City: Hokkaido
Top Things to do in Hokkaido
Countries
What to do and see in Hokkaido, Japan: The Best Free Things to do
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. Shiretoko National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Shiretoko, which originated from the Ainu word, “Shiri Etoku” which means “far corner of the earth” is exactly located at the northernmost tip of Japan (excluding the Northern Territories). Shiretoko National Park is characterized by the rugged grand landscape formed by volcanic activities and drift ice as well as abundant wildlife. In particular, large mammals such as brown bears and killer whales as well as a number of large endangered raptors inhabit the park. With them at the top of the hierarchy, a variety of wild animals strongly cohabit together. Such biodiversity and the link between ecosystems of the sea, river, and forest were highly valued, and Shiretoko was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in July 2005.
2. Farm Tomita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,408 reviews
Reviewed By Tonelim - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A must visit when traveling to Hokkaido during Summer where you can witness abundance of vivid colors. Access only by self drive, taxi or tour buses. The farm is beautifully managed and there are many souvenirs to bring back.
3. Moerenuma Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 841 reviews
Moerenuma Park is a landscape sculpture Mecca designed by Isamu Noguchi offering distinctive expressions of the four seasons Moerenuma Park is designed by sculpture artist Isamu Noguchi as a work of sculpture art in itself. The park was reborn from a waste disposal site and transformed into an art park representative of Sapporo over a period of 23 years. The grand scale of this project earned it the name “landscape sculpture.” Visitors can enjoy different scenery depending on the time of the day and season. Instead of picturing yourself in a park, you should probably think of yourself as being inside a huge sculpture piece.
Reviewed By vrkung - Hong Kong, China
Free to enter. We rented bikes at very reasonable rate (200 yen for 2 hours) at the entrance and helped to move around, which saved our energy for walking up to various higher grounds for most charming views around. We enjoyed the 15 minutes fountain show. Check the schedule at the bike store.
4. Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,274 reviews
--is at Lat.43 10'N.Lon.14045'E, or about the same Latitude as the middle of New York State, Toronto Canada, Vladivostok Russia. --rests about 50km west of Sapporo City in southern Hokkaido, which is the northernmost of Japan's four principal islands, and was one of the last Japanese frontiers to be developed. --has three sides surrounded by mountains, and one side on the coast (Sea of Japan). --is blessed with the things that really matter to great whisky. However, Scotch whisky captured the young man's imagination, as well as the interest of few other enterprising Japanese of that day. He decided to dedicate his life to whisky.
Reviewed By CathyRD - Osaka, Japan
Catch the JR rapid to Otaru and then a local train to Yoichi. Just over an hour or so all up. A very short walk then from the train station to the distillery (5 mins). Grounds of the distillery are lovely. It rained when we were there but the supply of comp umbrellas to use on site sorted that out. You can join a tour or wander yourself. We did the latter and we didn’t feel that we missed anything. Free tastings are on offer as are paid tastings if you want to try something a bit more special. Lots of options in the gift shop of course for boozy souvenirs! PS JR rail passes are good for the whole trip. No need to buy extra tickets.
5. Lake Toya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Reviewed By stevaniezaneta - Sydney, Australia
We decided to stop at Toya during our trip from Sapporo to Hakodate. Toya is around 2 hours from Sapporo. From Toya Station, we took the bus to Lake Toya, you can purchased the return bus ticket inside the train station. We got off at the Lake Toya Tourism Centre, and the lake is just in front of the building, it is very beautiful blue lake, it was snowing so hard when we arrived. excellent photo spot!!!
6. Lake Mashu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
Reviewed By Coolawesometraveller
A definite must for those who loves taking pictures of beautiful landscapes. It was a beautiful sight and the weather was cool, breezy and magnificent. The viewpoint is situated in a perfect spot, whereby photographers and those who want to admire the beauty of the area, can simply stand and watch in amazement.
7. Shikisai no Oka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 902 reviews
Reviewed By J1734GVmichellec - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Absolutely stunning! This "rainbow field" is definitely our favourite one in the area. The parking fee is waived if you purchase the food at the restaurant on the second floor of the entrance building. Very fair and reasonable. The food was good too. Highly recommended and must visit!
8. Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Reviewed By Lamha72 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
During the winter, snowy around, it is so great to deep to feet in natural hot water walking along the hot stream, feeling your power recovered while enjoying breath taking view of snow trees and paths
9. Sapporo Snow Festival
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
The Sapporo Snow Festival happens in early February each year, transforming the town of Sapporo into a unforgettable winter wonderland of snow and ice sculptures, skating rinks, giant snow slides, zip lines, snow domes and ice bars, and night time illuminations, all presided over by of course, the Ice Queen! There's a myriad of sculptures to see and events to enjoy across three sites in Sapporo and it's not surprising that this event is internationally renowned for its scale, variety, and sheer amount of fun available for all visitors.
Reviewed By PaulS901 - Sydney, Australia
This year was the 71st Sapporo snow festival our team was representing Australia in the 47th snow sculpture competition this was the Fourth tme our Australian Team from Shoalhaven had competed. The Sapporo snow festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Japan which covers 1.5 Km in Odori Park and is held over 10 days with some of the amazing snow sculpture created by the Japanese Army and the citizens of Sapporo and incorperates 12 International time including Australia competing and show casing the art of snow sculpturing. Our Australian sculpture this year was the NSW state emblem our Native Waratah, The snow festival with many pop up food stalls and laser light shows of a night has a visitation of over 1 million people. The Snow Festival is well with a visit as Sapporo is a modern vibrant city with much to offer any tourist.
10. Sapporo Beer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,239 reviews
Sapporo is Japan’s most popular beer; this interactive museum includes a tour and beer-tasting.
Reviewed By Bexy1977 - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
A definate on my Sapporo to do list, even though my wife wasn't so keen! We visited on the morning of the Eng v Tonga match in the Rugbh World Cup, so we were there for opening time at 10am. Althohgh there is a bus, we decided to walk from our hotel, which is a nice walk past the old factory also and over the railway line. The museum is really interesting don't waste your money on the full tour. There are well explained exhibitions, interesting pictures and historical items and a wonderful tasting room and a reasonably priced gift shop. I and my wife (who really enjoyed the soft drink in the tasting room) thoroughly enjoyed our couple of hours here and would highly recommend
