How much of Hokkaido is forest?
Forests cover approximately 70% of Hokkaido’s surface area, which accounts for roughly one quarter of the national total. These rich forests are representative of Japan’s natural beauty and plethora of wooded areas. Sapporo (札幌) is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. As a popular winter resort destination, Japan’s fifth-largest city also offers a wealth of culture, art, and natural beauty, alongside its ski slopes, neon nightlife, and compelling food scene.Hokkaido (Sapporo) Maruyama Park in Sapporo and Matsumae Park near Hakodate are famous for their late-April to early-May blossoms, making Hokkaido a great choice if you missed the peak bloom in central Japan.The best time to visit Hokkaido, in my opinion are the months of May and September-October, which is my recommendation for most people. But, if you must travel to Japan during summer then I would 100% say that summer in Hokkaido is the best.Hokkaido is worth visiting, as long as you’re clear about what you expect. For instance, if you travel to Niseko to ski for a few days, or fly to Sapporo long enough only to complete a summer road trip circuit to Asahikawa and back, you shouldn’t expect to be able to appreciate the vastness of the island.
What is a good month to visit Hokkaido?
The best time to visit Hokkaido, in my opinion are the months of May and September-October, which is my recommendation for most people. But, if you must travel to Japan during summer then I would 100% say that summer in Hokkaido is the best. There is no truly bad time to visit Japan, as each region has its pros and cons in all seasons. That said, March, April, July, and August are the busiest months, and therefore the most expensive. If you want to save money and avoid crowds, avoid traveling during these months.The cheapest months to travel to Japan are typically January, February, and early June. January & February: After the New Year holidays, tourism slows down. Early June: This is Japan’s rainy season (tsuyu), but showers are usually light. Fewer tourists mean lower prices on flights and accommodations.January is the coldest month in Hokkaido, with constant snowfall and occasional blizzards. Becoming colder than December, temperatures in January average -4°C (25°F), with most days gloomy or snowy.The best time to visit Hokkaido, in my opinion are the months of May and September-October, which is my recommendation for most people. But, if you must travel to Japan during summer then I would 100% say that summer in Hokkaido is the best.Hokkaido’s climate is perfect for summer travel, with low humidity and refreshing, dry air even in summer! It’s the best season to enjoy the essence of Hokkaido, whether you’re exploring vast flower fields or experiencing outdoor activities.
Which city should I go to in Hokkaido?
The answer is to go to Sapporo, Niseko, Otaru, and Furano, which are the best when you are visiting during the winter. Enjoy skiing, hot springs, and the winter festival that you can only get in Hokkaido. Ways to See Hokkaido on a Hokkaido Rail Pass The most convenient way to get around (especially if you plan to stay for three or more days) is with the Hokkaido Rail Pass. It’ll definitely save you the trouble of buying a ticket each time you have to take the train. Also, the more you use it, the more you save!Did you know that, on average, Hokkaido is 5–8°C cooler than cities like Tokyo during the summer? Here are 6 places to visit in Hokkaido now!Explore Sapporo in 5-7 Days While Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, 5–7 days is enough to get a good introduction to the city. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to organize your Sapporo itinerary based on the proximity of attractions to minimize travel time. Google Maps can help you with this!In winter, Hokkaido experiences some of Japan’s most extreme temperatures that can drop as low as -11°C, particularly in areas like Rikubetsu. In Sapporo, average daily temperatures typically range from -3°C to -10°C, with nighttime temperatures often plummeting well below freezing and snowfall becoming frequent.
What is the largest city in Hokkaido?
