How to Make Sure You Don't Miss Out on Anything During Your Trip to Hokkaido

Although Hokkaido is one of Japan's best-kept secrets, more and more visitors are discovering the hidden charm of this city that's often overlooked by travellers heading to Tokyo or Kyoto. Regarded as a winter sports enthusiast's dream come true, there's much and more to do in this corner of Japan than hitting the slopes come wintertime. From exploring its wildernesses to discovering lesser-known attractions, here's how to enjoy a trip to Hokkaido without missing any of its major highlights.

1. Enjoy a Hiking Adventure

Accessible and perfectly safe at any period of the year, nature hikes are a great way to uncover the beauty of Hokkaido. One of the best places to engage in hiking activities in the area includes the Shiretoko National Park, which is crisscrossed with countless hiking and walking trails that range from short hikes to extensive excursions into the wilderness that takes days to complete. Take in the stunning natural wonders at every turn on a hiking expedition at this iconic national park and don't be surprised if a few brown bears cross your path during an outing. Another hiking hub in Hokkaido is the Akan Mashu National Park.

2. Take a Bath in an Onsen

Head over to Hell Valley in Hokkaido to enjoy a dip or a full-fledged bath in one of the onsens in the area. The pools of water and bubbling mud with the strong aroma of sulphur should be avoided in favour of a more curated hot spring experience available through many local spa facilities that have been set up in the area. Known to have healing properties, a soak in an onsen is the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or hiking.

3. Dig into Seafood Delights

No trip to Hokkaido would be complete without sampling its local delicacies, which includes numerous and equally delicious seafood dishes. The easy access to high-quality seafood ingredients including various species of crabs makes Hokkaido Japan's seafood capital and it is possible to purchase seafood right off the fishing boats during a trip to this part of the country although most prefer to buy their favourite fish varieties at the Nijo Market. This bustling fish market in Sapporo is also home to some of the area's top seafood restaurants so visitors can shop and dine as they please. Affordable and served piping hot, the seafood dishes served at these local eateries are simply to die for.

4. Embark on a trip to Otaru

Otaru in Hokkaido makes it the perfect option for a stay over trip. One can secure a room at Grand Park Otaru or any similar Otaru hotel near Jr Station and enjoy a few days of exploring the city, cruising down canals and enjoying local treats. Those who are fortunate enough to be visiting the area during the month of February can also witness the famed Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.

5. Uncover the Beauty of Sapporo

A trip to Hokkaido is also the perfect opportunity to sample the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival and enjoy the sights and sounds of the colourful Sapporo Snow and Ice festival, which also takes place in January or February every year.

6. Take in the Sights at Biei and Furano

Travellers in search of the best lookout points and natural enclaves will find no finer alternative to the towns of Biei and Furano where fields of lavender stretch on as far as the eye can see. The best time to visit these small townships in Hokkaido is during the spring season or even autumn when all the flowers and fruits cultivated in the area are in full bloom.