Hokkaido is a treasure trove of travel experiences, encapsulating Japan’s grand nature.
Its magnificent landscapes, spread across 7 national parks, 5 quasi-national parks, and 12 prefectural parks, change their appearance with each season.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers outdoor adventures, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter invites snow activities.
Here, you can enjoy four distinct natural regions—a rarity in Japan.
Urban tourism in the Sapporo area, mountain tourism in the central region, historical and cultural tourism in southern Hokkaido, and nature experiences in eastern Hokkaido.
“Four Seasons × Four Natural Regions = 16 Attractions”—this is the true power of Hokkaido tourism.
March 14 – November 23, 2026
The summer-only event “Penguin Picnic” takes place once a day.
Admission Fees: Adults 1,800 yen / Elementary and Middle School Students 700 yen / Aged Over 3 350 yen (Coupon available)
On March 10, 2026, the seals moved to their summer exhibition pool. Otaru Aquarium’s regular operations resume on March 14.
Winter Aquarium of Love
December 19, 2025 to March 22, 2026
Discover the secrets of love in the animal world together with Pingu™.
Sapporo PARCO offer a selection of Sapporo lifestyle items that are useful for snow sightseeing.
Akan Bus is accepting reservations for the winter regular sightseeing bus “White Pirika”. Service period: Every day from January 10 to March 29, 2026. * Reservation Required.
【Sapporo Area】#Sapporo #Otaru #Otaru Aquarium #Souvenir Shop Kobushiya #SUNDRUG #Handmade bag Mizubasho #Sapporo PARCO #KAWAII♥PARCO #Snow＊PARCO #DAIMARU SAPPORO #APIA #Sapporo Stellarplace #AEON Otaru #MaxValu Maruyama Class #MaxValu Kutchan #SOUP CALYI PICANTE #Uni Murakami Sapporo #Nissay Sapporo Building #Sapporo Odori Park #AOAO SAPPORO #Otaru Kourakuen #Grand Park Otaru #Shogetsu Grand Hotel #NISEKO KANRO no MORI #Midorinokaze Resort #BOUROU LAKE TOYA
【Central Hokkaido Area】 #Kamikawa / Sounkyo #Hotel Taisetsu #AEON MALL Asahikawa Station #AEON MALL Asahikawa Nishi
The most recommended times are *summer (July–August)* and *winter (February)*—both offer iconic Hokkaido experiences.
Spring (April–May)
Cherry blossoms and moss phlox bloom around Golden Week. Enjoy snowmelt rafting and spring delicacies like asparagus and hairy crab.
Summer (June–August)
Lavender fields in Furano and Biei are breathtaking. Cool and comfortable weather makes water sports and BBQs popular. Seasonal treats include melon and Hanasaki crab.
Autumn (September–November)
Early autumn foliage (September–October) is stunning. Trekking and hot-air ballooning let you enjoy nature. Seasonal flavors like salmon roe and potatoes, plus food festivals, are highlights.
Winter (December–March)
Powder snow makes it ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Snow festivals and illuminations are held across the region. Try smelt fishing and winter-only seafood.
Central Hokkaido (Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu)
Sapporo’s classic spots: Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru Canal, Noboribetsu Jigokudani
Southern Hokkaido (Hakodate)
Night view from Mount Hakodate / Goryokaku Park / Hakodate Morning Market / Ōnuma Quasi-National Park
Central Region (Asahikawa, Furano, Biei)
Asahiyama Zoo / Farm Tomita (Nakafurano) / Blue Pond (Biei) / Scenic driving routes in Biei
Eastern Hokkaido (Shiretoko, Lake Mashū)
Shiretoko Five Lakes (World Natural Heritage Site) / Kushiro Marsh / Drift ice in Abashiri (winter) / Lake Mashū, Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan
Blue Pond (Biei) : Spring to autumn; illuminated in winter
Kamuiwakka Pond (Kiyosato) : Spring to autumn (snowshoe tours in winter)
Sea of clouds at Tsubetsu Pass (Tsubetsu) : Early mornings from summer to autumn
Shikisai-no-Oka (Biei) : Flowers in summer, snow in winter; Snowland in winter
Night view from Mount Hakodate (Hakodate) : Year-round
Cape Kamui (Shakotan) : Summer (Ezo-kanzo flowers bloom)
There are many more breathtaking spots to discover.
Spring (April–June)
Mornings and evenings in April are still chilly. From May, it finally starts to feel like spring. / Temperature & clothing→
Summer (July–August)
Low humidity and refreshing air. Comfortable in short sleeves during the day, but mornings and evenings can be cool. / Temperature & clothing→
Autumn (September–November)
September is cool, and the cold intensifies from October. Some areas begin to see snow in November. / Temperature & clothing→
Winter (December–March)
Sub-zero temperatures are common, with heavy snowfall. Strong winds make it feel even colder. / Temperature & clothing→
Sapporo Snow Festival : Early February every year (e.g., scheduled for February in 2026)
Sapporo White Illumination : Late November to mid-March of the following year
Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo : Late November to December 25
Jozankei Onsen Snow Candle Way : Late January
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival : Early to late February
Airport Shuttle Bus
Travel time: approx. 1 to 1.5 hours (depends on traffic) / Fare: approx. ¥1,000–¥1,100 / Stops at major areas like Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. Some routes stop in front of hotels.
New Chitose Airport Shuttle Bus Timetable (No Reservation Required, 9 Routes) Hokkaido Chuo Bus→
JR Rapid Airport Train
Travel time: approx. 37 minutes / Fare: approx. ¥1,150 / Fastest and direct to Sapporo Station. Operates every 12 minutes during the day.
Taxi
approx. 50 minutes / Fare: approx. ¥13,000–¥15,000 (including expressway tolls)
* Delays may occur in winter, so allow extra time.
