Savor the Season: Hokkaido’s Best Summer Experiences for 2025

Why Visit Hokkaido in Summer?

When the summer heat blankets much of Japan in heavy humidity, Hokkaido offers a refreshing escape with its crisp, cool breezes, wide-open skies, and lush greenery. As Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido stands apart as a summer haven, inviting travelers seeking relief from the sweltering mainland. While many travelers start their journey in Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city, the island has so much more to offer beyond its city charm. From breathtaking flower fields to rugged coastlines, Hokkaido is brimming with spectacular destinations waiting to be explored. Come join us as we explore some of the best places to visit in Hokkaido in summer.

Furano Lavender Fields in Full Bloom

During summer, Furano’s rolling hills transform into a breathtaking sea of purple as its famous lavender fields burst into bloom. The peak season, typically in late July and early August, offers the most vibrant display, with the flowers releasing a calming fragrance that fills the summer air. At the heart of this seasonal spectacle is Farm Tomita, renowned for its picturesque fields featuring five distinct varieties of lavender, all set against the majestic Tokachi mountain range. Visitors can explore the endless rows of fragrant blooms at their own pace, as entry to the farm is free. Farm Tomita also features cozy cafes and shops where guests can enjoy lavender-inspired treats, including the much-loved lavender ice cream made fresh milk. Nearby flower spots like Lavender East and Flower Land Kamifurano add even more color to the landscape, making Furano a dream destination for flower lovers and anyone looking to soak in the natural beauty of Hokkaido’s countryside.

Blue Pond in Biei: A Dreamy Summer Photo Spot

Among Hokkaido’s many beautiful lakes, the Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei stands out with its almost mesmerizing shade of blue. Originally created as a man-made barrier to protect the area from mudflows caused by nearby Mt. Tokachi, the pond quickly became famous for its striking turquoise waters. The vivid blue color comes from natural minerals in the water flowing in from Shirahige Falls, creating a surreal shimmer that changes with the light. The pond’s beauty even reached global fame when it was featured as an Apple Mac desktop wallpaper in 2012. Travelers arriving by train can take advantage of the Biei View Bus or Round Trip Bus from Biei Station, making it easy to access this captivating destination.

Hiking and Wildlife in Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest national park, is a dream destination for anyone drawn to the great outdoors. Spanning the volcanic mountain ranges of Daisetsuzan, Shikaribetsu, and Tokachi, this vast wilderness offers an incredible variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. During the summer months, visitors can hike along scenic trails that wind through colorful alpine flower fields, climb rugged peaks for panoramic views, and explore shimmering ponds, dramatic gorges, and cascading waterfalls.

Beyond its dramatic landscapes, Daisetsuzan National Park is a sanctuary for rare and fascinating wildlife. The park is known for sightings of Hokkaido’s elusive brown bears and the small, adorable pika, an alpine mammal that adds a touch of wonder to summer hikes and nature walks. After a day of exploring the trails, visitors can relax in the park’s natural hot springs, soaking in the warmth while surrounded by untouched forest and mountain scenery. For anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature, Daisetsuzan offers a truly immersive experience that showcases the wild heart of Hokkaido’s great outdoors.

Summer Food Festivals in Sapporo

Every summer, Sapporo City transforms into a lively hub of celebration during the Sapporo Summer Festival, a month-long celebration beginning on July 18th that fills the city with the sounds, flavors, and spirit of the season. At the heart of it all is the famous Odori Beer Garden in Odori Park—the largest beer garden in Japan. With over 9,000 seats spread across six distinct sections, visitors can sample brews from Japan’s top breweries, enjoy authentic German beer and sausages in the German village, or explore an international selection of beers from around the world. With the iconic Sapporo TV Tower looming nearby and the historic Sapporo Clock Tower just a short stroll away, the beer garden offers a perfect spot to relax with a cold drink and soak up the festive summer atmosphere.

Beyond the buzz of the festival grounds, Sapporo’s culinary scene keeps the energy high, especially around hotspots like Sapporo Station and the Sapporo Beer Museum. Here, visitors can explore Hokkaido’s proud brewing heritage while enjoying freshly poured craft beers paired with regional favorites. Throughout the summer, seasonal food stalls spring up near the station and festival venues, offering everything from smoky grilled seafood to sweet, buttery corn on the cob. And for a perfect summer cooldown, nothing beats a swirl of Hokkaido’s famously rich soft serve ice cream, made with fresh local milk.

