How to Spend a Week in Hokkaido (Japan Travel Guide)

Up in the dizzy heights of northern Japan, you’ll find the wintery prefecture of Hokkaido. As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is the perfect getaway location for a chilled out adventure.

In this Hokkaido travel guide I will be sharing information on how to get the very best out of your time here, including key places to explore, the local hotspots to see, how to get around, and how to immerse yourself in the culture of Hokkaido.

Why Hokkaido?

When many people think of Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is the cold and the snow, a pure winter wonderland, however if you’re not a fan of the cold, let it be known it isn’t always this way. Even during the summer months Hokkaido stays relatively cool, making it an ideal destination to escape the stifling heat and humidity further south. In the summer the prefecture shows its true side of nature with colourful countrysides full of energy and life, the mountains full of vibrant shades of greenery welcoming all sorts of wildlife. If you’re a lover of all things winter and the snow, then a visit to the prefecture during the winter is truly something special. What makes Hokkaido unique is the ability to adapt and provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure to suit all needs, making it an incredible all year round destination to visit.

When to Visit & How Long

When to visit depends on what sort of experience you want out of Hokkaido, do you want the lush green scenery of the Summer, or the snowy Winter wonderland during the winter months? Some places you may be looking to visit such as Furano with its beautifully colourful lavender fields will obviously only be viewable during the Summer.

As an example, I visited Hokkaido in mid-November and in areas such as Sapporo it was already getting relatively cold and sporadically starting to snow. Therefore be warned, if you want to experience a true snow-filled heaven during January-April, bring many layers and wrap up warm because it will be very cold.

As for how long, I spent a Week in Hokkaido and felt I could’ve stayed for a lot longer, I guess it depends on how much of Hokkaido you want to see or if you just plan on visiting Sapporo.

Getting Here & Around

To reach Hokkaido, you have a number of options. The main routes are to fly to Sapporo, or use the Shinkansen to Hakodate.

At this moment in time, a Shinkansen route through to Sapporo from Hakodate is currently being developed with a visioned 2030 schedule, although there is expected delays. As a example of how much difference the new Shinkansen Line will make, currently it takes 3hrs 45mins roughly by Train, whereas it’s expected it will only take 45mins on the Shinkansen once completed, a massive difference, and one which will eventually provide a huge economy boost for the prefecture once completed.

If you’re planning on visiting numerous places in Hokkaido, I thoroughly recommend getting a Regional JR Pass. The pass will allow you to travel on all JR trains in Hokkaido and it also give you the option of reserving seats for free, a huge bonus. The passes can be bought online, (I used Klook), and then redeemed once at the airport or a major train station such as Sapporo Station. A return journey from Sapporo-Hakodate covers the cost of the pass just by itself.

Of course, the usual bus and iconic Japanese Trams feature as travel option in Hokkaido too, or if you have the required details you can rent a car, which in Hokkaido would be perfect to reach those more rural and urban places.

Sapporo

As the largest city and capital of the prefecture of Hokkaido, Sapporo has a lot to live up to. Naturally, as very much the case with many cities in Japan, the hype is most definitely real. Famous for its beer, skiing, and annual Snow Festival, this city offers an incredible amount of excitement and fun.

Sapporo has the unique distinction of blending the old with the new, and is currently within a transition period of modernisation and upgrading many parts of the city. With that being said, the key features of Sapporo and its historical past will always remain present.

To kick off your time in Sapporo, the first place I’d suggest to visit is Odori Park. Located in the very heart and centre of the city, Odori Park is well known and thought of because of its classical garden features and naturistic feel. Think of it as a Central Park in New York, but on a much smaller scale. Spanning across 13 blocks from one side of the city to the other, this is a perfect place to relax and unwind while in the big city.

Within Odori Park, here is also where the Sapporo TV Tower can be found. Small in size and stature compared to other tower viewpoints in Japan, the tower still more than holds its own. Opening in 1957, the tower has an authentic older feel, and one with a treasured and historic past. From up top you can view Odori Park in all its glory, the city down below, and also the mountains which surround Sapporo.

From Odori Park, close by is the Sapporo Clock Tower. Built in 1878, it’s now officially known as the oldest clock tower in Japan. Gone through many uses and purposes as the years have gone by, it now proudly holds itself as a museum and a tourist attraction which allows visitors to learn about the the history of the tower and also Sapporo itself.

