When people picture Japan, they often think of neon-lit cities, bullet trains, temples, and cherry blossoms. But travel north to Hokkaido, and you’ll find a completely different side of the country—one shaped by wild landscapes, hearty flavors, and stories that stretch back centuries.
From lavender fields to steaming bowls of miso ramen, and from icy festivals to indigenous legends, Hokkaido is a land of discovery, especially for those willing to wander a little further.
Index
🏔️ Nature on a Grand Scale
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and its second-largest. It’s famous for its vast open spaces, clean air, and dramatic seasonal changes. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, the scenery is always breathtaking.
🌸 Summer: Lavender in Full Bloom
In July, the hills of Furano turn purple with endless rows of lavender. It’s not just about the flowers—you can also find lavender soft serve ice cream, soaps, and scented souvenirs.
🍁 Autumn: Fiery Foliage
Places like Daisetsuzan National Park offer epic hiking trails and mountain views framed by brilliant red and gold leaves.
❄️ Winter: Snow, Ice, and Steam
Hokkaido is a winter wonderland. In Sapporo, the famous Snow Festival turns the city into a frozen art gallery, with massive sculptures lining the streets. Further south, Noboribetsu Onsen lets you soak in steamy hot springs surrounded by snow-covered trees—a true Japanese-style reset.
🌊 Coastlines and Wildlife
The Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers wild encounters with foxes, bears, and even drift ice in the winter. It’s one of the most untouched areas in all of Japan.
🍜 Hokkaido’s Flavorful Identity
If nature stirs your soul, Hokkaido’s food will satisfy your stomach. The region’s harsh climate produces rich dairy, bold seafood, and comforting meals designed to warm you up.
🦀 Seafood Galore
Sapporo’s Nijo Market is the perfect place to sample uni “sea urchin”, ikura “salmon roe”, scallops, and of course, crab—lots of it. Try a kaisendon “seafood rice bowl” piled high with the freshest catches.
uni “sea urchin”
ikura “salmon roe”
crab
kaisendon “seafood rice bowl”
🥩 Jingisukan
This unique dish of grilled lamb is named after Genghis Khan “yes, really”. Locals cook it on a special helmet-shaped grill and pair it with beer. It’s smoky, tender, and unforgettable.
Jingisukan
🍜 Miso Ramen
Born in Sapporo, this variation of ramen is rich, buttery, and packed with flavor. Topped with corn, butter, and sometimes crab, it’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
Miso Ramen
🥛 Dairy Delights
Hokkaido is Japan’s dairy kingdom. You’ll find soft-serve ice cream on almost every corner, along with cheese, yogurt, and milk bread that’s insanely fluffy.
🧭 Tips and Surprises for Foreign Visitors
🕵️ “This Doesn’t Feel Like Tokyo…”
Many visitors say Hokkaido feels like another country. The streets are wider, the people are more relaxed, and even the accent is slightly different. It’s a great place to escape the crowds.
🚗 You Might Need a Car
Unlike other parts of Japan where trains dominate, many scenic spots in Hokkaido are best reached by rental car. It’s worth it for the freedom and views.
🎆 Seasonal Travel is Everything
Each season offers something completely different. Plan your trip based on what you want to experience—skiing in Niseko, flowers in Biei, or autumn leaves in Jozankei.
🧠 Stories from the North: Culture in the Background
While most visitors come for food and scenery, there are stories beneath the surface that give Hokkaido its unique identity.
🧍 The Ainu People
Hokkaido is home to the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous population. Their culture, language, and spiritual connection to nature are deeply rooted in the land. The Upopoy National Ainu Museum in Shiraoi offers an excellent introduction.
📚 Golden Kamuy – History Meets Manga
This award-winning manga (and anime) is set in post-Meiji Hokkaido and tells a wild tale of treasure hunting, Ainu traditions, and survival. It’s gritty, funny, and educational—many readers become interested in the region thanks to this story.
⚔️ The Last Stand of the Shinsengumi
The Shinsengumi, a legendary samurai police force from the end of the Edo period, made their final stand in Hokkaido. In Hakodate, you can visit Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort where the group’s last battle took place in 1869.
🧳 Conclusion
Hokkaido is more than just Japan’s “north.” It’s a region where nature rules, food comforts, and hidden stories enrich the journey. Whether you’re here for the lavender fields, a steaming bowl of miso ramen, or just to see a side of Japan that’s often overlooked, you’ll leave with memories that stay with you long after your trip ends.
Next stop? We’re heading south again—to the mountain peaks, old castles, and sake breweries of Chubu and Hokuriku.
P.S.
Hokkaido is a place where everything is delicious with rice. In my opinion, seafood and sushi are especially fresh, and I believe that the main Japanese high-end restaurants are also located in Hokuriku or Hokkaido in Japan. I think so. If you want to enjoy seafood, please go there.
またね(Matane)!
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