Refreshing Coastal Escapes: Shakotan Peninsula

For travelers in search of a scenic coastal getaway in northern Japan, the Shakotan Peninsula stands out as one of Hokkaido’s most stunning seaside destinations. Located just a few hours from Sapporo, this rugged coastline is anchored by Cape Kamui, known for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views over the Sea of Japan. The star attraction here is the striking “Shakotan Blue", a crystal-clear hue of water so pure that the rocky seabed can be seen from the surface. This incredible clarity makes Shakotan a favorite for snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours, allowing visitors to get up close with the rich marine life. Nearby, quaint coastal towns serve some of the freshest seafood in Hokkaido, making it a perfect destination for travelers eager to taste local flavors while soaking in natural beauty.

Historical Sights in Hakodate

Hakodate, a southern port city in Hokkaido, blends rich history with some of the most stunning views in Japan, making it a destination worth adding to any travel list. One of its biggest draws is the incredible night view from Mount Hakodate, famous as one of Japan’s top three nightscapes, alongside Nagasaki’s Mount Inasa and Kobe’s Mount Rokko. From up there, the city’s sparkling lights, the harbor, and the shimmering sea come together to create a breathtaking scene that leaves visitors truly mesmerized.

At sea level, Hakodate’s rich history comes to life at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. These historic buildings, dating back to 1887, were some of the city’s first commercial warehouses and played a key role in Hakodate’s rise as a major international trading port. Today, their iconic red brick façades remain beautifully preserved, but inside, the warehouses have been transformed into a lively hub of shops and restaurants. Much like the elegant Hokkaido Government Office in Sapporo, the Kanemori Warehouses stand as proud reminders of Hokkaido’s deep cultural roots, offering visitors a perfect blend of the past and present.

Noboribetsu and Lake Toya: Nature and Onsen Getaways

For those looking to recharge in Hokkaido, Noboribetsu and Lake Toya offer the perfect mix of stunning nature and pure relaxation. Noboribetsu, known as Hokkaido’s top spa town, is home to some of Japan’s best natural hot springs. The highlight is Jigoku-dani, or “Hell Valley,” a striking area filled with steaming vents, bubbling sulfur springs, and volcanic craters where hot water bursts from deep underground. After a day of exploring these dramatic volcanic landscapes, soaking in the warm, soothing waters is the perfect way to unwind and refresh.

Just a short drive away is Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake tucked inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Surrounded by lush forests and sparkling waters, the lake is dominated by Mount Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. Visitors can relax in lakeside hot spring pools and open-air baths while taking in stunning views of the water and mountains. With plenty of campgrounds dotted around the lake, it’s easy to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful natural setting.

Wildlife Encounters at Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa is a must-see for families and animal lovers alike. As Japan’s northernmost zoo, it focuses on cold-climate animals, home to over 700 creatures from 124 different species. The thoughtfully designed enclosures recreate their natural habitats, making the experience feel authentic and immersive. One of the zoo’s biggest draws is the playful penguins, who swim gracefully around and above visitors in an underwater glass tunnel. Another standout is the “Marine Way,” a vertical glass tube where seals swim right past at eye level, offering a rare and exciting view. With its interactive exhibits, Asahiyama Zoo lets visitors get up close to animals like polar bears and wolves, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Summer in Hokkaido

During summer vacation, travelers visiting Hokkaido have plenty of convenient transportation options to make exploring the region a breeze. Most visitors fly into New Chitose Airport, where frequent airport buses run directly to JR Sapporo Station. From there, getting around is simple thanks to an efficient network of trains and buses, including the speedy bullet train that connects key cities. While public transportation is efficient city travel, getting a rental car is highly recommended for those wanting to venture off the beaten path, offering freedom to explore at their own pace.

When it comes to accommodations, it’s a good idea to book early, especially during the busy summer season. Visitors can find everything from modern hotels to traditional inns and lakeside resorts, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. As for what to pack, Hokkaido’s summer weather can be pretty unpredictable. Light, breathable clothes work well for daytime adventures, but it’s smart to bring along a warm layer or light jacket for those cooler mornings and evenings.

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