Things to do & places to visit in Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido #3 destination in Japan 2023. The average rating score is 4.04 based on 144.4k traveler reviews, of 2.359 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Tokyo, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 19:38.

Hokkaido Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

60°F - 43°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

32%

Chance of rain

122.0 millimeters

Amount

13.0 mph

Wind speed

79%

Humidity

14.6

Daylight length

4:12 AM

Sunrise

6:49 PM

Sunset

42%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (28)

Top destinations in Hokkaido 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Mount Hakodate (3.669 reviews)
- Scenic night view that appeals to tourists of almost all age groups
Mountains

Scenic, breathtaking view of Hakodate's bustling night life (perhaps mostly just bright street lamps) from a high vantage point. If you're visiting during winter, I recommend you head to the mountain at around 3:30 or 4 PM so you can observe the sunset. You should order some tidbits from the small lounges. They are probably operated by the same owner, and sell delectable Italian-style bites. You can enjoy a cup of tea while waiting for the night view. I highly recommend hiring a taxi to and from the cable car station if you're visiting during winter. The ice on pavements are slippery and it's a nightmare trying to climb up the slope. You shouldn't stay till too late at the mountain because that's when tourist groups start pouring in and the observatories are crowded. See more..
4.5 Asahiyama Zoo (2.773 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Came via JR train to Asahikawa, a trip of more or less two hours (our mistake was we left late). We took a taxi from the train station to the zoo (would have been cheaper to take the bus, only about 490 yen each). Zoo closed early that day, 330pm. Temperature at the zoo was about 0.4 degrees C so be dressed for the cold of visiting in winter. There were penguins, deer, wolves, polar bear, brown bear, monkeys, the crane (symbol of Japan). Would have enjoyed more if we had come earlier. Last bus was at 4pm, good that we caught it as there were no other means of transport out after (as.we understood it). They had good ramen at the cafe. See more..
4.5 Mt. Moiwa (1.449 reviews)
- Beautiful and fun
Spent 1-2 hours Mountains • Lookouts

Typical night view enjoyment spot in Sapporo authorized by "the Japanese new three big night view" in October, 2015. To the extent the night view which can look a ropeway and a MORISU car (mini cable car) around 360 deg from a mountain top observatory of the altitude 531m which takes and arrives is also called "northern jewelry box", that it shines, when I'm shining also it's fine for the daytime as well as the night view, a far place as well as Sapporo-shi district can even look Shokanbetsu chain of mountains and Ishikari bay around. It's possible to go up summertime by car in Moiwayama sightseeing motorway (charge) to the Mid station, and it's possible to enjoy about 3.5 kilometers of freeway (A winter season closes.) At the Mid station, Mt. MOIWA, there is a stand where I get a large selection of original products of the mascot character "MORISU", and a takeout section is also next to the planetarium, the casual French restaurant where you can have a meal while enjoying the scenery "THE JEWELS" and the restaurant at the mountain top station, and it's also enriched in the facilities. It's barrier free full equipment in order to have many people enjoy in the facilities again, and a guide announcement in a ropeway MORISU car stop is also doing correspondence of English, Chinese and Korean. See more..
4.5 Farm Tomita (1.427 reviews)
- Fantastic Colors...
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

A must visit when traveling to Hokkaido during Summer where you can witness abundance of vivid colors. Access only by self drive, taxi or tour buses. The farm is beautifully managed and there are many souvenirs to bring back. See more..
4.5 Mt. Okura Observatory (1.336 reviews)
- Take a view of bight Sapporo
Observation Decks & Towers • Ski & Snowboard Areas

The view from Mt Okura Observatory is stunning, at night you can see the city lights spread out in front of you. The cable car was enjoyable. By the way, if you take the bus to the Observatory, make sure you know the time of the return bus, as taxis may be scarce. See more..
4.5 Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery (1.280 reviews)
- Bit of Scotland in Japan
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

--is at Lat.43 10'N.Lon.14045'E, or about the same Latitude as the middle of New York State, Toronto Canada, Vladivostok Russia. --rests about 50km west of Sapporo City in southern Hokkaido, which is the northernmost of Japan's four principal islands, and was one of the last Japanese frontiers to be developed. --has three sides surrounded by mountains, and one side on the coast (Sea of Japan). --is blessed with the things that really matter to great whisky. However, Scotch whisky captured the young man's imagination, as well as the interest of few other enterprising Japanese of that day. He decided to dedicate his life to whisky. See more..
4.5 Shiretoko Goko Lake (965 reviews)
- Easy hike amazing views
Bodies of Water

Pleasant hike very easy with amazing views. To see all of the lakes you need to take the tour in summer. Lots of wildlife if you stay they come out. Great gift shop and clean facilities. Parking was only 500 yen and they open at 9am. See more..
4.5 Shikisai no Oka (914 reviews)
- Fields of Colorful Flowers!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