If you’re a fan of seafood and want to view and experience a more traditional culture within Sapporo, I’d recommend visiting Nijo Seafood Market. This market displays all the natural attributes you’d expect from a seafood market, showcasing the local delicacies and a wide range of interesting sea creatures for you to view and perhaps enjoy. The size of King Crabs on display at the market is incredible.

Susukino is an area in Sapporo you more than likely have seen before. Featuring its iconic Nikka Whiskey sign, Susukino is the entertainment district of the city. Here you’ll find the neon lights and famed Japanese sense of nightlife all rolled into one. Many of the cities best restaurants, bars, clubs and entertaiment attractions are located here. A stroll around here during the day is fun, but it’s at night it really comes alive. Abundant with energy and full with the classic Japanese city sounds, this area truly stands out as a centrepiece of the city. Watching the iconic trams roll through the street with the neon lit background… it’s the little thing in life.

On the outskirts of Sapporo, you’ll find the Hill of the Buddha. This famed piece of architecture is truly remarkable and well worth making the journey out of town to visit. On approach, you can view the giant Buddha’s head peeking out the top of the hollow hill it lives within, however it’s once you’re inside you can really feel and sense the magnificence of the sculpture. The scale close-up really is amazing, architecture of this size and quality deserves to be significantly appreciated. The Buddha looming large with a sight of the sky above will leave you in awe, all while giving you a lasting sense of cultural impact.

As this location is a bit more out the way within Sapporo, you’ll first need to catch the Subway and the green Namboku Line to Makomanai which is the last stop due south. Then just outside the station catch the no. 106 or 108 bus which will drop you directly in the park next to the Buddha, or just outside its gates.

Lastly, of course you can’t talk about the city of Sapporo without mentioning the Beer itself, Sapporo. If you’re a fan of this iconic beer, the Sapporo Beer Museum is well worth your time visiting. You can take a tour, while at the end you can taste a collection of Sapporo Beers.

Otaru

For your first venture out of Sapporo, I suggest to visit the peaceful and tranquil harbour city of Otaru. Less than an hour away along the coast by Train, this city may be small in size, but it packs a punch. Furthermore, here is where you will get your first taste and sense of the Soviet influence within Hokkaido.

From the station, start by walking downhill towards the Sea until you reach the gem of the city, the Otaru Canal. In years gone by, the Canal was a key component to Otaru’s business as a port city. Smaller ships once directly took shippings and goods off the larger vessels docked in the port and transferred them to the numerous amount of Warehouses along the Canal.

Due to modern technology and fast forwarding into the present, the Canal is no longer needed as of that use, however over the years it’s been restored to become a key feature of the city once more. The Warehouses are now utilised as museums, shops, and restaurants, and the Canal makes for a beautiful peaceful stroll. Furthermore, there is also an option to take a cruise along the canal, which will you give you a different perspective and a alternate point of view.

The next area of Otaru I recommend to visit is Sakaimachi Shopping Street. This famous street combines everything we all know and love about Japan and their local culture. Literally start from one end and work your way down, exploring all the hidden secrets you can find. Here you will discover an abundance of local seafood and sushi restaurants waiting for you to divulge within to taste the local cuisine, the hardest part is knowing where to start… and maybe also finish.

If you’ve ever been to Venice and in particular the island of Murano, then something here in Otaru may look and feel familiar. That is because similar to Murano, Otaru is also famous and well known for its glass works. Many of the stores along Sakaimchi Shopping Street are full of the most beautiful and devine pieces of glass work you’d wish to see, from vases, to lights, to simple cups, even if you’re not a collector of such items, it really is an amazing experience to look out for and see.

I’m adding this as a bonus feature, because well… you’ll see! If you’re a fan of Ice Cream, then Otaru really does have a treat for you. Once you’ve finished roaming the numerous floors of the Kitachi Glass warehouse, at the back of the building on the ground floor there is an Ice Cream parlour, and not just any Ice Cream parlour indeed. Among the many options available, the most intriguing and fan favourite option is the 8 layered Rainbow Ice Cream. With the blend of each different flavour, it really is a unique treat which I’d never seen before. Did I feel I sick after? Yes. But was it worth it? Also yes.

Hakodate

At the very southern end of Hokkaido, this is where the beautiful city of Hakodate is found. Very much a port city, Hakodate is famous for its fresh seafood, historical architecture, and stunning scenery.

One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving in the city is that it is distinct with an open and flat landscape, very much the opposite to Sapporo. Furthermore in comparison to those cities remotely north, the climate in the city is distinctly warmer in relation to its counterparts.

