Things to do in  Hokkaido

Located in the heart of Sapporo and dividing the city into north and south, Odori Park (Odori Koen) offers a pleasant open and green space for relaxation and recreation. The city’s central park, which stretches for 13 blocks, is the main site for popular seasonal events and festivals.

At Hokkaido’s Asahiyama Zoo, polar bears dive through underwater tunnels, seals swim past eye-level viewing domes, and penguins parade through the snow on an outdoor course. At every turn, designs mimic animals’ natural habitats—combining up-close viewing opportunities with each species’ welfare. Staggered feeding times mean you can spend the day walking between enclosures where zookeepers dole out portions of fish, meat, and foliage.

East of Odori Park, and standing 483 feet (147 meters) tall, Sapporo TV Tower is an iconic landmark of the city. Head up to the observation deck, pull out your camera, and enjoy postcard-perfect views of Sapporo, nearby mountains, the Ishikari Plains, and the Sea of Japan.

Head to Susukino for shopping, dining, and nightlife in Sapporo. The biggest entertainment district north of Tokyo, the lively Susukino district is packed with thousands of establishments, ranging from shops and arcades to restaurants, bars, karaoke boxes, nightclubs, and pachinko parlors, as well as adult-entertainment options.

The 1,742-foot (531-meter) summit of Mt. Moiwa (Moiwa-yama) promises some of Sapporo’s best views. From the summit’s observation deck, the views extend past the city to Ishikari Bay and the Yubari Mountains in the distance. In winter, the south side of Mt. Moiwa is one of Sapporo’s most popular ski resorts.

Sapporo’s sweet-themed Shiroi Koibito Park is dedicated to Hokkaido’s most-loved confection, the Shiroi Koibito cookie, which consists of milk or white chocolate sandwiched between two butter biscuits. The park, operated by the cookie manufacturer, offers visitors a taste of what makes Shiroi Koibito so special.

Jozankei is a hot spring (onsen) resort town near Sapporo, on Japan’s northern Hokkaido island. It’s located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, built around cliffs on the Toyohira River. There are many traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) to stay at in Jozankei, as well as baths that can be visited for a day or half-day.

One of Sapporo’s most popular hot springs, Hōheikyō Onsen has volcanic thermal waters in a beautiful forest setting. During winter, visitors soak surrounded by snowy peaks, while in summer, they raft and canoe on the nearby Toyohira River, pre or post-dip.

Located in southwest Hokkaido, close to Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsuko) is the second-deepest lake and second-largest caldera lake in Japan. Surrounded by volcanoes on all sides, the lake is a popular recreation area for locals and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, hot springs, and beautiful scenery.

Located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park on Hokkaido, Lake Toya (Toyako) is a circular caldera lake with remarkably clear waters. It’s a great place for kayaking and boating when weather permits and the area around the lake is known for its abundance of hiking trails, hot springs, and the active volcano, Mt. Usu.

Tucked away in the forest near the New Furano Prince Hotel, Ningle Terrace features a series of 15 small log cabins where local artisans make and sell their crafts, along with offering hands-on workshops. Connected by a wooden plank trail, this small but charming village is ideal for strolling, shopping, and taking photos.

With its full-scale recreation of Japan’s feudal-period streets, Noboribetsu Date Historic Village (Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura) offers an immersive take on history. Here, you can duck into a storefront to try Edo-period crafts—like painting dolls or spinning tops—or head to the dojo to brush up on archery and throwing-star skills. Costumed performers lend the park its authentic feel, while daily shows feature mock ninja fights, theater, and music.

Explore the natural beauty and history of Hokkaido at Nopporo Forest Park (Nopporo Shinrin Koen). Covering an area of over 4,942 acres (2,000 hectares), Nopporo Forest Park is a flatland forest, wildlife sanctuary, and home to the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower, the Historical Museum of Hokkaido, and the Historical Village of Hokkaido.

One of Hokkaido’s best-known sightseeing spots, historic Otaru Canal provides a nostalgic glimpse into the days when the region was a hub of trade with Russia and China. Lined with turn-of-the-century brick storehouses that now house shops, cafés, and museums, Otaru Canal is a lovely spot for a stroll.

The smell of fresh-off-the-boat seafood and the singing calls of vendors tempt early risers to Hakodate Morning Market, a local institution. The bustling market offers a delicious way to start your day and immerses you in Hakodate’s food culture.