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For foreign tourists visiting Japan, Hokkaido is truly a treasure. With magnificent nature, beautiful scenery in all four seasons, a wide variety of activities, and a local food culture, it is rare to find a place in Japan that is packed with such diverse attractions. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Hokkaido travel from the perspective of a foreign traveler, covering everything from model itineraries to popular tourist spots, food, and transportation.

Why Hokkaido is so popular with foreigners

The scale of nature is extraordinary

Hokkaido's nature brings surprise and healing to international travelers. The lavender fields that spread across the vast expanse of land, the silvery white snowscape, and the fantastical aurora-like sky seen at Japan's northernmost point. The extraordinary feeling that differs from urban areas creates an experience that will stay in your memory for the rest of your stay. In particular, the flower fields of Furano and the autumn leaves of the Daisetsuzan mountain range attract a constant stream of visitors from overseas who come to enjoy them.

Activities to enjoy throughout the year

With fresh greenery in the spring, camping and mountain climbing in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and skiing on world-class powder snow in the winter, Niseko and Rusutsu are ski resorts that are extremely popular with Australian tourists, and are also places where skiers from all over the world gather.

A safe and friendly place

In addition to Japan being one of the safest countries in the world, Hokkaido is known for its open and friendly atmosphere. Many tourist destinations have English-language support, and there is a support system in place for foreign tourists, making it a travel destination where you won't feel the language barrier.

Hokkaido Travel Plan: Recommended Routes by Area

Sapporo-Otaru Area: The Perfect Balance of Food and History

Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, combines urban functions with the appeal of a tourist destination. In addition to landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Sapporo TV Tower, and Odori Park, the city is decorated with fantastic snow sculptures during the winter "Sapporo Snow Festival." In neighboring Otaru, the canal-side streetscape and glass crafts that retain the remnants of the Meiji and Taisho periods, as well as fresh sushi, are popular with foreign tourists.

Furano and Biei Area: Photogenic Landscapes

Biei's Blue Pond is a spot that has become world-famous on Instagram, while Furano's Farm Tomita offers captivating views of lavender fields. From summer to early autumn, colorful flowers bloom in abundance, creating picturesque scenery.

Hakodate Area: A charming port town and night view

Hakodate's night view is so famous that it is counted as one of the three best night views in the world, and it is always ranked highly in popularity among foreign visitors. With historical buildings exuding an exotic atmosphere, such as Goryokaku Tower and Motomachi Churches, the city offers a relaxing atmosphere.

Shiretoko and Abashiri Area: Land of World Natural Heritage Sites

The Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place where untouched nature remains intact, and you can enjoy a truly moving experience on a global scale, such as observing brown bears and killer whales from a cruise ship.In winter, you can also enjoy sightseeing on the drift ice in Abashiri, where you can truly experience this magnificent miracle of nature.

Hokkaido's Food Culture: Exquisite Dishes that Stimulate the Tastes of Foreigners

Full of seafood: sushi, crab, and seafood bowls

When it comes to Hokkaido cuisine, seafood comes to mind. At the Hakodate Morning Market and the Sapporo Outer Market, you can enjoy fresh sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, and scallops. Winter hairy crab in particular has a high brand value and is popular among foreign tourists as a must-try Hokkaido delicacy.

Local ramen and Genghis Khan

Another thing to enjoy is the ramen culture of each region, such as Sapporo ramen (miso-based), Asahikawa ramen (soy sauce-based), Hakodate ramen (salt-based), etc. Furthermore, Jingisukan (grilled lamb on an iron plate) is known for its mild flavor and is easy for foreigners to eat.

Transportation in Hokkaido that foreigners should know

Access from New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido tourism, has a wide range of direct flights not only from major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, but also from Asian countries such as Korea, Taiwan, and China. The airport is equipped with free Wi-Fi and has easy-to-understand signs in multiple languages, making it friendly even for first-time visitors.

Using JR Hokkaido and buses

Within the vast expanse of Hokkaido, the basic method of travel is a combination of trains and buses. Using the limited express trains operated by JR Hokkaido, you can easily access major areas such as Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, and Obihiro. The Hokkaido Rail Pass is also available for foreign tourists, making it an ideal way to travel at a low cost.

Travelling by rental car is also an option

There are also an increasing number of rental car services with English-speaking navigation systems, which are recommended for travelers who want a more flexible travel experience. Traveling by rental car is particularly convenient in spacious, scenic areas like Biei and Furano. When driving, it's important to learn Japanese traffic rules in advance: drive on the right and keep to the left.

What types of accommodation are popular with foreign tourists?

Japanese experience at a hot spring inn

Hokkaido has many hot spring resorts, with Noboribetsu, Jozankei, and Lake Toya being particularly famous. Hot spring inns, where you can enjoy Japanese cultural experiences such as tatami rooms, yukata, and kaiseki cuisine, are extremely popular with foreigners. English-speaking staff are also becoming more common, making your stay a pleasant one.

Stylish city hotels are also available

In urban areas such as Sapporo and Hakodate, there is an increasing number of stylish hotels that rival overseas boutique hotels. Hotels such as the Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel and Cross Hotel Sapporo have received high reviews on overseas travel sites, and are highly rated for both their location and service.

What is the best season to visit Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is attractive in every season, but it's important to plan your trip according to your goals. Lavender fields and mountain climbing in summer, skiing and snow festivals in winter, cherry blossoms and wild vegetables in spring, autumn leaves and autumn flavors… Understanding the characteristics of each season and planning activities to match them will lead to a more satisfying trip.

Culture and events you should experience in Hokkaido

Snow Festivals and Winter Customs

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every year in early February, is one of the world's largest snow festivals. Giant snow sculptures decorate the city, and at night they are lit up. In some areas, you can also experience unique winter customs such as building snow huts and ice fishing.

Interacting with Ainu culture

Hokkaido is an area where the culture of the Ainu, Japan's indigenous people, remains strong. At Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence) in Shiraoi Town, you can learn about Ainu ways of thinking, crafts, dance, and more through hands-on experience, which will help deepen your cultural understanding.

Recommended Hokkaido souvenirs for foreign visitors

Shiroi Koibito and Royce chocolates

When talking about Hokkaido souvenirs, the first name that comes to mind is "Shiroi Koibito." Other popular brands, particularly among foreign tourists, include chocolates from "Royce" and sweets from "Rokkatei." These can also be purchased at duty-free shops inside the airport.

Folk crafts: wooden carved bear

As a traditional folk craft, wooden carved bears have a strong connection to Ainu culture, and purchasing one will give your travel memories a deeper meaning.

summary

Hokkaido, while located within Japan, boasts charms comparable to the world's top tourist destinations. The magnificent natural scenery, delicate food culture, changing beauty with the seasons, and the warm hospitality of the locals are all reasons why it continues to attract foreign tourists. This article covers a wide range of information about Hokkaido's unique spots, culture, cuisine, accommodation, and transportation. We hope that this information will help you plan your Hokkaido trip with confidence. And wherever you visit, unforgettable and moving experiences await you. Discover the "special time" and "peace of mind" that can only be experienced in Hokkaido.

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