Hokkaido Travelling with Domestic Flights
Fly & Explore Hokkaido!
Travelling across Japan is a breeze when you use domestic flights. Hokkaido for example, has several airports across the prefecture with regular flights from the major international airports in Japan, including Tokyo. With domestic flights, discovering the vast beauty and untapped charm of Hokkaido has never been easier.
Japan's Northern Island: Hokkaido
New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) is a popular gateway, but there are also airports in other areas like Asahikawa, Kushiro, Memanbetsu (Abashiri), and Hakodate. If you’re flying in internationally, connecting via Tokyo makes it seamless and easy.
Let us introduce you to three extraordinary regions you can reach with these convenient connections: Furano & Asahikawa, Kushiro, and Shiretoko.
● Furano & Asahikawa
Located in central Hokkaido, this region is renowned for its charming and picturesque landscapes.
● Kushiro
A port city in eastern Hokkaido, featuring Japan's largest marshland.
● Shiretoko
Situated in northeastern Hokkaido, this untouched piece of wilderness is characterized by pristine lakes, submerged forests, and a diverse array of rare birds and other wildlife.
■ Access Info
From Tokyo to Asahikawa & Furano
A flight from Tokyo to Asahikawa takes just under two hours from either Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT). From Asahikawa Airport (AKJ), it's just an hour-long drive to Furano. Alternatively, if you land at Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS), you can enjoy a scenic two-hour drive or take a train to Furano.
About Asahikawa & Hokkaido North
Ueno Farm
[Open in April to October]
Witness over 2000 flowers at Ueno Farm in Asahikawa City, a beautiful garden tailored to Hokkaido’s climate. Visitors can explore 9 themed sections, each thoughtfully curated to reflect the changing seasons from spring to autumn. Beyond the blooms, enjoy locally sourced treats at the farm's café, you can even have a picnic with the food in the garden.
Asahikawa Design Center
[Open all year round]
Immerse yourself in the rich craftsmanship of Asahikawa at the Asahikawa Design Centre. Make your own wooden trays, coasters, spoons and more at the woodworking workshops held every weekend and discover how Hokkaido's natural materials are brought to life.
Furano Cheese Factory
[Open all year round]
Furano Cheese Factory features four attractions: a cheese factory, an ice cream parlor, a pizzeria, and a hands-on workshop. Each offers delicious Furano specialties for you to savour and enjoy. Watch cheese being made and try the unique “ikasumi cheese” dyed black with squid ink. It's an experience you won't forget!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
[Available all year round]
Don't miss the chance to experience a tethered hot air balloon ride! These 5-minute flights lift you 20 meters into the sky, offering a breathtaking view of the countryside and the majestic Tokachi Mountains in the distance. It's the perfect way to take in the scenery from a truly unique vantage point.
About Must-Experience Activities, including Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sounkyo
[Open all year round. The ropeway is closed in January to March]
Sounkyo is a breathtaking 24-kilometre gorge nestled within the Daisetsuzan mountain range. From here, the Kurodake Ropeway takes you up to 1,300 meters to the summit of Mount Kurodake, offering a panoramic view of the entire range. It’s a stunning way to experience the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan in one unforgettable journey.
Zerubu Hill
[Open April to October]
Zerubu Hill is a scenic gem renowned for its colourful flower fields and sweeping vistas of the countryside, with each season offering its own unique charm. Try the buggy or cart course to explore the garden with ease!
Asahikawa Ramen
Asahikawa Ramen is famed for its robust broth, which maintains its comforting warmth thanks to a rich layer of lard. The noodles are typically thin, firm, and wavy, adding texture to each bite. Toppings include green onions, pork slices, bamboo shoots, and eggs, offering a flavourful ramen experience unique to the region.
About Hokkaido Ramen, including Asahikawa Ramen
Shinkoyaki
Shinkoyaki, a beloved comfort dish in Asahikawa, features a roasted half spring chicken prized for its crispy exterior and juicy center. It's typically seasoned with salty "shio" or sweet "tare" sauce, with some places offering unique variations. Interestingly, its name originates from the "Kohada" fish, known as "Shinko" in its youth, mirroring the use of a young spring chicken in this flavourful dish.
About Asahikawa Local Food, including Shikoyaki
Omu Curry
Omu curry, a local specialty of Furano, blends two favourite Japanese dishes: omurice (omelette rice) and curry. Imagine a fluffy omelette on top of rice with a rich curry on the side, perfectly cooked to blend savoury flavours in every bite. It's a delightful fusion that showcases Furano's creative yet comforting cuisine.
