The Best of Hokkaido

Collected by Erin Bogar , AFAR Local Expert

Hokkaido is Japan’s land of abundant nature and national parks. For avid skiers, Hokkaido’s slopes are hailed as the Japanese equivalent to the Alps. For hikers, climbers, and campers, summertime in Hokkaido is all wildflowers, green meadows, and starlit nights.

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Niseko Village

Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan

In Niseko, mountain ranges, lakes, wildlife, and volcanoes—including the dormant Fuji doppelganger Mount Yotei—are the main attraction. The area is known for fresh powder skiing and snowboarding, which is best followed by a soak in...

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Mount Hakodate

Mount Hakodate, Hakodateyama, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0000, Japan

Touted as one of the best night views in the world, Mount Hakodate—locally, Hakodate-san—feels like the center of the world. Take the short cable car ride to the top of this dormant volcano and view a stunning contrast of city lights...

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Shiretoko National Park Shintoku Chō Japan

Photo by Masaharu Fujikawa/Flickr

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Shiretoko National Park

Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko National Park is a largely untouched Japanese wilderness. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its valuable ecosystem and biodiversity, much of the park is best viewed via boat or multi-day treks. Connected by narrow trails, the five...

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Nijo Fish Market

1 Chome Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0053, Japan

Located in central Sapporo, Nijo has been the city’s fish market for over a hundred years. Go for a fresh seafood breakfast; uni-ikura donburi—sea urchin and salmon eggs on rice—is a popular choice. Here among the region's freshest fish, you’ll...

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Aji No Karyu

Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 5 Jōnishi, 3 Chome, 南５条西３丁目

Enter Ramen Alley near Susukino station and shoulder up to the counter at Aji No Karyu. This small shop seats about 20 and serves up Sapporo-style miso ramen, distinct for the addition of a large slice of butter combined with the thin slices of ...

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Kushiro Washo Market

13 Chome-25 Kuroganecho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0018, Japan

Near Kushiro’s railway station, this flopping-fresh fish market is the place to stop for a delicious sushi or sashimi lunch. Vendors hawk everything from sea urchins, tuna belly (otoro) and enormous Hokkaido crabs to whelk and whale meat. A...

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Sapporo Beer Garden

9 Chome-1-１ Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 065-8633, Japan

Part of the Sapporo Beer Museum, this pleasant beer garden is worth carving out some time for. As well as being able to taste the famous brew in a beer-hall setting, you can cook your own lunch—usually lamb or vegetables or...

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Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery

7 Chome-6 Kurokawachō, Yoichi-chō, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaidō 046-0003, Japan

Some of Japan's best whiskey—and the Japanese take this drink almost as seriously as the Scots do—comes from Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery, just outside Otaru. The distillery was built in 1934, after Taketsuru Masataka came back to...

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Akan Ainu Kotan (Ainu Village)

Located in the hot-spring resort area of Akankohan near Kushiro, the small village of Ainu Kotan is home to Hokkaido’s indigenous people, the Ainu. The store-lined main street here is touristy but nonetheless ideal for one-stop shopping for...

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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

14-12 Suehirochō, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaidō 040-0053, Japan

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a retail arcade set in an old warehouse. Think of it as a Japanese shopping street gone indoors. You’ll find everything from Starbucks and traditional Hokkaido sweets to an endless selection of omiyage (gifts).

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