10 Best Hokkaido Attractions for Nature Lovers

Whenever we think of Japan, the top destinations that always come to mind are Tokyo and Osaka. But did you know there’s more to Japan than these cities? It’s also brimming with nature! Besides Mount Fuji, there’s also the magnificent island of Hokkaido.

In the northern isle lies a treasure trove of nature. Hokkaido is jam-packed with snow-capped mountains in winter, lavender fields in summer, and natural hot springs all year round. Nature lovers can enjoy skiing, trekking, and many other activities in the great outdoors!

Sounds like your kind of vacay? Prep your cams and prepare to be wowed by these top 10 tourist attractions in Hokkaido!

You may have seen ponds in your hometown, but never one this blue! The Shirogane Blue Pond is among the most visited attractions in Hokkaido, with its jaw-dropping sapphire-colored pond formed from the eruption of Mount Tokachi in 1989. The Blue Pond reflects different shades of blue every season, so locals and nature trippers flock here to admire the changing scenery.

A four-minute drive from Shirogane Blue Pond, the Shirahige Waterfall is another incredible natural wonder you have to see in Hokkaido. Called by locals the “White Beard Waterfall” for its snow-white curtain of water, this destination offers an impressive view. The scene is even more spectacular during winter as frost-encrusted trees and icicles crown the falls.

How many chances do you have to witness the unspoiled beauty of Lake Toya? Inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya awaits. It’s well known as the lake that never freezes even during icy cold winters. You can enjoy plenty of activities around the area while drinking in the gorgeous sight. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, and soaking in natural hot springs. Nearby, you can even find the active volcano, Mount Ushi, which last erupted in 2000.

If you’re traveling during autumn, one of the absolute best places to visit in Hokkaido is Hoheikyo Dam. Part of the elite group of the “Top 100 Lake Dams” by the Forestry Agency, Hoheikyo Dam rocks a natural landscape filled with blue lakes, lush mountains, and a forest full of maple trees. When you visit during autumn, you’ll be surrounded by red, orange, and yellow-colored leaves — a truly tranquil experience.

Still, if you’re keen on experiencing thrills while out in nature, a trip to the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a must! This top Hokkaido attraction is the best place to ski down the slopes, get hot choco, and go on an exhilarating gondola ride, which gives you aerial views of Otaru Port, Jozankei Shrine, and many other jaw-dropping sights.

Let your motto be “seas the day” when you’re at Cape Kamui, famed for its iconic rock that juts out from the middle of the ocean. By trekking the winding Charenka’s Path, a 20-minute walking trail, you’ll be treated to vistas of the Sea of Japan and its horizons. Along the way, you’ll also encounter Hokkaido’s native flower, ezokanzo, in full bloom during the summer season.

With the nickname “the playground of the gods,” it’s no surprise that Daisetsuzan National Park is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Hokkaido — and it’s all thanks to its lush forests where brown bears and deers lurk around. It’s nestled between the towering mountains of Tomuraushi and Ishikari, so you can enjoy loads of challenging hikes. Consequently, it’s also the first place in Japan where autumn visits, so why not make this pit stop on your Hokkaido trip?

Tomita Farm is perhaps the dreamiest destination out of all Hokkaido attractions. With its sprawling five-hectare lavender field, you and your significant other (or friend!) can frolic around the fields and spend a romantic day together. Explore the Traditional Lavender Field with Mount Tokachi as the backdrop, the Lavender Forest Field with its gorgeous hilltop, and the Sakiwaki Field, home to over four types of lavender. Besides the purple plants, you’ll also find hyacinth and red poppies, thus transporting you into the vibrant world of flowers.

Animal lovers will also love peeking into Japan’s diverse animal kingdom with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo. This zoological garden outside Asahikawa City is one of a kind, having animal encounters that put you right among the animals. The zoo features glass domes inside the animal enclosures, allowing you to get up close and personal with polar bears and (now extinct) wolves. There’s also a Penguin Walk every winter for penguin lovers to see ‘em strut.

The last Hokkaido nature attraction is quite bizarre as it involves snow monkeys and hot springs. In the Nagano prefecture lies the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you’ll encounter over 160 Japanese macaques gathering and soaking in an onsen ( natural hot springs).

The Land of the Rising Sun awaits with its vast plains and one-of-a-kind experiences! Whether you’re hoping to visit Hokkaido or the bustling city of Tokyo, find more things to do with Klook!