Hokkaido
Hokkaido covers approximately 20% of Japan's land area and is surrounded by three seas: the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Sea of Okhotsk. Its mountainous landscapes formed by the Daisetsuzan range and Hidaka Mountains, along with globally significant natural sites like Shiretoko and Kushiro Wetlands. Summers are cooler than mainland Japan, making it ideal for outdoor activities and flower field tourism, while winters bring world-class powder snow for skiing and the iconic Snow Festival. Rich in seafood, dairy products, and agricultural produce, Hokkaido has cultivated diverse food culture including Genghis Khan BBQ, seafood bowls, and soup curry. Centered around Sapporo, the region offers modern urban amenities, and the vast landscape makes for excellent road trips and railway journeys.
Climate Information
Best Season
Summer offers cool, low-humidity weather ideal for outdoor activities and scenic drives.
Months: 06, 07, 08, 09
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
Cherry blossoms bloom in mid-May, bringing a sudden arrival of late spring.
Summer
Lavender fields bloom in Furano and Biei. Perfect for wetland cruises and mountain hiking.
Autumn
Autumn foliage arrives early in September at Daisetsuzan, gradually spreading from mountains to lowlands.
Winter
World-class powder snow, drift ice tourism, and the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Basic Information
Symbols
Access Information
Bullet Train Lines
- Hokkaido Shinkansen
Airports
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) - Distance to Capital: 45km
- Hakodate Airport (HKD) - Distance to Capital: 160km
- Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) - Distance to Capital: 140km
Major Highways
- Doo-O Expressway
- Doo-To Expressway
- Sapporo-Otaru Expressway
- Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway
- Hidaka Expressway
Ferry Routes
- Tsugaru Strait Ferry (Hakodate-Aomori)
- Seikan Ferry (Hakodate-Aomori)
- Shin-Nihonkai Ferry (Tomakomai East-Tsuruga)
Various economical rail passes such as JR Hokkaido Rail Pass and HOKKAIDO LOVE! Discount are available.