Hokkaido, located in Japan’s northern region, is frequently recognized as the top prefecture in the country—and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, we’ve compiled a list of activities to enjoy here. Whether you’re drawn to nature, seeking adventure, exploring cultural experiences or indulging in culinary delights, Hokkaido has something for everyone.

For those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes, Hokkaido offers lots of mountains to explore. If relaxation is more your style, you can unwind in the hot springs scattered across the island. Known for its delicious produce, Hokkaido is a food lover’s paradise. Both locals and tourists will be delighted when they taste the fresh seafood, along with the finest fruits and vegetables that Japan has to offer.

Must-Dos

• Ski in Niseko, famous for its world-class powder snow.
• Check out the large snow and ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February.
• Visit the giant Buddha statue at the Hill of Buddha.
• Climb up Asahidake, Hokkaido’s highest peak.
• Relax and watch the monkeys bathe at Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate, where over 70 of these critters reside.
• Learn about the indigenous culture at the Ainu Culture Promotion Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan) or Upopoy.
• Check out the historic Clock Tower in Sapporo.
• Enjoy the taste of fresh Yubari melons, a local specialty.
• Try purple lavender ice cream in Furano—an Instagram sensation.
• For people that like unusual things, moss balls (Marimo) at Lake Akan. The view is so nice here all year round.

Arts and Culture

• Feel like you have gone back in time and visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido, where you can experience life in the past.
• Explore the stained glass art around Otaru.
• Visit the Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse for a unique shopping experience.
• Meet an Ainu Shaman in Nibutani.
• Critique films at the Yubari Film Festival.
• Browse through magazines and art books at Nevermind the Books fair.
• Learn about ancient Japan at Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village.
• Spend a quiet afternoon reading at Sapporo Library, which boasts an excellent selection of art books.
• Get an omamori (good luck charm) from Hokkaido Jingu Shrine.
• Visit Japan’s first male monastery in Tobetsu.
• Create your own musical box at the Otaru Music Box Museum.
• Check out Russia from Wakkanai, a town really close to Russia.

Food and Drink

• Enjoy a drink at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
• Eat miso ramen at Aji no Sanpei, the birthplace of this delicious dish.
• End your night with a shime parfait at Parfait, Coffee, Liquor, Sasaki in Sapporo, known for its cool late-night treats.
• Taste the Michelin-starred sea urchin on Rishiri Island—a must-try.
• Warm up with Ishikari Nabe in Ishikari Village.
• Eat Kaisendon in Otaru, home to some of Japan’s freshest seafood.
• Sample onsen eggs in Tokachigawa, cooked in the natural hot spring water.
• Try the famous “most delicious French bread outside of France” in Otaru.
• Indulge in Hokkaido’s soul food, soup curry, at Garaku.
• Taste some wine at Domaine Takahiko.
• Dine in a bar made entirely of ice at Lake Shikaribetsu.
• Make your own pizza with freshly picked vegetables in Nayoro.
• Try vegan soba at Lohas, a rare find in Japan.
• Taste salmon soup (sanpeijiru), a Hokkaido specialty.
• Stimulate your senses with a visit to the Hakodate Food Market.

Outdoor Activities

• Hike around Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido’s largest national park.
• Kayak over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s most transparent lake.
• Birdwatch on Teuri Island, home to over a million birds.
• Bounce above the clouds at Unkai Terrace, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.
• Go on a Grizzly Bear Hunt in Shiretoko, one of the world’s most bear-populated areas.
• Snowboard down the slopes of Rusutsu.
• Cycle the scenic Shiretoko Loop or regular at e-mountain bikes.
• Row a boat around the serene Lake Shikaribetsu.
• Camp under the stars at Hoshini Tenotodoku Camping Ground.
• Climb the iconic Mini Mount Fuji, also known as Mount Yotei.
• Take the cable car to the top of Mount Tengu, operational between April and November.
• Wade through the dreamlike mist of Kushiro Marshland.
• Play in Moerenuma Park, a giant playground designed by Isamu Noguchi.
• Climb to the top of the Cape Soya watchtower in Wakkanai.
• Snorkel in the clear waters of Shakotan.

Scenery

• Admire the vibrant flower fields at Furano’s Tomita Farm, best seen in July or August.
• Gaze at the stunning Blue Pond in Biei, with its aquamarine water.
• Take in the panoramic views from the top of Mount Moiwa.
• Marvel at the drift ice in Abashiri.
• Want a thrill? Ride on the roller coaster in Kamifurano.
• See the early autumn leaves at Jozankei Dam.
• Look out over the cliffs of Cape Chikyu in Muroran.
• Watch the fireworks light up the night over Toyohira River.
• Visit the volcanic caldera in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
• Experience the eerie atmosphere of Hell Valley in Noboribetsu.

Miscellaneous

• Appreciate the winter lights at the Asahikawa Machiakari Illumination.
• Enjoy a unique bath in a crude oil onsen at Toyotomi Onsen.
• Soak with a beer at Hoheikyo Onsen—tattoos are welcome here.
• Take a tour of a kombu farm on Rishiri Island, famous for producing the world’s best kombu.
• Visit the roadside geyser in Shikabe, a surprising natural phenomenon.
• Spot cranes at the Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary.
• Get your adrenaline pumping on the Ultra Twister roller coaster at Rusutsu Theme Park.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Theme Park in Sapporo.