Powder Snow, Seafood Feasts, and Scenic Trails—Hokkaido’s Year-Round Wonders Await

From the airport, you can hit the road and head straight for the mountains thanks to a well-connected network of shuttle buses, trains, and rental cars.
Trains in Hokkaido roll along at a scenic pace, offering a laid-back way to take in the countryside. To truly take advantage of the island’s vast open spaces, rent a car and you’ll have more access to remote gems like hidden ski resorts or sprawling flower fields.

Once you’re in town, Hokkaido’s city centres are compact and easy to navigate on foot. This is due to the cities having a traditional grid plan. Great restaurants, cafés, and bars are usually just a short stroll apart, meaning whether you’re here for nature, food, or culture, everything you need is right at your (possibly frozen) fingertips.

As Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, Sapporo blends modern city life with natural beauty. Known for its snowy winters, ramen, and beer, it offers a great base for exploring the island’s western ski resorts. With wide streets, a lively downtown, and easy access to mountains and hot springs, Sapporo always has a reason to visit.

Located in central Hokkaido, Asahikawa is the island’s second-largest city and a gateway to eastern ski destinations like Furano and Kamui. It's known for its laid-back charm, excellent local cuisine (including shoyu ramen), and the popular Asahiyama Zoo. A quieter alternative to Sapporo, it’s perfect for those looking to explore Hokkaido at a more relaxed pace.

Hokkaido is the perfect place to experience world-class skiing and snowboarding that cater to every kind of rider. The snow is famously dry and fluffy, thanks to cold Siberian winds meeting the moisture of the Sea of Japan.
Niseko is Hokkaido’s most famous ski destination but for a more local and laid-back experience, consider flying direct to Sapporo or Asahikawa, where ski areas like Furano Ski Resort, Kamui Ski Links, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, and Sapporo Teine offer challenging runs, stunning views, and a relaxed atmosphere—all just a short trip from the city centre.

When summer rolls around, Hokkaido’s snow melts away to reveal a landscape that bursts with colour. Vast flower fields bloom across Biei and Furano, lush forests come alive, and cool breezes offer a refreshing escape from the mainland’s heat. Summer is the perfect season for getting outdoors, whether you’re hiking through national parks, soaking in remote hot springs, or cycling along quiet country roads.

In Shiretoko and Daisetsuzan, you might spot wildlife or stumble upon rare alpine flowers. Ride horses across open ranch land or take in the surreal blue of tranquil ponds and crystal-clear lakes. Mild temperatures and wide-open landscapes make Hokkaido in summer the kind of place you slow down, breathe deeply, and take it all in.

Hokkaido’s modern story began in the late 1800s, when Japan’s Meiji government turned its attention to developing the country’s northernmost reaches. Before that, the island was home to the indigenous Ainu people, whose culture is still visible today in traditional dances, wood carvings, and embroidered textiles featuring intricate patterns. The charm of Hokkaido is in being able to experience both sides of the island’s past: the pioneering spirit of its modern settlers, and the enduring presence of its original inhabitants.

Hokkaido is a gourmet wonderland so come hungry. You’ve probably already heard about its famous ramen but Sapporo’s hearty miso version and Asahikawa’s rich shoyu are just the beginning of the menu.
Don’t miss soup curry, a local original that blends warming spices, seasonal vegetables, and tender meats into a comforting, flavour-packed bowl. Or dive into Genghis Khan, a sizzling lamb BBQ dish, often served in all-you-can-eat-and-drink style, making it the perfect way to refuel after a day on the slopes.

Be sure to leave room at the end of your meal for betsubara, a separate stomach for dessert, because Hokkaido's soft-serve ice cream is sensational.

When the sun sets, Hokkaido’s charm doesn’t fade, it just moves indoors.
In Sapporo, the nightlife hub of Susukino is a must-visit. Known as one of Japan’s largest entertainment districts outside Tokyo, it’s packed with izakayas, ramen shops, bars and neon-lit snack bars that come alive after dark. Whether you’re looking for craft beer, cocktails, or a late-night bowl of miso ramen, Susukino has it all within walking distance.

Over in Asahikawa, the city centre offers a more laid-back, local vibe, as well as an avalanche of good food and drink. Stroll along Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, Japan’s first permanent pedestrian street, or hop between cozy izakayas and sake bars frequented by locals. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the nearby slopes, with plenty of chances to mingle, eat well, and take in the northern charm.

No matter which city you find yourself in, izakayas, Japan’s beloved casual pubs, are the perfect place to start your evening. Sample your way through local specialties like chan chan yaki (miso-stir fried salmon), hokke (butterflied mackerel), and zangi, Hokkaido’s crispy, juicy take on fried chicken.

In addition to its impossibly fresh seafood and meats, Hokkaido also has a steadily growing craft beer scene, with plenty of pubs to enjoy something local on tap. These laid-back spots are also a great spot to meet locals, many of whom are happy to chat (and often in English).

For a truly local experience, slip into a snack bar, a small, intimate drinking spot filled with karaoke, regulars, and plenty of atmosphere. Many are run by a mama-san, the friendly host who sets the tone, pours the drinks, and often joins in on the singing. Just know that a little Japanese goes a long way in these parts of Hokkaido’s nightlife.

If you’re keen for a slower pace, step into a kissaten, a retro Japanese café with a nostalgic vibe. These cozy spaces offer a quiet escape, where you can settle in with jazz on the speakers and a cup of hand-dripped coffee. Try a classic morning set, thick-cut toast slathered in jam, a hard-boiled egg, and a simple salad.