City: Hokkaido
Top Things to do in Hokkaido
Countries
The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō, literally "Northern Sea Circuit") (Japanese: [hokkaꜜidoː] ( listen)), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is the second largest island of Japan, and the largest and northernmost prefecture. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu. The two islands are connected by the undersea railway Seikan Tunnel. The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city. About 43 km north of Hokkaido lies Sakhalin Island, Russia, whereas to its east and north-east are the disputed Kuril Islands.
Restaurants in Hokkaido
1. Asahiyama Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,761 reviews
Reviewed By carlbrown1 - Kaminoyama, Japan
I thought that we were going along to some small zoo in a small town in Hokkaido. Turned out to have many exhibits with most animals seemingly enjoying themselves despite there being snow on the ground - even the African ones. Usually one expects animals to be sleeping all the time but here they were up and about. Loved the different viewpoints for the "dancing hippo" and of course the penguin walk in the snow right in front of you. Well worth the trip - we actually took time off specifically to visit i.e. not a stopover for something to do, as we had seen a Japanese drama story based on the zoo
2. Rusutsu Resort Ski
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Reviewed By Mengyau - Singapore, Singapore
Stunning resort in a perfect mountain setting. Power soft snow and world class facilities. Free 2-hr shuttle from near Sapporo Station. Lots of other stuff to do if you dont want to ski with many restaurants for dining, from inexpensive food courts to fine dining. Try the onsen which has indoor and outdoor sections. Voted best Ski Resort in Japan 3 years running and truly deserved.
3. Mt. Okura Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,340 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
The view from Mt Okura Observatory is stunning, at night you can see the city lights spread out in front of you. The cable car was enjoyable. By the way, if you take the bus to the Observatory, make sure you know the time of the return bus, as taxis may be scarce.
4. Niseko Village Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Philadelphians_in_AU - Sydney, Australia
First time there 2 yrs ago, the snow condition was unbelievably amazing. So much snow!!! We loved it and decided to go back again this year. Not as great as last time but still good experience with sun out. Such a beautiful ski resort. Would be back again.
5. Furano Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Furano is the northernmost Prince Snow Resorts. The ski resort consists of 2 zones, Furano and Kitanomine, which have 23 trails in total. You can reach the summit directly by a 101 passenger Furano Ropeway and see a great view of the Daisetsu Mountain Range. There are 2 ski-in ski-out Prince Hotels at the bottom of each area, in which you can enjoy après. Hot springs near the ski area and sightseeing in Furano town are also fun experiences.
Reviewed By Plai_tk
If you are looking for a place to ski with powder snow in Hokkaido, this ski resort is highly recommended. I went to Furano ski resort in January 2019. This ski resort is a pretty quiet ski resort with barely having any queues on the ski lift. The most amazing thing is the spectacular view on the top of the slopes but sometimes the weather on the high slopes can be hard to see. This place has 2 big mountains with various mixes of ski slopes suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The food on the slopes were actually pretty delicious. With a variety of food to choose from, I assure you that you will have lots of energy to hit the slopes once more. Overall, this ski resort is very good and also family friendly. Want to ski on great powder snow, this place is also a great choice as well.
6. Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu Ski Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 787 reviews
Grand HIRAFU boasts the largest size in the Niseko area, offering the best powder snow and a wide variety of 30 courses, including wide ski trails and parks. The resort offers new and convenient facilities such as .Base, the Mountain Center and the high-speed 8-person HIRAFU Gondola. The foot of the mountain is home to many hotels, condominiums, restaurants and hot springs, allowing you to enjoy your time after a hard day on the slopes.
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
Not many ski resorts offer a 360 panoramic view of one of the world's most beautiful mountain (Mt. Yotei), the highlands of Yamada and the stunning Mt. Annupuri where the Grand Hirafu ski resort stands right now. We went here in mid February in the middle of Hokkaido's famous powdery snow winter wonderland. Indeed Hokkaido lives up to its form - the best powdery white snow and the snowiest place in the world. The ski resort offers ski and snowboarding activities and you could rent the gears and equipment. They also have the Hirafu Gondola which we tried if you just wanna view and take lovely photos and videos of the surrounding ski resort and up to Mt. Annupuri. Additional chairlifts can also be found on each zone of the mountain up to the highest point. Since we didn't ski we didn't try the chairlifts. But still the view and experience is amazingggg. We've been to Mt. Fuji 2x but we didn't see the mountain. We only stayed overnight in Niseko and we saw the 2 gorgeous mountains surrounding the ski resort. A Gondola round trip costs about 2200 yen per person and on your south view you could see the perfectly cone shaped Mt. Yotei (Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido) and on our north view Mt. Annupuri. The Gondola is shared so up to 8 person can seat but the queue is quite fast despite the busy Winter ski season. Once you alighted you are ready to ski that's how attractive this ski resort is. Many zones and areas are designated to ski and snowboard - from long to short course you name it it's there. And each designated zones have a chairlift to bring you further up or down. The Gondola serves as the main link going to Hirafu Village. In the Gondola base you could not ski so you need to go up and you could not rent ski equipment and gears on the way up. There is a cafe on top as well as the Gondola base. To get here just take the Niseko bus from JR Kutchan or take your hotel's free shuttle if they have any. Most hotels are also located in this area so it's easy to get here. Finally, it is the view the sets this ski apart from the rest of the world - we took amazing photos and videos and unlimited panoramic view of the area as we visited and experienced the world's best and sought after ski resort - The Grand Hirafu.
7. Niseko Hanazono Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Hanazono Niseko is internationally renowned for its consistently high falls of light powder snow and it's long ski season which runs from early December until April. Averaging around 15m+ of snow each season, Hanazono is famous for its wide open powder bowls and tree runs. The resort is family friendly with a large closed off open area for the resort operated ski school, a beginner snow park and lots of family-friendly activities like our tube park and snowmobiling. Hanazono EDGE is the base to operate your holidays from, it includes a massive restaurant & bar area. Hanazono 308 also has a ticket counter, as well as a rental store and a retail store, which is the starting point for all our activities. In summer it doesn't matter if you’re here for the watersports, golf, biking, hiking or even local cuisine you’re sure to have a great time in and around Hanazono Niseko.
Reviewed By adrianch218 - Marlow, United Kingdom
The Hanazono ski area is by a mile my favourite place in Niseko - the 308 plaza is the best "hub" of the resort with a restaurant, shop and ski school. There are many fun activities as well for kids or adults in the area. The runs are not too hard and are enjoyable to ski down. The lift staff are also very friendly and professional and the lifts are comfortable itself.
8. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By svitloshodu - Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine
We are a group of 10 freeride fans from Ukraine, and this season in 2020 Annupuri has become our favorite snowboarding area out of all the resorts covered by Niseko United. Firstly, the hike to Annupuri peak is a great experience itself. It might be getting really windy on the way (it was -18 and wind when we were going up), but the outcome is definitely worth the effort. The view from Annupuri peak is epic - you can even see the ocean if it’s not foggy. The way down is a pure pleasure when there’s a fresh powdersnow. You first need to go down the ridge, and then proceed in a great forest. 100% recommended for all backcountry lovers!
9. Patchwork no Michi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By Matanjapan - Jerusalem, Israel
Biei is best known for its Toscana-ish vibe and views. This area offers great ambiance and views, and is PERFECT for a picnic. In summer local farmers might set up fruit stalls that sell fresh fruit for reasonable prices.
