Get ready to explore the charm of Hokkaido travel with our recommended guide to the best times to visit scenic spots and events! By understanding the ideal seasons for each area, you can make the most of your trip.

Our guide will cover the best times to visit amazing spots like Shiretoko during its lush green and autumn foliage seasons, winter in Sapporo with its snow festivals and auroras, the beautiful lavender fields in Furano during summer, and the breathtaking autumn colors of Biei.

We’ll also provide seasonal Hokkaido travel plans like cherry blossom tours in Sapporo and Hakodate in spring, exploring the cool nature escapes in the eastern region during summer, indulging in exquisite seafood and southern hot springs in fall, and experiencing the extreme cold and idyllic snowscapes with hot springs in winter.

In addition, we will share a popular event calendar featuring unmissable summer festivals, enchanting winter events with snow and ice, unique local spring and autumn festivities, and recommended hot spring spots suited for each season. So, gear up for your unforgettable Hokkaido adventure!

A guide to recommended times of year for travel to Hokkaido by scenic spot

Hokkaido is Japan’s largest prefecture, with its vast nature and seasonal attractions, and offers an abundance of sightseeing spots. In this guide, we will introduce the recommended times of year to travel to Hokkaido’s most spectacular spots. First, the best time to visit Shiretoko is during the fresh green and autumn foliage. Second, in winter, you can enjoy the Snow Festival and the Northern Lights in Sapporo. In addition, you can also experience festivals and events in various regions to make your trip to Hokkaido a memorable one.

The best time to visit Shiretoko is during the season of fresh green and autumn leaves.

Shiretoko is famous for its particularly beautiful seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage. Fresh green leaves can be seen from May to late June, and the climate is pleasant during these months. The autumn foliage season is generally from late September to early October. During this season, visitors can enjoy the autumn foliage at Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes), Rausu-dake (Mt. Rausu), Utoro Harbor, and other scenic spots. Shiretoko is also registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and wildlife such as endangered white-tailed eagles, Steller’s sea eagles, and Japanese Cormorants can sometimes be observed. For sightseeing in Shiretoko, we recommend using a rental car or booking a sightseeing bus tour to visit the most scenic spots.

Travel to Sapporo in winter to enjoy the Snow Festival and Aurora Borealis

Winter in Sapporo is the best time to enjoy the Snow Festival and the Northern Lights. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held every year in early February, and snow and ice sculptures are displayed mainly in Odori Park. The illuminated sculptures create a fantastic atmosphere and attract many tourists. In addition, the Northern Lights can be observed in Sapporo in winter on rare occasions. Sapporo also offers many other activities that are only available during the winter season. For example, snowshoe trekking in Moerenuma Park and skiing at Mt. Sapporo is also home to some of the best gourmet spots. Enjoy a winter trip to Sapporo while sampling local delicacies such as Genghis Khan, miso ramen, and seafood bowls.

Furano area in summer with lavender fields

The Furano area of Hokkaido is famous for its lavender fields in summer. Its beautiful fields of purple flowers continue to attract many tourists. Lavenders are at their best from late June to early July, so it is recommended to plan your trip around this time. In addition to lavender, the Furano area also offers beautiful nature and a variety of activities and gourmet food.

In Furano in summer, visitors can not only stroll through lavender fields, but also visit farms where they can enjoy fresh local vegetables and fruits, wine tasting at wineries, and gaze at the beautiful starlit sky. During the lavender season, the Furano Lavender Festival is also held, offering many events and gourmet delights.

For access, you can fly from Tokyo to Sapporo or take a train from Sapporo to Furano, which takes about 2 hours. By renting a car, visitors can freely explore the surrounding sightseeing spots. Hotels and private accommodations are plentiful, so you can plan your stay with peace of mind.

Enjoy Biei’s spectacular scenery during the fall foliage season

The Biei area in Hokkaido is an absolute must-see during the autumn foliage season. The best time to plan a trip to Biei is from mid-September to early October, when the autumn foliage is at its best. Biei is a place of vast nature, and its scenery is made even more beautiful by the autumn leaves.

One of the most famous sightseeing spots is Aoi Ike (Blue Pond), which is famous for its spectacular view of the reflection of autumn leaves on the blue surface of the water. The hills of Biei and the Shirogane Onsen Hot Springs are also great places to visit during the autumn foliage season, and each spot offers a unique view.

In order to enjoy Biei in autumn foliage, a rental car is essential to get around the surrounding sightseeing spots. In addition, you can enjoy not only sightseeing but also gourmet food and relaxation as you can enjoy dishes and sweets made from local agricultural products and hot spring facilities in Biei.

Recommended Hokkaido Travel Plans by Season

Recommended Hokkaido Travel Plan by SeasonIn spring, a cherry blossom tour from Sapporo to Hakodate is recommended, in summer the Furano area with its lavender fields, and in autumn the spectacular autumn foliage in Biei can be enjoyed. In winter, Sapporo and Otaru with their beautiful snowy landscapes, snow festivals, and numerous ski resorts are also attractive.

