Let me take you to Hokkaido, Japan–one of its northernmost islands and a place that is famous for its hot springs and volcanoes. There are plenty more things to do here! The rugged Daisetsuzan National Park and Shikotsu-Tōya National Park are some of the places you ought to start with. Here you will have the chance to see crater lakes and geothermal springs not to mention ski resorts which are a common site here. To immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s traditions, you can stay in a comfy minshuku. All you need is your camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a curious spirit to tour around this magical island. Check out this fantastic list of the best places to visit in Hokkaido during summer for a perfect holiday.
Events to look out for:
- Hokkaido Jingu Shrine Festival: Celebrated annually in June, this event is also known as Sapporo Festival. People dress up in Heian period costumes and participate in parades, and you'll also see portable shrines going by. Food stalls and street performances are abundant, and I'd love to check out the Gagaku (a type of Japanese classical music) events organized in connection with the festival.
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1. Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo TV Tower is a majestic tower in which you can visit the observation deck to enjoy some fantastic 360-degree views. The elevator leads to the deck with a dramatic ascend to the top where you can get some Instagram-worthy pictures. If you have a phobia of heights, I wouldn’t recommend climbing up the tower. However, it’s worth a try for a bucket list challenge! Make sure to bring a friend or your partner to enjoy this amazing beauty in Japan.
Good to know:
The tower is just a minute’s walk from Exit 27 of the Odori Station - Toho Line.
The general admission fee for adults for entry into the tower is 1000 JPY (6.21 USD), and group rates are at 700 JPY (4.35 USD). For elementary and junior high school students, the ticket will cost 500 JPY (3.11 USD).
You can get more information at the official website for the tower.
Stay here:
Luxury: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo
Budget: LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL sapporo
Book Tours : Sapporo TV Tower
2. Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum
Hokkaido Toyako Summit Museum holds the memories of the 34th G8 Summit in 2008 which was held in this city. It was focused on the issues that pertained to global warming. This museum holds great treasures of this comprehensive meeting. While here, you will have the chance to see the life-sized panels of the leaders who attended it, not to mention the actual tables and chairs used. If you love the thrill of learning something new even while on vacation, this is the perfect opportunity to head out and learn more about how to conserve the universe.
Good to know:
The museum offers free entry but is closed from December 31st to January 3rd.
For more information, check out the museum’s official webpage.
Stay here:
3. Konpira Ruins
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This is a hike so you would need to come with some hiking gear and a water bottle. Before you start walking, you need to pick a map from the visitor’s office to avoid getting lost in the trails because sometimes they can be too confusing. You will soon come across the Konpira ruins, which consist of houses that were left behind after the eruptions in 2000 that brought mudslides, destroying the entire place. See these grim reminders and how life has reclaimed the site while walking around. It seems to me like the perfect spot to relax and take it slow.
Good to know:
The walking trail is closed in the winter and is open only between April 20th and November 10th.
The opening hours differ across seasons. The trail is open from 8am to 6pm from April to September and from 8am to 4pm from October to November.
Stay here:
4. Sobetsu Park
Sobetsu Park is a gorgeous place to step out and enjoy the outdoor weather. Here, you will have the chance to see some beautiful natural sights. This place is known for its expansive plum blossoms, giving you an endless view, and the apricot trees are a sight to behold during the spring. You can never go wrong with bringing a camera to this place if you are a tourist who loves picturesque places to capture while on travel.
Good to know:
Sobetsu Park is closed from November to April.
The park has limited parking (just 10 spaces), so plan accordingly!
For more details, head to Sobetsu Park’s official page.
Stay here:
5. Toya Temple & Monument
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Check out Toya Temple, a scenic monument that offers you some beautiful views of the lake. You are welcome to walk around the premises. Here, you will get the chance to see amazing statues and wooden carvings surrounding the temple. The temple itself is usually closed but it’s still a great place to check out and enjoy during your free time on your vacation.
