Japan’s northern island: Sapporo’s food and snow festival, Otaru’s canal and Hakodate’s night view. Distances are long, so plan by region.
Hokkaido is far larger than it looks on a map. Base yourself in one region at a time; Sapporo and Otaru pair easily, while Hakodate or eastern Hokkaido deserve their own nights.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesOdori Park runs through the centre and hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival each February. Susukino is the dining district for ramen, soup curry and Genghis Khan grilled lamb. New Chitose Airport is connected by JR rapid trains.
The grid of numbered streets makes walking easy; in winter, use the underground walkways between Sapporo Station and Susukino.
Read this area guide →A former trading port west of Sapporo. Walk the stone warehouses along the Otaru Canal, browse the glass and music-box shops of Sakaimachi Street, and have sushi near the harbour.
An easy half-day or day trip from Sapporo by JR. Evenings by the canal are quieter once day visitors leave.
Read this area guide →Take the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for the famous night view, start the next day at the Hakodate Morning Market, then walk the slopes and Western-style buildings of Motomachi and the star-shaped Goryokaku fort.
Reached by the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then a connecting train, or by air. Allow at least one night.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Walk Odori Park and Sapporo Clock Tower.
Ramen or soup curry in central Sapporo.
Take the train to Otaru for the canal and Sakaimachi Street.
Return to Sapporo for Genghis Khan lamb in Susukino.
Try seafood bowls, miso ramen, soup curry and Genghis Khan lamb. Dairy and sweets are a local strength.
Sapporo is the easiest base, with rail links to the airport and Otaru. In winter, check that your hotel is close to a station or underground walkway.
JR lines link New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate. Distances between regions are long: compare domestic flights for eastern or northern Hokkaido, and allow for winter delays.
