What to Do in Hokkaido: Top Attractions, Food & Nature Experiences

2026/01/30

Hokkaido is one of Japan’s most captivating travel destinations, known for its vast natural landscapes, seasonal beauty, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures.
From world-famous winter festivals to summer hiking and gourmet food, Hokkaido offers unforgettable experiences for travelers throughout the year.

Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or returning to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido is a destination that rewards every season.

Why Visit Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island and the second largest by area. Unlike Japan’s major cities, it offers wide-open spaces, unspoiled nature, and a slower pace of life.

Winter: Heavy snowfall, ski resorts, frozen seas
Spring & Summer: Mild weather, flower fields, hiking
Autumn: Fall foliage, food festivals, onsen retreats

Because summers are cooler and less humid than Honshu, Hokkaido is especially popular with travelers looking to escape Japan’s summer heat.

Top Places to Visit in Hokkaido

Hokkaido offers a wide range of destinations—from vibrant cities and historic ports to untouched national parks and dramatic coastlines.
These are some of the top places to visit when exploring Hokkaido for the first time.

Sapporo – Festivals, History & Local Cuisine

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, combines modern city life with history and seasonal events. Popular attractions include:

Sapporo Clock Tower
Former Hokkaido Government Office
Hitsujigaoka Observatory (Dr. Clark statue)

The city is also home to the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring massive snow and ice sculptures each February.
Food lovers should not miss Sapporo ramen and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).

Hakodate – Historic Streets & Fresh Seafood

Hakodate offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western architecture. Highlights include:

Goryokaku Fort
Motomachi historic district
Hakodate night view

Surrounded by the sea, Hakodate is known for its exceptional seafood—especially fresh squid.

Shiretoko – UNESCO World Heritage Nature

The Shiretoko Peninsula is one of Japan’s most untouched natural areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can enjoy:

Dramatic coastlines and forests
Wildlife viewing
Seasonal cruises and hiking trails

Seafood such as salmon and Atka mackerel is also a local specialty.

Explore Hokkaido with Private Transportation

English support available. Custom routes and flexible schedules.

Must-Try Hokkaido Food

Hokkaido is famous throughout Japan for its fresh ingredients and rich regional cuisine. From hearty local hot pots to iconic ramen, these are must-try foods you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Ishikari Nabe

Ishikari Nabe is a traditional Hokkaido hot pot made with fresh salmon, seasonal vegetables, miso, and a kelp-based broth.

Unlike similar salmon soups, Ishikari Nabe uses raw, unsalted salmon and is sometimes enriched with butter or milk for extra depth, creating a rich and comforting flavor unique to Hokkaido.

Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo ramen is one of Japan’s most famous regional ramen styles and a must-try for food lovers.
With over 1,000 ramen shops in the city, visitors can enjoy everything from classic miso ramen to modern, creative variations developed by innovative local chefs.

Hokkaido Soup Curry

Soup curry is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic local dishes, especially popular in Sapporo.
Unlike traditional Japanese curry, it features a spiced, soup-like broth filled with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, often paired with chicken or seafood.
Its customizable spice level makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Hokkaido Seafood Donburi (Kaisen Don)

Thanks to the cold surrounding seas, Hokkaido is famous for its exceptionally fresh seafood.
A kaisen don is a rice bowl topped with a generous selection of seafood such as salmon, scallops, sea urchin (uni), and crab.
It’s a must-try dish for seafood lovers and can be enjoyed at local markets and seaside towns throughout Hokkaido.

Enjoy Flexible Day Trips in Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s attractions are spread across wide distances, making transportation planning especially important—particularly for first-time visitors.

Using a Private Chauffeur allows you to:

Customize your itinerary based on your interests
Travel comfortably with luggage
Visit multiple locations efficiently in one day

A Full Size Van (up to 9 passengers) is ideal for families and small groups exploring Hokkaido together.

Charter Bus & Limousine Japan offers reliable private transportation services, allowing you to enjoy Hokkaido at your own pace and comfort.

Looking for a Deeper Hokkaido Experience?

Obihiro offers a quieter side of Hokkaido with local cuisine,relaxing hot springs, and beautiful winter scenery.
Explore More of Hokkaido: Obihiro Travel Guide

Plan Your Hokkaido Trip with Confidence

From vibrant cities and breathtaking natural landscapes to unforgettable local food experiences, Hokkaido offers something for every traveler.
With destinations spread across wide areas, private transportation allows you to travel comfortably, efficiently, and on your own schedule.

Our private taxi and van services provide English support, flexible itineraries, and a smooth travel experience—ideal for first-time visitors, families, and small groups exploring Hokkaido.

Arrange your sightseeing taxi or private van with a trusted local operator and enjoy Hokkaido at your own pace and comfort.

Explore Hokkaido with Private Transportation

English support available. Flexible itineraries.

Explore Hokkaido with a Private Tour

Hokkaido is vast, diverse, and filled with destinations that are difficult to reach by public transportation alone.

A private tour with a dedicated driver allows you to explore the region comfortably—whether you’re visiting Sapporo, enjoying local food, relaxing in onsen, or discovering hidden scenic spots at your own pace.

With flexible itineraries and English support, private tours are ideal for first-time visitors, families, and small groups looking for a stress-free way to experience Hokkaido.

Sapporo private tour

Sapporo

Visit Sapporo’s iconic Clock Tower and historic Hokkaido Prefectural Office. Explore the bustling Nijo Market with fresh seafood, learn about local beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum, and enjoy panoramic views from Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
Furano & Biei private tour

Furano

Explore Hokkaido’s stunning countryside with visits to Farm Tomita, Biei Panorama Road, Takushinkan, and Shikisai Hill. Includes lunch and hotel pickup/drop-off in Sapporo. English-speaking guides available.