Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, is home to a unique and beautiful landscape. Sprawling farmland, flower fields that sprawl across hills, snow capped mountains and plains, and stunning geothermal vents and just some of the unique views of Hokkaido.
While known to many travellers, few international tourists actually visit the island due to the remote nature of the island, the length of time available to them on their trip. Those who do venture into Hokkaido on their trip are rewarded with views and experiences not seen elsewhere in Japan. So join us, as we dive into the the must-see destinations of Hokkaido.
1. Mt. Hakodate
Regarded as one of the top nighttime views in Japan, Mt. Hakodate offers truly stunning panoramic views of the Hakodate Peninsula. Accessed easily via the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, this popular view attracts millions of visitors per year. For the best viewing experience, arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the view as it transitions from daytime to nighttime. Enjoy the view a the orange and white lights of the city slowly turn on, illuminating the city and creating a magnificent spectacle. Read more…
2. Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower
If you are in Sapporo, then a must visit site is Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower (which bears a striking resemblence to the Tokyo Tower). Enjoy the calm and peaceful park, or head up to the Sapporo TV Tower to get a one-of-a-kind view of Sapporo. Read More…
3. Biei Blue Pond / Shirogane Blue Pond
The Blue Pond found in the outskirts of the small city of Biei, is a pond that was created as a result of dams built along the river. However, due to the strong presence of minerals in the mountain fed water, the water takes on a cobalt blue appearance. The pond’s colour varies day by day based on the sunlight and presence of materials. Some visitors will be treated to stunning blue reflections, while others may have a more toned down version of the pond, yet still beautiful. The blue pond is best enjoyed on a sunny day. Read More…
4. Shirahige Falls
Found only a short drive from Shirogane Blue Pond, you can find the Shirahige Falls. Found along the Biei River, the waterfall is famously known for cascading down the side of the cliff face, and the stunning natural scenery around the falls. Read More…
5. Cape Soya, and Wakkanai
Cape Soya is the northernmost accessible point in Japan. While there is technically a small island offshore from Cape Soya, the island is no more than a few rocks and birds nests. As such, Cape Soya is regarded by most as the most northern cape in Japan. Cape Soya is a peaceful cape along Hokkaido’s northern coast that – on a clear day – offers up a view of the Russian island of Sakhalin, only about 50 km away. Wakkanai was a truly unique place to explore. From the wild deer that roamed the streets, to the wayfind street signs that were in Japanese, English and Russian, Wakkanai was stunning. Alongside Cape Soya, the nearby cape Nosshappu in Wakkanai city also offers similar views, as well as views of the nearby mountainous islands of Rebun and Rishiri. Read more on Wakkanai and Cape Soya.
6. Ebisu Rock
The Ebisu Rock found about a 45-minute drive from the Otaru Canal, is a destination that can really only be described as ‘Off The Track’ Ebisu Rock is a natural rock formation floating just offshore. The rock has a small shrine on it as well. The view of Ebisu Rock, with the imposing sharp cliffs in the background, creates a breathtaking view that the camera simply can’t do justice. Ebisu Rock was one of the most stunning places we visited on our recent trip to Hokkaido. Read More…
7. The Flower Fields of Furano
Furano is known as a ski paradise for most, however, what is also not known to many, is the many vast fields of flowers that also define Furano. Many farms such as Shikisai no Oka, or Farm Tomita offer remarkable and picturesque views as you traverse through the vast flower fields. Best enjoyed from June through to October, these fields are worth the visit. Outdoor flowers will start being planted around early May, so best to keep that in mind when visiting this area. Read more on Skikisai No Oka, and Farm Tomita…
8. Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a scenic historic canal found along the shore of Otaru City. Once used for the rice trade, the canal is now a tourist attraction, showcasing the ivy covered historic warehouses. You can a short boat tour along the canal, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canal. The Otaru Canal is best enjoyed in the summer during the peak ivy season, and also during the winter for the river illumination. Read more…
9. Jigokudani Hell Valley
The Jigokudani Hell Valley, otherwise known as the Noboribetsu Hell Valley, is a geothermal area known for its sprawling landscapes of roaring active sulfur vents, large thermally heated ponds, and traditional ryokans.
Enjoy a walk through the hell valley and get up close and personal with the geothermal vents, natural hot pools, and sulfur vents. Read more…
10. Lake Toya
Lake Toya is one of the largest lakes in Hokkaido. Formed as a result of a volcanic eruption, Lake Toya is a scenic destination about an hour and half from Sapporo City. One of the most popular activities on Lake Toya is the Lake Toya cruise, which takes you to the lake for a scenic sightseeing cruise. The sprawling mountain landscape around the lake, the snow-capped mountains, and the beautiful blue water create a picturesque view. Views of the lake can be best enjoyed from Sobetsu Park, on the lake’s Southern shores, the Toyako ferry terminal, and the Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck on the lake’s western side. Read More…
11. Shikaribetsu Igloo Village
Hokkaido is one of the coldest and snowiest parts of Japan. And It’s no surprise that winter tourism exists. The Shikaribetsu Igloo Village is a snow village that is built on the frozen lake of Shikaribetsu during the winter months. Usually accessible from January to Late March, the igloo village is constructed when temperatures reach as low as -30°C. This winter wonderland often has a bar where you get served ice cold drinks, and where you can enjoy snowmobiling, sled dogs and winter horse-riding.
12. Sarufutsu Esanuka-sen
The Sarufutsu Esanuka-sen is a scenic stretch of road about an hour outside of Cape Soya. The road is remarkably flat, peaceful, and is home to herds of Ezo Deer, a breed of deer commonly found in Hokkaido. Enjoy a peaceful drive along the Sarufutsu Esanuka-sen, take it slow and take in the scenery and sights, and pull over your car to enjoy the beautiful wildlife of Hokkaido. Read more…
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