Hokkaido: A Comprehensive Prefecture Guide in Japan

Hokkaido, a place where you can experience nature with your own senses. In this comprehensive prefecture guide, you’ll find information that is useful for tourism and daily life.

Basic Information

Overview of Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned for its vastness and breathtaking natural beauty. This region offers encounters with wildlife, dynamic landscapes, and, particularly in winter, attracts skiing enthusiasts seeking high-quality snow. With numerous hot springs, it’s an ideal place to relax surrounded by nature.

Diverse attractions available across Hokkaido, ranging from the prefectural hub, Sapporo, to the nature havens like Biei and Niseko. The rich food culture includes dairy products and sweets produced from the fertile land, as well as fresh seafood.

Hokkaido is a prefecture where Ainu culture is deeply rooted. The Ainu, an indigenous people who lived in the northern regions of Japan, have their own language and traditional way of life. Efforts to respect and convey Ainu culture continue today, and there are places where you can enjoy Ainu traditional crafts and cuisine as part of the tourism experience.

Location and Access

Located at the northernmost of Japan, Hokkaido is connected to Honshu, the main island, by a tunnel across the strait. New Chitose Airport, offering direct flights to major Asian and domestic cities. For moving around within Hokkaido, consider Japan Railways (JR), buses, or domestic flights.

Access to Tokyo:

• By Plane: Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport to Haneda or Narita Airport.
• By Shinkansen: About 4.5 hours from Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Tokyo Station.

Access to Kyoto:

• By Plane: Around 2 hours from New Chitose Airport to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, then approximately 1 hour by train. Total travel time, including transfers, is about 4.5 hours.

Access to Osaka:

• By Plane: Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport.

Access to Fukuoka:

• By Plane: About 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport to Fukuoka Airport.

Access to Okinawa:

• By Plane: Between 3.5 to 4 hours from New Chitose Airport to Naha Airport.

Climate in Hokkaido

Hokkaido has a subarctic climate with cool temperatures and low humidity. It’s not affected by the rainy season or typhoons like other parts of Japan. The weather can vary depending on the region because Hokkaido is so big, but in general, summers are mild and winters bring heavy, continuous snowfall.

Spring (March-May): Snow persists until April, and the arrival of spring is felt from May.

• Average maximum temperature: 5-15°C
• Average minimum temperature: -5-5°C

Summer (June-August): Daytime temperatures may exceed 30 degrees, but long sleeves are necessary in the mornings and evenings.

• Average maximum temperature: 20-25°C
• Average minimum temperature: 10-15°C

Autumn (September-November): Significant temperature differences between day and night, and frequent rainy days.

• Average maximum temperature: 10-20°C
• Average minimum temperature: 0-10°C

Winter (December-February): Snow falls almost daily, and in January, temperatures remain below freezing even during the day.

• Average maximum temperature: -5-5°C
• Average minimum temperature: -15–5°C

Transportation in Hokkaido

Sapporo, the main city in Hokkaido, has a well-developed transportation system with subways, Japan Railways (JR), and buses. In other cities, JR and buses are the main ways to get around. The roads and cars are prepared for snowy weather, but it’s still important to be cautious. Trains and buses usually run in winter, but they can be delayed or disrupted during heavy snow or blizzards.

Train

Tram

Bus

Buses are less likely to be affected by heavy snow, making them a reliable choice. High-speed buses connect various cities, and ski buses operate in winter, facilitating access to major ski resorts.

Car Rental

Renting a car is convenient for exploring the vast land freely. Many car rental companies provide cars equipped with snow tires, but those unfamiliar with driving in snow should consider using buses or trains.

Living Information

Living Environment

Sapporo, the fifth-populated city in Japan, not only has a well-developed public transportation system but also offers excellent infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, where you can enjoy urban life, while just a short trip will take you to natural parks or hot spring resorts. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, activities like hiking and wildlife watching are available for nature lovers.

Winters can be harsh with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, which can limit outdoor activities and increase heating and utility costs compared to other regions. However, buildings are well-insulated, and heating systems are strong, so you can stay comfortable indoors.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Hokkaido is quite reasonable compared to other major cities in Japan. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sapporo is typically around ¥35,000 to ¥50,000, which is about half the price of Tokyo. Family-sized apartments are available for around ¥70,000 to ¥100,000.

During winter, you’ll likely need to keep the heating on 24/7, which leads to higher utility bills. While there’s a significant difference in costs between summer and winter, you can expect to pay around ¥20,000 per month on average for utilities.

Outside of Sapporo, owning a car is common, so transportation costs can be influenced by petrol prices. With Hokkaido’s thriving agriculture, cooking at home can help keep food costs down. Daily necessities and social expenses are about the same as in other regions. In total, including rent, you can live comfortably for around ¥150,000 per month, making it a great option for those who want an affordable lifestyle surrounded by nature.

Tourist Information

Tourist Attractions

Asahiyama Zoo

Susukino

Biei

Niseko

Otaru Canal

Local Specialties in Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, you can savor the true flavors of local ingredients, including fresh seafood from the sea and dairy products nurtured by fertile land.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Embrace the wonders of nature and exquisite cuisine in Hokkaido, a prefecture trove for all your senses.