Konnichiwa! I’m back with another travel post, and this time, it’s all about one of my absolute favorite regions in Japan—Hokkaido! I’m so excited to share this with you because Hokkaido is just magical, with its stunning landscapes, fresh local produce, and charming cities. So, without further ado, here are the top five places to visit in Hokkaido!
PS: I’ve been swamped with my thesis lately, but I couldn’t resist finishing this final post on my Japan adventures 😄
1. Sapporo
After my short stint in the Tokyo area, I flew to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, and made it my base for exploring the region. Sapporo is a bustling city and an ideal starting point for backpacking around Hokkaido. It’s close to popular spots like Otaru, Furano, and the famous Niseko ski resort, all of which are just a short trip away.
Nijo Fish Market
While Tokyo has the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, Sapporo’s Nijo Fish Market is a smaller yet equally fascinating alternative. Hokkaido is renowned for its seafood, so this market is a must-visit! I tried my first Donburi (rice bowl topped with fresh seafood) here, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Shiroi Koibito Park
If you love Japan’s iconic Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Cookies, then visiting the Shiroi Koibito Park is a must! It’s a theme park and museum dedicated to the famous chocolate cookies, and admission is only JPY 600 (~SGD 7). I still have a few cookies left from my trip, and I’m savoring every bite!
Sapporo Beer Museum
Even though I’m not the biggest beer fan, I had to check out the Sapporo Beer Museum—and it was free! The museum offers an interesting glimpse into the history of Sapporo Beer, one of Japan’s most famous beers, and even has a tasting session at the end.
2. Otaru
Just 30 minutes from Sapporo, Otaru is a picturesque harbor city famous for its charming canals. A JR train ride costs JPY 640 (~SGD 7), and the snow-covered city was absolutely breathtaking during my winter visit.
Otaru Canal
The canal area is just a 10-minute walk from the Otaru JR station and looks like something out of a fairy tale, especially when blanketed with snow. It’s known as the “Venice of Japan,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s stunning!
Sakaimachi Street
After strolling along the canal, I explored Sakaimachi Street, where you’ll find shops selling everything from food to unique souvenirs. I had the best claypot udon here, hands down.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
A short trip from Otaru brings you to Yoichi, where the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery is located. One of Japan’s top whisky makers, Nikka offers free admission to the distillery, where you can learn about their whisky-making process and even enjoy a tasting session.
3. Biei
For nature lovers, Biei is a small town surrounded by rolling hills, fields, and serene lakes. It’s a great spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of Hokkaido.
Blue Pond
Although I was hoping to visit Blue Pond, it was frozen during my winter trip. But I didn’t regret the visit because even in its frozen state, it was beautiful. Plus, the Shirahige Waterfall nearby was a delightful surprise!
Shirahige Waterfall
A 20-minute walk from Blue Pond, this waterfall is known for its blue hues, fed by the same waters as the Blue Pond. It was stunning in the winter, with snow-covered surroundings making it even more magical.
4. Furano
Famous for its lavender fields in the summer, Furano was still a dream in the winter! If you visit in warmer months, you’ll be greeted by beautiful flower fields, but even during winter, Furano has its charm.
Photo Point Tour
I joined a Photo Point Tour in Furano, which took me to several breathtaking locations perfect for snapping pictures. Since I was the only one on the tour, I splurged on the experience—it was my birthday, after all!
Furano Flower Fields
If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to check out the flower fields. Though I missed the bloom, I’ve seen photos from friends, and they are stunning! I’m already planning to return during lavender season.
5. Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu is Hokkaido’s premier onsen (hot spring) town, and it’s just over an hour from Sapporo by JR train. A one-way trip costs JPY 2,160 (~SGD 25), and you’re greeted by the town’s demon statues, called yukijin, which are believed to protect the hot springs.
Noboribetsu Onsen
I visited the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel for my third onsen experience of the trip, and it was absolutely the best! For JPY 1,500 (~SGD 17), you get access to a beautiful onsen with the most relaxing atmosphere.
Hell Valley
After my onsen, I took a walk to Hell Valley, a unique area with steaming vents and sulfur-filled air. The eerie yet captivating landscape is something you won’t want to miss.
That wraps up my Hokkaido adventure! I hope you enjoyed following along, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Let me know if you have any feedback or spot any mistakes—I’m always looking to improve. For now, I’m off for a much-needed break before diving into my next post. 😊