{"id":533,"date":"2025-12-05T01:53:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T16:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/?p=533"},"modified":"2025-12-05T02:47:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T17:47:00","slug":"hokkaido-japan-2026-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/hokkaido-japan-2026-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hokkaido, Japan: 2026 Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">Hokkaido is Japan\u2019s northernmost and second-largest island, famous for vast wilderness, powder snow, fresh seafood, and Ainu heritage. It\u2019s a land of wide-open skies and wild national parks, from the high volcanoes of Daisetsuzan to windswept eastern coasts. Sapporo \u2014 the island\u2019s capital city \u2014 is known for Sapporo beer, hearty miso ramen, and its spectacular winter Snow Festival. Hakodate in the south offers charming historic streets and one of Japan\u2019s most famous night views, while the cool summer climate makes Hokkaido an ideal escape from the hot, humid weather in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyushu, and the main islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Culture &amp; History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Long before Hokkaido became part of modern Japan, the island was home to the <strong>Ainu<\/strong>, the indigenous people of the north. Their culture includes a unique language, carved wooden art, embroidered clothing, and ceremonial dances deeply tied to nature. Many place names across Hokkaido \u2014 including \u201cSapporo\u201d \u2014 come from Ainu words. Visitors can learn about Ainu traditions at cultural villages such as Ainu Kotan in the Lake Akan area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_8609.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_8609.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_8609-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_8609-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional Ainu ceremony at Upopoy Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full u-mb-ctrl u-mb-0\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"961\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_72773603_M-edited-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_72773603_M-edited-1.jpg 961w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_72773603_M-edited-1-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_72773603_M-edited-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 961px) 100vw, 961px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bear cub decorated for an Ainu ritual<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">In the late 1800s, during the Meiji era, Japan encouraged settlement in the region, renamed it \u201cHokkaid\u014d,\u201d and developed Sapporo and Hakodate into major towns. Today, the island blends frontier history, Japanese culture, and Ainu heritage into something distinctly its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>What Hokkaido Is Known For<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hokkaido is famous worldwide for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Flower fields<\/strong> \u2014 summer in Furano and Biei brings lavender, wildflowers, and bright patchwork hills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Seafood<\/strong> \u2014 crab, scallops, salmon, salmon roe, and creamy uni are daily staples.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Dairy products<\/strong> \u2014 Hokkaido\u2019s milk, cheese, and soft-serve ice cream are unmatched.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hot springs<\/strong> \u2014 Noboribetsu, Jozankei, and Lake Akan offer soothing natural baths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Wild nature<\/strong> \u2014 Shiretoko Peninsula is a rugged UNESCO World Heritage site filled with lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Perfect powder snow<\/strong> \u2014 ski and snowboard resorts like Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu attract winter sports lovers from across the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sapporo Snow Festival<\/strong> \u2014 huge ice and snow sculptures fill Odori Park every February.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shikisai-no-Oka-\u56db\u5b63\u5f69\u306e\u4e18.jpg\" alt=\"Shikisai no Oka-\u56db\u5b63\u5f69\u306e\u4e18\" class=\"wp-image-598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shikisai-no-Oka-\u56db\u5b63\u5f69\u306e\u4e18.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shikisai-no-Oka-\u56db\u5b63\u5f69\u306e\u4e18-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Shikisai-no-Oka-\u56db\u5b63\u5f69\u306e\u4e18-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shikisai no Oka in Biei area (\u56db\u5b63\u5f69\u306e\u4e18)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shiretoko-Five-Lake-\u77e5\u5e8a\u4e94\u6e56pixta_43550028.jpg\" alt=\"Shiretoko Five Lake-\u77e5\u5e8a\u4e94\u6e56\" class=\"wp-image-609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shiretoko-Five-Lake-\u77e5\u5e8a\u4e94\u6e56pixta_43550028.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shiretoko-Five-Lake-\u77e5\u5e8a\u4e94\u6e56pixta_43550028-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shiretoko-Five-Lake-\u77e5\u5e8a\u4e94\u6e56pixta_43550028-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shiretoko Goko Lakes (\u77e5\u5e8a\u4e94\u6e56)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">The island\u2019s mix of natural beauty, open landscapes, delicious food, and cultural depth makes it one of Japan\u2019s most memorable destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>Top Attractions<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hokkaido has countless places worth exploring, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Sapporo<\/strong> \u2013 home to the Snow Festival, Susukino nightlife, Odori Park, and classic Japanese city comforts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Otaru<\/strong> \u2013 a romantic canal town famous for seafood, music boxes, and glassware.