Summer vacations are a perfect opportunity to embark on extended trips with family and friends. If you’re not fond of the sweltering heat where you live, Hokkaido is the ideal destination with its cool and pleasant weather throughout the season. Here are some must-visit Hokkaido tourist spots that you shouldn’t miss this summer.
1. Tomita Farm with its stunning lavender fields
When it comes to tourist spots in Hokkaido, Furano and its stunning lavender fields immediately come to mind for many. The purple hues of the lavender fields in Furano are truly enchanting, especially from July to August.
Tomita Farm has become a symbol of lavender tourism in Furano. It stands out not only for its vast expanse of purple lavender but also for the vibrant display of various other colorful flowers. With its large area, Tomita Farm rarely feels overcrowded, making it easy for you to capture beautiful photographs.
2. The town of Biei is one of the renowned Hokkaido tourist spots
Biei is a town located in central Hokkaido, renowned for its expansive fields and rolling hills. This small town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido, offering breathtaking rural landscapes that are truly unique in Japan.
Biei features two stunning scenic driving routes: “Patchwork Road” and “Panorama Road,” which traverse vast fields and offer numerous picturesque viewpoints of farmland, hills, and flower fields.
If you’re planning to visit Biei, renting a car is essential so you can stop and admire the scenery at your own pace. The town’s public transportation is quite limited, and the attractions are spread out, making walking impractical. Therefore, driving yourself is the most efficient way to explore. If you don’t have a driver’s license, cycling is a great alternative. Riding a bike through the fields can be just as delightful, if not more, especially if you’re an active person!
Here are some key viewpoints along the two scenic routes:
Patchwork Road
This 14-kilometer route is a popular tourist area in Biei, known for its iconic sights. It resembles a patchwork quilt of various colored fields.
• Stop 1: Zerubu no Oka (Zerubu Hill): A hill with colorful flowers and a magnificent view of the Asahi and Tokachi mountains in the background.
• Stop 2: Shikisai no Oka (Shikisai Hill): Offers panoramic flower gardens that change with the seasons.
• Stop 3: Ken and Merry Tree: This poplar tree became an iconic symbol of Hokkaido after featuring in a famous TV commercial in the 70s.
• Stop 4: Mild Seven Hill: Known for its tree-lined hilltop, this location was also featured in a famous TV commercial and is a popular tourist spot.
• Stop 5: Seven Star Tree: Named “Seven Star Tree,” it was used in the packaging for Seven Star cigarettes.
Panorama Road
This 18-kilometer route offers beautiful hills and observation points. Enjoy the spectacular views of the fields from a distance.
• Stop 6: Shin-ei no Oka (Shin-ei Hill): A park with an observation deck offering panoramic views of Biei’s wheat fields and the Tokachi mountains. It’s also the best spot for sunset views.
• Stop 7: Chiyoda Farm: A great place to visit while in Hokkaido, Chiyoda Farm offers not only beautiful scenery but also delicious local dishes.
• Stop 8: San-ai Hill: Another observation park along Panorama Road, offering views of the rolling hills and Asahi Mountain in the background.
Exploring these routes will give you a memorable experience of Biei’s stunning landscapes and charming rural beauty.
3. Asahiyama Zoo, where you can discover the charm of wildlife
Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido offers a unique zoo experience in Japan, with its main attraction being the close encounters with animals. Highlights include a tunnel where you can observe seals up close and an aquarium where you can watch penguins swim overhead as if they’re flying right above you.
Asahiyama Zoo is open during two seasons, summer and winter, each offering different ways to explore the zoo. Visiting in summer allows you to explore the zoo in pleasant weather leisurely.
Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan
4. Rebun Island, where you can immerse yourself in majestic natural beauty
When traveling to Hokkaido during the summer holidays, if you’re looking for an extended getaway, we recommend venturing off the mainland to visit a remote island. Among these distant islands, Rebun Island is one of the most recommended destinations.
Rebun Island offers a captivating experience and is an excellent choice for immersing yourself in nature. Located about 10 kilometers north of Rishiri Island and 50 kilometers north of Hokkaido’s northern tip, Rebun Island is part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park along with Rishiri Island.
