JP · Hokkaido · 43.06°N 141.35°E

hokkaido

Fresh seafood, Sapporo ramen and the snow festival every February.

Best time
December to February for snow and the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February; July for the lavender at Furano.
How long
5–7 days
Getting there
Fly to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, usually via Tokyo or another hub.
JP · Hokkaidohokkaido43.06°N 141.35°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Fresh seafood, Sapporo ramen and the snow festival every February.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingHokkaidoJP, Hokkaido

Japan's northern island: big landscapes, deep winter snow, summer flower fields and some of the country's best seafood and dairy.

Makan

  1. Miso ramenSapporo's own style, rich and warming.
  2. Seafood donburiCrab, uni and salmon roe over rice at the morning markets.
  3. JingisukanLamb grilled on a dome-shaped hotplate.
  4. Soup currySpiced curry broth with big pieces of vegetables and chicken.
  5. Soft serveMade with Hokkaido milk.

Things to do

  1. Sapporo Snow FestivalHuge snow and ice sculptures in early February.
  2. OtaruA canal town of old warehouses and glassworks.
  3. Furano and BieiLavender and flower fields in summer.
  4. NisekoWorld-famous powder snow for skiing.
  5. HakodateThe night view from Mount Hakodate and the morning market.

Where to stay

Sapporo as a base; Niseko in ski season; Furano in summer.

Good to know

  • Distances are big. Rent a car in summer or use the JR trains.
  • Winter roads are icy; only drive if you're used to snow.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.