Hokkaido, where vast nature and diverse culture coexist, is a region full of captivating attractions.
Each city in Hokkaido, including Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Otaru, Kushiro, and Obihiro, boasts unique charms such as beautiful landscapes, rich history, and distinctive cuisine. If you’re visiting Japan, Hokkaido is definitely a must-see destination.
This article introduces the highlights and attractions of Hokkaido’s major cities.
Hokkaido: Why Visit Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is a special region where vast nature and diverse culture coexist, attracting numerous tourists.
Its unique seasonal landscapes are a major attraction: winter offers skiing and snowboarding, spring brings cherry blossoms, summer features lavender fields, and autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage, providing different kinds of beauty throughout the year.
The region also boasts a rich culinary scene, including fresh seafood and specialties like jingisukan (grilled mutton). In urban areas, cities like Sapporo and Hakodate offer a blend of urban comforts and natural richness, along with captivating historical and cultural experiences.
Hokkaido is a must-visit destination on any trip to Japan.
Sapporo: The Gateway and Cultural Hub of Hokkaido
Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, is a captivating destination for visitors.
Established in 1871 as a base for the development of the region, it has grown rapidly. The city offers seasonal natural beauty, showcased in places like Odori Park, and historical landmarks such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Office.
With abundant seasonal events like the Sapporo Snow Festival and the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, there’s always something new to discover. Sapporo also delights visitors with its fresh seafood and renowned Sapporo ramen, making it a city that pleases both the eyes and the palate.
YOSAKOI Soran Festival and Sapporo Snow Festival
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival, held every June in Sapporo, is a vibrant event where teams from all over Japan showcase energetic dances. The parade and performances across the city captivate numerous spectators with their lively atmosphere.
The Sapporo Snow Festival, held in February, is a winter spectacle featuring enormous snow and ice sculptures displayed in Odori Park and Susukino. These sculptures are illuminated at night, creating a magical winter landscape. Visitors can experience the unique beauty of Hokkaido’s winter during this iconic festival.
Hakodate: A Historic Port City with Stunning Views
Hakodate, located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, is a port city renowned for its unique history and beautiful landscapes.
Opened to international trade during the late Edo period, Hakodate blends Western and Japanese cultures in its historic streets. Key attractions include the Mt. Hakodate viewpoint, famous for its breathtaking night views, the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, and the charming Motomachi District with its retro atmosphere. The morning market in Hakodate offers a taste of fresh seafood.
In winter, the city is adorned with beautiful illuminations and snowy scenes, making it a captivating destination year-round.
Fresh Seafood Delights at Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Morning Market, located just next to Hakodate Station, spans 3 hectares and features around 250 stores.
These include seafood specialty shops selling fresh catches from the nearby waters of Hokkaido, direct sales outlets for Hokkaido-grown agricultural products, and various eateries. The market operates year-round, from 6:00 AM to around 2:00 PM from January to April, and from 5:00 AM to around 2:00 PM from May to December. (Note: Operating hours and days may vary by store.)
With its early opening hours, visitors can enjoy a seafood breakfast or explore the lively market for delicious ingredients, making it a popular spot to savor Hokkaido’s food from the break of dawn.
Ranking of Popular Tourists Destination in Hokkaido
- Mt. Hakodate/Hakodate: Stunning Night Cityscape Views
- Odori Park/ Sapporo: Seasonal Events and Festivals
- Mt. Moiwa/ Sapporo: Panoramic City and Ocean Views
- Asahiyama Zoo/ Asahikawa: Unique Animal Exhibits Year-Round
- Farm Tomita/ Naka-furano: Vibrant Lavender Fields
Asahikawa: A City Filled with Natural and Animal Attractions
Asahikawa, located in central Hokkaido, is an appealing city for nature and animal enthusiasts.
The renowned Asahiyama Zoo attracts numerous visitors from Japan and abroad with its unique exhibits that allow observation of animals’ natural behaviors. The area is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park and skiing at Asahidake Ski Resort in winter.
