More than 19.7 million foreigners visited Japan in 2015, but ask any of these tourists and you’ll probably find more people who have visited popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto compared to places like Hokkaido. Indeed, many travelers have still not experienced the majestic beauty of Japan’s second-largest island and biggest prefecture. Suffice it to say that they’re missing out on a lot of things!
Separated from the island of Honshu by the Tsugaru straight, Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s prefectures. It is home to numerous national parks, luxury resorts, beautiful port towns, and a bustling capital city that hosts one of the world’s most mesmerizing winter festivals. In this article, you’ll find out just why Hokkaido is a perfect vacation paradise no matter what season of the year it is.
Winter Wonderland
Hokkaido is probably best known for being a winter destination because of its world-famous powder snow, which is created by the arctic winds blown in from Siberia during the winter season. This dry, weightless snow falls on the island in huge amounts, blanketing its mountains in several meters of snow cover. As a result, many luxurious resorts have been built in the foothills and valleys between these mountains.
If you visit Hokkaido in winter, consider staying at the Kiroro Resort, which is strategically located just 1.5 hours’ drive away from the prefectural capital, Sapporo. Here, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 21 meters of powder snow, abundant tracks, a modern high-speed lift system, training facilities, and a mountain club program. Families and those who just want to relax won’t feel out of place either, as Kiroro has restaurants, spa facilities, a pool, a karaoke hall, retail shops, indoor children’s activity centers, and a fitness center to keep everyone occupied. Moreover, it is just 30 minutes away from the quaint fishing town of Otaru, where you can order a delicious bowl of kaisen donburi—rice with seafood. The town also hosts the Snow Light Path Festival every February.
If you’re visiting at around that time, you can also check out the Sapporo Snow Festival, in which hundreds of ice sculptures and snow statues are built in parks around Sapporo. Furthermore, make sure to try one of the multitude of onsen (hot spring) baths in the island, where you can settle into after an active day on the slopes.
Cherry Blossoms in Springtide
After thawing away winter’s chill, the island’s flora awakens in early March to welcome springtime. The best time to visit Hokkaido, though, is between early May and the middle of May, when the island really comes to life with the colors of blooming flowers.
Make sure to visit the Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park near Yubetsu, where you can find rows upon rows of millions of colorful tulips. The landscape resembles a Dutch countryside, and the place even has a windmill to complete the look. In Takinoue Park, on the other hand, you’ll be able to see meadows and hills delightfully blanketed in pink moss phlox or shibazakura—truly a feast for the eyes. Finally, how could you visit Japan in spring and not see the cherry blossoms? The sakura is one of the most enduring symbols of Japanese culture, and in Hokkaido, the places to see them best are in the star-shaped Fort Goryokaku in Hakodate and in the parks around the graceful Matsumae Castle in Matsumae.
Summertime Roaming
Summer is the probably the most popular season in Hokkaido among local Japanese tourists because it is when they try to escape the humidity in the south to take pleasure in the coolness of the island’s summertime weather.
In July, the geographical heart of the island attracts thousands of visitors who want to see the flower fields of Furano and Biei. In particular, the lavender fields here make for really scenic photographs.
Summer is also a great time to visit the island’s national parks. Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Shiretoko National Park as well as the Akan National Park, where 3 beautiful lakes can be found. South of Sapporo, you can visit Lake Toya and Noboribetsu, where Hokkaido’s most famous hot springs are located.
Needless to say, you also shouldn’t miss Hokkaido’s urban attractions during summer. The mild and cool weather makes it the perfect time to stroll down the streets of the island’s major cities, including Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa.
Fiery Autumn
The season of fall begins in Hokkaido in September. Although this month poses the highest risk for typhoons, October and November by contrast, are generally mild.
In Japan, autumn begins the north—particularly in the highlands of Hokkaido—earlier than it does in the southern island of Honshu. Deciduous trees all over island becomes awash in the red, orange, and yellow colors of fall, a spectacle to match the flower blooms of spring.
If you’re staying in the city of Sapporo, you can view the autumn leaves in places like Hokkaido University, the Nakajima Koen Park, the Ishiyama Open Space, and the Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park. Outside of the capital, there are many places where you can enjoy the autumn display. These include the Shiretoko National Park, the hell valley in Noboribetsu, the Lake Onuma Quasi National Park, the spa town of Jozankei, the Daisetsuzan National Park, and the Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Hokkaido is a fantastic holiday destination no matter what the season is. If you’re planning to visit Japan, spend at least a week in this northern wonder to experience the best that the island has to offer.