Hokkaido is Japan’s northern island, and it feels different from the rest of the country: more space, cooler summers, snow that lasts for months, and a food culture built around seafood and dairy. It’s bigger than most visitors expect, about 78,000 square kilometers, the second-largest island in Japan, so the sights below are far apart and a trip here needs a plan.
| Area | about 77,949 km², Japan’s second-largest island |
|---|---|
| Otaru Canal | completed 1923, 1,140 m long |
| Mount Hakodate | 333.8 m |
| Asahiyama Zoo | opened 1967, Japan’s northernmost zoo |
| Climate | subarctic, heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side |
Sapporo, the main gateway
Sapporo is the island’s capital and the main airport hub, with Odori Park, the beer museum and miso ramen. Most trips start and end here. See our Sapporo city guide.
Otaru Canal
About 30 to 40 minutes by train from Sapporo, Otaru was once Hokkaido’s main port. Its canal was completed in 1923, and it’s about 1,140 meters long. It’s the only canal in Japan built by reclaiming land from the sea, which gives it a gentle curve. Half of it was filled in during 1986 to make a road and a promenade lined with 63 gas lamps, and the old stone warehouses beside it are lit in the evening. It’s a pleasant half-day, and the winter lantern festival here lights the canal with candles.
Hakodate
On the southern tip of the island, Hakodate sits below Mount Hakodate, a 333.8-meter volcano on a narrow strip of land. The view from the summit, where the city lies on both sides of a thin neck of land between two bays, is one of the most famous night views in Japan. Go at dusk and stay for the lights. Hakodate was also one of the first ports opened to foreign trade, and its hillside district still has churches and Western-style houses.
Furano and the lavender fields
Central Hokkaido around Furano is known for its flower fields. Farm Tomita in Nakafurano is the best known lavender farm, and it’s open from spring to autumn, with free entry during opening hours. The lavender usually peaks in July, so plan for that month and book your accommodation early, as it’s the busiest season in the region.
Asahiyama Zoo
The zoo in Asahikawa is the northernmost in Japan. It opened in 1967 and became famous after it began to use “behavioral exhibits,” which show animals doing what they do in the wild, such as penguins swimming past glass tunnels. Its monthly attendance briefly passed that of Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in 2004. It’s a good choice for families, and the cold-climate animals are at their liveliest in winter.
Shiretoko
On the northeast tip, the Shiretoko Peninsula was listed by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site in 2005. It’s remote and wild, and brown bears live there, so go with a guide. Access is seasonal, and it needs at least two nights.
Seasons, snow and how long to stay
Hokkaido has a subarctic climate. The Sea of Japan side and the interior get heavy, lasting snow, while the Pacific coast has cooler summers and less snow. Summer is the season for lavender, hiking and cool weather, and winter is for skiing, the Sapporo Snow Festival and hot springs. Allow at least five to seven days to see more than one region, because the distances are long. See our guides to Hokkaido in winter and Japan in winter, and our Japan tour packages.
Planning Hokkaido with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. In Hokkaido that means a route that doesn’t waste days on long drives, a private driver and guide for the regions with no easy public transport, and hotels booked early for lavender season and the Snow Festival. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. Have a look at our Japan tours or tell us your dates.
Sources (read in Japanese, Japanese Wikipedia): 北海道, 小樽市, 函館市, 旭川市旭山動物園, 知床国立公園. Last checked November 2026.
Things to do in Hokkaido: FAQ
How many days do you need in Hokkaido?
Five to seven days for more than one region, because the distances are long.
When is the lavender in Furano?
Usually in July. Check bloom reports before you go.
What is Otaru known for?
Its canal, completed in 1923, and its stone warehouses, lit at dusk.
Why is Hakodate famous?
For the night view from Mount Hakodate, which is 333.8 meters high.
What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?
Summer for lavender and cool weather, winter for snow and festivals.
Is Hokkaido snowy?
Yes on the Sea of Japan side and inland. The Pacific coast has less snow.
Photo: MaedaAkihiko, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. The Blue Pond near Biei.