After you arrive in Hakodate, once exiting the Station turn right and make your way to the Hakodate Morning Market just across the road. If you’re a fan of seafood, this is will be your idea of heaven, and this is definitely the place to be. The vibe here is amazing, it’s a pure throwback to days of yesteryear, locals plying their trade and selling their latest catches the old fashioned way. Rows of stalls promoting all sorts of captures and creatures from the deep blue sea, it’s incredibly fascinating and a great insight into how the culture here still exists and works beautifully within the local communities. Moving inside the main building, there is even opportunities to catch your own fish for the tradesman to prepare fresh and ready for you to eat.

Slightly further up the road, you’ll find the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses of Hakodate. Located next to the harbour, this area is home to a commercial shopping and restaurant site found within the various spread of warehouses. Renovated in the early 1900s, the warehouses are split into four main facilities consisting of various amendments for all the family to explore and enjoy. Start with a degree of shopping, end the afternoon indulging in the local cuisine.

Moving further south still towards Mount Hakodate, be sure to check out the area of Motomachi. Here you will find a district known for its dynamic shopping locations, complete with unique boutiques and personalised services to suit all needs. However what I found to be interesting and worth exploring here was the host of Churches, and in particular the Hakodate Orthodox Church. Like myself, even if you’re not religious it is the incredible architecture which catches your eye. Clean, sharp and authentic, these buildings are beautiful inside and out, complete with stunning colours and amazing details to match.

Next up and located once more in Motomachi is one of the most famous and iconic attractions of Hakodate, the Ropeway & Mount Hakodate itself. Be prepared to be amazed, as the view from the top of the mountain is incredible, and it has been voted as one of the best viewpoints in Asia and also the World. From ground level, the city seems incredibly flat and therefore small, however from up top you will witness the true size and scale of Hakodate like you’ve never seen before. The city is spread far and wide, something you wouldn’t think if not for coming up the mountain. Come for Sunset, and stay for the stunning view of the city under the bright lights. The view round the back of the mountain is just as impressive, witnessing the setting sun against the backdrop of the sea and mountains below is one worth hanging around for.

Once coming back down with your feet firmly back on the ground, head back to the centre of the city and pay a visit to Daimon Yokocho. This small area is known for its collection of small restaurants and bars, allowing locals and tourists alike to gain a taste of local living and some of the finest Japanese style culture and food around.

One more noteworthy location I’d recommend visiting in Hakodate is the Goryokaku Tower & Fort. Located slightly further north within the city, Goryokaku is a park located within a distinct star-shaped fort intertwining with the moat. The park itself is well worth exploring, full of beautiful nature, seasonal colours and distinct architecture and temples to match.

In order to gain the best view and sense of the star-shaped fort, head on up the Goryokaku Tower to witness the incredible details of the location from above.

Wakkanai

Right at the very top of the north end of Hokkaido, you’ll find the city of Wakkanai. As a city which is based by the sea, Wakkanai hugs the coastline closely as it sprawls its way along the coast. Be prepared for a long journey here, the train ride is 5hrs + from Sapporo.

Up here you’ll find yourself far away from the city scenes of Sapporo and beyond, and instead be surrounded by pure scenery and nature. Complete with various attractions such as an aquarium, science museums and much more, there’s much more to Wakkanai than on the face of it. That being said, large parts of the city can feel desolate and extremely quiet, and therefore the city relies on its sense of a close-knit community within day-to-day activities to keep the city active.

One of the main attractions of Wakkanai is the fact that it’s very close to the northernmost point in Japan, which is Cape Soya. Here you are provided with a stunning outlook into the Sea, and on a clear day can even see Russia which from here is only 30km away. Celebrated with a Monument, this makes for a great commemorative photo opportunity and a unique feat to tick off your list. Just in shore you will see a lighthouse on the hill behind, I’d recommend going up the hill to get a more birds-eye view of the coast from above.

To reach Cape Soya, from the Train Station the Bus Ticket Counter is also located in the same building, and here you’ll see advertisement and the required bus to get there. Simply buy a return ticket from the counter, and then from bus stop no.1 it’s roughly 50mins to Cape Soya.

These four cities I visited are just a taste of what Hokkaido provides and has to offer, if you have the time, you could honestly visit a new area in the region each day. During the summer months, cities such as Asahikawa and Furano with its beautifully vibrant lavender fields would provide you with even more options in regards to exploring the prefecture. What you want to see and where you want to go will determine the timing of your visit to the wonderful region of Hokkaido. Whichever time of the year you choose to visit, Hokkaido is a unique and special playground of adventure just waiting to be explored.

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