What a colorful experience! September, 3:30 in the afternoon we had a marvelous tour of the colorful, striped fields. We rode in the tractor-pulled wagons which had side covers as it had just rained. Not crowded at all, but the hills require lots of walking & we thought it might be muddy. A whole field of sunflowers. And with the mountains across the horizon! See more..
4.5 Moerenuma Park (841 reviews)
- Beautiful Landscape during Winter
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Parks

Moerenuma Park is a landscape sculpture Mecca designed by Isamu Noguchi offering distinctive expressions of the four seasons Moerenuma Park is designed by sculpture artist Isamu Noguchi as a work of sculpture art in itself. The park was reborn from a waste disposal site and transformed into an art park representative of Sapporo over a period of 23 years. The grand scale of this project earned it the name “landscape sculpture.” Visitors can enjoy different scenery depending on the time of the day and season. Instead of picturing yourself in a park, you should probably think of yourself as being inside a huge sculpture piece. See more..
4.5 Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU (794 reviews)
- Amazing snow holiday
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

Grand HIRAFU boasts the largest size in the Niseko area, offering the best powder snow and a wide variety of 30 courses, including wide ski trails and parks. The resort offers new and convenient facilities such as .Base, the Mountain Center and the high-speed 8-person HIRAFU Gondola. The foot of the mountain is home to many hotels, condominiums, restaurants and hot springs, allowing you to enjoy your time after a hard day on the slopes. See more..
4.5 Abashiri Prison Museum (791 reviews)
- Better than expected!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Abashiri prison museum is a open air museum .We had linked with Abashiri city since Meiji period.This is located in nearthe mount Tento, and has three and a half tiwes bigger site than Tokyo Dome. See more..
4.5 Lake Mashu (776 reviews)
- Breathtaking scenery
Bodies of Water

A definite must for those who loves taking pictures of beautiful landscapes. It was a beautiful sight and the weather was cool, breezy and magnificent. The viewpoint is situated in a perfect spot, whereby photographers and those who want to admire the beauty of the area, can simply stand and watch in amazement. See more..
4.5 Motomachi (565 reviews)
- 潮風を感じながら
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Many foreign traders settled in this neighborhood in the mid 1800s, which still contains a number of foreign buildings, including the Russian Orthodox Church and the Chinese Memorial Hall. See more..
4.5 Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura) (560 reviews)
- Pioneer Village
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums

Nearly every kind of private and public building, from farmhouse to sleigh factory, is on display in this fascinating open-air museum. See more..
4.5 Cape Kamui (552 reviews)
- A beautiful place on a beautiful day
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations • Scenic Walking Areas

I've been here a few times and it is always worth the trip. Easy hike for some amazing views. If you can read Japanese or bring your iPhone to translate you can learn some interesting history about this area as well. The Cape is subject to high winds so if you having trouble standing up in the parking lot then skip the hike to the lighthouse or end of the cape. Very beautiful and they have closing hours that would keep you from watching a sunset in the summer. See more..
4.0 Odori Park (3.805 reviews)
- White Illumination + Christmas Market during Winter
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

Popular year round, Sapporo’s central park offers twelve blocks of tree-lined walkways and open space for recreation and relaxation. See more..
4.0 Otaru Canal (3.116 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks

My husband and I specifically went to visit the Otaru canal for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival last February 2020. We took the JR Train from Sapporo station to Otaru Station. It took us almost an hour one way and the train was full both ways. The long trip was worth it when we saw the lanterns light up and the snow sculptures. And of course, we had the famous LeTao sweets on our way back to the station. See more..
4.0 Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space (2.828 reviews)
- Lovely
Sunday: 5:45 AM - 12:30 AM Civic Centres

If it is -11 outside and windy this underground passage will sure become your very best friend. It connects the most important and vital parts of the city around Odori Park, stretching from the JR Station all the way to Susukino but the straight walkway also diverts into many lateral branches, all full of food courts, shops, malls and even connects some of the major buildings. I have to say that it is not easy to use and even a map may not help you find your way as being underground can be sometimes confusing. But if you are ambling with no specific destination it will be bliss to simply get lost in this maze of underground walkways See more..
4.0 Goryokaku Tower (2.169 reviews)
- A must place to visit
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:50 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers • History Museums

Goryokaku Tower Official Account. View of Mt.Hakodate and the Tsugaru Straits from the observatory. The star-shaped vista that shines on the grounds of Goryokaku Fort, a special historic spot. See more..
4.0 Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (2.132 reviews)
- Worth Walking By, Beautiful Building
Sunday: 8:45 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

