10 Best Things to Do in Hokkaido

As Hokkaido’s largest city, Sapporo is packed with things to do. Sample a few different beers at the Sapporo Beer Museum, savour a delicious bowl of ramen, take to the slopes at Teine Ski Resort, or check out the tasty bites at Nijo Food Market.

That said, the most popular thing to do in Sapporo – and Hokkaido in general – is experience the Sapporo Snow Festival. This February event produces some of the coolest snow and ice sculptures in the world. In the past, some of the best sculptures have included castles, dragons, and life-size international landmarks.

Take to the slopes in Niseko, a little town that has secured itself as one of the best skiing destinations in Japan. Between the 4 interlinked ski resorts, there are dozens of ski slopes for visitors to try. There’s even relatively simple backcountry access via a gated system for those wanting even more of a thrill.

But Niseko’s powdery slopes aren’t just great for skiing. You can also snowboard, snow raft, snowshoe, or even snowmobile your way through this winter wonderland.

Located on a small peninsula in the Tsugaru Strait, it makes sense that Hakodate is a water-focused city. After all, you can see the beautiful ocean from just about every point in the city – from the ships at Hakodate Port to the top of Mount Hakodate.

But Hakodate’s affinity for water doesn’t end with the views. This Japanese city is also obsessed with seafood, especially squid. Fish for squid at Eki Ni Hakodate Morning Market, savour ika somen (a Japanese squid noodle soup), and even try a scoop of squid ink ice cream.

For decades, Otaru was a simple fishing village, and that history still has a significant impact on the town today. The most impressive home in town – now open as a tourist attraction – is the Herring Mansion, which was built from the wealth made from fishing herring.

On top of that, Otaru has a thriving glassblowing community that originally got its start creating oil lamps for fishermen. Today, these glassblowers create artsy glassware that make the perfect additions to any home.

The city of Furano looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. And while it’s stunning at any time of year, this Hokkaido town is particularly beautiful in the winter and spring.

When the colder months of the year roll around, Furano is blanketed in powdery white snow. It’s easy enough to head up to Furano Ski Resort and race down the thrilling ski slopes. And once the snow melts in the spring, brightly coloured flowers start to bloom in eye-catching red, pink, purple, and yellow hues.

Onsen, Japanese hot springs, are an integral part of Japanese culture. And Noboribestu Onsen is one you’ll want to make time for. It is, after all, the most famous hot spring on the island of Hokkaido.

Within this resort, you’ll have access to 11 different thermal water experiences. Each of these mineral-infused pools will relax your muscles, rejuvenate your skin, and unwind your mind. By the end of your day, you’ll feel like your best, most refreshed self.

Get out into nature with a trip to Shiretoko National Park. Located on the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, this national park has remained mostly untouched, making it the perfect place for flora and fauna to thrive.

Everywhere you turn in Shiretoko National Park, there’s something to see and do. On the east coast, bring your binoculars to spot bears, orcas, eagles, and more. On the west coast, walk on drift ice and keep an eye out for spotted seals. And pretty much

Akan National Park, also known as Akan-Mashu National Park, is filled with mountains, forests, volcanoes, and hot springs galore. It’s an incredible place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and instead enjoy a bit of nature.

That said, the most famous features of Akan National Park are its lakes – more specifically, the gorgeous Lake Mashu. As one of the clearest caldera lakes in the entire world, it looks like it belongs on a postcard. Snap a few pictures of this lovely lake, go on a hike around it, or stick around until after dark for a bit of stargazing.

Located in the town of Asahikawa, Asahiyama Zoo is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Hokkaido. Home to hundreds of animals, including red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, and reindeer, it’s an animal lover’s paradise.

The highlight of Asahiyama Zoo is the Penguin Parade. Every winter, the zookeepers coax all the adorable little penguins into a walk around the property. And as they waddle their way around, visitors snap dozens of pictures and coo at their cuteness. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Once you get a glimpse of Hokkaido’s Blue Pond, also known as the Shirogane Blue Pond, your jaw will quite literally drop in awe. The turquoise waters framed by the bright green trees look absolutely magical. It’s no wonder that a visit to the Blue Pond is one of the best things to do in Hokkaido.

What gives the Blue Pond it’s bright colour, you ask? That comes from the naturally occurring colloidal aluminium hydroxide. And while this mineral makes for a stunning colour, it also means that the water isn’t safe for swimming. In other words, it’s best to enjoy this lovely Hokkaido lake from the shore.