7 Summer Spots Worth Visiting in Hokkaido

Summer is here! 

While this year we won’t have the usual festivals and activities that we wait so long for, we still have the chance to explore the amazing outdoors that this island has.  Since things are going to be a little different this summer I wanted to recommend both the popular and the lesser known (but equally deserving!) places to visit in Hokkaido over summer.

Did you know that Hokkaido is seen as an escape during the summer season for many Japanese locals?  In contrast to the rest of Japan’s main island, temperature-wise, Hokkaido has a mild to moderate summer!  Japan’s northeast region Tohoku may be a small exception, but for the most part Japanese summers are very humid and hot… This makes Hokkaido an attractive destination over summer, especially for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Not only does Hokkaido avoid the heat that the rest of Japan gets, but Hokkaido, along with the Ogasawara Islands, also miss that ‘rainy season’ as well.  Depending on the region, Japan gets a rainy season called Tsuyu or Baiyu (梅雨), which literally translates into ‘plum rain’.  For most of June until Mid-July most of Japan will generally be very wet and see a lot of cloudy days.  However Hokkaido is mostly dry and sunny during this period (lucky us!).  Traveling soaking wet isn’t fun and can really ruin your holiday, especially when you’re wanting an outdoor summer adventure.

Do keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable regardless of the area, but we do believe that we get some of Japan’s best summer weather!  So now that that’s clear (pun intended 😉 ), let me show you some of our favorite summer spots.  Perhaps some of these can inspire you for your next visit here 🙂

One of the most popular spots over summer.  These lavender fields in Farm Tomita bring a great number of both local and foreign tourists every year.  Boasting 15 hectares of lavender, this place is the #1 lavender field spot in all of Japan.  Located in Furano City, Farm Tomita offers spectacular displays of not only lavender, but of other gorgeous seasonal flowers as well.  The vibrant colors of each flower type cover the surrounding fields in a beautiful rainbow-like manner, making it one of the most beautiful views in Hokkaido.  The best time to see the lavender is around June / July.  This is the time where the lavender is at its peak and the whole area is covered by a beautiful purple carpet of lavender, which is something that I can write to you here about, but you can only really experience the true beauty of it in person!

Here you can enjoy some of the local foods and products of Furano such as Hokkaido potatoes, milk or fresh Hokkaido melon slices.  Try the delicious lavender or melon soft-serve ice cream – a great option to cool down as you walk around the summer fields.

Travel Hokkaido offers day tours to the Furano & Biei area for your future holidays!  On the way we will also go to Biei Pond, another popular and spectacular place worth visiting during the summer.

Named having one of the three best views in all Japan – Mt. Hakodate is another well-known spot across Japan.  The night view here has even earned it 3 stars on the Michelin guide for its must-see beauty and has been comparable to Hong Kong and Napoles mountain views (now that’s gotta say something hey!)

Standing at 334 meters of altitude, it’s not the easiest to reach the top so there are a few different ways to get up to the peak.  You can take one of the direct buses from JR Hakodate Station and the 3 min ropeway to the top, or take a tour bus and the ropeway, or you can walk the gentle trek to the top (which takes around an hour to do so).

The view from the top can actually be enjoyed at any time of the year, as long as the weather stays clear.  However summer may offer the best weather (and therefore views) making it the most enjoyable time to visit.  From here you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views over Hakodate Bay and the city as well as its surrounding ocean. 

Timing-wise we fully recommend getting to the top before sunset so that you can appreciate the amazing contrast of the city and the skyline between the day time and dusk.  Watch the changing colors as dusk settles in and the city lights start to turn on.  It’s said that the best night view is about 30 minutes after sunset, so we recommend taking your time here to really make the most of your visit.

There is so much to see and do in Hakodate city so if you are interested, Travel Hokkaido offers a 3 day trip from Sapporo to this beautiful city which we highly recommend to make the most out of your time in this area! 

This popular art park is located in the outskirts of Sapporo City and makes for a perfect summer escape to the nearby nature. 

In 1988, the world famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi was given this land, which was then just waste disposal grounds, to convert them into something – and that he did!  In 2005, this beautiful man-made sculpture park was open to the public.  With a 4 kilometer circumference the park is filled with open spaces, trails that are perfect for cycling, and many sculptures & monuments, making it a very attractive place to spend a summers day.

Climb Mount Moere to get awesome views of the whole park.  It’s perfect for pictures.  Explore the many monuments and discover the history of the park in the Glass Pyramid.  Rent a bicycle and cycle around the park with the refreshing breeze behind you.  The park is perfect for families with small children because of the many playgrounds there for them to explore (check the easternmost side of the park!).  In the center of the park you’ll find Sea Fountain which can shoot water up to 25 meters high.  During April till October there are 3 to 4 shows per day, and before the last show (around sunset) the park finishes with a spectacular fountain show which is a must-see if you’re visiting though those late afternoon hours.

