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Hokkaido (Japan)
Hokkaido is the northern island of Japan, famous for its deep winter snow and fresh seafood. You can ski on beautiful mountains or explore huge, colorful flower fields in the summer. It is a very relaxing place if you love nature and want to eat really well.
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Summary
Neighboring Countries
Did you know?
Drift Ice Walk – In winter, the northern coast freezes over with massive blocks of sea drift ice, allowing brave tourists wearing drysuits to walk right on top of the frozen ocean.
Overview
Months
April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September
Vacation type
Couple, Family, Mountains, Skiing
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
Under 0°C, 0-10°C, 10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm, 100-150mm
Safety
Very safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Japanese yen
Languages
Japanese
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Hokkaido depends on whether you want world-class snow or mild summer weather. Unlike mainland Japan, Hokkaido has two distinct peak seasons: winter (December to February) and summer (July to August). Hokkaido does not get the humid rainy season that affects the rest of Japan in June and July.
If you want to ski, snowboard, and visit the famous ice festivals, travel between December and February. If you want to see blooming flower fields, hike national parks, and road-trip without freezing temperatures, travel between July and September.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: December to February / July to August
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours (Winter) / 6 to 8 hours (Summer).
Rain Frequency: 18 to 22 days of snow per month (Winter) / 8 to 10 days of rain per month (Summer).
Rainy Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours of snowfall (Winter) / 1 to 2 hours of light rain (Summer).
Intensity: Constant, light, dry powder snow in winter; occasional brief summer showers.
Duration: Winter snowfall can continue softly for days. Summer rain usually clears up quickly.
Off-Peak Season: April to May / October to November
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 6 to 7 hours.
Rain Frequency: 8 to 11 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Cold drizzle, sleet, or slushy melting snow.
Duration: Weather changes quickly. Mountain trails are often muddy or closed due to melting snow in spring.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: December-February / July-August
Budget Vacation ($60-95/day)
Accommodation: $25-45/night (dorm beds in hostels, capsule hotels in Sapporo).
Food: $15-25/day (convenience store meals, small counter ramen shops).
Activities: $5-15/day (public parks, historic walking streets, temple visits).
Transportation: $10-20/day (city subway passes, local commuter trains).
Other Costs: $5/day (coin lockers, hot canned tea from vending machines).
Mid-Range Vacation ($150-280/day)
Accommodation: $70-140/night (business hotels like Dormy Inn, traditional ryokan inns).
Food: $35-65/day (fresh seafood bowls at morning markets, soup curry, draft beer).
Activities: $30-60/day (onsen hot spring day passes, ropeway cable cars).
Transportation: $40-70/day (compact rental car or JR Hokkaido train pass).
Other Costs: $10/day (hand warmers, entry to observation decks).
Luxury Vacation ($500-1,200+/day)
Accommodation: $300-800+/night (ski-in/ski-out chalets in Niseko, luxury hot spring ryokan with private open-air baths).
Food: $120-250+/day (multi-course Kaiseki dinners, king crab feasts, premium Wagyu).
Activities: $100-300+/day (lift passes, private ski instructors, private boat charters).
Transportation: $100-200/day (private transfers, premium 4WD rentals).
Other Costs: $30+/day (gear rental, high-end souvenirs).
Off-Peak Season: April-May / October-November
Budget Vacation ($50-75/day)
Accommodation: $20-35/night (off-season hostel beds, budget hotel rooms).
Food: $15-20/day (supermarkets, local noodle shops).
Activities: $5-10/day (free hiking trails, city museums).
Transportation: $10-15/day (local buses, discount regional train tickets).
Other Costs: $5/day (hot drinks).
Mid-Range Vacation ($110-180/day)
Accommodation: $50-90/night (discounted business hotels and hot spring lodges).
Food: $30-50/day (local izakayas, casual dining).
Activities: $15-30/day (botanical gardens, indoor museums).
Transportation: $30-50/day (standard car rental).
Other Costs: $10/day (coffee, rain gear).
Luxury Vacation ($350-700+/day)
Accommodation: $200-450+/night (quiet high-end ryokan outside the snow rush).
Food: $90-180/day (seasonal local tasting menus).
Activities: $60-150/day (private onsen retreats, autumn foliage photography tours).
Transportation: $70-130/day (rental SUV).
Other Costs: $20/day (local specialty snacks).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Sapporo
- The capital of Hokkaido, famous for its wide grid-pattern streets, fresh beer, miso ramen, and the massive annual Snow Festival.
2. Hakodate
- A historic southern port city known for its early Western-style architecture, a fresh morning seafood market, and night views from Mount Hakodate.
3. Otaru
- A coastal town near Sapporo filled with preserved stone canal warehouses, historic glassblowing workshops, and world-class sushi bars.
4. Asahikawa
- The second-largest city, located in the central plains. It serves as the gateway to the mountains of Daisetsuzan and is famous for soy sauce ramen.
Sapporo
Did you know?
Red-Crowned Cranes – Snow-covered wetlands host rare Japanese cranes that perform elaborate, graceful mating dances in the middle of heavy blizzards.
Islands
1. Rishiri Island
- A round volcanic island off the northern coast dominated by Mount Rishiri. It is famous for pristine coastal hiking trails and premium wild kelp (kombu).
2. Rebun Island
- Located just next to Rishiri, known as the "Island of Flowers" because alpine plants and wild orchids bloom directly at sea level.
3. Teuri Island
- A small, quiet island off the western coast that serves as one of Japan's most important breeding sanctuaries for rare seabirds.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Zaborin
Location: Hanazono, Kutchan, Hokkaido, Japan
An ultra-luxury ryokan nestled in a snowy forest wilderness, featuring minimalist Japanese architecture, private indoor and outdoor hot spring (onsen) baths fed by natural thermal waters, and stunning views of the surrounding birch trees.
Restaurants / Bars
Byakuya
Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
An exclusive fine-dining destination in the heart of Hokkaido's premier mountain region, celebrated for its seasonal kaiseki menus highlighting pristine local seafood from surrounding seas and wild produce from the northern snow country.
Tours to do
Did you know?
Beer Ice Houses – Sapporo locals build massive bars and lounges entirely out of thick winter snow and ice, serving cold drinks in hand-carved ice mugs.
What to eat
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
Important things to know
Souveniers
Location
Reviews
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