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Useful Apps to Download
| App | Best for | Why download it | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Navigation | Covers city transit, driving, and walking directions | Download offline areas before rural drives |
| Japan Travel by NAVITIME | Rail and bus planning | Detailed transfers for Sapporo and intercity journeys | Rural services can be infrequent, so verify the final departure |
| JR Hokkaido | Train updates | Official schedules, service notices, and rail information | Check disruption notices during snow season |
| Safety tips | Emergency alerts | Official earthquake, tsunami, volcanic, and severe-weather notifications | Enable notifications and location access |
| Google Translate | Menus and signs | Camera translation and offline Japanese support | Download Japanese before heading into rural areas |
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See What’s Near You
Sapporo TV Tower & Odori Park
Sapporo’s iconic landmark stands 147 metres tall in the heart of Odori Park. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Odori Park stretches 1.5 km through the city centre, hosting the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in February with massive ice and snow sculptures.
Otaru Canal
A picturesque canal lined with historic stone warehouses that have been converted into shops, cafes, and glassware studios. Visit in the evening when the gas lamps are lit and the canal reflects the warm glow. Try local seafood (uni and crab) at the nearby Sankaku Market.
Shiroi Koibito Park
A chocolate-themed amusement park run by the makers of Hokkaido’s famous Shiroi Koibito cookies. Tour the factory, watch cookies being made, decorate your own biscuits, and explore the whimsical English-style garden. The park is especially magical during the Christmas illumination season.
Furano Lavender Fields
Furano is famous for its rolling lavender fields that paint the hillsides purple in summer. Farm Tomita is the most popular spot, with free entry and rows of lavender, poppies, and sunflowers. Try lavender soft serve ice cream and buy lavender-scented products.
Biei – Shikisai-no-Oka
A sprawling flower garden on a hillside with panoramic views of the Tokachidake mountain range. The gardens are planted in colourful stripes and patches – tulips, lavender, sunflowers, salvias, and cosmos depending on the season. Rent a golf cart or take the tractor-pulled flower train up the hill.
Asahiyama Zoo
Japan’s most popular zoo, famous for its innovative enclosures that allow visitors to see animals up close. The highlight is the penguin walk (winter only, December – March) where king penguins parade through the zoo grounds. Don’t miss the seal tunnel and polar bear tanks.
Noboribetsu – Hell Valley (Jigokudani)
A volcanic crater with steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and sulfurous streams – hence the name “Hell Valley.” A walking trail leads through the eerie landscape. After exploring, soak in one of the many onsen (hot spring baths) that Noboribetsu is famous for.
Hakodate – Night View
Hakodate has one of the three best night views in the world, according to a Hong Kong travel guide. Take the ropeway up Mount Hakodate at sunset and watch the city lights form a beautiful hourglass shape between two bays. Visit the morning market for the freshest seafood and squid.
Goryokaku Fort
A star-shaped Western-style fort, the first of its kind in Japan, built in the mid-19th century. Today it serves as a park, famous for over 1,600 cherry trees that bloom in spring. The view from Goryokaku Tower (next to the fort) shows the star shape perfectly.
Lake Toya
A caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, known for its year-round warm waters that never freeze. In the centre sits Nakajima Island, a volcanic cone. The lakeside town has excellent onsen resorts. Fireworks display every night from late April to October.
Where to Eat
Must-Try Hokkaido Specialties
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Soup Curry | Sapporo’s signature spicy soup with vegetables and chicken |
| Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) | Grilled lamb BBQ – a Hokkaido staple |
| Kaisendon | Seafood bowl with fresh uni, salmon roe, and crab |
| Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream | Rich, creamy soft serve made from Hokkaido dairy |
| Yubari Melon | Japan’s most expensive melons (summer season) |
| Shiroi Koibito | White chocolate sandwich cookies – the perfect souvenir |
Recommended Restaurants
- Suage+ (Sapporo) – Famous soup curry
- Daruma (Sapporo) – Legendary jingisukan BBQ (queues expected)
- Nijo Market (Sapporo) – Fresh seafood bowls and crab
- Sankaku Market (Otaru) – Uni and ikura donburi
Getting Around
JR Train
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is the best way to travel between cities (Sapporo–Otaru–Hakodate–Furano). Reserved seats recommended in peak season.
Car
A rental car is ideal for exploring Furano, Biei, and eastern Hokkaido. Winter driving requires snow tyres (mandatory Dec–Mar).
Bus
Highway buses connect Sapporo to Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and other onsen towns affordably.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow Festival, skiing, penguin walks, onsens in the snow
- Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms at Goryokaku, fewer crowds
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Lavender fields, flower gardens, mild weather – peak season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Fall foliage, harvest season, comfortable hiking