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Hokkaido has been gaining increasing attention among foreign tourists visiting Japan in recent years. Attracted by its vast natural beauty, unique food culture, beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, and the hospitality of its kind people, many international visitors visit Hokkaido. However, due to language, transportation, and cultural differences, many express concerns such as "I don't know where to go" and "I want to know how to enjoy each season." This article provides a thorough introduction to Hokkaido, a particularly popular domestic travel destination for foreign visitors, from their perspective. Packed with information for even first-time travelers, including English and multilingual support, dining, transportation, and Wi-Fi, it's easy to enjoy. In addition to classic spots, it also introduces many hidden gems and unique experiential tourist spots, and offers detailed itineraries tailored to your travel goals. A writer with extensive experience in Japan will provide detailed explanations based on his or her own experiences, ensuring a comfortable and memorable Hokkaido trip for international visitors.

Why is Hokkaido so popular with foreign tourists now?

Hokkaido is located in the northernmost part of Japan, and has a unique natural landscape and culture compared to other areas of Honshu. It has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. Tourists are captivated by the late-blooming cherry blossoms in spring, the cool and comfortable highland climate in summer, the spectacular autumn foliage in autumn, and world-class powder snow in winter. The following points are also major attractions for foreign tourists.

The nature is magnificent and diverse

Hokkaido is home to many areas that have been registered as World Heritage Sites, such as Mount Daisetsu, the Shiretoko Peninsula, and the Kushiro Wetlands. If you travel a little further from the cities, you can enjoy special experiences in untouched nature, and travelers from Europe, the United States, and Australia in particular tend to enjoy these types of active trips.

The food culture is unique and fresh

Hokkaido is blessed with such bounty from the sea and mountains that it is known as a "treasure trove of food." Sushi, ramen, Jingisukan (grilled mutton), and soup curry have already become staples, with many foreign visitors saying they want to eat them again and again. In particular, Hokkaido crab, salmon roe, and sea urchin can be enjoyed at local prices, with flavors that rival those found in high-end restaurants.

English notation and multilingual support are progressing

In order to meet the increasing demand from inbound tourists, Hokkaido is promoting multilingual support, including English. Signs and pamphlets are being made multilingual not only at New Chitose Airport and Sapporo city, but also in tourist destinations such as Otaru, Hakodate, and Furano, making travelling comfortable even for non-Japanese speakers.

Top 10 Hokkaido tourist spots recommended for foreign tourists

Among the many beautiful tourist spots in Hokkaido, we have carefully selected and ranked the most popular spots among foreign visitors.

1. Sapporo: A tourist city where city and nature blend together

Sapporo, the gateway to Hokkaido, has a wide range of attractions and is a recommended starting point for your trip. In addition to classic spots such as the Clock Tower, Odori Park, and TV Tower, the expansive views from Hitsujigaoka Observatory and the impressive Snow Festival are also must-sees. The city has a well-developed transportation network that is easy for foreigners to understand, making travelling easy.

2. Otaru: A nostalgic canal town

Located about an hour by train from Sapporo, Otaru is known for its retro townscape, with its stone warehouses and the Otaru Canal. It also has a wide range of interactive facilities, including a music box museum and a glasswork workshop, and its European-style scenery is especially popular with Western tourists.

3. Furano and Biei: Drive through the colorful flower hills

The Furano and Biei area, famous for its lavender fields, is a popular spot on social media as a place to take stunning photos of the fields of flowers that spread out in the summer. Rental cars with foreign language navigation systems are also available, making them easy for foreign drivers to use.

4. Asahiyama Zoo: Extremely popular exhibits from the animal's perspective

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City is famous for its "behavioral exhibits" that allow visitors to observe animals in their natural state up close. It has a reputation among families and animal lovers as "Japan's most entertaining zoo." There are also audio guide terminals in English, so you can enjoy the zoo while learning.

5. Noboribetsu Onsen: Hell Valley and Healing Hot Springs

Noboribetsu Onsen, known for its sulfur springs that gush forth from Jigokudani, is a place where you can enjoy the fusion of mystical natural scenery and Japan's unique hot spring culture. Many hot spring inns offer English and Chinese language services, and an increasing number of places are tolerant of tattoos.

