Hokkaido Travel Guide

Discover the Beauty of Silence and Seasons from Japan’s Northernmost Island

I currently live in Hokkaido, and every day I feel its unique blend of tranquility and strength. As the seasons shift, both the scenery and daily life transform dramatically. Here, wabi-sabi is felt in subtle, fleeting moments.

Nature & Climate

• Winter: A powder snow paradise — In Niseko, where I live, snow starts falling around November. By December, it’s a snowy wonderland, attracting skiers from all over the world with its powder snow.
• Summer: Refreshing and dry — From June to August, the air is cool and dry. Places like Furano and Biei bloom with colorful lavender fields, under the vast blue skies.
• Spring & Autumn: Cherry blossoms bloom in May, and in some places you can see both snow and blossoms. Autumn colors peak in October, especially around the Daisetsuzan mountains.

Recommended Places to Visit

• Sapporo: A perfect balance of city life and nature. Locals love parks like Odori and Maruyama. While the Snow Festival is famous, I find snowy nights in the city just as magical.
• Niseko: My home. It’s not just for winter sports—summer is amazing too. Cycling with views of Mt. Yotei and relaxing in cozy cafés is part of our everyday life.
• Otaru: A retro canal town with music box shops and glassware. I always pick up a handmade souvenir here.
• Furano & Biei: Fields of flowers stretch to the horizon. Visit early in the morning for peace and clarity.
• Shiretoko Peninsula: A UNESCO World Heritage site with pristine wilderness. The seafood bowl I had in Rausu is unforgettable.

Local Food

• Miso Ramen (Sapporo): A winter favorite. I enjoy finding hidden ramen shops that locals love.
• Jingisukan (Grilled Lamb): Common in home cooking. Grilling it outdoors with beer is the best!
• Seafood: Always fresh. Crab, uni, scallops—you can enjoy them in any coastal town.
• Dairy & Soft Serve: Hokkaido milk makes for rich, creamy treats. I can’t resist soft serve at local roadside stations.

Wabi-Sabi Moments in Hokkaido

• Soaking in an outdoor hot spring as snow falls silently
• Walking alone beside a foggy lake in the early morning
• Standing in flower fields as the wind sweeps through
• Feeling small beneath the endless Tokachi sky

These moments of quiet, impermanence, and natural beauty are the heart of Hokkaido.

How to Get There

• From Tokyo: Shinkansen to Hakodate (approx. 4 hrs) or fly to Sapporo (approx. 90 mins).
• From Overseas: New Chitose Airport connects directly to cities like Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok.