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Hokkaido has been rapidly gaining popularity among foreign tourists visiting Japan in recent years. Offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, a world-renowned food culture, and unique natural experiences not found anywhere else, Hokkaido has become a rapidly growing destination for inbound travelers, particularly those from Asia and Europe, as a "second face of Japan" distinct from urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. This article offers a wide range of information for foreign tourists visiting Hokkaido, including information on its attractions, specific tourist spots, experiential activities, transportation options, and safety precautions. We'll answer the question, "Why is Hokkaido so popular among foreign visitors?" and provide practical and useful information tailored to the needs of international visitors. Let's explore what makes Hokkaido so appealing to foreign visitors, from a different perspective than the image we Japanese have of Hokkaido.

Why Hokkaido is popular with foreign tourists

Untouched nature recognized by UNESCO

Hokkaido's greatest attraction is undoubtedly its magnificent natural environment. It is home to areas registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the vast Daisetsuzan mountain range, the Shiretoko Peninsula, and the lavender fields of Furano. The Shiretoko Peninsula in particular is a mystical spot for foreign tourists. With untouched primeval forests and wildlife such as brown bears and killer whales, it is a prime location that meets the needs of foreign tourists who want to "experience the real Japanese nature."

The beauty of each season is different

Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer brings cool weather and flowers, autumn brings autumn leaves, and winter brings snow and ice. Hokkaido offers completely different scenery every time you visit throughout the year. For tourists from tropical regions such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, snow is a particularly rare experience, and Hokkaido's snowy landscapes and ski resorts are extremely impressive.

A food culture that is different from other regions

Hokkaido's food is appealing with its wide variety of options, including seafood, ramen, dairy products, and Jingisukan. Among them, Otaru sushi, Sapporo miso ramen, and Hakodate's morning market are popular on social media as must-try tourist destinations. European and Asian tourists are often impressed by Hokkaido's fresh ingredients and unique cuisine, and many return for the food.

Travel without crowds

Compared to big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Hokkaido is less crowded, making for a more comfortable trip. For foreign tourists who want to avoid the stress of crowds, Hokkaido is comfortable, easy to get around, and offers an extraordinary tranquility. Tourists from Europe, America, and Canada in particular want to fully experience Japan's unique culture and atmosphere, so Hokkaido, with its fewer visitors than urban areas, is a very attractive option.

Hokkaido tourist spots popular with foreigners

A scenic drive through Furano and Biei

The Furano/Biei area, home to Hokkaido's iconic summer lavender fields and Shikisai no Oka, is extremely popular with rental car tourists. The area is also ideal for drone photography, attracting visitors from around the world in search of breathtaking photos. The breathtaking, mystical scenery, especially during the lavender blooming season (mid- to late July), is a hot topic on Instagram and TikTok.

Otaru's romantic canal street

Otaru Canal, home to historical buildings from the Meiji era, is especially popular with couples as its gas lamps and cobblestone streets create a magical atmosphere at night. Don't miss the wide selection of interactive souvenirs, including glasswork, music boxes, and sweets.

Enjoy Sapporo's urban culture and cuisine

Sapporo is an essential base for sightseeing. From city icons like the Clock Tower and TV Tower to Sapporo Ramen Yokocho and the nightlife of Susukino, you can enjoy the city and its food culture in a compact location. In winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held, attracting attention from around the world with its giant snow sculptures and illuminations. Multilingual support is also progressing, and city guide signs and restaurant menus are available in foreign languages, so you can stay with peace of mind.

Transportation and access information for foreign visitors to Japan

New Chitose Airport also has a wide range of international flights

New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's air gateway, has many direct flights from major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Taipei. During the winter ski season, charter flights from Europe and the United States also increase, making access even easier.

Travel around Hokkaido at great value with the JR Hokkaido Pass

The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, available exclusively to foreign tourists, allows you to travel within Hokkaido economically and efficiently. It's convenient for long-distance travel, such as between Sapporo and Hakodate, or Asahikawa and Abashiri, and the scenery from the train window is also a delight.

Rental car usage is on the rise

Rental cars are rapidly gaining popularity among foreign tourists who want to travel freely within Hokkaido. They are particularly convenient for areas that are difficult to reach by public transportation, such as Furano, Biei, and Lake Akan. With English and Chinese-language car navigation systems and insurance systems now available, rental cars are a reassuring option for visitors to Japan.

Activities you can experience in Hokkaido in winter

Skiing and Snowboarding

At world-famous ski resorts such as Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano, the number of foreign tourists seeking powder snow is increasing every year. Niseko is an area with so many foreign staff and tourists that it's not an exaggeration to say that English is the official language.

Ice fishing for smelt

At Lake Akan and Lake Abashiri, you can try ice fishing for smelt only during the winter. You can drill a hole in the ice, enjoy fishing, and then fry the fish you catch on the spot. This is a quintessentially Japanese winter activity that is highly rated by foreign visitors to Japan.

Snow-viewing baths and hot spring culture

Hokkaido is dotted with some of the nation's best hot springs, including Noboribetsu Onsen, Sounkyo Onsen, and Kawayu Onsen. In particular, the culture of "yukimi onsen," where you soak in an open-air bath while the snow falls, is a very exotic and extraordinary experience for foreign tourists.

A multilingual spot that is easy for foreigners to visit

Tourist information center and free Wi-Fi

Major stations and tourist destinations have multilingual tourist information centers where you can get pamphlets in English, Chinese, and Korean. Free Wi-Fi is also available in many tourist destinations, so it's no longer difficult to gather information.

Restaurant and accommodation support

Many restaurants now offer menus in English and Chinese, and an increasing number of them are hiring foreign staff. Hotels and guesthouses are also increasingly accepting reservations in foreign languages through sites like Booking.com and Agoda, so you can choose with confidence by reading reviews.

Ratings and reviews from foreigners living in Japan

When analyzing reviews from foreign visitors to Japan, there are many positive comments such as "It was more comfortable than I imagined," "The food was delicious," and "The natural experience was memorable." Many spots also have high ratings on travel platforms like Tripadvisor and Google Maps, making them a great indicator for foreigners who place importance on reviews when they are unsure of where to go.

summary

Hokkaido is like another world for foreign tourists. Its abundant nature, unique food culture, breathtaking scenery that changes with the seasons, and services such as comfortable transportation and multilingual support make the trip a wonderful one for visitors. For foreigners tired of urban tourism, Hokkaido is a travel destination that emphasizes "restoration" and "excitement," and it will continue to be a rising star in the world's tourist destination rankings. With an endless variety of plans to suit all travel styles and preferences, Hokkaido is a place that, once you've visited, you'll want to return again and again.

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