6. Shiretoko Peninsula: Encountering Wildlife at a World Heritage Site

Shiretoko is registered as a World Heritage Site, and you can see wild animals such as brown bears, foxes, and seals in its untouched natural surroundings. There are plenty of experiential activities to choose from, such as sea sightseeing on cruise ships and trekking.

7. Hakodate: A city with an exotic night view

Hakodate, famous for its night view, which is one of the three best in the world, is attractive for its exotic cityscape. Intercultural exchange is deeply rooted, and there are many tourist spots such as Western-style buildings and churches. The exotic atmosphere captures the hearts of tourists.

8. Yubetsu: A town where you can see drift ice at the Ice Festival

In the Abashiri and Monbetsu areas, drift ice sightseeing boats are in operation in winter, allowing you to enjoy the drift ice and experience a journey that brings you face to face with nature, similar to the tourist style in Canada and Northern Europe. There is also a chance to see seals, and this has been a hot topic in Western media.

9. Tokachi: The bounty of the earth and farm experiences

The Tokachi region is dotted with vast farms where you can experience food and nature. There are many attractions that appeal to families and active people, such as cheese making and farm stays.

10. Niseko: The world's most famous powder snow mecca

Niseko is a snow resort that is extremely popular with skiers from Australia. It has English-speaking accommodation, restaurants, ski lessons, and more, so even beginners who are unfamiliar with snow can feel at ease.

Hokkaido model itineraries for foreign tourists

7-day basic plan (Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Noboribetsu)

– Day 1: Arrive at New Chitose Airport / sightseeing in Sapporo (Odori Park, Clock Tower, Genghis Khan) – Day 2: Day trip to Otaru (canal, Music Box Museum, seafood bowl) → Stay overnight in Sapporo – Day 3: Travel to Furano and Biei by train or rental car → Stay at a guesthouse – Day 4: Visit the lavender fields, the Blue Pond in Biei → Return to Sapporo – Day 5: Travel to Noboribetsu, stroll around the hot spring town and visit Jigokudani – Day 6: Relax in the hot springs → Stay overnight in Noboribetsu – Day 7: Transfer to New Chitose Airport → Return to home country

10-day adventure plan (Shiretoko, Tokachi, Niseko)

A comprehensive driving-focused plan for those who place more importance on nature and activities.

Recommended routes for families with children

We also introduce plans that combine places that are safe for families to enjoy, such as Asahiyama Zoo, Obihiro Zoo, and Chitose's Do Re Mi Fa Bridge.

Seasonal fun and recommended activities

Spring: The contrast between remaining snow and cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms can be seen later in southern Hokkaido than in Honshu, and many foreigners are surprised that they are different from Japanese cherry blossoms. Hakodate Park is a popular spot.

Summer: Outdoor and summer getaways

In the summer, you can enjoy camping, canoeing, rafting, and trekking. The number of English-speaking instructors is increasing.

Autumn: A Festival of Color and Flavor

During the autumn foliage season, Mount Daisetsu boasts an overwhelming presence. Harvesting experiences and gourmet festivals are also held in various places.

Winter: An extraordinary experience of snow and ice

There are plenty of tourist attractions in winter, including the Sapporo Snow Festival, drift ice sightseeing, dog sledding, and hot springs.

How to choose transportation and accommodation

We explain the advantages of traveling by express train from New Chitose Airport, by highway bus, or by rental car, as well as seasonal precautions. There are also many guesthouses and hostels for foreigners in Sapporo and Otaru.

Services for foreigners and cultural considerations

The book also provides detailed explanations of cultural differences, such as whether or not there is a tipping culture, tattoo restrictions, hot spring etiquette, and dining habits.

Future inbound measures and Hokkaido's future vision

We will touch on the future of Hokkaido's inbound tourism policies, including digital tourism, collaboration with regional development, and the introduction of multilingual AI guides.

summary

Hokkaido is also a rare opportunity for foreign tourists to get to know Japan. Spectacular scenery in every season, gourmet food that will impress anyone, heartwarming hospitality, and a variety of new experiences. Hokkaido's appeal lies in the fact that it has it all. It is also a highly complete tourist destination, so even beginners can travel with peace of mind. We hope that reading this article will deepen your Hokkaido trip and make it even more enjoyable.

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