Rebun is renowned for its rich plant life, with a variety of alpine flowers, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The best time to visit is from June to August when the flowers are in full bloom. The island sees fewer tourists during the long and harsh winter months.
The island’s alpine flora, stunning natural landscapes, and views of the nearby Rishiri Island can be enjoyed along pleasant hiking trails. The summer bloom of beautiful flowers and the majestic nature of the sea and mountains make spots like Momodai Nekodai Observation Deck and Sumumi Cape must-see locations on Rebun Island. This breathtaking scenery is a unique experience only available on the island.
5. Hakodate, a Hokkaido destination where you can enjoy stunning night views
Hakodate is renowned for its “million-dollar night view,” making it an essential destination for anyone looking to experience breathtaking nocturnal scenery. The night view in Hakodate has been recognized as one of the top three nightscapes in the world, alongside Naples and Hong Kong. You can admire the city’s skyline from Mount Hakodate at night.
Several factors contribute to the allure of this night view:
• Mount Hakodate Observation Deck: Standing 334 meters high, the observation deck is easily accessible via a three-minute cable car ride. The city sprawls out in front of you as an extension of the mountain, creating such a stunning impression that visitors often exclaim “Wow!” upon reaching the deck. According to a research professor, the cityscape looks most beautiful from an elevation of about 10 degrees, which is precisely where Mount Hakodate offers its vantage point.
• Unique Scenery with Sea on Both Sides: Along with the sparkling city lights, the sea on both sides plays a crucial role in Hakodate’s night view. The grand arcs formed by street lights along the coastal roads add to the city’s glittering lights. The contrast between the illuminated city and the dark, expansive sea creates a distinctive nightscape unique to Hakodate.
• Illumination Plan Highlighting City Life and Scenery: The night view is enhanced not by artificial floodlights or glaring neon signs, but by the actual street and building lights used by Hakodate’s residents. These soft lights contribute to a tranquil and soothing nighttime ambiance. Hakodate has accentuated its night view by installing warm orange streetlights and illuminating historic buildings, creating a beautiful nightscape that resembles a glittering jewelry box.
6. Tomamu, where you can encounter the mystical beauty of nature and sea of clouds
Tomamu is well-known as a ski resort, but if you visit during the summer, you’ll experience something a bit different—a sea of clouds, a breathtaking natural phenomenon.
From the gondola that operates from Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, you can reach the Unkai Terrace in about 13 minutes, where you’ll witness the sea of clouds drifting over the Hidaka Mountains and into the Tomamu region. This stunning sea of clouds is visible only on summer mornings. It’s a magical natural spectacle that, even if seen just once, will leave you with a lifelong memory of its beauty.
7. Shiretoko stands out among Hokkaido tourist spots as a premier destination for experiencing stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife
Shiretoko, located on the eastern edge of Hokkaido, is renowned for its pristine natural beauty. Its rich and unspoiled landscapes make it the only place in Hokkaido registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
While Shiretoko is quite expansive, it’s best to focus on eight main scenic spots for sightseeing. Here, you can witness breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, waterfalls, and lakes. The area is also a treasure trove of wildlife; you might even spot red foxes, Steller’s sea eagles, and possibly even bears. For those seeking to fully immerse themselves in nature, Shiretoko in the summer is the perfect destination.
8. Mysterious Onneto Lake that Changes into Five Colors
Onneto Lake (オンネトー) in Hokkaido, located to the west of Akan Mashu National Park near Akanko Onsen, is a stunning lake with a circumference of 2.5 km, situated at the base of Mount Meakan. The name “Onneto” in the Ainu language means “Ancient Swamp,” and the lake is also known as “Goshikinuma” due to its water changing colors based on the season, time of day, and viewing angle, ranging from clear blue and emerald green to deep blue.
Onneto Lake was formed by a volcanic eruption from Mount Meakandake that blocked the Rawan River, resulting in its high acidity and color variations due to changes in dissolved mineral levels. From the observation deck, you can see Mount Meakandake and Mount Akanfuji reflected clearly on the lake’s surface on calm, windless days. Onneto Lake is listed among the three unusual lakes in Hokkaido, along with Lake Okotampe and Lake Shinonome, for its ability to display up to five different colors.
