Hokkaidō
Hokkaidō (北海道) is the Japan of wide-open spaces, with 20% of the country's land area but only 5% of its population. There are large swathes of wilderness here, with primeval forests, tropical-blue caldera lakes, fields of alpine wildflowers and bubbling, in-the-rough hot springs. In the summer, all this (plus the cooler, drier weather) draws hikers, cyclists and strollers.
©varandah/Shutterstock
Latest Stories
- Stacey Lastoe | Dec 24, 2025A Guide to Hokkaidō
- Selena Takigawa Hoy | Dec 2, 2025A Guide to Furano in Hokkaidō, Japan
- Rebecca Milner | Oct 3, 2023A First-Time Guide to Hokkaidō, Japan
Book
Trip 
App
Book your Japan trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
See Japan how it's meant to be seen
Planned by local experts and tailored to you, Lonely Planet Journeys handles the logistics so you can just enjoy the trip. Tell us what you want and we'll build your Japan itinerary from scratch, or browse our bookable trips to get inspired.
Top places to visit in Hokkaidō
Discover the best attractions in Hokkaidō from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
- Attraction in HokkaidōDaisetsuzan National Park
- Attraction in HokkaidōHakodate-yama
- Attraction in SapporoSapporo Snow Festival
- Attraction in JapanOtaru Canal
-
Attraction in SapporoHokkaidō Museum - Attraction in HokkaidōKushiro-Shitsugen National Park
- Attraction in HokkaidōSarobetsu Wetlands
- Attraction in JapanShiretoko National Park
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in Hokkaidō
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.
Hokkaidō and beyond
- destinationSapporo
