The SUPER Hokkaido travel guide: Top attractions, best things to do, stay & MORE

Traveling to Japan without visiting Hokkaido is a big mistake! This place is famous as an ideal destination for those who love nature, want to fully explore the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, soak in hot springs and roam around vibrant cities. If you are wondering what is special about Hokkaido Japan, this article will guide you in detail from A to Z. Let’s find out with Living Nomads right away via The SUPER Hokkaido travel guide: Top attractions, best things to do, stay & MORE!

Hokkaido travel guide: Where is Hokkaido?

Hokkaido, also known as the North Sea Road, is the second largest island of Japan, located in the northernmost position of this country. It is separated from Honshu Island by the Tsugaru Strait and is surrounded by the Sea of ​​Japan, the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to its special location, Hokkaido has a cool climate all year round and is one of the rare regions in Japan that can experience heavy snowfall in winter.

Unlike crowded cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Hokkaido offers fresh air and pristine nature. The scenery here is a blend of mountains, lakes and endless flower fields. Each season, Hokkaido has its own charm: spring is filled with pink cherry blossoms, summer is brilliant with lavender, autumn is covered with red maple leaves and winter is covered with white snow. That is why Hokkaido is known as the four-season paradise of Japan.

Not only has beautiful scenery, Hokkaido is also a land of unique culture and cuisine. The people here are gentle, friendly, and always willing to help tourists. Hokkaido cuisine is famous throughout the country for its fresh seafood, king crab, sashimi, rich miso ramen and pure fresh milk. If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the fresh air and explore authentic Japanese culture and cuisine, Hokkaido is the choice not to be missed.

What to prepare when traveling to Hokkaido, Japan?

Before exploring the majestic nature of Hokkaido, you should prepare carefully to make the trip complete. Below are the essentials for your trip to Japan that you should prepare:

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Japan and has at least 2 blank pages for visa.

Visa: You need to prepare a valid visa before departure. To save time and increase the success rate, you can refer to the Japanese visa service on reliable platforms such as Klook. Besides, you can also apply for a Japanese tourist visa yourself according to the instructions in the following article.

Electronic entry declaration: When arriving in Japan, you need to complete the online entry declaration Visit Japan Web within 3 days before departure. In case you have not registered, you can still fill out a paper entry form at the airport but it will take a lot of time.

Itinerary and necessary equipment: You should plan a detailed tour plan for each day to save time and avoid missing out on highlights. In addition, you should also prepare a converter, medicine, sneakers, seasonal clothes, trash bags, spare chargers, etc.

Necessary applications: Some necessary applications that you should download are Uber or Taxi Go to book a taxi, Flush to find the nearest restroom, Mymizu to find free drinking water points, etc.

Book air tickets and hotels in advance: You should book air tickets, hotels and sightseeing tickets early to receive many attractive Klook’s discount codes. This helps save costs and minimize the risk of running out of tickets during peak season.

Travel insurance: This is a way to give you peace of mind during your trip, in case of health problems or unexpected problems such as delayed or canceled flights.

Currency and payment: The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY), which includes two types of notes and coins. Most restaurants and large centers accept VISA or Mastercard. You can also use IC cards such as Pasmo or Suica to travel on most public transport and pay at convenience stores and vending machines.

Sim/ eSIM: Ensuring an Internet connection is essential to quickly look up maps, trains and translate languages ​​throughout the journey. Prepare a SIM or eSIM to travel to Japan from Vietnam so you can use it as soon as you land.

How to get to Hokkaido?

When preparing for a trip to Hokkaido, knowing how to get there will help your journey be faster and more economical. Here are detailed instructions for your reference:

To travel to Hokkaido, the fastest way is to buy a plane ticket to Sapporo (CTS) with many airline options such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or Japan Airlines,… Round-trip ticket prices usually range from 9 – 25 million VND depending on the time and airline. After landing at New Chitose Airport, you can choose a bus, taxi or airport shuttle service, which is both fast and convenient.

If you are in Japan, you can travel by Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in about 4 hours, then continue by JR train or local bus to Sapporo or other tourist spots. There are also long-distance ferries from Honshu to Hokkaido, departing from Niigata, Oarai (Ibaraki), Sendai, Nagoya, Maizuru (Kyoto) and Tsuruga (Fukui) ports, which are cheap and fun options for sightseeing while traveling.

Transportation in Hokkaido

Hokkaido has a convenient transportation system, making it easy for visitors to explore both major cities and remote natural areas.

