Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands.
Filled with natural beauty, the prefecture's mountains, lakes, and parks provide nature enthusiasts with a plethora of excursions throughout the year. During the warmer seasons, Hokkaido's hiking trails and lakes offer remarkable views and its parks are in full bloom. In winter, the island shines with relaxing hot springs and renowned winter sport spots. For the urban adventurers, Hokkaido's cities of Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate are filled with museums, restaurants, and much more.
1. Blue Pond
Blue Pond, or Aoiike, is located in the small town of Biei. People flock to this scenic pond year-round to witness the seemingly unreal color. The magnificent blue is most vibrant in late spring through early summer and is the result of aluminum that flows in from the Shirahige Falls. The man-made pond is the byproduct of a dam built to protect Biei from the volcanic mud of Mt. Tokachi's eruption.
Within the Blue Pond are submerged larch and silver birch trees, remnants of the forest before it was partially flooded. On windless days, the pond resembles a mirror, and visitors are treated to a perfect reflection of the sky. You can travel to Blue Pond during any season and whether the trees are sparkling with snow or the glass-like pond is mirroring the summer sky its uniqueness is guaranteed to fully mesmerize you.
2. Farm Tomita
Envision standing in a field encircled by a kaleidoscope of color and floral scents floating on the passing breeze. No need to imagine any longer. Farm Tomita is a popular attraction in Furano, a town centered in Hokkaido. On a clear day, Farm Tomita is an explosion of color, with its rainbow flowers seamlessly flowing into the blue sky.
The best time to visit the farm is from late June to early August when the flowers are in full bloom. Although the farm offers an array of blossoms, it is most famous for its lavender fields. If you desire to see the lavender, we recommend that you visit the fields in July when the hills are blanketed in purple.
3. Furano and Biei (Beyond Farm Tomita)
While Farm Tomita is the star attraction, the wider Furano and Biei region offers even more for travelers looking for scenic things to do in Hokkaido. Biei is famous for its “Patchwork Road,” a picturesque landscape of rolling hills divided into colorful farmland. Highlights include the Shikisai no Oka flower fields and the iconic Ken and Mary Tree.
Furano, on the other hand, transforms into a ski destination later in the year, making it ideal for things to do in Hokkaido winter. The Furano Ski Resort offers excellent powder snow, fewer crowds than Niseko, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In summer, cycling through the countryside is a peaceful way to soak in the scenery.
4. Hakodate
The city of Hakodate is located on the southern tip of the island and is cradled by the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. With its history as a port city, Hakodate is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, lending to its exquisite sushi and rice bowls. Foodies can treat themselves to a stroll through the city's morning market, where they can peruse the catches of the day.
Hakodate lies at the foot of Mt. Hakodate. The viewing platform at the mountain's peak is a popular spot for visitors and natives alike. The night time view of the city is one of the best in Japan, as visitors are treated to an expansive sight of the city's dazzling lights. While the bird's-eye view of Hakodate is remarkable, you can only truly experience the city by walking its streets.
The city is home to unique spots such as the star-shaped park of Fort Goryokaku, the historic neighborhood of Motomachi, and Onuma Park. With its diverse offerings, Hakodate has something for everyone.
5. Akan National Park and Lake Mashu
With breathtaking lakeside views, lush forests, and volcanoes, Akan National Park is a must-see spot in Hokkaido. Located on the eastern side of the island, the area is one of Japan's first national parks. The abundance of natural beauty makes the park an ideal place for sightseeing and hiking. The park is home to three lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu.
A trip to Akan National Park would be incomplete without a visit to Lake Mashu. This lake is one of Japan's most stunning natural attractions with extremely clear water and surrounding mountains. The park's observation decks provide visitors with panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Lake Mashu is equally famous for the fog that often blankets its blue water, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
6. Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya are popular lakes located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The park is on the western side of Hokkaido, well removed from busy urban life, with the small town of Shikotsu Kohan being the closest developed area. Both lakes were formed due to volcanic activity, which caused areas of the earth to collapse.
On Lake Shikotsu's coast, hikers can explore trails and trek up Mt. Tarumae. By Lake Toya, visitors have the opportunity to observe huge craters recently formed by Mt. Usu's eruption. After hiking, both lakes have onsen, or hot springs, nearby where weary travelers can rest their bodies.
7. Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo rests on the outskirts of Asahikawa city, which is in the center of Hokkaido. The zoo is known for its uniquely designed enclosures. Visitors can "swim" with penguins by walking through a glass tunnel, watch lesser pandas run above them on suspension bridges, and much more.
The lively atmosphere immerses visitors in an exciting and educational experience. The zoo hosts a diverse population of animals with native Japanese species as well as international ones.
8. Otaru
Otaru is a small port city located on Hokkaido's western coast. The city attracts Japanese natives and tourists alike with its charming environment. Visitors can walk along the Otaru Canal, which is the city's most popular attraction, or take boat tours through the area.
At night, the canal is illuminated by dozens of traditional oil lamps. The light's reflections on the water coupled with the historic buildings lining the canal create a truly magical scene. After spending time on the water, visitors can explore Otaru's streets. The city is filled with museums, including the Otaru Museum and glass-blown souvenirs, products of its presence in the glass-blowing industry.
Of course, with its history as a fishing city, Otaru has some of the freshest seafood in the area as well. The small city is swimming with memories waiting to be caught. Just cast your line. You’re certain to get a bite!
9. Sapporo
Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital, is Japan's fifth-largest city and one of the most popular destinations in Hokkaido. The city shines during winter with resorts offering therapeutic baths, renowned skiing and snowboarding slopes as well as its annual snow festival.
The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place one week in February every year. The festival is filled with exquisite snow sculptures, warm food and beverages, and snow activities such as slides and ice rinks. The festival's jubilant atmosphere transforms the longest nights into a winter wonderland.
Sapporo is also home to Odori Park, which is a public park in the heart of the city. The large area is filled with trees, flowers, and fountains, creating a relaxing environment in the bustling city. Another exciting feature of Odori Park is the Sapporo TV Tower. The tall structure's design is based on the Eiffel Tower and offers beautiful views of the city from the top.
For beer lovers, the Sapporo Beer Museum is a short drive away from the park and has beer production tours as well as tasting. Visitors cannot forget to try the local cuisine, with hairy crab and ramen being the area's staples.
The large city is bursting with activities, destinations, and culture, making it a required stop for visitors traveling to Hokkaido.
10. Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is on the eastern side of the island. The national park is well removed from the developed areas of Hokkaido and is known for its untouched environment. In 2005, the peninsula was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The remoteness of the area makes it an ideal getaway for hikers craving a break from the busyness of modern life. Visitors can enjoy the park's lakes, waterfalls, forests, and mountain views. The park is filled with diverse wildlife, including deer, foxes, brown bears, and eagles.
For individuals who want to observe the peninsula from the water, the park offers nature cruises along the coast. During these cruises, visitors have opportunities to observe aquatic life, such as dolphins and whales. Shiretoko National Park's undisturbed wilderness is truly a remarkable experience.
11. Niseko
Niseko is a town situated on the southwestern side of Hokkaido and is world-renowned for its ski resorts. People from all around the world travel to Niseko to take advantage of its fluffy powder snow, which provides unique skiing and snowboarding experiences. Niseko's resorts offer countless slopes with varying degrees of difficulty as well as off-trail skiing. Due to the large number of foreigners that visit the area, the resorts are easily navigable with English markings and signs.
The area is comprised of multiple ski resorts with Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri being the most visited ones. Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village are filled with restaurants, bars, and shops, while Annupuri is more secluded.
Regardless of which resorts travelers choose to stay at, the diversity of Niseko’s lodgings and surrounding activities ensure that visitors’ times off the slopes are as equally thrilling as their times racing down the mountainsides.
12. Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu is Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort town and a must-visit for relaxation. Its centerpiece is Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley,” a dramatic volcanic landscape filled with steaming vents, sulfuric streams, and bubbling pools.
Visitors can walk along wooden trails through the valley before heading to one of the many traditional ryokan inns for a soak in mineral-rich baths. During winter, soaking in an outdoor onsen surrounded by snow is one of the most memorable wintry things to do in Hokkaido.
13. Abashiri and Drift Ice Experiences
Located on the northeastern coast, Abashiri offers one of Hokkaido’s most unique winter attractions—drift ice. From late January to March, visitors can board icebreaker ships to cruise through the Sea of Okhotsk as it fills with floating ice.
