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Hokkaido, a vast region in the northernmost area of Japan’s Main Islands, offers a magical experience to all. This place is known for its dramatic landscapes, snowy climate, hot springs and ample attractions waiting to be admired. Hokkaido has a unique culture which sets it apart from other cities of Japan. This place truly has something for each type of traveller and suggests numerous activities to perform. Things to do in Hokkaido range from spotting penguins at the famed Asahiyama Zoo to trying beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum, each offering a unique vibe.
10 Exciting Things To Do In Hokkaido
Below is a list of some of the recommended things to do in Hokkaido. All these things cater to everyone’s preferences and are a must for foodies, adventure lovers and nature lovers.
1. Spot Animals At Asahiyama Zoo
Photo: As6022014 / Wikimedia Commons
Asahiyama Zoo is located in Asahikawa town and is a top tourist destination. This zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan and is the second most-visited zoo in Japan after Ueno Zoo. There are multiple attractions at Asahiyama Zoo like Seal House where Spotted Seals and Steller’s Sea Eagles reside, a Polar Bear house home to a huge number of Polar Bears, a Penguin House where visitors can spot Gentoo Penguin, Humboldt Penguin, King Penguin and Rockhopper Penguin and a Fierce Animal House where people can spot African Lion, Amur Elephant, Amur Tiger and Snow leopards. There are designated forest areas for Chimpanzees, Wolves, Spider Monkeys, Yezo Sika Deer and Capybara.
Location: Asahiyama Zoo, Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:10 PM
2. Try Beer At Sapporo Beer Museum
Photo: MrPanyGoff / Wikimedia Commons
Sapporo Beer Museum, located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is Japan’s only museum which is solely dedicated to Beer. This place has been registered among the oldest heritage sites in Hokkaido ever since it opened. A highlight of Sapporo Beer Museum is its Beer Garden. This museum also has three exquisite restaurants on its premises, Genghis Khan Hall serving Hokkaido specialities, Garden Grill serving a variety of seafood dishes featuring cheese and potatoes and Lilac serving dishes made from a secret sauce. The museum offers a Premium Guide Tour as well.
Location: Sapporo Beer Museum, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM
3. Witness The Sapporo Snow Festival At Odori Park
Photo: 禁樹なずな / Wikimedia Commons
Odori Park is among the most happening places and a year-round destination in Hokkaido. ‘Odori’ is referred to as a large street in Japanese Culture. A major highlight of Odori Park is its fountain, a place where large crowds are gathered, especially during the evening. This park has gained fame as it hosts many events like the Sapporo Snow Festival, a renowned winter event which features huge snow and ice sculptures and ample activities to do, attracting a large number of visitors. The vibe of this place is relaxing and nice. Odori Park also has a designated seating area and a children’s play area.
Location: Odori Park, Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward
Timings: 24*7
4. Take A Boat Ride In Otaru Canal
Photo: 爵士迷 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Otaru Canal is a tourist attraction in Hokkaido, Japan. This place is ideal for walking, leisure time, relaxing or simply admiring nature. Multiple eateries are lined up along the canal selling local snacks, ice creams, and refreshments. There are shops selling souvenirs too. Shopping from the glass shops and music box shops is the most common thing done here. Visitors can also explore the canal by taking a boat ride on the day and dusk cruises. These cruises have audio guides in different languages and promise a memorable experience.
Location: Otaru Canal, Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido
Timings: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
5. Walk Amidst The Flower Fields At Farm Tomita
Photo: t-konno / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Farm Tomita, a flower field located in Nakafurano, is an iconic destination in Hokkaido. This farm has gained reputation for both locals and tourists as it is among the few flower fields and farms which have planted long and giant fields of Lavender. Besides this, visitors can also walk across the field of tulips and poppies. The best time to visit Farm Tomita is during the months from May To July as the temperature is very mild and the entire slope looks like a carpet of flowers in a rainbow colour. Visitors are offered a special ice cream of lavender flavour.
Location: Farm Tomita, 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
6. Spot Exhibits Of Chocolates And Cookies
Photo: Mâide Arslan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park in Hokkaido and a favourite place for kids. This place is a family spot which has many exhibits of cookies and chocolates. Kids can indulge in a toy train ride or play by the garden area. There are multiple restaurants and shops selling ice creams. It is recommended to visit this theme park during Christmas to see stunning decorations. Shiroi Koibito Park is a hub for workshops catering to all age groups. It is often referred to as a Magical Chocolate Wonderland.
Location: Shiroi Koibito Park, 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
7. Hike The Peak Of Mount Hakodate
Photo: Min An / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mount Hakodate is a mountain peak in Japan. This place offers an eye-catching and a bird’s-eye view of the city of Hokodate in the Hokkaido region and its surrounding bay, especially at night. Today, this mountain is an inactive volcano and a popular hiking destination. There are more than 10 trails and a ropeway which takes visitors to the peak. It almost takes about an hour to hike from the base. It is recommended to check the weather before proceeding to climb the mountain peak.
Location: Mount Hakodate, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
8. Witness Dramatic Scenery At Ukimido
Photo: Ian G Shingler / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The scenery at Ukimido Park, a tourist attraction in Tokyo, Japan is praised by many. Visitors love the lovely sculptures, dramatic scenery and a shrine located within the premises. This place is a great sightseeing spot in Hokkaido attracting skilled photographers. Ukimido Park overlooks Lake Toya and also has a double-storeyed house offering the best possible looks. Ukimido Parks makes it among the recommended places for picnics and practicing photography. This place looks magnificent, especially during the winters. The park has uniform guide signs for a better understanding of the region and its history.
Location: Ukimido, Ukimido Park, Toyamachi, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan
9. Saviour The Japanese Cuisine At Moliere
Photo: Valeria Boltneva / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Moliere is a French Restaurant in Hokkaido and among the top five-star restaurants serving authentic dishes. This restaurant serves Modern French dishes and cuisine which are prepared with seasonal Hokkaido fish, meat, spices and vegetables. Moliere has an elegant dining room which also offers a candlelight setting on prior requests. Because of its mouthwatering culinary scene and high demand among tourists and locals, reservations are required before making a visit to it. Besides food, Moliere offers a soothing atmosphere with excellent services and one of the best dining experiences.
Location: Moliere, Japan, Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka, 2 Chome
Timings: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
10. Relax At Shirogane Blue Pond
Photo: MaedaAkihiko / Wikimedia Commons
Shirogane Blue Pond, also known as the Blue Pond among locals, is an artificial point and is located in the Shirogane area of Hokkaido’s Kamikawa District. The water of this pool changes its colour from a turquoise blue hue to a pure cobalt blue colour, especially at night. Originally, this pond was created to stop the damage made by ashes and mudflows from Mt. Tokachi, an active volcano. Shirogane Blue Pond has become a spiritual place for many and attracts visitors from almost every city in Japan. It is recommended not to miss the outstanding illusion of water in the pond at night. This place is surrounded by Japanese Larch Trees.
Location: Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Whether individuals want to wander through the pretty flower fields or simply gaze at animals in the zoo, Hokkaido has everything for all. Things to do in Hokkaido let everyone escape from the ordinary. Individuals can indulge in Japan’s fresh seafood cuisine, witness the grand celebrations of the festivals, taste beers at one of the best beer museums and create lifelong memories. Book a trip with TripXL, plan a soothing vacation in Hokkaido and simply enhance your travel experience with us.
Cover Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