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Hakodate<\/strong> \u2013 known for its night view from Mount Hakodate, the star-shaped Goryokaku fort, and morning markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Asahikawa<\/strong> \u2013 gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park and the beloved Asahiyama Zoo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Furano &amp; Biei<\/strong> \u2013 rolling hills, lavender &amp; flower fields, the Blue Pond, and endless summer scenery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Lake Akan<\/strong> \u2013 Ainu cultural village, hot springs, and the mysterious marimo algae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Kushiro Marsh<\/strong> \u2013 the best place to see endangered red-crowned cranes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Noboribetsu<\/strong> \u2013 a volcanic valley full of steaming vents and hot springs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Lake Toya<\/strong> \u2013 a caldera lake surrounded by peaceful resorts and mountain trails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shiretoko<\/strong> \u2013 rugged coastline, drift ice in winter, bears, deer, waterfalls, and untouched wilderness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_13943061_\u8056\u30de\u30cb\u30e9\u5927\u8056\u5802.jpg\" alt=\"Sapporo Snow Festival-\u3055\u3063\u307d\u308d\u96ea\u307e\u3064\u308a\" class=\"wp-image-606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_13943061_\u8056\u30de\u30cb\u30e9\u5927\u8056\u5802.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_13943061_\u8056\u30de\u30cb\u30e9\u5927\u8056\u5802-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_13943061_\u8056\u30de\u30cb\u30e9\u5927\u8056\u5802-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sapporo Snow Festival (\u3055\u3063\u307d\u308d\u96ea\u307e\u3064\u308a)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_52845284_M.jpg\" alt=\"Mt.Hakodateyama Night Veiw\" class=\"wp-image-607\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:340px;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_52845284_M.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_52845284_M-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_52845284_M-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mt. Hakodate Night View<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0562.jpg\" alt=\"Otaru Canal and warehouses\" class=\"wp-image-608\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:340px;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0562.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0562-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0562-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Otaru Canal and warehouses<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Regions of Hokkaido<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Hokkaido can be divided into five parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Central Hokkaido<\/strong> \u2013 Asahikawa, Furano, Biei, Obihiro<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Around Sapporo<\/strong> \u2013 Otaru, Niseko, Sapporo, Chitose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Southern Hokkaido<\/strong> \u2013 Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Eastern Hokkaido<\/strong> \u2013 Shiretoko, Kushiro, Lake Akan, Abashiri<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Far North Hokkaido<\/strong> \u2013 Wakkanai, Rishiri, Rebun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Drive-Japan-Area-map-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-619\" style=\"width:307px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Drive-Japan-Area-map-edited.png 800w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Drive-Japan-Area-map-edited-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Drive-Japan-Area-map-edited-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Each area offers a different blend of cities, lakes, parks, wildlife, and experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Travelers often fly into New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, and because Hokkaido\u2019s cities, lakes, and parks are spread far apart, most visitors quickly discover that <strong>the best way to explore is by car<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Travelers often choose to visit the eastern and southern parts of Hokkaido, which have Sapporo as the border. If you have 7-10 days, you can travel both these areas comfortably. To travel around <strong>all<\/strong> of Hokkaido in one trip, you will need somewhere between 12 days and 2 weeks, depending on the speed you want to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">As 2026 brings more travelers and tourism to Japan, Hokkaido remains one of the country\u2019s most beautiful regions for those seeking nature, culture, and seasonal adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Food, Agriculture &amp; Local Specialties<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">Hokkaido\u2019s food culture is rich and varied:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Seafood<\/strong>: crab, scallops, salmon, ikura, and sea urchin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Dairy<\/strong>: milk, yogurt, cheesecake, butter, cheese, soft cream<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Local dishes<\/strong>: miso ramen (Sapporo), soy-based ramen (Asahikawa), shio ramen (Hakodate), soup curry (Sapporo), Jingisukan grilled lamb, pork bowls (Obihiro), Lucky Pierrot Hamburger (Hakodate)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Produce<\/strong>: Hokkaido potatoes, corn, pumpkins, sugar beets, and famous Yubari melons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Unidon2-\u5927.jpg\" alt=\"Unidon and seafood bowls\" class=\"wp-image-601\" style=\"width:auto;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Unidon2-\u5927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Unidon2-\u5927-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Unidon2-\u5927-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Uni bowl and seafood bowls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Butadon-\u8c5a\u4e3c.jpg\" alt=\"Butadon(Pork rice bowl) in Obihiro-\u8c5a\u4e3c\" class=\"wp-image-610\" style=\"width:auto;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Butadon-\u8c5a\u4e3c.