Hokkaido is one of those places that seem to be beautiful all year round. No, there’s more to it than cherry blossoms in spring. In summer, the island is blessed with excellent weather and beautiful scenery, with a myriad of other flowers bursting into full bloom. This itinerary is made to maximise time outdoors, while hitting all the main points, and is excellent for a first-timer in Hokkaido. This is the second part of our best summer itinerary for Hokkaido; head over to the first part if you haven't to start your journey proper!
Asahikawa (Day 7 and Day 8)
Continuing on, we head to Asahikawa. Back to civilisation! Ashikawa is the second most populous city in Hokkaido, and is also home to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, which specialises in cold climate species such as polar bears and penguins. It also provides a fantastic base to make a trip to Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido’s largest and wildest national park.
What to do:
- Asahiyama Zoo - The enclosures here are meant to mimic the animals’ ecological environments, meaning that they can behave as naturally as possible. This ensures that the animals are kept in the best conditions! The zoo is famous for its polar bears, which guests can observe up-close!
- Daisetsuzan National Park - You’ll find a wide range of trails here to cater to everyone’s walking ability. The park is famous for its fall foliage, but it is beautiful in summer as well. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wild deers or bears roaming about!
What to eat:
- Shoyu ramen - Asahikawa-style ramen comprises a shoyu-based broth and a thick slick of oil. You’ll be able to find it easily at Asahikawa Ramen Village!
Otaru (Day 8 and Day 9)
The charming city of Otaru is located a short distance northwest of Sapporo. Apart from admiring the area surrounding the historic Otaru Canal (you can even go for a canal cruise to fully take it all in), take a walk along Sakamichi Street, where you’ll find various shops with glasswares and music boxes, and also the confectionery shop LeTAO, famous for its decadent Japanese cheesecakes. Kitakaro, another Otaru-born confectionery, prides itself on its decadent and generously filled cream puffs. It’s location next to the sea means that the seafood here is some of the freshest you can find!
On Day 9, take a day trip from Otaru to the beautiful coast of Shakotan. Made up of a number of capes and open during summer only, you’ll be able to dive and snorkel in the clear blue waters, or explore the sea in kayaks. On guided tours, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with some of its marine inhabitants, from dolphins to whales and other sea life, to name a few!
Sapporo (Day 10 to Day 13)
Head to Sapporo the next morning, a mere 30-minutes away from Otaru. We are finally back to Hokkaido’s capital, and a whole range of sights and activities await you. Summer is full of exciting festivals, and you’ll find this city as lively as ever!
What to do:
- Odori Park - A green oasis in the heart of the city, Odori Park is also home to the iconic Sapporo TV Tower, which provides lovely views of the city. Throughout the various seasons, it is also used as a venue for various festivals, and in summer, Odori Park houses the much-anticipated Odori Beer Gardens.
- Sapporo Beer Museum - Sapporo is famous for a number of things, and beer is one of them. At the Sapporo Beer Museum, not only will you be able to explore the brewing process, you’ll also be able to enjoy a beer buffet, along with a range of other Hokkaido delicacies such as Jingisukan and crab.
- Hokkaido Shrine - This beautiful Shinto shrine is located in Maruyama Park, and in spring, is an extremely popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
- Tanukikoji Shopping Street - This famous shopping street has roughly 200 shops located around its 1km long arcade, and is one of the city’s most popular shopping spots with something for everyone!
- Hokkaido Government Office - Also known as the Red Brick Government Building, the former Hokkaido Government Office is a stunning example of American Neo-Baroque architecture, with its windows dating all the way back to the Meiji era.
- Shiroi Koibito Park - Did you know that the ubiquitous souvenir was born and is manufactured in Sapporo? Right here at the Shiroi Koibito Park, watch the process of churning out these lovely biscuits, from the base to the box! A wide range of chocolate-themed foods are also available at its food outlets.
- Fireworks Festivals - Held almost every weekend at various venues throughout the city, be wowed by the spectacular displays of fireworks, which are a staple of Japanese summers.
What to eat:
- Miso ramen - As in other regions, Sapporo has their own specialty ramen, which is miso. Apart from Sapporo Ramen Alley, the city is littered with a number of other great ramen shops—you’ll be hard pressed to find a favourite!
- Jingisukan - Consisting of thin slices of grilled mutton and vegetables, the dish of Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) is a unique dish that is popular in Hokkaido.
- Soup curry - Originating in Sapporo, soup curry is a soup that is flavoured with curry spices. While it may sound a bit peculiar at first, this dish specifically highlights the freshness of local vegetables, depending on what’s in season.
Before you fly off, remember to grab some food souvenirs back for friends and family (if you need inspiration, check out our other article here). There you have it, our ideal 13-day itinerary to experience the best of Hokkaido in summer.