JR Hokkaido Trains: The JR Hokkaido system is a fast and convenient way to travel within and between major cities in Hokkaido. Ticket prices typically range from 640 – 6500 JPY (~109,000 – 1,100,000 VND) depending on your destination. If you want to explore more cities, the JR Hokkaido Pass is a budget option, allowing unlimited travel on JR trains within the region for 4 to 7 days.

Bus: Hokkaido’s bus network serves both cities and remote tourist destinations. City buses typically cost 200 – 300 JPY (~34,000 – 51,000 VND), while long-distance routes range from 2,000 – 3,000 JPY (~341,000 – 512,000 VND). Note that some buses to rural areas or remote tourist destinations do not run continuously, so check schedules in advance.

Car rental: If you have an international driver’s license and want to be proactive in your schedule, renting a car is a great option.

The best time to travel to Hokkaido, Japan

The best time to travel to Hokkaido is in the winter from December to February. This is when Hokkaido becomes a beautiful snowy land, attracting tourists from all over the world to ski, watch the snow fall and experience the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Winter in Hokkaido is the coldest of the year, the temperature usually ranges from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, in some places it drops to -20 degrees Celsius in the mountains. However, thanks to the thick, smooth snow, Hokkaido is considered the number 1 skiing paradise in Asia, with famous ski resorts such as Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.

In addition, Hokkaido is the only island in Japan with four distinct seasons, each season has its own beauty, suitable for each tourist’s preferences.

After winter, Hokkaido welcomes spring (March – May) with cherry blossoms blooming much later than other regions of Japan. The weather is now gradually warming up, the temperature is about 8 – 15 degrees Celsius, the air is fresh and pleasant. In addition to cherry blossoms, this is also the time when tulip fields and rapeseed flowers begin to bloom, opening the brilliant tourist season of the year.

Summer (June – August) is the time when Hokkaido becomes most different from the rest of Japan. While other regions are hot and humid, Hokkaido has a cool climate. Hokkaido this season is famous for its lavender fields in Furano and Biei, where purple stretches to the horizon. In addition, visitors can also combine participating in extremely vibrant summer festivals such as Yosakoi Soran when traveling to Sapporo.

Autumn (September – November) brings romantic and peaceful beauty with brilliant red and yellow maple leaves all over the mountains and lakes. Visitors can admire the beautiful autumn scenery in Daisetsuzan, Lake Akan or Odori Park. The temperature ranges from 10 – 18 degrees Celsius, the air is fresh and pleasant.

Where to go: Suggestions for famous tourist attractions when traveling to Hokkaido, Japan

If you don’t know what to do in Hokkaido, we will suggest some places that you definitely cannot miss when traveling to Hokkaido. This place is not only famous for its majestic nature and white snowy winters, but also possesses a series of attractive tourist attractions.

Asahiyama Zoo

• Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan
• Hours of operation: 10:00 – 15:30 from Monday to Friday; 09:30 – 15:30 from Saturday to Sunday
• Admission fee: ~170,823 VND/adult; Free for children under 16 years old

Located in Asahikawa city, Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most famous and popular zoos in Japan. The special feature of this place is the open enclosure design, allowing visitors to observe animals at a very close distance and in the most natural environment. Glass tunnels allow you to watch penguins swimming, or transparent tubes in the middle of the ice lake allow you to see seals gliding overhead, all creating a vivid feeling like being in the middle of the Arctic.

Shirogane Blue Ponds

• Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
• Hours of operation: 07:00 – 19:00

Shirogane Blue Pond is one of the most prominent tourist symbols of Hokkaido. The lake is as clear as turquoise, reflecting the sky and the bare dry forest in the middle of the lake, creating a magical scene that is no different from a painting. The color of the water changes depending on the light of the day, early morning is emerald green, noon is blue, and late afternoon is shimmering silver. In winter, the lake surface freezes, covered in white snow, making this place even more tranquil and enchanting.

Sapporo Beer Museum

• Address: 9 Chome-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan
• Opening hours: 11:00 – 18:00

If you are a beer lover, Sapporo Beer Museum is definitely a destination not to be missed. This is where the history of the formation and development of the Sapporo beer brand, the oldest beer brand in Japan, is told. Visitors can learn about the production process, see antique items, and especially enjoy a glass of fresh beer just poured right at the factory. In addition, inside the premises there is also the Sapporo Beer Garden restaurant, where you can enjoy the famous Hokkaido specialty Jingisukan grilled lamb.

