Hokkaido Must-Visit Spots [with Guide]

Hokkaido is famous for its stunning natural scenery, distinct seasons, and delicious food. Whether it's skiing in winter, flower viewing in spring, summer vacations, or autumn foliage hunting, Hokkaido offers unforgettable travel experiences for visitors. Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season, Sapporo, Odori Park, and Goryokaku in Hakodate are popular spots. Summer (June–August): Lavender fields in Furano and Biei, cool climate in summer resorts. Autumn (September–November): Colorful autumn leaves, Noboribetsu Onsen and Daisetsuzan National Park. Winter (December–February): Sapporo Snow Festival, skiing in Niseko, and snow fun in Asahikawa. ⛺Must-Visit Spots: 1. Sapporo Odori Park: Flower viewing in spring and summer, main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. Hokkaido Shrine: Enjoy traditional Hokkaido culture, cherry blossoms in spring. Tanukikoji Shopping Street: A great place to buy souvenirs and taste authentic food. 2. Furano & Biei Lavender Fields: Furano in summer is a purple ocean, mid-July is the peak season for lavender. Patchwork Road: The rural scenery of Biei, colorful farmland like patchwork. 3. Hakodate Mount Hakodate Night View: One of the world's three best night views, overlooking the city lights from the top of the mountain. Goryokaku: A star-shaped Western-style castle, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring. Hakodate Morning Market: Experience seafood cuisine in the morning, try freshly caught sea urchins and crabs. 4. Noboribetsu Onsen Hell Valley: Volcanic landscape with sulfur, hot spring water steaming. Onsen Street: Various onsen inns offer the most authentic Japanese onsen experience. 5. Otaru Otaru Canal: The historic canal is lit up on both sides, like a dream. Glass Craft Shops: Buy exquisite glass souvenirs or experience making them yourself. 6. Asahiyama Zoo Popular polar bear, penguin, and fox exhibits, and penguin walk performances in winter. Food Recommendations: Seafood Sashimi: Highly recommend sea urchins, crabs, and salmon in Hakodate. Sapporo Miso Ramen: Thick miso soup with corn and butter, classic taste. Genghis Khan BBQ: Delicious lamb, recommended in Sapporo. Jaga Pokkuru: Hokkaido specialty potato snack, crispy and delicious. Dairy Desserts: Must try Hokkaido milk ice cream and cheesecake. Soup Curry: Sapporo specialty, spicy and rich, perfect with Hokkaido rice. 🏨Transportation Guide: Transportation 1. How to Get to Hokkaido Plane: Fly from Tokyo, Osaka, etc. to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), the fastest. Shinkansen: Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Honshu, but takes longer. 2. Island Transportation JR Hokkaido: Connects major cities such as Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa, cheaper with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Bus: Suitable for visiting Furano, Biei, etc. Car Rental: If you plan to go deep into the countryside or mountains, renting a car is the best choice, prepare an international driver's license.