The city also boasts delicious local cuisine made from fresh ingredients, with Asahikawa ramen being a must-try delicacy. With its captivating blend of seasonal nature and diverse wildlife, Asahikawa is a city worth visiting.
Asahiyama Zoo: Observing Animals in Their Natural Behaviors
Located in Asahikawa, Asahiyama Zoo is one of Japan’s most popular zoos, known for its unique exhibits that encourage animals to display their natural behaviors.
Highlights include the “Penguin House,” where penguins swim as if flying through water, and the “Polar Bear House,” where polar bears dive dynamically. Each exhibit allows close observation of the animals’ lifestyles, offering visitors a special experience to discover new aspects of wildlife.
The zoo also provides the enjoyment of seasonal nature, making it a must-visit spot in any season.
Otaru: A Charming Blend of Historic Canals and Coastal Beauty
Otaru, located on the western coast of Hokkaido, is a picturesque port town known for its historic canal and exquisite glassworks.
The Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses from the Meiji to early Showa periods, exudes a nostalgic charm, attracting many visitors both day and night. The town is home to numerous shops like the Otaru Music Box Museum and Kitaichi Glass, offering a delightful shopping experience with their beautiful glass crafts and music boxes.
Additionally, Otaru boasts an array of sushi restaurants and seafood markets where fresh catches can be savored, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Strolling along the coastline, visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and scenic views, making Otaru a captivating destination where history and nature harmonize beautifully.
Otaru Aquarium: Enjoying a Diverse Marine World
Otaru Aquarium, located on the coast of Otaru, is a popular attraction showcasing a wide variety of marine life from northern seas.
Highlights include the “Marine Stadium,” where visitors can enjoy entertaining shows featuring penguins and seals, and the “Underwater Tunnel,” where fish swim right before your eyes.
The aquarium also features an “Interactive Corner,” allowing close encounters with sea creatures, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Surrounded by Otaru’s natural beauty, this aquarium offers a rich marine experience along with the changing seasonal scenery.
Kushiro: A City Where Wetlands and Ports Harmonize
Kushiro, located in eastern Hokkaido, is a port city renowned for its rich natural environment and historical significance.
The Kushiro Shitsugen (Wetlands), Japan’s largest marshland, is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for nature observation and bird watching, especially for sightings of the Red-crowned Crane.
As a thriving port town, Kushiro boasts a vibrant fishing industry, with the Kushiro Port offering an array of fresh seafood. The city is also famous for its robata-yaki (charcoal grill) and Kushiro ramen, providing a rich local culinary experience. Kushiro’s unique blend of history, nature, and port town charm offers visitors a diverse range of experiences.
Kushiro Wetlands: Japan’s Largest Marshland
Kushiro Wetlands is Japan’s largest marshland, covering approximately 28,000 hectares in eastern Hokkaido.
This vast natural area is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the iconic Red-crowned Cranes. The wetlands offer numerous opportunities for bird watching, nature walks, and canoeing along its meandering waterways. The Kushiro Marsh Observatory and Hosooka Viewpoint provide stunning panoramic views of the wetlands.
Visitors can explore boardwalks and observation points to experience the serene beauty and ecological richness of this remarkable natural treasure.
Obihiro: The Heart of Tokachi with Agriculture and Hot Springs
Obihiro, located in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, is a city celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes.
Tokachi is one of Japan’s premier agricultural areas, known for its fresh produce, and visitors can savor delicious local foods such as the famous butadon (pork bowl) and sweets made from locally grown wheat. The city is surrounded by expansive farmlands and scenic views, offering a unique glimpse into Hokkaido’s agricultural lifestyle.
Obihiro is also renowned for its Tokachigawa Onsen, where visitors can relax in the soothing hot springs. With its harmonious blend of abundant agriculture and relaxing hot springs, Obihiro provides a refreshing and satisfying experience for all who visit.
