The Delicious of Sushi Saroma

Sushi - Things to do in Hokkaido

Saroma has dozens of restaurants where you can sample a wide variety of specialties throughout Hokkaido's seafood season.

Tourists and diners alike can order salmon roe, prawns, sea urchins, and conger eel, as well as scallops fried, salted, and cooked quickly at high temperatures. Straight from the lake and served on your plate, this plate of Lake Saroma sushi is sure to bring you a gastronomic experience that will greatly satisfy your taste buds.

Don't forget, Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products—milk, butter, cheese, yogurt—thanks to its large countryside that produces lots of milk. Kitaichi Garashu Kan, a restaurant in Otaru, specially sells seven flavors of rainbow ice cream during the four seasons. Flavor options include grape, matcha, strawberry, melon, milk, lavender, and chocolate.

Book Ticket Flights and Hotel Room in Hokkaido on Traveloka

Are you becoming more interested and curious to visit the various destinations above in Hokkaido? Are you ready to taste the delicacy of Hokkaido's special dishes that are so tempting to your mouth? Immediately arrange your plans for a vacation to Hokkaido from now on.

Not only Articles about Things to do in Hokkaido rhat Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you:

Book airplane tickets for your vacation only at Traveloka. Don't forget to book stay in accommodations on this all in one application. Find the best accommodations while in Hokkaido through Traveloka. Easy, fast, and also lots of discounts. Perfect vacation memories in Hokkaido will come true with the help of Traveloka. So, don't delay your vacation right now!

In This Article

• Fun Things To Do in Hokkaido
• 1. Ride the Gondola on Mount Hakodate
• 2. Enjoying The Hot Springs
• 3. Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival)
• 4. Sapporo Tour City
• 5. Enjoying Nature at Shiretoko National Park
• 6. Enjoy the beautiful lavender flowers in Furano
• 7. Floats on Otaru
• 8. Himawari No Sato
• 9. Daisetsuzan National Park
• 10. Taste the Delights of Hokkaido Ramen
• 11. Enjoying The Delicious of Sushi Saroma
• Book Ticket Flights and Hotel Room in Hokkaido on Traveloka
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