Why Hokkaido Needs to Be on Your Japan Itinerary

Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is a popular destination known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and winter activities. We just got back after visiting their annual Snow Festival in February. We had the best time and would love to visit again during their other seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the history of Hokkaido and Sapporo, what makes the Sapporo Snow Festival special, and what visitors can expect in terms of wildlife, food, and attractions. I highly recommend visiting Hokkaido if you are planning a trip to Japan.

History of Hokkaido and Sapporo

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island. Originally inhabited by the Ainu people, it was isolated from the rest of Japan for centuries. In the 17th century, Japanese settlers started to move to Hokkaido, but the island remained largely underdeveloped until the late 19th century. During the Meiji Restoration, Japan began developing Hokkaido to increase its economic and strategic importance.

Sapporo, the island’s largest city, was founded in 1868 as part of the government’s efforts to establish a central hub in Hokkaido. Before this, the area was a small fishing village. Over time, Sapporo grew to become the economic and cultural center of the island.

The Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when a group of high school students built snow sculptures in a park. The event rapidly gained popularity and is now one of Japan’s biggest winter festivals. Visitors from around the world come to see stunning snow and ice sculptures, with the festival taking place in February. Around 2 million visitors attend each year.

Best Time to Visit Sapporo

Winter (December to February): This is the most popular season, especially for visitors attending the Snow Festival or enjoying winter sports.
Spring (March to May): The cherry blossoms begin to bloom, making it a great time for sightseeing.
Summer (June to August): The cool climate of Hokkaido offers a perfect escape from the heat of other parts of Japan.
Autumn (September to November): This season offers stunning fall foliage, especially in national parks.

Wildlife in Hokkaido and Sapporo

Hokkaido is home to a wide range of wildlife. The brown bear is a significant presence in the mountainous regions. Sika deer can be found throughout the forests, and the Ezo red fox is commonly spotted in rural areas. Hokkaido is also home to the Japanese crane, which can be seen in marshes like those around Kushiro.

The island’s coastal areas are rich in marine life, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Hokkaido brown frogs and various species of birds, including eagles and owls, also call the island home.

Hokkaido’s Products and Agriculture

Hokkaido is well-known for its agricultural production. Some of the most notable products include:

Dairy: Hokkaido is Japan’s leading dairy producer, known for its high-quality milk, cheese, and ice cream.
Potatoes and Corn: The island is famous for its potatoes, used in many Japanese dishes, and its sweet corn.
Wheat: Hokkaido produces a large amount of wheat, used in ramen and soba noodles.
Seafood: Hokkaido’s coastal regions are known for their fresh crab, sea urchin, and scallops.
Sapporo Beer: As Japan’s first brewery, Sapporo’s beer is known for its quality and smooth, refreshing taste.

Getting to Sapporo from Tokyo

Sapporo is approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Tokyo. The best ways to get there include:

By Air: A direct flight from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) takes around 1.5 hours. From there, it’s about a 40-minute train or bus ride to the city center.
By Train: You can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (about 4 hours), then transfer to the Super Hokuto Express to reach Sapporo (about 3.5 hours).
By Car: Driving takes about 10-12 hours depending on traffic.
By Bus: Long-distance buses take around 12-15 hours to reach Sapporo.

Population and Tourism in Sapporo

Sapporo is Japan’s fifth-largest city, with a population of approximately 1.97 million people. The city attracts around 10 million visitors annually, with the highest numbers during the Sapporo Snow Festival and peak travel seasons.

Seicomart: Hokkaido’s Convenience Store

This may be my new favorite Konbini (convenience store) in Japan. They had so many interesting Hokkaido only products and the ready-to-eat meals and onigiri looked way fresher and better than I’ve seen around any Konbini in Tokyo. Founded in Sapporo, Seicomart has many locations throughout the island. Some of the store’s most popular items highlight the region’s agricultural and seafood specialties. Dairy products are a standout, including Hokkaido milk, ice cream, and milk candies, all made from locally sourced ingredients. The chain also offers a variety of seafood items like fresh fish and seafood snacks, reflective of Hokkaido’s rich maritime resources. Many Seicomart stores also feature a Hot Chef counter, offering ready-to-eat meals such as katsudon (breaded pork cutlet over rice). These unique products and services make Seicomart a must-visit for anyone visiting Hokkaido.

