ITINERARIES The Colours of Hokkaido's Abundant Nature Visit some of Hokkaido's most picturesque sites for nature viewing

A virgin forest near the city

Its expansive forest makes it a calm place to relax from city life, and come May, the park becomes one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Sapporo. Located adjacent to the Hokkaido Shrine, the park transforms into a bustling atmosphere in June for the Hokkaido Shrine Festival.

A venerable shrine surrounded by nature

Built in 1869, the shrine was built to uplift the spirit of the pioneers. Surrounded by mountains and abundant nature, this is Hokkaido's largest shinto shrine, now popular for locals to congregate during special occasions like New Year's Day, weddings, and of course, the cherry blossom season.

Outlet shopping on the outskirts of Sapporo

Shop for designer items at a fraction of their price at this outlet mall - it's got brands like COACH, Armani, Michael Kors, as well as Japanese brands like BEAMS and UNITED ARROWS. There's also a food court serving local dishes like miso ramen and Hokkaido pork and rice.

Savour a fresh breakfast at this morning seafood market

This public market is famous for its fresh local produce and seafood like crabs, salmon, sea urchin, and more. Open from 7am, you can enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast - the uni ikura donburi (sea urchin and salmon roe on rice) is popular - at one of the market's restaurants.

A flower garden overlooking the Daisetsuzan mountains

This picturesque flower garden houses approximately 700 flower species, planted in a natural landscape overlooking the nearby Daisetsuzan mountains. There are colourful flowers native to the area, seasonal flowers, as well as a herb garden to explore. Take stroll through nature's glory, or relax at the garden cafe.

Taste the original Asahikawa ramen

While Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, Asahikawa is known for its shoyu-based broth, served with thin, wavy noodles. Located just outside the city is the Asahikawa Ramen Village, where you can sample local ramen from eight famous restaurants; there's also a small ramen shrine nearby.

See wildlife with a new perspective

This popular zoo features unique enclosures where you can observe wildlife from Hokkaido and around the world. See penguins through a glass tunnel, or take a peek at a polar bear from glass domes. In winter, it's famous for the penguin marches that take place outside their enclosure.

A museum dedicated entirely to snowflakes

Housed in a small European-style castle building complete with turrets, this quiet museum showcases the art of snowflakes - check out the Snow Crystal Room, the photogenic spiral staircase, and other ice-related decor inspired by a frozen kingdom. End your visit with a drink at the European-inspired cafe.

Hokkaido's second-largest city

This second-largest city in Hokkaido (after Sapporo) has a pedestrianised shopping street and is home to the Asahikawa Ramen Village with numerous restaurants serving the city's signature shoyu ramen. It's also got a cable car base to Mt. Asahi and easy access to Asahiyama Zoo.

Explore the gorgeous colours of rural landscape

A scenic area north of Biei, Patchwork Road is named after its appearance as seen from above. The area is renowned for its breathtaking rural landscape that changes each season. Its beauty has made it a commercial success - there are even trees that are famous for appearing in advertisements.

Spectacularly colourful flower garden

Marvel at the spectacular views across this multi-coloured carpet of flowers. It's best visited from June to August, when most of the flowers - lavender, poppy, etc - bloom. Explore the gardens on foot, hop on a sightseeing tractor, or take a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views.

A mirror-like pond that changes with the weather

This pond is famous for its variety of blue hues depending on the season and weather. It's at its most cobalt blue from May to June during windless, clear days, creating a mirror-like effect that reflects the sky and fringing trees. Outside this period it becomes a shade of emerald.

A sea of purple in the lavender field

One of the oldest lavender fields in Japan, there are many hilly fields with gorgeous views of the Tokachidake mountains. Visit in July when all four types of lavenders of different hues are in bloom. You can also sample lavender dishes like ice cream and jelly at the cafe.

Arts and crafts in a village of log cabins

This quaint village consists 15 log cabins is built in a forest, linked by wooden boardwalks to give it an atmosphere of a hidden village. This cute collection of boutique cottages house specialty arts and crafts ateliers, as well as a log-built cafe where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, or their unique specialty: roasted milk!

Visit an Indoor Wave Pool and a chapel on the water

At this iconic highland resort, there are plenty of facilities day visitors can enjoy, including Mina-Mina Beach, the largest indoor beach in Japan with facilities like a wave pool and SUP park. You can also visit the unique Chapel on the Water to contemplate its calm atmosphere.

Enjoy a panorama of the sea of clouds

At UNKAI Terrace, enjoy a panorama of the ever-changing sea of clouds amidst the mountains via the unique Cloud Walk trail, or relax on the Cloud Pool hammocks or chill at the cafe. Take a hot air balloon trip to see this breathtaking view from the skies.

The best views of Sapporo

Situated in the middle of Sapporo is Odori Park, which stretches over 12 city blocks and offers a pleasant green space in summer. On one end is the Sapporo TV Tower, popular for its observation deck with views of the city, and the Sea of Japan on a clear day.

Sapporo's entertainment district

The largest nightlife entertainment district north of Tokyo, the neon-infused Susukino district is packed with shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment spots, ranging from jazz bars to dance clubs. It's also the best place for nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) deals, and home to Ramen Yokocho, a narrow lane lined with Sapporo's famous ramen.