a gazebo in the middle of a garden
calm body of water
People prepare a tree in front of a snowy building.
green trees outside window
people standing beside store

Holiday in Hokkaido

Region in Japan — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇯🇵

Country

Japan

Type

Region

Best time to travel

July–August (summer), February (snow festival), December–March (ski)

Budget/day

90–150 €

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Sapporo New Chitose Airport (via Tokyo or direct, approx. 13–15 hours). Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate (4 hours), then on to Sapporo.

About Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, is a natural paradise that fundamentally differs from the rest of the country. Vast landscapes, untouched national parks, powdery snow in winter, and endless lavender fields in summer make the island a dream destination for nature lovers and foodies alike. In summer, the hills of Furano and Biei transform into a breathtaking sea of colors: The purple lavender fields of Farm Tomita are the most photographed motif in Hokkaido from July to August, complemented by sunflowers, poppies, and the gently rolling patchwork hills of Biei. The Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest in Japan, offers spectacular hikes through alpine volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and brown bear habitats. In winter, Hokkaido turns into a snow paradise: Niseko is considered one of the best ski resorts in Asia, with up to 15 meters of powder snow per season. The Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) in February attracts over two million visitors with gigantic ice sculptures and illuminated snow landscapes. In Otaru, the romantic snow lantern path along the historic canal enchants visitors. Hokkaido is Japan's culinary treasure chest: The cold waters provide top-quality seafood — sea urchins from Rebun, crabs from Hakodate, and the Nijo fish market in Sapporo are legendary. The island is also famous for Sapporo miso ramen, fresh dairy products, and melon ice cream from Yubari. The hot springs (onsen) of Noboribetsu with their steaming Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and the UNESCO World Heritage site Shiretoko at the northeastern tip complete the experience.

Safety
95
Food
90
Nature
85
Winter
85
Adventure
70

Top 5 highlights in Hokkaido

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Sapporo Snow Festival

Every February, gigantic snow sculptures transform Odori Park into a winter wonderland – one of the largest snow festivals in the world.

2

Furano Lavender Fields

In July and August, the hills turn into a sea of lavender and colorful flowers – like the Provence of Asia.

3

Niseko Ski Resort

World-renowned for the lightest powder snow in the world – Japan's ski mecca with an international flair.

4

Shiretoko National Park

UNESCO World Heritage site at the northeastern tip with brown bears, sea eagles, and pack ice in winter.

5

Otaru

Romantic harbor city with canals, glass art, music boxes, and the best sushi in Hokkaido.

Hotels in Hokkaido

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

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Reise-SIM für Hokkaido

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Hokkaido

Recommended travel time

July–August (summer), February (snow festival), December–March (ski)

Summer

Pleasant, 20–26 °C, no rainy season like in the south

Winter

Very cold, -10–0 °C, heavy snowfall especially on the west coast

How much does a holiday in Hokkaido cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

50–80 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

90–150 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

170–400 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Hokkaido

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5 travel tips for Hokkaido

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hokkaido – including Shinkansen to Hakodate.

In winter, rent a car with all-wheel drive and winter tires – the roads can be icy.

Niseko is expensive and crowded during the ski season – choose Furano or Rusutsu for cheaper skiing.

In summer, Hokkaido is pleasantly cool while the rest of Japan is suffocating in heat and humidity.

Hokkaido's dairy products are fantastic – definitely try soft ice cream and cheese.

Food & drink in Hokkaido

These specialties you must try!

Sapporo Miso Ramen
Genghis Khan (lamb grill)
Uni (sea urchin)
Ikura (salmon roe)
Soup Curry
Shiroi Koibito (white chocolate)
Suitable for:SkiingNatureRamenLavenderPowder Snow

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