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Hokkaido

Japan's wild northern frontier — world-class powder snow, volcanic hot springs, lavender fields and the freshest seafood.

  • Region
  • February (snow festivals), July – August (lavender)
▸ Discover

About Hokkaido

Japan's northernmost major island is a world apart — Hokkaido's wide-open landscapes, Ainu indigenous culture and extreme seasons feel unlike anything elsewhere in Japan. In July, Furano's lavender and poppy fields cascade down hillsides in waves of colour; in February, Niseko receives more powder snow than almost anywhere on earth. The food — fresh uni, dairy, crab — is extraordinary.

Highlights

  • Furano lavender fields (July)
  • Niseko powder skiing — best in Asia
  • Sapporo Snow Festival (February) ice sculptures
  • Noboribetsu bear park and Hell Valley
  • Shiretoko Peninsula UNESCO wilderness
  • Fresh sea urchin (uni) and dairy produce
▸ Photos

Hokkaido in photos

A picturesque winter scene of Otaru Canal in Hokkaido showcasing heavy snowfall and tranquil surroundings.
Photo by Jatin Chadha on Pexels
An old railway track amidst urban buildings in Hokkaido, Japan under a cloudy sky.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by Maxine Xin on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by ShulinMark Lee on Pexels
Breathtaking view of Hokkaido's lush green cliffs and blue ocean under a bright sky.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
Tranquil rural landscape in Hokkaido, Japan with a winding road, fields, and sunset horizon.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by Maxine Xin on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by Dương Nhân on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by Maxine Xin on Pexels
Stunning view of Cape Kamui with lush green cliffs and a vibrant blue ocean in Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
View of the ivy-covered red brick warehouses in Hakodate, Hokkaido, a popular tourist spot.
Photo by Hiroko Nakagawa on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by tslui on Pexels
Vibrant green cliff overlooking azure waters in Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
A bustling scene outside Furano Station in Hokkaido, Japan, on a bright sunny day.
Photo by Ravish Maqsood on Pexels
A rainy day at the historic entrance of a Sapporo brewery in Hokkaido, Japan, capturing the classic architecture and street scene.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
Stunning view of rocky cliffs and blue ocean in Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
Beautiful winter sea with snow-covered cliffs in Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo by Raksha B M on Pexels
A serene view of a lighthouse on snow-covered cliffs in Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo by Phil Evenden on Pexels
Beautiful wooden shrine in Hokkaido with lush greenery and blue sky.
Photo by Chris on Pexels
Hokkaido, Japan
Photo by Dương Nhân on Pexels
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▸ Where you'll stay

Where you'll stay in Hokkaido

Live map of hotels and villas around Hokkaido — powered by Stay22. Pan, zoom and compare live prices to pick your base.

Stay

Hotels & rentals around Hokkaido

Pan, zoom and compare live prices — every stay in one map.

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▸ What you'll do
Explore

Explore the area

© OpenFreeMap · OSM · terrain Mapterhorn
Do

Local attractions & tours

Skip-the-line tickets and small-group tours in Hokkaido — compare across our partners.

We're still curating hand-picked tickets and tours for Hokkaido. In the meantime, the map above and the nearby cities are a great place to start.

▸ When you'll go

When to visit Hokkaido

February (snow festivals), July – August (lavender)

▸ Ready to book your trip?
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▸ Trip extras
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More trip extras

Parking, holiday extras, and more — coming soon.

Coming soon

We're lining up parking, holiday extras and activities you'll be able to add to any trip from here.

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