This is one of the most distinctive attractions during Hokkaido’s long winter, offering a rare chance to witness a natural phenomenon not commonly seen elsewhere in Japan. The Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum—also known as the Abashiri Sea Ice Museum—also provides insight into the science and wildlife of the region, taking you much further than the tip of the iceberg.
14. Sounkyo Gorge
Sounkyo Gorge, located in Daisetsuzan National Park, is a dramatic valley known for its towering cliffs and waterfalls. In autumn, the area becomes one of the best leaf-peeping spots in Hokkaido.
In winter, the gorge hosts the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, where frozen waterfalls are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. This makes it a standout addition to your list of things to do during winter in Hokkaido.
15. Moerenuma Park (Sapporo)
Designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a unique blend of art and nature. The park features geometric landscapes, glass pyramids, and open green spaces.
It’s one of the more creative things to do in Sapporo, especially for those interested in architecture and design. In winter, the park becomes a snowy playground with sledding hills and cross-country skiing.
16. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
For panoramic views of Sapporo and its surrounding countryside, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a peaceful escape from the city center. The site is famous for its statue of Dr. William S. Clark and his iconic phrase, “Boys, be ambitious!”
This comes from the period where Clark was hired as foreign advisor to establish the Sapporo Agricultural College (SAC), now Hokkaido University (Source).
It’s a great addition to your Hokkaido itinerary, particularly for travelers wanting scenic viewpoints without leaving the city. In winter, the snow-covered fields create a serene, postcard-like setting—perfect for things to do in Sapporo winter.
Hokkaido Winter Itinerary (5 Days)
If you’re planning a trip focused on the snow season, here’s a short Hokkaido winter itinerary that combines cities, nature, and winter activities.
Day 1: Sapporo
- Explore Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower
- Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
- Enjoy local ramen and seafood
- Seasonal highlight: Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
Day 2: Otaru
- Day trip to Otaru Canal
- Visit glass workshops and museums
- Experience the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (winter)
Day 3: Niseko or Furano
- Full day of skiing or snowboarding
- Relax in an onsen after a day on the slopes
Day 4: Noboribetsu
- Explore Hokkaido’s Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with hot springs
Day 5: Lake Shikotsu or Sounkyo
- Visit frozen lakes or ice festivals
- Optional: snowshoeing or winter hiking
This itinerary highlights some of the best things to do in Hokkaido winter while balancing adventure and relaxation.
Ready to explore Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is a destination that effortlessly blends natural beauty, vibrant cities, and unforgettable seasonal experiences. Whether you’re exploring flower fields in summer or carving through powder snow in winter, there is no shortage of incredible things to do in Hokkaido.
From urban highlights packed with things to do in Sapporo to serene national parks and unique seasonal festivals, the island offers something for every type of traveler. In particular, winter transforms the region into a wonderland filled with some of the most memorable things to do in Sapporo winter and beyond.
Best things to do in Hokkaido: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Hokkaido?
The best things to do in Hokkaido include visiting national parks like Shiretoko, exploring cities such as Sapporo and Hakodate, relaxing in onsen towns like Noboribetsu, and enjoying seasonal attractions like flower fields in Furano or skiing in Niseko.
What are the top things to do in Sapporo?
Popular things to do in Sapporo include visiting Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower, the Sapporo Beer Museum, and Moerenuma Park, as well as enjoying the city’s renowned food scene.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo winter?
The top things to do in Sapporo winter include attending the Sapporo Snow Festival, exploring illuminated parks, skiing at nearby resorts, and enjoying seasonal food like hot ramen, soup curry, and fresh seafood.
What are the best things to do in Hokkaido winter?
The best things to do in Hokkaido winter include skiing in Niseko or Furano, visiting ice festivals, soaking in hot springs, and experiencing drift ice in Abashiri.
How many days do you need in Hokkaido?
A five- to seven-day trip is ideal to experience a mix of cities, nature, and seasonal highlights. A well-planned Hokkaido winter itinerary can comfortably cover Sapporo, Otaru, a ski resort, and an onsen town.
Is Hokkaido worth visiting in winter?
Yes—Hokkaido is one of Japan’s best winter destinations. With world-class powder snow, seasonal festivals, and unique experiences, it offers some of the most memorable winter travel in Japan.