In the fall, the colorful leaves reflected in the lake create a beautiful scene. From November to February, you can witness ice bubbles and the reflection of Mount Meakandake on the frozen lake’s surface. To protect the environment, visitors are prohibited from boating, swimming, or engaging in other water sports at the lake.
Nearby, Onneto Campground is an ideal place to rest, open from June to October, and equipped with toilets and a kitchen. About 3 km from the lake, you’ll find the Onneto Hot Spring Waterfall, which flows down a 50-meter cliff and is recognized as a National Natural Monument for being the only verified source of manganese dioxide ore on Earth.
Address: Moashoro, Ashoro-chō, Ashoro District, Hokkaido
Getting There: From JR Kushiro Station, take a bus for about 2 hours to Akan Lake Station, then drive for approximately 20 minutes.
9. Lake Toya: Where Majestic Nature Soothes the Soul
Lake Toya is a stunning caldera lake formed by volcanic activity and is the ninth-largest lake in Japan. Its majestic and grand presence is its unique charm.
Surrounded by mountains such as Showa-Shinzan and Mount Usu, Lake Toya offers breathtaking views. It is one of Hokkaido’s top three scenic spots, and simply gazing at its beauty can soothe your soul.
You can take a boat tour to view the rich natural scenery up close or ride the cable car to Mount Usu for a spectacular panoramic view from the observation deck.
10. Among the charming Hokkaido tourist spots, the Otaru Canal stands out for its classic and romantic atmosphere
Otaru Canal is a charming destination with a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere. Completed in 1922, the canal was once the bustling heart of Otaru’s thriving port, and today, the historic brick buildings lining its banks have been transformed into stylish restaurants and shops, creating an impressive scene.
The canal truly shines in the evening when the streetlights illuminate the water, casting a magical glow that enhances the romantic ambiance. This is the perfect time to stroll along the canal, immersing yourself in the tranquil and relaxing beauty of the area.
In addition to enjoying the scenery, don’t miss the chance to savor a breakfast featuring fresh seafood, a local specialty. Make sure to take the time to relish both the romantic evening and the delightful morning in Otaru.
11. Ueno Farm is one of the vibrant Hokkaido tourist spots, renowned for its stunning array of colors
If you’re seeking a blend of English-style gardens and Hokkaido’s unique plant life, Ueno Farm is a must-visit destination! Once a dairy farm, Ueno Farm has transformed into a stunning Hokkaido-style garden, inspired by English gardens and northern flora. Founded by Ueno Sayuki, who studied in the UK, this garden has evolved over 20 years into a breathtaking space recognized worldwide.
Ueno Farm is divided into ten areas: The Gnome Garden, featuring wildflowers and grasses with whimsical gnome statues. The Mirror Border, with symmetrically planted walls of greenery along a stone path, creates a mirrored effect. Shateki Mountain, once a shooting range, now offers a panoramic view of the Kamikawa Basin with colorful chairs for a relaxing experience.
In spring, Christmas roses and daffodils begin to bloom. In summer, the farm is adorned with a vibrant array of flowers. Autumn brings changing foliage, dahlias, and autumn roses.
• Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it is closed from late October to late April. Admission fees range from ¥500 to ¥1,000.
• You can reach Ueno Farm by train on the JR Sekihoku Line to Sakuraoka Station, then walk for about 15 minutes. By car, take the Hokkaido Expressway to the Asahikawa Kita IC and follow the signs for about 20 minutes.
Come and feel like you’re stepping into a picture book at Ueno Farm!
Hokkaido tourist spots offers not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a diverse array of unique destinations that cater to all tastes. From romantic gardens like Ueno Farm, where you can immerse yourself in lush greenery and experience a refined blend of English garden style and northern flora, to charming spots like the Otaru Canal with its nostalgic atmosphere and enchanting evening views, Hokkaido provides a wealth of opportunities for exploration.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking to relax and enjoy tranquil moments, Hokkaido has something to offer. Plan your trip and let Hokkaido captivate you with its unparalleled beauty and charm that you won’t find anywhere else.
Source: Tripa
