Planning a trip to Hokkaido in the near future? From hole-in-the-wall omakase joints to onsen towns and manicured parks, here are some places not to be missed!

Prior to my trip in 2019, I had little to no impression of Hokkaido. A quick google then would trigger keywords like ‘Sapporo beer’, ‘crabs’, and ‘ultimate ski destination’ — yet, in hindsight, Hokkaido is so much more than that! We happened to be visiting during the final days of autumn. Of course, when we told friends and family, we were immediately met with looks of pity or snobbish ‘huh whys’. For context, ‘savvy’ tourists would often head over to Yukiguni aka Snow Country during winter when the snow’s nice and powdering for skiing or splash out on expensive flight tickets to witness the peak of Cherry Blossom season in May when the trees would shed their usual white coats for lofty pink ones. At the very least, most would try to hit Hokkaido during the peak of autumn when the landscapes would blush in varying shades of orange, yellow, and red. So, yes, we came at an odd time — but even then, Hokkaido was amazing, and every picture taken was printed evidence of the region’s beauty. 

However your timetable or work schedule looks like this year or next, if you’re able to, set some time aside (off-peak or not) to visit the second-largest island of Japan — You won’t regret it.

💜 Stay Up To Date: 
#1: All You Need To Know About Japan Tour Packages 2022
#2: Ultimate Guide to VTF Travel From Singapore
#3: Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Policies
#4: How To Capitalise On The Japanese Yen Right Now

1. Hōheikyō Dam

Located in Shikotsu Toya National Park, Hoheikyo Dam, and its accompanying reservoir (Jozan Lake), was constructed in 1972 and stands at a monumental 102-and-a-half meters tall. It harnesses the power of the Toyohira river for good — namely, irrigation and hydroelectricity. This dam isn’t just a beaut, it’s essential for flood prevention. While this is the absolute best place to view the autumn leaves, the silver lining of coming during the shoulders of peak season is that there’s almost no one there (we’ve been told that it gets unbelievably crowded during October). 

Pro-tip: When you’re there, be sure to check out their museum for a more in-depth look back on the dam’s rich history. Also, there’s a lookout above the dam that would be perfect for a convenience-store picnic. 

Admission: Free
How To Get Here: Take an hour’s drive from Sapporo city, or hitch a ride via shuttle bus that runs from 8.45 am to 4 pm daily (from￥620 per pax)
Address: Jozankei 840-banchisaki, Minami-ku, Sapporo

2. Sapporo Crab Market 

In case you didn’t know, Sapporo’s the crab capital of the world. Over here, they take their crabs so seriously that there’s a whole street dedicated to the selling and eating of these delicious crustaceans. There are three main kinds you can savour — the snow crab, the red king crab, and the horsehair crab.

It’s pretty simple — you choose any one of the markets along the street, select the (unlucky) specimen, take a picture with it, and then proceed to wait indoors with a bottle of sake or glass of beer as they take the crab into the adjoining kitchen to prep the meal for you. You can even choose to grill the crab legs (like we did) as you feast on other seafood dishes. 

Address: 21 Chome-2-3 Kita 11 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0011, Japan

3. Moerenuma Park

Designed by renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is an interactive four-kilometer work of art-turned-public-space lounging on the outskirts of Sapporo. Stroll past the natural streams and forested woodlands, and you’ll find glass pyramids, an artificial beach, manicured Teletubby-esque hills, and stairways leading to nowhere. It’s all whimsical and unique — the perfect juxtaposition of nature and manmade features. Just remember to bring your camera because you’re gonna wanna take that #ootd. 

🚨 Note: The park will be closed in winter — from mid-November to mid-April.

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 7 am to 10 pm at the East entrance (last entry at 8.59 pm), and 7 am to 7 pm at the West and South entrances.
Address: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan

4. Have Omakase In Hakodate

One of my favourite things to do when visiting a brand new town is to google ‘Best Food Near Me’ and promptly walk towards the chosen location as a method of sightseeing. This is, as you might guess, a very hit-and-miss technique when attempting to discover good food. However, this time around, we were incredibly blessed. The omakase joint we ate at, Nishiki Sushi, was owned by an elderly couple in their 70s who weren’t fluent in English — yet they communicated beautifully with their hospitality, warm smiles, and sublime sushi. Each course was prepared fresh and served with a shot of hot sake. Do not miss this!

Address: 22-3 Horaicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0043, Japan

5. Noboribetsu, The Onsen Town 

First up, Noboribetsu can get quite touristy. Driving into town, you’ll see a ton of tour buses herding weary travelers towards hotels and onsens. However, it’s for good reason. The mineral-rich waters from the region are known for their healing properties because of the milky-white sulfur that is said to soften and refresh the skin. Plus, I mean, the view of Jigokudani aka Hell Valley is breathtaking. 

Pro-tip: On your way back to Sapporo to catch your flight home, make sure to stay a night or two near Lake Toya. 

Address: Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan

Have A Blast In Hokkaido With YouTrip

Now that travel is opening up worldwide, and you’ve got all the know-how with this guide to Hokkaido, you are ready for your return to Japan! When you go on your next holiday, just don’t forget to take your YouTrip card with you on your travels to make full use of our Wholesale Exchange Rates (i.e. no pesky bank fees!). 

If you don’t have a YouTrip card yet, sign up now and be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram(@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Stay safe, and happy travels.

Related Articles:

YouTrip’s Sakura Forecast: Japan 2023 Cherry Blossom Season
YouTrip’s Guide To Osaka 2022: Best Things To Eat & Do
Fluctuating Exchange Rates and How to Take Advantage