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley

• Address: 無番地 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
• Hours of operation: Open all day
• Admission fee: Free

Located in Hokkaido’s famous hot spring area, Noboribetsu Jigokudani impresses with its unique volcanic landscape, where hot smoke and sulfur vapor continuously rise from the ground. Wooden walkways around the valley allow visitors to easily observe the steam vents, hot springs and the characteristic orange-yellow soil patches.

In winter, the heat meets the snow to create a very attractive misty scene, while in autumn, the valley is brilliant with red and yellow leaves surrounding the valley. This is also the main source of water for the famous onsen areas in Noboribetsu, so you can combine walking sightseeing and hot spring resort.

Goryokaku Tower

• Address: 43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00
• Admission fee: ~205,000 VND/ adult; ~154,000 VND/ child

In the peaceful port city of Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower stands out as a historical and cultural symbol of Hokkaido. From the height of 107 meters of the observation deck, visitors can see the entire Goryokaku fortress, a rare five-pointed star-shaped architectural work in Japan. In spring, the scenery here becomes more romantic than ever when thousands of cherry trees bloom, turning the entire area into a sea of ​​brilliant pink flowers.

Shirahige Waterfall

• Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
• Hours of operation: All day
• Admission fee: Free

Shirahige Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural symbols of Hokkaido, featuring blue water pouring down from white rocks like a silver beard. The waterfall creates a magical scene especially in winter when steam rises in the middle of pure white snow. At night, the waterfall is also illuminated to create a sparkling effect, making visitors feel like they are lost in a fairy tale world. This is definitely a destination not to be missed when you visit the poetic Biei region.

Not stopping there, Hokkaido is not only famous for its natural scenery and attractive cuisine, it is also known as the snow paradise of Japan thanks to its super-fine powder snow (Japow) and long winter. This is where many international-class ski resorts converge, attracting both beginners and professional skiers from all over the world. Some prominent areas include Niseko United, Furano Ski Resort, Rusutsu Resort or Kiroro Snow World,… If you love winter, Hokkaido is definitely the perfect choice.

Ideal Hokkaido Japan hotels for your trip

Hokkaido has many accommodation areas suitable for both leisure and nature exploration, making it easy for visitors to choose a place to stay according to their preferences. Hotels in Sapporo or hotels near New Chitose Airport are always the ideal choice for tourists who like comfort, rich cuisine and convenient transportation. In addition, in winter, this place is especially attractive with the leading Hokkaido resort system in Japan, suitable for both relaxation and skiing.

Below are some suggestions for Hokkaido hotels that you can refer to:

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

• Address: 328-47 Iwaobetsu, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0082, Japan
• Rate per night from: ~7,157,000 VND

Located in the picturesque Annupuri Mountains, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is the ideal choice for a luxurious holiday year-round in Hokkaido. The resort features a sophisticated design that combines natural wood and stone, and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the mountains and Mt. Yōtei. After a long day of activities, enjoy the spa, private onsen in your room or the relaxing indoor pool, all creating a luxurious resort experience amidst majestic nature. (klook, agoda)

Sapporo Hotel by Granbell

• Address: 2 Chome-2-2 Kita 6 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0906, Japan
• Rate per night from: ~2,883,000 VND

Sapporo Hotel by Granbell offers a modern resort experience in the heart of Sapporo with sophisticated design and 4-star amenities for you to relax after a day of exploring. The convenient location just a few steps from the station and entertainment area makes this an ideal place to stay for easy travel and exploring the city. From the balcony you can watch the bright lights of Sapporo in the evening or choose to relax at the luxurious restaurant and bar right in the hotel. (klook, agoda)

In addition, Hokkaido also has many other outstanding hotels such as:

Mercure Hotel Sapporo: The room rates from $84/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Address: Minami 4-jo Nishi 2-chome Chuo-ku , Sapporo, Sapporo, Japan, 064-0804

Sapporo Grand Hotel: The room rates from $89/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Address: 4 Nishi, Kita-Ichi-Jo Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Sapporo, Japan, 060-0001

Guesthouse The Stay Sapporo: The room rates from $13/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Address: 1008-10 minami5jo nishi9chome, Sapporo, Sapporo, Japan, 064-0805

New Otani Inn Sapporo: The room rates from $60/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Address: Nishi 1-chome, Kita 2-jo, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Sapporo, Japan, 060-0002.

Hotel Okura Sapporo: The room rates from $56/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Richmond Hotel Sapporo Ekimae: The room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Ibis Styles Sapporo: The room rates from $53/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Hotel Keihan Sapporo: The room rates from $35/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

You can find more, check rates, availability & booking for Sapporo hotels on Agoda.com or Klook.com.