I walked around the Government building recently. After a lot of snow, there were small paths carved out from other people around the building. I didn't enter or anything but I enjoyed viewing the exterior of the building and the park. At night, the building was lit up and looked great! The architecture is unique for Japan, so I recommend at least walking by. See more..
4.0 Susukino (2.112 reviews)
- Explore Sapporo's night-life center
Neighborhoods

One of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, Susukino is teeming with noodle restaurants, clubs, shops and pachinko parlors. Pachinko is a cross between pinball and slot machines. See more..
4.0 Sapporo TV Tower (1.849 reviews)
- 札幌のシンボルの一つです
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers

It is 60 seconds by elevator from the third floor to the observation deck, 90.38 metres above ground. The entirety of Sapporo city unfolds beneath your eyes, set to a background of the magnificent Ishikari countryside, the far afield Japan Sea, and Odori Park, where flowers bloom in the four seasons. Command a panoramic view of the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival, and White Illumination. See more..
4.0 Shirogane Blue Pond (1.844 reviews)
- Highly recommended for a visiit
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

this is absolutely a must for visitors to the area. The place has been given some renovation works and now offers a very comfortable parking lot, cafe and ice-cream shop and a gift shop. The trails can be muddy or even snowy at times (I visited in the middle of April and there was a lot of snow on the trails, which were in turn very slippery). See more..
4.0 Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus (1.759 reviews)
- Nice to walk
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Universities & Schools

It was already afternoon when my family visited the campus. We went thru the main gate but there was not much signage that can guide you. Luckily, we managed to spot the Tourist Information Centre which was also a cafe and a souvenir shop. But since it was already 1 hour before closing time we did not manage to walk a lot inside the campus. Don't get me wrong, but the campus was nice, lined with trees, its just that our timing was off. Best to go there right after breakfast or right after lunch so you have ample time to wander and explore. The weather was also lovely because it was early winter. The coffee and hot chocolate at the cafe was nice, not to mention the interiors were tastefully done too. Toilet also available. Recommended to those who love to explore universities! See more..
4.0 Hakodate Tram (1.622 reviews)
- Snaffle's Hokkaido Hakodate Chocolate Cheesecake: Japan No.1 Softest Melt In Your Mouth Catchcake!
Trams

We were very excited to ride the Hakodate Tram and it is the best transport mode for appreciating the amazing views of Hakodate. The well-established network connects the city, it runs every 6 to 12 minutes during the day and goes to most of the main tourist spots, including Hakodate Station, Motomachi, the Bay Area, Goryokaku and Yunokawa. Fares cost between 210 to 260 yen, paid in cash when alighting. We love the amazing Snaffle's Hokkaido Hakodate Chocolate Cheesecake. This is Japan No.1 Softest Melt In Your Mouth Catchcake! Dex Ng Mong Meiyan Dexperience See more..
4.0 Shiroi Koibito Park (1.530 reviews)
- Magical Experience!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

No visit to this unforgettable walk through the culture and history of chocolate would be complete without a snack in the Chocolate Lounge. See more..
4.0 Tanukikoji Shopping Street (1.448 reviews)
- One stop shopping center for souvenir, quick bites and shopping spree!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Visit at night during winter and hard snowfall when we visit Sapporo, the place itself still bustling with tourist even after 9pm. Similar with shinsaibashi-suji, theres lots of tax free shops for tourist, make sure to bring your passport and credit/debit cards to had shopping spree! Kinda slippery on february since theres still snowy outside, so eventhough its walking distance from our hotel (Resol Trinity Hotel/Odori Park) we consider to take underground pedestrian space. a lot warmer and safer to walk. 3 hours are not enough! So allocate your time wisely! See more..
4.0 Jigokudani (1.414 reviews)
- Short visit
Geologic Formations

Took the train to noboribetsu station and decided to take a cab to the hell valley which took about 15mins. The queue for the bus was long and many visitors had big luggage with them. Bus intervals is every hour, so if you can’t get on because it’s full, you will have to wait another hour. The valley itself is beautiful. There’re a few trails to walk around. Wear good shoes as the paths were super slippery. Not a big place so we were done pretty quickly and took a walk around the small onsen town area. Bought some souvenirs, walked to the bus station and took the bus back to the train station. See more..
4.0 Goryokaku Park (1.412 reviews)
- Cherry blossoms of Goryokaku
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Parks

Goryokaku Fort or park is a National special historic site in Hakodate. I went for the cherry blossoms because they are in full bloom this time of year. Several other attractions there like the observation tower and temple. But if your Following Sakura this is where to be at the end of April. See more..
4.0 Sapporo Beer Museum (1.249 reviews)
- Whimsical Vibe
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Sapporo is Japan’s most popular beer; this interactive museum includes a tour and beer-tasting. See more..