Sapporo Beer: A Legacy of Quality

Sapporo Beer, founded in 1876, is one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic beer brands. Known for its premium quality and smooth taste, it uses ingredients like Hokkaido barley and fresh water. The brand is not only a symbol of Hokkaido’s rich brewing tradition but is also recognized internationally, particularly in North America.

Popular Foods You Must Try in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is famous for its diverse and rich food culture. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Soup Curry: A local favorite, this spicy and flavorful dish consists of a rich broth with vegetables and meat, served with rice. It’s a perfect comfort food in the winter months.
Hokkaido Ramen: Known for its miso-based broth, this ramen is a must-try when in Sapporo. The dish is hearty, with toppings like butter, corn, and tender pork slices. This was one of my favorite meals I had in Hokkaido. Ramen is the perfect post ski meal!
Genghis Khan: Lamb marinated in soy sauce, miso and other seasonings is grilled on a distinctive dome-shaped metal grill, resembling a Mongolian helmet. Despite the name, the dish’s origins are not actually tied to Mongolia. Hokkaido’s cold climate and vast pastures make it ideal for raising lamb. Visitors to Hokkaido can experience Genghis Khan at local restaurants where diners cook their own lamb on tabletop grills.
Hokkaido Dairy: The island’s dairy products are highly regarded, and you’ll find many local cheeses, butter, ice cream and other products. The soft serve ice cream is popular all year round. I found it to be very milky tasting and not overly sweet. It was different from any other soft serve ice cream I have ever tried.
Fresh Seafood: Whether it’s crab, scallops, or other marine delicacies, the seafood in Hokkaido is unbeatable. Visit Sapporo’s Nijo Market for the freshest catches.

We went to a very popular Ramen place. They did not accept reservations so we had to wait an hour and half to be seated. The miso ramen was absolutely delicious however the wait was not worth it because I felt rushed eating due to the long line behind me.

Another night, we went for sushi and on the recommendation of the waiter we got the tuna sushi. It was the best sushi I had ever had!

I noticed even in Tokyo many food items are marketed as being from Hokkaido and now I see why. Hokkaido is the perfect place for fresh locally sourced delicious Japanese foods.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is one of the top destinations for skiing and snowboarding, thanks to its light, powdery snow and beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the best places to hit the slopes:

Niseko: Niseko is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, known for its abundant powder snow. The resort offers slopes for all levels. A one-day lift pass costs around ¥5,000-¥7,000 (approx. 32-46 USD). From Sapporo, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by bus or train.
Furano: This ski resort is famous for its wide, open slopes and beautiful views. It’s less crowded than Niseko, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience. Lift passes are usually around ¥5,000 per day. To reach Furano, take a train from Sapporo (about 2.5 hours).
Rusutsu: Fewer crowds than Niseko, lift passes are similar to those at Niseko, about ¥5,000. It’s about 1.5 hours by bus from Sapporo.

We visited the Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, located close to Sapporo city. It’s divided into two main areas: the Teine Highland Zone, which has challenging slopes for advanced skiers, and the Teine Olympia Zone, which is more suited for beginners and intermediates. It’s convenient for those staying in Sapporo and offers great views of the city and the Sea of Japan at the top of the mountain.

The Olympics in Hokkaido: Sapporo 1972 Winter Games

Sapporo made history by hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian city to do so. The games were held from February 3 to February 13, 1972, and featured a variety of winter sports that showcased the region’s natural landscapes and ideal winter conditions.

Sports at the 1972 Winter Olympics included:

Alpine Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Figure Skating
Ice Hockey
Nordic Combined
Ski Jumping
Speed Skating

Sapporo’s snowy terrain and advanced sports infrastructure made it an ideal location for these events. The Games were widely praised for their organization and the high level of competition. The ski events, particularly in areas like Niseko and Kokusai Ski Resort, helped establish Hokkaido as a premier destination for winter sports.

Summary

The Sapporo Snow Festival attracts millions of visitors each year, while the region’s local products like Sapporo Beer are key parts of its identity. Whether you visit in the winter for skiing or in the summer for hiking, Sapporo provides a wide range of activities for every season. The city is easily accessible by air or rail from Tokyo, making it a convenient destination for both domestic and international travelers. We loved our long weekend in Hokkaido and can’t wait to go back!