Golden Week in Hokkaido marks the awakening of nature! This period, where fresh greenery sprouts and flowers bloom in abundance, is perfect for family travel. The rich natural environment of Hokkaido provides a unique opportunity to savor local gourmet delights and engage in a variety of exciting activities, making this season particularly appealing. In this guide, we present recommendations for enjoying Hokkaido during Golden Week, including top spots and activities that both children and adults can enjoy together.

What are the Dates for Golden Week 2025? Plan Your Hokkaido Trip Now!

Golden Week 2025 spans from Monday, April 29 to Monday, May 6. Many are eagerly awaiting this time when Hokkaido’s nature comes alive, offering a perfect opportunity to feel the breath of spring! With fresh greenery and colorful flowers in full bloom, breathtaking landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Popular tourist spots attract many visitors, so it’s crucial to plan and book early to ensure a smooth trip.

Things to Do in Hokkaido During Golden Week

Enjoy the Fresh Greenery: The vast natural landscapes of Hokkaido covered in fresh greenery offer breathtaking views. Take the time to relax and enjoy the serene beauty.

Flower Viewing: Various flowers, including cherry blossoms, are in full bloom, making it ideal for family outings and picnics.

Outdoor Activities: Engage in camping, hiking, and barbecue to fully experience the natural surroundings of Hokkaido.

Local Gourmet: Savor fresh seafood and produce from the land and sea. Visit local restaurants to indulge in exquisite dishes.

Relax in Hot Springs: Unwind and refresh your body and mind in Hokkaido’s hot springs, offering a perfect escape from daily stress.

Recommended Hokkaido Spots for Golden Week

Furano & Biei: Renowned for its lavender fields, this region offers picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and vibrant flowers.

Shiretoko National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can immerse yourself in majestic natural beauty.

Onuma Quasi-National Park: The stunning scenery created by 126 lakes and ponds is a must-see. Perfect for a family picnic!

Otaru: The retro charm of Otaru Canal attracts visitors, especially in spring when cherry blossoms create a romantic atmosphere.

Sapporo: A city where nature and urban life blend seamlessly, offering diverse spots like Odori Park and Mt. Moiwa.

Important Tips for a Successful Golden Week Trip

Transportation Congestion: Expect heavy traffic on highways and rental car availability issues. Plan your itinerary with ample time.

Accommodations Booking: Accommodations in popular tourist areas fill up quickly. Early reservations are crucial!

Event Information: Many events take place during this period. Collect information in advance and book tickets for those you’re interested in.

Create unforgettable memories amidst Hokkaido’s stunning nature and charming spots this Golden Week. Countless delightful moments await! Enjoy a wonderful journey!

Further Guide to Maximize Your Golden Week in Hokkaido!

Early Bookings: Golden Week is a popular travel time! Early reservations for flights, accommodations, and rental cars can make your trip more rewarding. This is especially vital for family trips or group travel.

Crafting a Travel Plan: Draft a list of desired attractions and activities you’d like to experience, then create a detailed itinerary. Explore major cities like Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa, as well as the seasonal beauty of nature.

Packing Essentials: Check weather forecasts and prepare clothing and items for variable weather conditions. Spring in Hokkaido can still be chilly, so pack warm clothes. For families with small children, don’t forget rain gear and extra warmth.

Insurance: Having travel insurance ensures peace of mind during your trip. It covers unforeseen health issues or accidents, allowing everyone to enjoy the journey worry-free.

Highlights & Recommended Spots in Hokkaido for Golden Week! A Family Fun Guide

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Cherry Blossom Viewing: In Hokkaido, the cherry blossom season arrives slightly later than in the main islands of Japan, making Golden Week an ideal time to admire these beautiful blooms. Sapporo’s Odori Park, Nakajima Park, and the Otaru Canal are just a few of the many places to enjoy splendid cherry blossom views. If you’re fortunate with the timing, you might also catch the lilacs in bloom.

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While enjoying the beauty of the cherry trees, having a picnic lunch can make the experience even better!

Picnic: How about having a picnic in a vast park with nature as your backdrop? Moerenuma Park in Sapporo or Farm Tomita in Furano offers stunning scenery where you can relax and enjoy lovely moments. These locations are perfect for spending leisurely time with family, friends, or a partner.

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The pyramid at Moerenuma Park is also a must-see!

Camping: Camping amidst the vast nature of Hokkaido is a wonderful experience! Enjoy barbecuing with friends and family, gaze at the starry sky, and create unforgettable memories. With plentiful campsites across different regions, you have a wide range of options depending on where you stay.

Hiking: Hiking along trails surrounded by fresh green foliage and visiting waterfalls is highly recommended. Relish the leisurely pace while surrounded by nature. Hokkaido in early spring offers invigorating air and abundant natural beauty, inviting you to savor each season’s unique charm.

With such diverse activities and sightseeing spots, a Golden Week trip to Hokkaido promises countless wonderful memories. Be sure to make the most of your visit!

Endless Joy in Interacting with Animals!