Since there are different places to visit in each season, it is important to make the most of seasonal events and natural attractions when creating your travel plans. In addition, Hokkaido is a vast region, and we recommend using a rental car or taking a tour to efficiently explore the surrounding attractions.

Furthermore, the region is divided into four areas – Central Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido, Western Hokkaido, and Southern Hokkaido – and each area has its own unique characteristics. When making travel plans, research the events and attractions in each area to ensure that your trip will meet your objectives. When planning a trip to Hokkaido, take advantage of the seasonal travel plans and enjoy the great nature of Japan.

Spring cherry blossoms in full bloom! Cherry blossom tour from Sapporo to Hakodate

Spring in Hokkaido is the time of year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a great time to admire the cherry blossoms. Especially in the area from Sapporo to Hakodate, there are many places where cherry blossoms bloom beautifully.For example, Nakajima Park in Sapporo and Goryokaku Park in Hakodate are famous for their cherry blossoms. At these places, visitors can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms under the cherry trees.

In addition, between Sapporo and Hakodate, there are also Otaru, Yoichi, Niseko, and other sightseeing spots. In these places, visitors can not only enjoy nature in spring, but also enjoy local delicacies and hot springs. Many events are held in Sapporo and Hakodate during the cherry blossom season, allowing visitors to experience spring.

Visitors can efficiently tour cherry blossom viewing spots from Sapporo to Hakodate by train, bus, or rental car. In addition, convenient accommodations are available in various locations, allowing travelers to enjoy their stay with peace of mind.

In summer, head to the East Hokkaido area to cool off and enjoy the wonderful nature. 

In summer, we recommend the East Hokkaido area for its coolness. Here, you can enjoy beautiful lakes and mountains with some of the best natural scenery in Japan. There are numerous sightseeing spots in the East Hokkaido area, especially in the summer, when many people visit the area as a summer retreat.

Lake Akan and Lake Mashu, which are popular as examples, offer a spectacular view of quiet and beautiful lakes. Kushiro Marshland is also home to many wild animals, making it a favorite spot for animal lovers. Furthermore, the Shiretoko Peninsula is registered as a World Natural Heritage site and offers spectacular scenery.

The local cuisine is also not to be missed. In the East Hokkaido area, you can enjoy delicious cuisine made from fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. Furthermore, after enjoying the vast nature, relaxing in a hot spring is also recommended. The East Hokkaido area is dotted with an abundance of hot spring resorts, which will surely heal your body and soul.

As you can see, the East Hokkaido area in summer is an attractive area where you can enjoy both spectacular scenery and gourmet food. We encourage you to visit.

Autumn is a treasure trove of gourmet food! Fresh seafood and hot springs in southern Hokkaido

In autumn, Hokkaido becomes a gourmet treasure trove of fresh seafood and delicious local cuisine. The southern Hokkaido area is especially blessed with seafood, and visitors can enjoy fresh squid and crab at the morning market in Hakodate. Sushi and kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) are the specialties of Otaru, which is very popular among tourists.

There are also many hot spring resorts in the southern Hokkaido area, where visitors can refresh themselves in hot springs after enjoying the autumn leaves. Toyako Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen, in particular, are must-sees for hot spring lovers, as they offer superb hot spring water along with beautiful locations.

As you can see, Hokkaido’s Donan area in autumn is full of attractions with fresh seafood gourmet cuisine and relaxing hot springs. We encourage you to visit the Donan area.

Experience the extreme cold in winter! Heal your mind and body with spectacular views of snow and hot springs.

Hokkaido in winter offers spectacular views of snow. Especially in Asahikawa, Furano, and Obihiro, visitors can enjoy experiencing the extreme cold in the midst of nature. Various events using snow and ice are also held in Hokkaido, offering a unique winter experience.

For example, the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru Snow Light Path, and Hakodate Winter Festival are symbolic of Hokkaido in winter and attract many visitors. Skiing and snowboarding are also a major attraction of Hokkaido in winter, with Niseko and Rusutsu offering the best powder snow.

Hokkaido in winter also offers a variety of hot spring baths. Taking an open-air bath while gazing at the snowy landscape is the perfect luxury to heal both body and soul. There are various hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, so we recommend you to visit them.

Hokkaido in winter is a wonderful place where you can enjoy the spectacular view of snow, experience the extreme cold, and relax your body and soul with hot springs. We hope you will visit Hokkaido.

Calendar of popular events recommended for travel to Hokkaido 

Hokkaido is an attractive travel spot for its natural beauty and delicious cuisine, and there are many events held in each season to enjoy. Throughout the year, many tourists visit Hokkaido to enjoy its beautiful scenery, fun events, and the use of its hot springs and hotels.

In spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and picnicking in the parks where the cherry trees bloom. In May, the Lavender Festival is especially popular in the Furano area, where vast lavender fields are beautiful.

In summer, fireworks displays and festivals are held in various locations, attracting large crowds. Hokkaido’s mild climate and abundant nature are also attractive, and mountain climbing and swimming are popular.

Autumn is the time of year when the autumn leaves are beautiful, especially in the spectacular spots in Sapporo City and Otaru City. Many gourmet events are also held in the area, where you can enjoy delicious Hokkaido foods.

In winter, Sapporo is famous for its snow festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Otaru Snow Light Path, where you can enjoy art and activities using snow and ice.

Information on these events can be found on travel websites and tour company reservation pages. You can also rest assured that you can plan your car rental and hotel reservations in advance.

In this article, we will introduce popular events recommended for travel in Hokkaido by season. Please use it as a reference when planning your Hokkaido travel schedule.

Top 5 summer festivals not to be missed 

Summer is the festival season in Hokkaido, and many events are held in various locations. Here is a ranking of the top 5 summer festivals.

1. Sapporo Summer Festival – Held in Sapporo City in late July, this festival features many food stalls and stage events.

2. Hakodate Port Illumination Festival – Held in Hakodate City in early August, this event offers a beautiful night view and fireworks.

Asahikawa Summer Festival – Held in Asahikawa City in mid-July, this festival features street performers and live music.

4. Otaru Water Festival – held in Otaru City in early August, this festival features a parade on the sea and waterfront activities.

5. Kushiro Port Festival – Held in Kushiro City in mid-July, this festival features a spectacular portable shrine parade and Bon dance.

These festivals are the perfect spot to enjoy the charm of the area. If your schedule allows, be sure to visit.

List of attractive winter events decorated with snow and ice 

In winter, Hokkaido offers fantastic scenery covered with snow and ice. Here is a list of attractive winter events.

1. Sapporo Snow Festival – Held in Sapporo in early February, this festival features giant snow and ice sculptures.

Otaru Snow Light Path – Held in Otaru City in mid-February, this festival features beautiful snow lanterns.

Asahikawa Winter Festival – Held in Asahikawa City in early February, this festival features ice sculptures.

4. Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival – Held in Shiretoko in mid-February, this festival features drift ice viewing events and Ainu dances.

5. Furano Winter Festival – held in Furano City in late February, this festival offers snowmobiling and skiing experiences.

These events are a great way to fully enjoy the charms of Hokkaido in winter. Be sure to enjoy these events when you travel.

A collection of unique local spring and fall events 

The spring and fall are unique to the local area, and events around the area are very exciting. In spring, cherry blossom viewing and cherry blossom viewing in the parks are very popular. Spring is also the season of fresh greenery, and many natural parks offer a wide range of places to enjoy fresh greenery and flowers.

Autumn is the best season for viewing the autumn leaves, and leaf peeping is popular at sightseeing spots and hot spring resorts throughout the country. Autumn is also the season of appetite, and many events are held to enjoy delicious gourmet food.

Spring and fall events can bring out the best in locals, who offer beautiful scenery and fresh produce. Attending these events is a great way to get a deeper appreciation of nature and local culture. We encourage you to participate in unique local events in spring and fall and enjoy the charm of the season to the fullest.

Guide to recommended hot spring spots according to season 

Onsen are a blessing of nature in Japan, and different seasons offer different pleasures. In spring, hot spring resorts with cherry blossoms are popular, and open-air baths where you can see cherry blossoms from the bathtubs are recommended. In summer, cool mountain hot springs are popular, and visitors can enjoy waterfalls and murmuring rivers. In the fall, hot spring resorts are attractive for their autumn foliage, and bathing while viewing the autumn leaves is a luxurious experience. In winter, you can enjoy snowy landscapes at hot spring resorts, where you can take a bath while viewing the snowy scenery.

You can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients served at hot spring resorts according to the season. In spring, you can enjoy wild vegetables and fresh vegetables; in summer, seafood; in autumn, mushrooms and chestnuts; and in winter, crabs and sardines.

When traveling, visit hot spring spots according to the season and enjoy a hot spring trip to experience the four seasons in Japan.

Summary of recommended season for travel to Hokkaido 

Hokkaido is an area in northern Japan blessed with great natural beauty, and is a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy the charms of each of the four seasons. In spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and in summer, activities in the cool weather are recommended. Autumn brings beautiful autumn foliage, and in winter there is an abundance of places to enjoy snowy scenery and skiing.

Hokkaido is also famous for its delicious gourmet food, and visitors can enjoy fresh seasonal produce. In particular, seafood grown under the winter snow is exquisite and very popular among tourists.

When planning a trip to Hokkaido, it is important to consider the attractions of each season and choose the best season to suit your preferences and objectives. Use the information in this article to plan your next trip to Hokkaido. Now, get ready to start enjoying your wonderful trip to Hokkaido.