Überblick
Hokkaido is Japan's second-largest island but sparsely populated, so distances are long. Sapporo, the capital, is a modern grid-planned city that works well as a base for Otaru, Jozankei and Niseko. For the eastern national parks (Shiretoko, Akan, Kushiro wetlands) a rental car or internal flights make sense.
Hokkaido is also the homeland of the Indigenous Ainu people; the national Ainu museum Upopoy in Shiraoi is a good introduction.
Sehenswürdigkeiten & Aktivitäten
- Sapporo Snow Festival: Held in early February with large snow and ice sculptures at Odori and Susukino sites.
- Mt Moiwa Ropeway: Panoramic city night views from the summit.
- Sapporo Beer Museum: History of Japan's oldest beer brand, with tastings and Genghis Khan barbecue halls nearby.
- Nijo Market & Sapporo Central Wholesale Market: Crab, sea urchin and salmon roe rice bowls (kaisendon) for breakfast.
- Moerenuma Park: Huge park designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
- Shiretoko National Park: UNESCO-listed peninsula with wildlife, including brown bears, in the far east — follow all bear-safety guidance.
- Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa): Known for winter penguin walks.
Lokale Küche & Spezialitäten
- Miso ramen: Sapporo's signature rich miso-based ramen, often topped with butter and corn.
- Soup curry: A thin, spicy curry broth with large chunks of vegetables and chicken — a Sapporo original.
- Jingisukan: Grilled lamb and mutton cooked on a dome-shaped skillet.
- Seafood: Hairy crab, king crab, scallops, uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe).
- Dairy & sweets: Soft-serve ice cream, cheese tarts and famous local biscuit brands.
Anreise & Nahverkehr
New Chitose Airport (CTS) has many domestic and international flights; JR Rapid Airport trains reach Sapporo in about 40 minutes. The Hokkaido Shinkansen currently runs from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (about 4 hours on the fastest trains); an extension to Sapporo is under construction. Most visitors from Honshu fly.
Sapporo has three subway lines, a streetcar loop and buses. Outside the city, JR Hokkaido trains connect major towns but are infrequent on rural routes — check timetables. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Furano, Biei and eastern Hokkaido; you need a valid International Driving Permit (or approved translation) and should be prepared for snow driving in winter.
Unterkünfte & Viertel
- Günstig (Budget): Hostels and capsule hotels around Susukino and Sapporo Station.
- Mittelklasse: Plentiful business hotels in central Sapporo; during the Snow Festival prices rise and rooms sell out early.
- Luxus & Ryokan: Ski-in/ski-out resorts and chalets in Niseko, and onsen ryokan in Jozankei, Noboribetsu and Toya.