Stay here:
Luxury: WE Hotel Toya
Budget: Pet-friendly home for six guests
6. Horomitoge Lavender Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is a pretty interesting place to check out and you will have to do a short road trip to get there. After some steep climbs and some curves, you will be welcomed to great views of the very well-maintained lavender gardens. If you are a couple looking for a place to visit with some unforgettable views, this is the place to visit. Just take a day off your busy touring calendar and head out to this place and marvel at its beautiful landscapes.
Good to know:
July, when the lavenders usually bloom, is the best month to visit the garden.
Note that photography is prohibited during the public opening hours: 9am to 5pm. Photography requests will be entertained outside the public opening hours, though you’ll have to submit the necessary form at least 5 days before your visit.
For more information, check out the official website.
Stay here:
Luxury: ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
Budget: Tmark City Hotel Sapporo Odori
7. Ari-kun Crater & Walking Trails
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Have a day out in the sun as you enjoy the finest of Japan’s greenery in this amazing place full of wonders. Here, you will find walking trails which are numbered from one to seven. You can pick the map from the visitor’s office to help you with the hike. This hike leads you into the hills where you will have a view of the Ari-kun Crater, and as someone who loves hiking, I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list.
Make sure to follow the sign marked T-7 which will lead you straight to the crater. Finally, you will have the chance to see the steel barriers that were used to protect mudflow during eruptions which is something that will make you appreciate the nature of this place.
Stay here:
8. Kanayama Lake
If you like to take pictures of beautiful backgrounds, this is the place to check out. During summer, you will find some serene and beautiful landscapes filled with lavender and other trees that give you unmatched sites of the lake’s landscape. This is one of the most amazing places to grab an Instagram-worthy picture to reminisce about this visit. There is no tour as serene as this one if you are looking for a place to connect with nature and enjoy some clean fresh countryside air.
Good to know:
- Canoeing is a popular activity here, and you can even bring the kids along for a tranquil day on the lake.
Stay here:
9. Shikisai no Oka
This is one of the must-go tours where you will have the chance to enjoy some majestic views of the Goto Sumio Art Museum where the masterpieces of Sumio a famous Japanese painter are kept. You will then head up to Blue Pond which is a gorgeous attraction outside the hot spring town of Shirogane Onsen.
Finally, you will have the chance to enjoy the views of the panoramic flower gardens which span out into Shikisai No Oka. This is where you will get to see Taisetsu mountain range too–these are beautiful mountains covered with snow during winter. I would love to take some photos here!
Good to know:
Entry tickets cost 500 JPY (3.11 USD) for adults and high school students, while for elementary school and junior high school kids it’s 300 JPY (1.86 USD).
You can drive a buggy or cart across the garden and explore it a your own pace! Buggie rides are priced at 600 JPY and can accommodate a single person. Cart rides can accommodate up to four people and cost 2,200 JPY for 15 minutes.
Stay here:
10. Furano Shrine
Furano Shrine is a Shinto shrine found in central Furano and was constructed in 1902. It is a very serene place to walk around if you are looking for an amazing place to mingle with nature away from your hustles and bustles. In the main shrine, you can find two smaller shrines, Konpira Shrine and Inari Shrines which are perfect grounds to walk around as you view the lion-dog statues placed strategically around the shrines. The treasures in this place will make you want to come back again to see a lot more!
Good to know:
The shrine has an annual festival on August 1 and organizes traditional street performances and rice-cake-making events. I’m sure the children will love the cotton candy and ponkashi (special Japanese sweets) sold during the festival.
For more information, check out the temple’s webpage.
Stay here:
Visit Hokkaido, an island full of wonders
If you are a traveler looking for the most beautiful place to spend the holiday and take some perfect Instagram pictures, this is the ultimate place for that. Don’t forget to check out this amazing list of the best places to visit in Hokkaido during summer for one of the most unforgettable holiday experiences of your life!
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5-Day Hokkaido Itinerary: Top Highlights From The North Of JapanTrip101 Editorial -
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