Must-Visit Spots in Hokkaido

Explore the Best of Northern Japan! 🏞 Lake Akan｜Pristine Beauty and Ainu Culture Transportation Tips: • Take a bus from Kushiro Airport (about 1.5 hours) or travel from Sapporo via JR to Kushiro and transfer to a bus (total travel time: 5–6 hours). • During winter, consider renting a car or joining a guided bus tour for safer and more convenient travel. Must-Visit Attractions: • Lake Akan Ice Activities (Winter Exclusive): Includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, and igloo experiences. • Ainu Village (Akan Ainu Kotan): Learn about the indigenous Ainu culture of Hokkaido; the nighttime performances are a must-see. • Lake Akan Cruise/Marimo Island: Enjoy a summer boat ride to observe the rare "marimo" algae balls. Recommended Hotels: • Lake Akan Tsuruga Resort Spa: Traditional Japanese ambiance with lake-view baths and kaiseki cuisine. • HINANOZA: Luxurious accommodations with lake-view rooms, perfect for relaxation. • Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga Wings: Budget-friendly option with excellent hot spring facilities. Must-Try Foods: • Venison Burgers and Ainu-style Mountain Vegetable Set Meals: Available at restaurants in the Ainu Village. • Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream and Cheesecake: Rich and creamy local dairy products. • Hot Spring Eggs and Lakeside Grilled Fish: Authentic street food flavors. Shopping Guide: • Lake Akan Exclusive Marimo Souvenirs: Includes algae ball-shaped charms and scented balls. • Ainu Handicrafts: Wooden carvings and woven fabrics with ethnic designs. • Local Hot Spring Skincare Products and Horse Oil Items. ⸻ 🏙 Sapporo｜Urban Convenience Meets Snowy Romance Transportation Tips: • From New Chitose Airport, take JR or a bus to Sapporo Station (about 40–60 minutes). • Use the city subway (Namboku Line, Toho Line, Tozai Line) to explore major attractions. Must-Visit Attractions: • Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower: Winter snow festival venue; flower fields in spring and summer. • Hokkaido Shrine: Popular spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves; known for its spiritual blessings. • Sapporo Beer Museum + Sapporo Factory: A blend of history and culinary delights. • Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Clark Statue): Offers panoramic city views and grazing sheep. Recommended Hotels: • Sapporo Grand Hotel/Keio Plaza Hotel: High-end options with convenient locations. • UNWIND Hotel & Bar: Stylish design with complimentary evening bar drinks. • OMO3 Sapporo by Hoshino Resorts: Fun city tours, ideal for young travelers. Must-Try Foods: • Genghis Khan BBQ (e.g., Daruma): Hokkaido specialty with non-gamey lamb. • Sapporo Miso Ramen (e.g., Sumire, Shingen): Rich broth, highly recommended. • Sapporo Wholesale Market Seafood Bowls: Fresh sashimi and crab bowls are a must. • Rokkatei/White Lover Sweets: Exclusive items available at flagship stores. Shopping Guide: • Odori Park Underground Mall, Tanukikoji Shopping Street: Beauty products, drugstore items, and souvenirs galore. • Sapporo ESTA, PARCO Department Store: Trendy brands, plus Loft and Tokyu Hands. • Sapporo Station B1 Food Street: Convenient for shopping and snacking. ⸻ ❄️ Hoshino Resort TOMAMU｜Dreamy Snowscapes & Sea of Clouds Transportation Tips: • From New Chitose Airport, take JR to "Tomamu Station" (about 90 minutes); resort shuttle available. • Book bus transfers via the official Hoshino website in advance, especially during winter. Must-Visit Attractions: • Unkai Terrace (Summer Exclusive): Ride the gondola at dawn for a chance to see the magical sea of clouds. • Skiing & Snow Activities (Winter): Beginner-friendly ski lessons and snow play areas for families. • Mina-Mina Beach: Indoor tropical pool open year-round. • Ice Village (Winter Exclusive): Features an ice bar, ice chapel, and ice slides, reminiscent of a winter wonderland. Recommended Hotels: • RISONARE Tomamu: Premium family suites, ideal for extended stays. • The Tower Hotel: Close to facilities, classic Hoshino architecture, great for first-time visitors. Must-Try Foods: • hal - Creative French cuisine using local Hokkaido ingredients. • Nininupuri Buffet: Glass-walled restaurant surrounded by forest, offering diverse options. • Farm Cafe/Milk Soft Serve: Fresh and creamy, made with milk from the resort's own farm. Shopping Guide: • Resort souvenir shops selling Tomamu-exclusive items and Unkai T-shirts. • Hokkaido dairy products and dessert gift sets like ice cream and pudding are popular choices. ⸻ 🌉 Hakodate｜Romantic Port City & Million-Dollar Night Views Transportation Tips: • Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to "Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station," then transfer to JR (about 20 minutes to "Hakodate Station"). • Alternatively, travel from Sapporo via JR Limited Express (about 3.5–4 hours) or fly directly from Tokyo Haneda (about 1.5 hours). Must-Visit Attractions: • Mount Hakodate Night View: Ranked among the world's top three night views; take the cable car to the summit for stunning vistas. • Goryokaku Park & Tower: Historical site and cherry blossom haven; the tower offers a full view of the star-shaped fortress. • Motomachi Church District & Hachiman-zaka Slope: Picturesque area with charming foreign-style architecture. • Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi): Fresh seafood, grilled scallops, and king crab to satisfy your cravings. Recommended Hotels: • La Vista Hakodate Bay: Ocean-view hot spring hotel with highly-rated breakfast. • Hakodate Kokusai Hotel: Close to the port, perfect for evening strolls and night photography. • Comfort Hotel Hakodate Station: Budget-friendly and conveniently located. Must-Try Foods: • Seafood Bowls (Three-Color Bowl/King Crab Bowl): Fresh and flavorful; try "Kikuyo Shokudo." • Lucky Pierrot: Hakodate-exclusive burger chain; the signature "Chinese Chicken Burger" is a must-try. • Hakodate Western Cuisine & Curry: A fusion of Western and Japanese flavors reflecting the port city's culinary heritage. Shopping Guide: • Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses: Converted into a creative and artisanal shopping district; find glass crafts and Hakodate dolls. • Morning Market Area: Dried seafood, kelp, and shellfish make great souvenirs. • Goryokaku Department Store: Convenient spot for sweets, daily goods, and keepsakes.