Must-try dishes when traveling to Hokkaido

When coming to Hokkaido, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the typical delicious dishes of this land, each dish has a fresh taste and the essence of Japanese cuisine.

Sapporo Ramen

Ramen noodles are famous for their rich miso broth, grilled pork topping, corn and fatty butter. This is an ideal dish to enjoy on cold winter days, bringing a warm taste and energy to your journey to explore Hokkaido. Some famous restaurants where you can enjoy this dish are Sapporo Ramen Haruka, Teshikaga Ramen, Ramen gantetsu yokocho, …

Soup Curry

This is a famous soup-type curry in Hokkaido with a rich broth, fresh vegetables and chicken or seafood. The mild spicy flavor combined with white rice creates a completely different experience. This dish is very popular at local restaurants and is loved by tourists all year round. You can enjoy these dishes at Soup Curry GARAKU Sapporo Main Restaurant, Sapporo Dominica, Hokkaido Soup Curry Suage SHIBUYA,…

Kushiro Kattedon

This is a famous seafood rice buffet in Kushiro, allowing you to choose fresh seafood such as salmon, crab, scallops as toppings to eat with rice. Hot rice combined with fresh seafood creates a delicious and rich taste. Enjoying this dish right at Kushiro Port will help you fully feel the taste of Hokkaido sea. Some notable restaurants that you can refer to are Senchan Shokudo, Chikurouen Azumaya souhonten, Robata,…

Frequently asked questions

How far is Hokkaido from Tokyo?

Hokkaido is located about 830km north of Tokyo as the crow flies and 1280km by road.

What is the best season to go to Hokkaido?

Winter from December to February is the best time to travel to Hokkaido. Here, you can experience skiing and participate in famous snow festivals, typically the Sapporo Snow Festival.

What is special about Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is the only region in Japan with world-class powder snow (Japow), which is very popular with international skiers. This is also a rare place with pristine nature with large national parks, crater lakes, geothermal valleys and wild animals such as foxes, deer, and white owls.

In addition, Hokkaido is famous for the best seafood in Japan thanks to its cold, nutrient-rich waters, especially king crab and fresh sashimi. This place also has a unique Ainu culture that no other region in Japan has, along with famous natural onsen systems such as Noboribetsu.

Hokkaido travel itinerary for 4 days and 3 nights?

You can refer to the 4-day, 3-night winter travel itinerary for Hokkaido below:

• Day 1: Sapporo – Hokkaido Jingu Shrine – Hokkaido University – Sapporo Factory – Norbesa Shopping Mall – Susukino District – Japanese Light Festival in Odori Park (Winter Illuminations)
• Day 2: Otaru – Sakaimachi Street – LeTAO Main Store – Royce Chocolate Shop – Otaru Music Box Museum – Otaru Canal
• Day 3: Asahikawa – Asahiyama Zoo – Asahikawa Ramen Village – Heiwa Dori Shopping Street – AEON Mall Asahikawa Ekimae
• Day 4: Bie and Furano – Shirogane Blue Pond – Shirahige Falls – Furano Station – Furano Marche Center – Ningle Terrace

How to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido?

To take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido, you start your journey from Tokyo or Ueno Station, board the Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa. After about 4 hours and 20 minutes, you will arrive at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, then transfer to the Hokuto Express to continue to Sapporo, taking about 4 more hours.

Hokkaido is an ideal destination for those who want to experience Japanese nature, culture and cuisine to the fullest.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Sapporo & Hokkaido you can refer to

• Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and More
• Sapporo Highland Sightseeing Bus Tour with Meals
• Sapporo Private Day Tour with Local Licensed Guide
• Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and More
• Hokkaido Enjoy Pass
• Furano and Tomita Farm Day Tour from Sapporo
• Sapporo Afternoon Bus Tour
• Hokkaido Spring and Summer Limited Depart from Sapporo
• JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass
• Sapporo TV Tower Ticket
• JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
• Mt Tengu Ropeway Round-trip Ticket
• Asahikawa Zoo & Shikisai-no-Oka Day Tour
• Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Ticket in Sapporo
• JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido
• Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei, and Blue Pond Day Tour
• JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
• Kani Honke in Sapporo Station – Popular Crab Specialty
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Hokkaido travel guide and top things to do in Hokkaido: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Hokkaido travel blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Hokkaido, Japan.