Hokkaido
Powder snow, wildflower fields, and seafood
Why should I come?
Why visit Hokkaido?
Whether you are carving through waist-deep snow in Niseko, trekking across the alpine tundra of Daisetsuzan, or indulging in the freshest crab and sea urchin in Sapporo, Hokkaido offers unparalleled outdoor adventure and culinary excellence.
Country
Japan
Currency
Japanese yen
Language
Japanese
Airport
New Chitose Airport (CTS) — Sapporo, Hokkaido
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+09:00
Best Time
December to February
What do locals know?
Practical insight from people who've lived it
Motomachi Historic District
A uniquely historic neighborhood in Hakodate where 19th-century foreign traders settled, leaving behind a highly picturesque mix of Russian Orthodox churches, Western consulates, and sloping streets.
Jingisukan (Genghis Khan BBQ)
Hokkaido's ultimate comfort food consists of succulent mutton and seasonal local vegetables grilled right at your table on a convex iron skillet, best enjoyed alongside a frosty local beer.
Nijo Market
A bustling, historic seafood market in downtown Sapporo where savvy locals and travelers flock for overflowing bowls of rice generously topped with fresh crab, sea urchin, and glittering salmon roe.
Upopoy National Ainu Museum
An immersive and beautifully curated cultural complex dedicated to the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan, featuring mesmerizing traditional dance performances, crafts, and vital historical exhibits.
Can I book somewhere to stay?
Where to stay in Hokkaido
Live rates across Booking.com, Agoda, VRBO and Hotels.com — compare in one search, no extra cost to you.
Popular destinations
積丹bleu cachette
Spr港家
ホテルカルチャーヴィレッジ
RAIDEN RESORT and SPA at Iwanai
Niseko Hot Spring Ikoino Yuyado Iroha
Annupuri Mountain View Lodge
Song Saa Chalet
Moiwa Chalet Niseko
広季
Live rates across our partner network (Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Hotels.com) via Stay22. Makutet may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Prices update in real time and may vary before booking.
What else do I need for my trip?
Everything else for your trip
Flights to Hokkaido
Find the best flights to Hokkaido.
Explore
Accommodation in Hokkaido
Discover the best hotels and resorts in Hokkaido.
Explore
Airport Transfers
Arrange transport between Hokkaido Airport and your accommodation.
Explore
Car Hire
Explore Hokkaido and surrounding regions with a rental vehicle.
Explore
Travel Insurance
Protect your trip before travelling to Japan.
Explore
eSIM & Connectivity
Stay connected throughout your visit to Hokkaido.
ExploreWhat do I need before travelling?
What you need before you go
Daily Budget Expectations
- ·Expect to spend ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per day for standard mid-range travel. Keep in mind that international winter resort areas like Niseko and Furano are significantly more expensive than regional towns.
Navigating the Island
- ·While excellent trains connect the major cities, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring national parks and rural areas at your own pace. Beware of challenging winter driving conditions from December to March.
Wilderness Safety
- ·Hokkaido is extraordinarily safe regarding crime. The primary hazards for travelers are severe winter weather, whiteout driving conditions, and brown bears in the deep wilderness during the warmer hiking months.
Internet and Mobile Coverage
- ·4G and 5G cellular coverage is excellent in Sapporo and major towns, but mobile signals can drop entirely in remote, mountainous areas like Daisetsuzan or Shiretoko National Parks. Download offline maps beforehand.
Good to Know
Hokkaido FAQs
See It Through A Creator's Eyes
Want to discover Hokkaido through people who have actually experienced it?
Explore Hokkaido through the stories, photos, and perspectives of travel creators who have been there.
Find Creators Who Have Been to Hokkaido