//
Island, prefecture, and region of Japan
Photo: TOKUMI, Copyrighted free use via Wikimedia Commons
Hokkaido (北海道 Hokkaidō) is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands and at the same time a prefecture. With both size and population (5.3 million in 2019) similar to Scotland, it is the most sparsely populated part of Japan. Home to Japan's native Ainu people, Hokkaido continues to represent the untamed wilderness with many great national parks.
Capital Sapporo and much of the mountainous interior. Most of Hokkaido's ski resorts can be found here.
The largest and remotest part of the island. Also has the vast plains of Tokachi, Hokkaido's dairy and farming breadbasket.
Covering the northern peninsula but poking down toward the center, with fantastic national parks and hiking.
Centered on Hokkaido's second city Hakodate, this is the former domain of Matsumae and was the first area colonized by the Japanese.
By plane
Sapporo's New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港) (CTS) is Hokkaido's sole international gateway of significance, with flights from Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Beijing, Honolulu, Seoul and Busan.
By train
Hokkaido was finally linked to the national shinkansen high speed network in March 2016 with the opening of the segment between Aomori and Hakodate via the undersea Seikan Tunnel.
By ferry
Ferries are most popular among people bringing their own cars to Hokkaido.
By plane
Due to its vast size and numerous outlying islands, Hokkaido has a fairly well-developed commuter airline network.
By train
The train network in Hokkaido is (by Japanese standards) limited, although it's more than adequate for travel between major cities.
By bus
A cheaper if slower and less comfortable option than the train is using buses, which also cover all the areas not accessible by train.
By car
Hokkaido is among the few places in Japan where renting a car is worthwhile, since access to many national parks and onsen resorts without one can be quite difficult.
By bike
Hokkaido is a cycling paradise from April to September. There are many bike paths and most main roads have very wide sidewalks.
By thumb
Hitchhiking is a viable option in Hokkaido, and due to the limitations of the public transport network it's not unheard-of to see Japanese with their thumb out (a very rare sight in the rest of the…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Sapporo · International · CTS
Loading places around the airport…
the capital and by far the largest city in Hokkaido
northern fishing port, home to Japan's most infamous prison
the coldest city in Japan (literally)
with lavender in the summer and some of the world's best powder in winter
the gateway of Hokkaido by train and the capital of the short-lived Ezo Republic
between Saroma and Lake Akan, this city is well known for its peppermint farms
the main city in the Tokachi Plain, one of Japan's major agricultural belts
Hokkaido's largest port
Japan's northernmost city, a major port with many connections to Russia
Home ground of Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
the land of beautiful patchwork hills
trendy ski destination
Hokkaido's largest hot spring resort
Hokkaido's largest ski resort
thoroughbreds and beautiful cherry blossoms
known for its mysterious lakes, including Lake Akan
peaceful lake near Hakodate in southern Hokkaido
this eastern peninsula park, where bears roam in the wilderness and bathe in hot waterfalls, was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2005
Japan's largest national park, in the middle of Hokkaido, and the Holy Grail of extreme hikers and people who love eating seafood
volcanic hot springs, two beautiful caldera lakes with rumbling volcanoes, and mossy canyons make scenic Lake Toya one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations
covering the small islands off Wakkanai at the northern tip
Articles and travel topics about Hokkaido and Japan.
Travel tipsDiscover the best time to visit Japan month by month in 2026. Compare cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, ski seasons, rainy months, and festival dates.
7 min read
Travel tipsCheck if you need a visa for Japan in 2026. Discover visa-exempt nationalities, eVisa eligibility, stay durations, and how to use Visit Japan Web QR codes.
7 min read
Travel tipsPlan for Japan's new travel costs in 2026. Learn about the ¥3,000 international departure tax, tiered hotel taxes in Kyoto, and Mt Fuji trail fees.
8 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.