Moerenuma Park is worth a visit regardless of the time of the year as the park scenery does change with the season.  So it’s also a highly recommend spot to see cherry blossoms during spring!

Getting to Moerenuma Park can be a little tricky because there are no subway lines that can take you there.  Since there are different stations and entrances, you should check the park’s website for your most convenient option.

One of the more quiet spots that we visit, but as impressive as any other.  Shakotan has been designated as the only ‘underwater quasi-national park’ in Hokkaido because of the beautiful blue waters in this area. 

Cape Kamui offers a number of beautiful view points for you too look over to some of the clearest waters that Hokkaido can offer.  The great 360 degree view from the tip of the cape will really show you how impressive the beauty of Shakotan is!  Steep precipices, wonderful marine trails and beautiful yellow Ezo lilies blooming around the area will have you memorized.  There are two more capes in Shakotan: Cape Shakotan (perfect for trekking and has a beautiful variety of flowers & wild birds), and Cape Ogon (which has the most beautiful sunsets!).  The area of Shakotan is also famous for its delicious seafood, sea urchin especially. 

Because Shakotan is somewhat far from many nearby cities it is recommended to rent a car to get here.  Another option is to travel with Travel Hokkaido – we have good knowledge of this area and can make a great day trip for you 🙂

The Shikotsu-Toya Park covers a wide area filled with mountains, active volcanoes and amazing lakes. Technically it is not a spot, but several spots that you can visit.

Lake Shikotsu is a beautiful spot in itself, with great restaurants and picnic spots it makes for a great lunch stop as well.  Toya has even more things to offer, like Uzusan – an active volcano with a ropeway for you to look over it.  At the top of the ropeway you can also get some great views of Lake Toya, of Mt. Yotei, of some of the craters from Mt. Uzu, and a glance of the Pacific Ocean. 

Obviously, Lake Toya is a must see spot in this area as it is the 9th largest lake in Japan and has the most breathtaking views (which are just meant to be enjoyed under the summer weather).  During the summer evening’s there are also fireworks displays at Lake Toya, making for a great all-day trip.  There are also a number of relaxing onsen and beautiful lakeside foot baths for you to enjoy.

Shikotsu Lake is not so far from Sapporo, about an hour away.  A bus can be caught to get here but stops are infrequent.  One of our most popular tours runs through the Shikotsu and Toya area on a one day trip – we’d love for you to join us!

Found in Eastern Hokkaido, the Shiretoko National Park hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, nature and beauty.  This is an area that remains mostly in the hands of Mother Nature. One of the most untouched areas of Japan, it’s no wonder it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The limited access has insured that the area is maintained under the command of nature.  Seeing animals such as deer, foxes, eagles and even brown bears is definitely possible in this area, although we strongly recommend that you only do so with a certified tour group.  It’s also possible to take a cruise ship to see killer whales and even bears (back on land).

There are so many spots in Shiretoko that have stunning views – such as the Furuppe no Taki, Oshinkoshin no Taki, Oronko Iwa, Yuhidai Observatory, and the most breathtaking one (in our opinion) the Shiretoko Five Lakes.  The paths here take you through an unbelievable amount of open nature, so if you’d love to be surrounded by lakes and mountains under the summer sun then this is the place for you!

Shiretoko can be reached from their most nearby airports (Memanbetsu or Nakashibetsu) however, getting around the area buses are limited so it is highly recommended that you rent a car.  Luckily for you Travel Hokkaido can take you and your group through the wilderness of East Hokkaido comfortably on our bus 🙂  

While you’re here it’s a great idea to take the time to explore more of East Hokkaido.  Areas like Lake Saroma, Notsuke Peninsula and Akan area make it worth a multi-day journey across this side of Hokkaido.  The weather in summer is particularly mild, making it the perfect time to escape the city.

The whole area of Odori Park turns into a huge beer garden festival every year from Mid July to Mid August.  Full of outdoor shops, yatai (food stalls), music shows, and many tables (with over 13,000 seats), when visiting you’ll see that people can enjoy the summer away with a cheeky beer and their friends in this very inviting outdoor environment.

Hokkaido beer is some of the best, and there is no better way to spend your summer afternoon than by sharing a beer with your friends under the summer night.  Sapporo’s evenings are warm, however, still cool enough to enjoy the outdoors.  I believe that the Beer Garden really highlights Sapporo’s summer.. a very laidback and fun atmosphere to be in 🙂 

You’re not allowed to bring your own drinks inside the festival but no worries, there’s always so much food and drink to choose from within the festival! 

Unfortunately, the 67th Sapporo Summer Festival 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 but we can’t wait for the next one 🙂

So there you go, some spots to check out when you visit Hokkaido over summer!  If you’re interested in one (or all!) don’t hesitate to contact us to help prepare your future itinerary 😉

We can’t wait to be able to welcome you here again soon!