Great Places you need to see in Hokkaido, Japan

Japan is one of the most powerful countries in terms of economy and technology. It’s home to many powerful corporations. Besides being technologically developed, Japan is equally a sumptuous touristic destination and home to several attractions as well as famous festivals such as the Matsuri.  How won’t you like to visit the famous gigantic pumpkin in Naoshima, or go to one of Japan’s oldest festivities in Tokyo. Not to talk about shrines and temples in Kyoto and Osaka. In addition, Japan is equally home to great places you need to see in Hokkaido or Himeji.

In the next section of this article, I will identify some great places in Hokkaido you really need to see or book when going on a trip in japan.

Hokkaido is the second largest of Japan’s four islands. During winter it’s weather is super harsh with a lot of snowfall. While in summer, the weather is not as hot as other parts of the country.

However, with its nature and presence of national parks, Hokkaido attracts many outdoors tourists and equally skiers, snowboarders in the cold seasons.

If you would like or plan to visit Hokkaido, these are beautiful places you should visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter.

10 Great Places you need to see in Hokkaido

1. Niseko

Niseko is known for its many light powder snow, spectacular backcountry and numerous foreigners and especially Australians. It is Japan’s famous ski resort and it offers winter adventurer seekers the option to explore off trail skiing.

2. Furano

This is a really great town in Hokkaido you need to see. Furano is mostly known for its pleasant rural landscapes. The best time to pay a visit here is in July when lavender fields are in bloom. Some top attraction you should visit are:

1. Furano Ski Resort
2. Biei
3. Furano Flower Fields
4. Cheese Factory
5. Blue pond
6. Furano Winery

3. You need to visit Sapporo

Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan and is the capital of Hokkaido. The city is reputed for its ramen, beer and annual snow festival that usually takes place in February. Other top attractions in Sapporo include:

1. Histori Village
2. Moerenuma Park
3. Mount Moiwa
4. Sapporo Beer Museum
5. Shiroi Koibito Park
6. Botanic Garden
7. Teine Ski Resort
8. Curb Market.
9. Sapporo Kokusai
10. Sapporo Station

4. Noboribetsu

The most famous Onsen in Hokkaido with many types of hot spring water surfaces is the popular Jigokudani or “Hell Valley”. If you like hot springs, you should stick here for a while.

5. Otaru

Otaru is a small city and it’s about half an hour from Sapporo if you take a train. It has a beautifully preserved canal area and crazy herring mansions. In the earlier days of colonization, Otaru served as a trade and fishing port. Besides, the canal area and herring mansion attraction, other attractive destinations to see are:

1. Otaru Snow Light Path
2. Nikka Whisky Distillery
3. City Museum
4. Sakaimachi.

6. Hakodate

You want to see a star-like shaped citadel or have fresh seafood for breakfast, Hence I suggest you visit Hakodate, Hokkaido’s third largest city. You can equally visit other attractions other than the Fort Goryokaku(star-like citadel) like:

1. Mount Hakodate
2. Onuma Park
3. Matsumae
4. Red Brick Warehouses
5. Motomachi.

7. Asahikawa

Asahikawa is not too known for tourism, but it’s zoo is one of the best and most popular in Japan. That is why I have included it in the list of the destinations to visit in Hokkaido. Their local ramen and noodles are equally exquisite. You should really try some.

8. Rusutsu

Rusutsu is one of Hokkaido’s best resorts. It’s large ski area covers three mountains. At the base of the ski slopes are two large hotels: the Rusutsu Hotel and the highrise Westin Rusutsu Resort so you can rest in a nearby place.

9. Jozankei Onsen

Discovered in 1866 , the town now has dozens of ryokan, restaurants and shops catering to hot spring tourists. Many ryokan offer day visitors entrance to their baths for a fee ranging approximately from 500 to 1500 yen. In addition, free foot baths can be found around town.

10. Abashiri

Abashiri city is found on the easteern coast of Hokkaido and home to around 35,000 people. The principal city’s attraction is its prison museum and the Ryuhyo(drift ice).

Other places you need to see in Hokkaido

Further destinations that I didn’t mention but still recommend you to see in Hokkaido are

• Kiroro Ski Resort
• Kushiro
• and/but not the least Tomaru

Do you want to go to Osaka or around ? These are some amazing places you should visit.