Check Out Where You Can Find Omu Curry
Lavender Soft Cream
Lavender Soft Cream is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the region's famous lavender fields. It's a creamy soft serve ice cream infused with the gentle floral notes of lavender, creating a refreshing and aromatic experience. It's a must-try dessert that's unique to the region!
About Hokkaido's Must-Eat, including Lavender Soft Cream
■ Access Info
From Tokyo to Kushiro
The flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Kushiro Airport (KUH) takes just under two hours.
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
[Available in April to October]
Hop aboard the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train for a leisurely journey between Kushiro and Toro. It offers exclusive views of Japan's largest marshland, the Kushiro Marshland, otherwise inaccessible by car. Spot wild animals like Ezo Deer and Hokkaido Fox on your journey while soaking in the breathtaking Hokkaido scenery.
About Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
Washo Market
[Open all year round]
Established in 1954, Washo Market is well known as the culinary hub of Kushiro. With around 60 shops, it offers a wide array of seafood including fresh crab and salted dried fish, fruits, vegetables, meats, sweets, and more. While the market's diverse restaurants serve sushi, set meals, and noodles, don't miss the famous Katte Don dish explained below.
Akan Sightseeing Cruise
[Available April to November]
Explore Lake Akan on the Akan Sightseeing Cruise which offers stunning views of Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan on clear days. Tour the scenic Takiguchi area, where you can see wildflowers and fall foliage. Do stop by the Marimo Exhibition Centre to see the marimo, a rare spherical algae found in Lake Akan, and learn about their fascinating growth.
Wakasagi (Japanese Smelt) Fishing at Lake Akan
[Available January to March]
Experience the thrill of wakasagi (Japanese smelt) fishing at Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido from January to March. Expert-guided ice fishing tours will teach you to drill through the ice and catch these fish with specially designed rods. After your catch, savour the freshly fried wakasagi tempura right on the spot!
About Wakasagi Fishing at Lake Akan
Sunayu Rest House
[Open all year round]
Sunayu Rest House sits by Lake Kussharo and is next to the Sunayu "sand bath" beach, where you can dig into the sand to find warm hot spring water. Visitors can enjoy a foot bath, swim in the lake, relax on the warm sand, or take a boat ride. The area is perfect for unwinding and watching the local wildlife.
Spa-Katsu
Spa-Katsu is a beloved Kushiro dish featuring spaghetti topped with pork cutlet (katsu) soaked in meat sauce. Served sizzling on a hot griddle, its mouthwatering aroma is sure to make you crave for more!
Katte Don
Katte Don at Washo Market is a must-try dish in Kushiro. You get to customize your seafood bowl (don) by selecting your favourite toppings (katte) as the name suggests. Choose from a variety of seafood from the numerous stores in the market, and there’s even different types of rice like white rice and vinegar rice. It's a delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood exactly the way you like it.
■ Access Info
From Tokyo to Shiretoko
The flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) takes just under two hours. From Memanbetsu Airport to Shiretoko, the journey takes around 2 hours by car or bus (Shiretoko Airport Liner). Be sure to check out the bus schedule in advance as it runs only a couple of times a day.
Kamuiawakkayu no Taki
[Open in July to September]
Kamuiawakkayu no Taki, also known as the Waterfall of the Gods, is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the heart of Shiretoko. This majestic waterfall cascades from a height of 80 meters, surrounded by lush forests that change colours with the seasons. The soothing sounds of the waterfall and the vibrant landscape create a comforting retreat for the soul.
Ryuhyo Walk
[Open in February to March]
The Ryuhyo Walk offers a unique and thrilling adventure across the frozen Sea of Okhotsk. Guided by experts, you'll walk on drift ice, experiencing the stunning icy landscape up close while spotting seals and other Arctic wildlife. Shiretoko is the only place in Japan where this exceptional adventure is possible!
Drift Ice Kayaking
[Open January to March]
If walking is not your style, how about ice kayaking instead? You can paddle through fields of drift ice while immersing in the breathtaking winter scenery from a different point of view. Navigate the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk and experience this winter wonderland for yourself.
Rausu Konbu Ramen
Experience the rich flavours of Rausu Konbu (kelp) Ramen. Made with premium local Rausu Konbu in the noodles, broth and toppings, this exceptional bowl of ramen is a true taste of Hokkaido.
Chepuman
Enjoy the delicious Chepman, featuring tender cuts of Shiretoko local salmon, fresh Hokkaido vegetables, and a flavourful miso sauce for a truly delightful dish.
as of 15 October 2024