Hokkaido Travel Guide for Beginners: Top 10 Must-Visit Spots with Transportation Tips!

Hokkaido boasts the most beautiful natural scenery in Japan. From Sapporo to Hakodate, there are stunning secret spots everywhere. Want to take a free trip to Hokkaido but don't know how to plan it? Don't worry, KINNSO has compiled 10 must-visit attractions to teach you how to play and get around, guaranteeing a smooth start! Follow our easy guide to easily travel through Hokkaido, experience authentic food culture, and feel the healing power of nature.

When it comes to Otaru, the first thing that comes to mind for many is its romantic and charming canal scenery. Once an important port in Hokkaido, it has now become one of the most famous tourist destinations. Walking along the cobblestone paths, you'll be surrounded by antique red brick warehouses, nostalgic kerosene lamps, creating a romantic European atmosphere. You can take a boat tour to admire the scenery on both sides of the canal, or visit glass craft shops to select exquisite souvenirs. Don't forget to visit Otaru Music Box Hall and listen to the beautiful melodies from the century-old steam clock. [Transportation] From JR Sapporo Station, take a rapid train, which takes about 30 minutes to reach Otaru Station.

Odori Park is a green oasis in the center of Sapporo. Stretching 1.5 kilometers, it offers different charms throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; in summer, the Sapporo Beer Festival kicks off; in autumn, you can enjoy the foliage; and in winter, there are dreamy white illuminations. There are also many department stores and popular restaurants surrounding the park, making it a popular destination for shopping and dining. At night, don't forget to head to the top of the TV Tower for stunning city views. 【Transportation】Odori Park is located right in the heart of Sapporo City. You can reach it directly via the subway Namboku Line or Tōzai Line.

Furano is renowned for its vast lavender fields and rolling hills, considered the most dreamy fairyland in Hokkaido. Every July, a sea of purple lavender blossoms attracts countless tourists. Among them, Furuta Farm is the largest, offering rich experiences like essential oil DIY. Shikisai no Oka (Four Seasons Hill) is also a popular spot, with canola flowers blooming in spring and maple leaves turning red in autumn, making it a beautiful place to visit year-round. [Transportation] From JR Sapporo Station, take an express train, which takes about 2 hours to reach Furano Station.

Bieiy is known as "the most beautiful countryside in Hokkaido", with its soft rolling hills and colorful farm scenery. Each season has its own unique beauty; summer offers a vibrant field of flowers, while winter blankets the landscape in white snow under a clear blue sky, creating a breathtakingly picturesque scene. Popular attractions include Mushiike Pond, Biei Station, and Shirogane Blue Pond. In autumn, take a hot air balloon ride for a stunning panoramic view of the beautiful countryside. 【Transportation】Take the Furano Line from Furano Station, approximately a one-hour journey to Biei Station.

Asahikawa Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan, featuring Arctic animals such as polar bears, penguins, and seals, all of which are popular attractions. The spacious grounds provide ample activity space for the animals, allowing them to fully display their natural ecology. It's worth noting the incredibly popular penguin parade, which draws large crowds every day. Don't miss the opportunity to see the majestic polar bear at the Polar Bear House, guaranteed to melt your heart! Transportation: Take a bus from JR Asahikawa Station, approximately 30 minutes to reach Asahikawa Zoo.

If you want to enjoy the breathtaking night view of Hakodate Harbor, Mount Hakodate is the best choice! Standing at 330 meters high, you can take a cable car to the summit and enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate city and the harbor lights, which are truly captivating. In autumn, you can also see beautiful red maple leaves here, and the romantic night view is even more stunning in the evening. Besides admiring the scenery, be sure to visit the shrine on top of the mountain and experience its solemn and peaceful atmosphere. 【Transportation】Take the streetcar from Hakodate Station to Juji-dori, walk for 10 minutes, and then transfer to the cable car to go up the mountain.

Debes Jigoku Valley is a famous volcanic hot spring spot in Hokkaido, Japan. Visitors can feel the awe-inspiring power of nature here. Upon entering the valley, the smell of sulfur fills the air, and white steam rises from the ground, resembling a scene from hell. The unique volcanic terrain is truly breathtaking. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, you can observe the hot springs and strange rocks up close, feeling the pulse of the earth. Don't miss out on the nearby Noboribetsu Onsen Street, where you can relax in a hot spring bath and savor delicious tofu dishes. [Transportation] From Sapporo, take a limited express train, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach Noboribetsu. Then, take a bus from the Noboribetsu Onsen Station to Jigoku Valley Station.

Kushiro Marsh is Japan's largest wetland and a crane protection area with abundant ecological resources. At Kushiro River Observatory and Sōgan Observatory, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and ecosystem of the marsh. If you're lucky, you might even see Japanese red-crowned cranes. It is recommended to take the sightseeing train "NOROKKO," which slowly travels through the marsh, allowing you to feel the tranquility of nature. Don't miss the boardwalk next to Sōgan Observatory, where a leisurely stroll feels like being in a fairy tale world. At night, fireflies dance, adding a touch of dreamlike atmosphere. [Transportation] Take the Kushiro Main Line from JR Kushiro Station, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach Tōru station.

To experience the charm of Hokkaido's seas, taking a icebreaker cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk is a must-do! From January to March each year, the sea is covered with solid ice. Huge icebreakers carve a waterway through the ice and then drift on the vast ice floes, offering a spectacular view. Visitors can also get up close and personal with ice floes that are lifted onto the boat for observation, allowing them to feel the wonder of nature firsthand. It's recommended to first visit the Nemuro Drift Ice Science Center to learn about drift ice, then board an icebreaker for a truly stimulating and rewarding experience! [Transportation] A 15-minute walk from JR Netsuro Station will take you to Netsuro Port.

Located in the World Natural Heritage Site of Shiretoko Five Lakes, this area consists of five lakes of varying sizes, surrounded by pristine forests, creating a dreamy landscape. A wooden boardwalk winds through the lake district, allowing you to stroll amidst the turquoise waters and lush greenery, as if stepping into a fairyland. In summer, the lake surface is as calm as a mirror, while in winter it's covered with snow, showcasing ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons. This place is also home to brown bears and other wildlife, boasting abundant ecological resources. Join a guide for a deeper exploration and experience the magic of nature firsthand. [Transportation] Take the Shari Line from JR Nebuka Station, approximately 1.5 hours to reach Shiretoko Shari Station. Then transfer to a bus, about 40 minutes to arrive at Shiretoko Five Lakes.

This is KINNSO's editorially selected top 10 must-visit attractions in Hokkaido! From romantic canals to natural secret spots, it will bring you the multifaceted charm of Hokkaido. Whether you want to enjoy flower viewing, soak in hot springs, or see wild animals, this place can satisfy you! For those who want a convenient trip, you can join a day tour~