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Butadon-\u8c5a\u4e3c-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Butadon-\u8c5a\u4e3c-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Butadon (pork &amp; rice bowl) in Obihiro (\u8c5a\u4e3c)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">Markets in Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru are heaven for seafood lovers, while countryside towns serve fresh dairy and hearty comfort foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Best Seasons to Visit<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Spring (May\u2013June)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Late cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, pleasant temperatures, and early flower fields.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_40786354_M-\u5927.jpg\" alt=\"Shibazakura Takinoue Park-\u829d\u3056\u304f\u3089\u6edd\u4e0a\u516c\u5712\" class=\"wp-image-538\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_40786354_M-\u5927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_40786354_M-\u5927-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_40786354_M-\u5927-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shibazakura Takinoue Park (\u829d\u3056\u304f\u3089\u6edd\u4e0a\u516c\u5712)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Summer (July\u2013August)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm but not hot; flower fields peak in Furano and Biei; ideal for hiking, lakes, and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_61485061_M-\u5927.jpg\" alt=\"Hokuryu Himawari no Sato-\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u306e\u91cc\" class=\"wp-image-537\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_61485061_M-\u5927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_61485061_M-\u5927-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pixta_61485061_M-\u5927-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hokuryu Himawari no Sato (\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u306e\u91cc)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10 is-style-kakko_box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Autumn (September\u2013October)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brilliant red and yellow leaves; perfect weather; harvest festivals; salmon season.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_55140025_M.jpg\" alt=\"Mt.Daisetsu Sounkyo Ropeway-\u5927\u96ea\u5c71\u5c64\u96f2\u5ce1\u9ed2\u5cb3\u30ed\u30fc\u30d7\u30a6\u30a7\u30a4\" class=\"wp-image-611\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_55140025_M.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_55140025_M-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_55140025_M-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mt.Daisetsu Sounkyo Ropeway (\u5927\u96ea\u5c71\u5c64\u96f2\u5ce1\u9ed2\u5cb3\u30ed\u30fc\u30d7\u30a6\u30a7\u30a4)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Winter (December\u2013March)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hokkaido\u2019s famous powder snow; skiing in Niseko and Furano; snow festivals; drift ice in Abashiri; magical hot springs in the snow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"851\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3985638_m.jpg\" alt=\"Ski in Niseko\" class=\"wp-image-612\" style=\"width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3985638_m.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3985638_m-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3985638_m-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Skiing in Niseko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Scenic Roads (Perfect for a Self-Drive Roadtrip)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of Japan\u2019s best scenic roads are in Hokkaido. A few highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Shiretoko \u201cRoad to the Sky\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 a 28 km straight road on the rugged peninsula.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Roller Coaster Road<\/strong> \u2013 gentle hills create a fun up-and-down drive in the Furano area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Lake Shikotsu Sky Road (Route 16)<\/strong> \u2013 a scenic route skirting the lake with sweeping mountain and forest views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Niseko Panorama Line (Route 66)<\/strong> \u2013 a winding highland drive offering dramatic vistas of Mt. Yotei and rolling green hills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Pilot National Route (Route 243)<\/strong> \u2013 a long, straight \u201cpilot road\u201d across open fields with big-sky Hokkaido scenery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>Shiretoko Crossing Road (Route 334)<\/strong> \u2013 a mountain pass through wild Shiretoko with misty peaks and ocean panoramas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shirotai Skyline<\/strong> \u2013 a hillside lookout road above Hakodate known for wide views over the city and surrounding plains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_42942450_Road-to-the-Sky-\u5929\u306b\u7d9a\u304f\u9053.jpg\" alt=\"Road to the Sky-\u5929\u306b\u7d9a\u304f\u9053\" class=\"wp-image-613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_42942450_Road-to-the-Sky-\u5929\u306b\u7d9a\u304f\u9053.