Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands, and it feels different from the rest of the country. Its landscapes are wide and open, its winters are long and snowy, and its pace is often slower than that of Tokyo or Kyoto. For many visitors, it is the place to go when they want wilderness and fresh air alongside the familiar comforts of Japanese travel.
What the island offers
- Pristine wilderness: much of the island is open country, forest and coastline, well suited to slow walks and long drives.
- Skiing: Hokkaido is known internationally for its skiing, and the heavy winter snowfall makes the season a major draw.
- Seafood: the island's waters supply fresh seafood, which is a central part of any visit to the region.
- Four seasons: the climate changes clearly through the year, so each season brings its own kind of visit.
When to go
Winter is the season most people think of first, when the snow arrives in earnest and the ski areas are busy. The warmer months bring green landscapes and open-air travel. Because the seasons differ so much, the best time to visit depends on whether you want snow sports, scenery or the seafood you came for.
Planning a trip
Hokkaido is large, and getting around it takes more time than a city stay. Plan your route around the areas that interest you most, and allow room for travel between them. A visit suits travellers who enjoy the outdoors, the cold-weather pleasures of the snow, and simple, excellent food. It is a region to explore at an unhurried pace.