Asahiyama Zoo: Asahiyama Zoo, a renowned tourist spot in Hokkaido, attracts numerous visitors and local families throughout the year. Its main highlight is the charming penguin walk. Watching these penguins stroll freely through the winter snow is truly a spectacle! The zoo also offers the unique opportunity to observe polar bears swimming dynamically underwater through glass panels, a thrilling experience for both children and adults. Visitors can enjoy a close-up view of the animals’ genuine behaviors amidst the rich natural environment of Hokkaido.

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Sapporo Satoland: This location offers abundant natural experiences and provides a rich learning environment for children through interactive activities with animals. Here, kids can engage in vegetable harvesting and farming activities, offering a hands-on educational experience in nature. It’s a spot perfect for visiting with family! The site hosts different events and activities depending on the season, ensuring new discoveries with each visit. Moreover, its convenient access from Sapporo city makes it an ideal choice for family trips on holidays.

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Discover the Abundance of Hands-on Learning Experiences!

Glass Crafting Experience: The streets of Otaru are filled with historical charm, and glass crafting is an integral part of this allure. Numerous studios scatter the area, where you can create your very own original piece! Crafting a unique item by hand is a memorable experience for families or groups of friends. You can also enjoy mingling with local artists.

Confectionery Making Experience: A highlight is the hands-on experience at Shiroi Koibito Park! Here, you can learn about the production process of Hokkaido’s beloved sweet, “Shiroi Koibito.” Sampling your handmade treats on-site is a special experience. This activity is packed with fun for everyone from young children to adults.

Farm Experience: Experiences utilizing Hokkaido’s rich agricultural resources are also recommended! Visits to farms offer interactions with animals and various food-related experiences like cheese making. Through these activities, you gain a deeper understanding of how ingredients are cultivated and delivered to our daily tables.

Special experiences unique to Hokkaido’s vast land are waiting for you! Plan a visit with your family or friends during your vacation to enjoy wonderful moments. Access from all over Japan is convenient, making trip planning easy!

Enhance Your Indoor Play Experience!

Fantasy Kids Resort: Truly a paradise for children! This enormous indoor amusement park, complete with slides and ball pools, will keep kids entertained all day long. It’s the perfect spot for family visits, allowing everyone to enjoy to their heart’s content.

Sumikko Gurashi Play Studio at Ario Sapporo: Immerse yourself in the world of the popular character “Sumikko Gurashi” at this play area designed for kids.

Experience the world of Sumikko Gurashi brought to life! Kids can engage in pretend play and shop activities in a space that captures the essence of Sumikko Gurashi, surrounded by their favorite characters. There’s also physical play equipment like trampolines!

Little Planet at Aeon Mall Sapporo Naebo: Located on the second floor of Aeon Mall Sapporo Naebo, this indoor amusement park allows for play unaffected by weather conditions.

The theme is transforming play into learning, with many first-time attractions! Convenient parking facilities make it easy to access by car.

Sapporo Youth Science Museum: If you’re a student in Sapporo, you might have visited this spot for extracurricular lessons. Recently reopened after renovations, it’s more captivating than ever! It’s a fantastic place for children and adults to deepen their knowledge together, making it a perfect family destination.

Other Recommended Spots

Hot Springs: Enjoying a relaxing time in Hokkaido’s hot springs is the perfect way to rejuvenate! Indulge in the warmth of an open-air bath surrounded by nature, and let both your body and soul unwind.

Museums: Exploring museums that showcase Hokkaido’s rich history and culture is highly recommended. It’s a great opportunity for kids to gain new knowledge! At Hobetsu Museum, real fossils discovered in Hokkaido can be admired.

Art Galleries: Experiencing beautiful artwork will undoubtedly sharpen your aesthetic sense. Immerse your entire family in the world of art for a refreshing and captivating experience.

Capture Your Travel Memories Beautifully with a Photography Studio

Easy Child Shooting with Palette Studio

Palette Studio operates two locations in central Sapporo (Sapporo Factory and Sapporo Odori) and three kid-specialized studios, palette +plus, in eastern Sapporo, western Sapporo, and Nishioka. They also have branches in Obihiro, Asahikawa, and two in the Hakodate area!

Based in Hokkaido, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring every memorable shoot becomes your best memory.

All the children’s photos used in this article were taken by Palette!

From outdoor location shoots capturing the essence of Hokkaido to sessions in our adorable original studio settings, we offer it all! Capture everything from baby to wedding shots with us, and let us help color one page of your fun travel memories!

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Things to Keep in Mind During Golden Week!

Transportation: During Golden Week, expect heavy crowds as numerous tourists flock to popular destinations. To ensure a smooth journey, booking transportation in advance is advisable.

Accommodation: Accommodations near popular spots tend to get fully booked quickly, so early reservations are crucial. Plan ahead to enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming hotel or resort.

Weather: The weather in Hokkaido is often unpredictable, especially in early spring. It’s important to pay attention to your attire when going out. Check the weather forecast regularly and take appropriate measures to ensure a comfortable trip.

Make Unforgettable Memories!

Golden Week in Hokkaido offers a plethora of exciting events and activities for the whole family! Enjoy the freedom to explore the lush natural surroundings or savor the exquisite local cuisine. Create irreplaceable memories through heartwarming experiences. Revel in the breathtaking natural landscapes and engage with the rich cultural resources to fully enjoy a memorable journey. Maximize the charm of Hokkaido and have a fantastic trip!