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_42942450_Road-to-the-Sky-\u5929\u306b\u7d9a\u304f\u9053-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pixta_42942450_Road-to-the-Sky-\u5929\u306b\u7d9a\u304f\u9053-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Road to the Sky (\u5929\u306b\u7d9a\u304f\u9053)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pilot-National-RouteRoute243-\u30d1\u30a4\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u56fd\u9053\u56fd\u9053243.jpg\" alt=\"Pilot National Route(Route243)-\u30d1\u30a4\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u56fd\u9053(\u56fd\u9053243)\" class=\"wp-image-614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pilot-National-RouteRoute243-\u30d1\u30a4\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u56fd\u9053\u56fd\u9053243.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pilot-National-RouteRoute243-\u30d1\u30a4\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u56fd\u9053\u56fd\u9053243-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pilot-National-RouteRoute243-\u30d1\u30a4\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u56fd\u9053\u56fd\u9053243-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pilot National Route (Route243) [\u30d1\u30a4\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u56fd\u9053(\u56fd\u9053243)]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\">Driving lets you experience these landscapes at your own pace, stopping for photos, snacks, and small towns along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How to Get to Hokkaido<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">By Air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"> New Chitose Airport (near Sapporo) is the main entry point, with frequent flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and several international cities<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\">By Train (Not Recommended)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Shinkansen currently reaches Hakodate, but not yet Sapporo, so trains require transfers and take significantly longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center u-mb-ctrl u-mb-30\"><span class=\"swl-inline-btn is-style-btn_normal green_\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/how-to-get\/hokkaido\"><strong><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-l\">How to Get to Hokkaido<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading u-mb-ctrl u-mb-20\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Recommended Itineraries<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Skip the complicated trip planning and instead explore Hokkaido with one of Drive Japan\u2019s curated driving routes! These routes are all road-tested and are mapped out so you visit each destination at the right time of day, in the most efficient order, and make sure you don\u2019t miss the hidden gems along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-big_kakko_box u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/9\"><strong>5-Day Hokkaido Route<\/strong><\/a>: Sapporo \u2192 Lake Toya \u2192 Noboribetsu \u2192 Hakodate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/25\"><strong>8-Day Full Loop Route<\/strong><\/a>: Lake Toya \u2192 Sapporo \u2192 Asahikawa \u2192 Shiretoko<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/itinerary\/42\"><strong>14-Day Complete Hokkaido Route<\/strong><\/a>: Sapporo \u2192 Noboribetsu \u2192 Hakodate \u2192 Lake Toya \u2192 Otaru \u2192 Furano \u2192 Asahikawa \u2192 Abashiri \u2192 Shiretoko \u2192 Lake Akan \u2192 Kushiro \u2192 Obihiro \u2192 Sapporo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><strong>View all 43 of Drive Japan&#8217;s Hokkaido road trip itineraries here:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center u-mb-ctrl u-mb-10\"><span class=\"swl-inline-btn is-style-btn_normal green_\"><strong><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-l\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/explore-itineraries\">Hokkaido Itineraries<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><span class=\"swl-fz u-fz-xs\">(filter by &#8216;Hokkaido&#8217; under &#8216;Areas&#8217;)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hokkaido is Japan\u2019s northernmost and second-largest island, famous for vast wilderness, powder snow, fresh seafood, and Ainu heritage. It\u2019s a land of wide-open skies and wild national parks, from the high volcanoes of Daisetsuzan to windswept eastern coasts. Sapporo \u2014 the island\u2019s capital city \u2014 is known for Sapporo beer, hearty miso ramen, and its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":546,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[90,106,91,107,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,77,104,88,105],"class_list":["post-533","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japan-regional-travel","tag-hokkaido","tag-scenic","tag-discover","tag-travel-guide","tag-japans-2","tag-northern","tag-island","tag-vast","tag-parks","tag-sushi","tag-sapporo","tag-local","tag-lakes","tag-onsen","tag-plan","tag-103","tag-food","tag-drives","tag-trip","tag-skiing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/533","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=533"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":628,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/533\/revisions\/628"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drivejapan.co.jp\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}