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishikari Subprefecture. As of July 31, 2023, the city has a population of 1,959,750, making it the largest city in Hokkaido and the largest north of Tokyo. One of the appeals of Sapporo is its reasonable cost of living. Japan is known throughout the world for its high prices, but the cost of living in Sapporo is much lower than in Tokyo.Is Sapporo Expensive to Visit (in 2025)? Ultimately, the cost of visiting Sapporo varies depending on your plans, and how you like to enjoy yourself when you’re abroad. Overall, Sapporo, is rated as a somewhat expensive place to visit by BudgetYourTrip.According to Expatisan, the cost of living in Sapporo is significantly cheaper than in Tokyo at 18%. The main contributor to this is housing costs, which are 47% cheaper in Sapporo than in Tokyo.Sapporo is very foreigner-friendly. I got the occasional shifty eye or awkward stare, but other than that, I had zero issues being a foreigner there. Everyone was very accommodating and respectful. That said, you do need some Japanese knowledge there, moreso than Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.
How many nights to spend in Hokkaido?
A minimum of 5 days allows you to explore Sapporo and Otaru, offering a glimpse of Hokkaido’s charm. Experience the island’s history and local life at Nijo Market, Odori Park, Otaru Canal, and more. Sapporo. As one of the most popular cities in Hokkaido, Sapporo serves as an ideal base for touring Hokkaido with all sorts of facilities and accommodations, from ramen restaurants to karaoke stores, from ryokans to guesthouses.Unlike most of Japan’s major urban environments, Sapporo is expansive and full of greenery. One of the best green spaces is Odori Park, which stretches about a kilometer and a half over 12 city blocks and splits the city into north and south.With two days in Sapporo, there’s enough time to explore the city’s most famous highlights and also visit attractions just outside the metro area. From historic landmarks and bustling food markets to panoramic views and a lively nightlife scene, Hokkaido’s biggest city has lots to offer.Getting to Lake Toya The one way trip from Sapporo takes roughly 100 minutes, costs 6,690 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. Seat reservations are mandatory.
What is Hokkaido famous for?
Japan’s northern island is famous for its beautiful wilderness, world class powder snow, delicious seafood and fascinating indigenous culture. Just a short flight from Tokyo, Hokkaido is the perfect escape in all seasons. The best time to visit Hokkaido, in my opinion are the months of May and September-October, which is my recommendation for most people. But, if you must travel to Japan during summer then I would 100% say that summer in Hokkaido is the best.An example of Japan’s diversity is that the Japanese prefer beer with a meal, rarely drinking without some sort of food. Hokkaido has four famous breweries. These are Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory and Asahi.Roads in Hokkaido tend to be wider, traffic is lighter than in major cities, and parking is generally more accessible, even in downtown areas. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, where tight streets and crowded conditions can be stressful, Hokkaido offers a more relaxed, beginner-friendly driving environment.Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands and the largest of the country’s 47 prefectures. Harumi Takahashi, Hokkaido’s governor, states, “Hokkaido and the Russian Far East are geographical neighbors sharing a similar climate and natural environment.
What is the red light district of Hokkaido?
Susukino. Susukino is located in Chuo-ku, Sapporo and is known as the northernmost red light district in Asia. It is also safe to walk alone with women and its good security. Many tourists visit from home and abroad. Susukino has both family-friendly and adult-oriented venues. While there are restaurants, cafes, and shops suitable for families, parents should be aware that it is also a red-light district with adult entertainment.Susukino is Sapporo’s main entertainment area, so many of Sapporo’s best restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, cinemas, karaoke parlors, and hotels are located here. However, it is also the home of Sapporo’s red-light district with many “adult-entertainment” establishments.Susukino (すすきの) is a district in Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan known for entertainment and nightlife. The district contains many restaurants, bars, hotels, and adult-entertainment establishments. The name Susukino is often written as 薄野 in kanji and ススキノ in katakana, and directly translates as zebra grass field.The area of Kabukicho, located in the Shinjuku ward is known as the Red Light District of Tokyo. I took a walk through Kabukicho and this place is a wild mix of neon lights, buzzing nightlife, and all kinds of entertainment. There are bars and izakayas to host & hostess clubs, love hotels, massage parlors, and more.Susukino is located in Chuo-ku, Sapporo and is known as the northernmost red light district in Asia.