Manabe Garden: Enjoying the Seasonal Beauty of Nature
Manabe Garden in Obihiro is one of Japan’s largest gardens, spanning approximately 25 hectares with beautiful natural landscapes.
The garden features a diverse range of trees and flowers, offering a different experience with each season. Highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, roses in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage. The garden also has walking paths, ponds, and waterfalls, providing a tranquil space for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
For plant enthusiasts and nature lovers, Manabe Garden is a soothing spot to appreciate the seasonal beauty.
Tomakomai: A Port City Where Industry and Nature Coexist
Tomakomai, located on the southern coast of Hokkaido along the Pacific Ocean, is a port city where the appeal of industry and nature coexist.
Tomakomai Port plays a crucial role as a key logistics hub in Japan, supporting various industries. The city is home to vast natural areas like Lake Utonai and the Yufutsu Plain, providing rich natural environments. Lake Utonai is a nature reserve where visitors can enjoy bird watching and nature walks, observing diverse ecosystems throughout the seasons.
Additionally, the Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal offers a glimpse into the vibrant port life, and the Minato Machi Market lets visitors savor fresh seafood. With its dynamic blend of industrial vigor and natural beauty, Tomakomai offers a wide range of experiences.
Tomakomai Onsen: A Relaxing Retreat Near the City
Tomakomai Onsen, located in Tomakomai City in southern Hokkaido, offers a relaxing escape close to urban areas.
The natural hot spring is an alkaline simple spring that is gentle on the skin and helps soothe both body and mind. The onsen facility features open-air baths and saunas, allowing guests to relax while enjoying beautiful natural scenery. The surrounding area has plenty of dining options and rest areas, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a busy day.
Tomakomai Onsen provides a serene environment for visitors to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Getting Around Hokkaido: A Guide for Comfortable Travel
Hokkaido’s vast expanse requires thoughtful transportation choices to travel efficiently. Here’s a look at the main modes of transportation and their benefits.
Trains: Enjoy Scenic Journeys
JR Hokkaido operates extensive train lines connecting major cities centered around Sapporo.
Express trains provide comfortable travel to cities like Hakodate, Asahikawa, Obihiro, and Kushiro, with stunning views along the way. Convenient passes like the JR Hokkaido Free Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass make travel easier for tourists.
Buses: Comprehensive Regional Coverage
Companies like Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Donan Bus cover areas not accessible by train, connecting cities and regions with an intricate bus network. Intercity buses offer affordable long-distance travel, including overnight options. Sightseeing buses also provide efficient tours to popular destinations.
Cars: Flexible Travel Option
Renting a car allows for flexible, self-paced travel, ideal for exploring vast natural areas or urban attractions. Hokkaido’s well-maintained highways and major roads ensure smooth driving. Cars are especially useful for visiting scenic spots like Biei or Furano, and onsen resorts. Using an ETC card simplifies toll road travel.
Flights: Save Time with Air Travel
Airports like New Chitose, Hakodate, Asahikawa, and Kushiro connect major cities in Hokkaido, offering a time-saving option. Flights are particularly useful for distant areas or when time is limited. Many low-cost carriers (LCCs) also provide economical air travel options.
Rental Bicycles: Active Sightseeing
Rental bicycles are available in cities and tourist spots, offering an active way to explore the surroundings. Cycling avoids traffic and allows for leisurely sightseeing, popular in cities like Sapporo and Otaru.
Experiencing the Diverse Charms of Hokkaido
Hokkaido offers a captivating blend of vast natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse cities.
Each city provides a unique experience: the urban culture and culinary richness of Sapporo, the historic scenery of Hakodate, the wildlife and nature of Asahikawa, the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru, the wetlands and port of Kushiro, the agriculture and hot springs of Obihiro, and the harmony of industry and nature in Tomakomai.
Hokkaido’s seasonal splendor, fresh produce, and warm hospitality ensure that every visit brings new discoveries and lasting impressions. When planning your journey, explore the diverse cities of Hokkaido to fully appreciate its myriad attractions.
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