Hokkaido is the second-largest island in Japan, with exciting experiences in every season. But if it's your first trip, you might not know where to start.
In this article, we share maps of locations, tourist areas, transportation, and itineraries to help you understand Hokkaido and plan your trip with ease.
Hokkaido's Location Map - Where is Hokkaido in Japan?
Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island, so it's easy to find on a map.
It is far from major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, so you'll need to fly there. On the plus side, it's less crowded with travelers.
Hokkaido Map with Cities
Hokkaido has nine main tourist cities.
If it's your first time in Hokkaido, we recommend visiting Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, and Noboribetsu. These cities highlight the best of Hokkaido, and you can explore them in about a week.
If you want to see more remote hidden gems, head east to Shiretoko, Kushiro, and Abashiri. Because these places are farther away and take more time to reach, we recommend planning a trip of about 14 days.
- Sapporo: The capital and main gateway of Hokkaido. It's famous for its annual Snow Festival, beer, ramen, and lively city life.
- Otaru: A romantic small city with a relaxed feel. You can stroll along its canal and try a glass-making workshop. It is perfect for a day trip from Sapporo.
- Hakodate: A port city in southern Hokkaido. Its night view ranks among the world's top three. The city is also known for fresh seafood and Western-style buildings that blend with Japanese history.
- Asahikawa: The second-largest city in Hokkaido. Asahiyama Zoo is one of the biggest highlights, especially in winter when penguins walk on snowy paths.
- Noboribetsu: It's all about onsens. You can explore the unique volcanic sights of Hell Valley and relax in high-quality hot springs.
- Furano: Known for colorful flower fields in summer and popular ski resorts in winter.
- Abashiri: The best place to see drift ice in winter. In summer, visit the Prison Museum and cycle along the Sea of Okhotsk coast.
- Kushiro: Home to Japan's largest wetland. It is one of the best places to see red crowned cranes in nature.
- Shiretoko: One of Japan's most untouched natural areas. It is perfect for wildlife viewing and hiking in pristine forests.
Hokkaido Attractions Map: By Area
Based on where its main cities are located, Hokkaido is divided into four main tourist regions: the Sapporo area, the historic and cultural south, the nature-rich central region, and the wild east.
1. Sapporo and Nearby Areas: Hokkaido's Central Hub
If you have 3–5 days and can visit only one area, Sapporo and the surrounding places is our top pick!
This area is Hokkaido's main hub and gateway. It includes many of the region's top highlights, is easy to reach, and convenient for flying in and out.
Sapporo also makes a great base for day trips. Within about two hours by car, you can visit the romantic city of Otaru, the hot spring town of Noboribetsu, or the ski resort Niseko
Plus, New Chitose Airport is located in Sapporo. As the main gateway to Hokkaido, most travelers arrive and depart from here.
2. Hakodate and Nearby Areas: History and Fresh Seafood
If you enjoy slow-paced travel, want to explore Japanese history, and taste the freshest seafood, Hakodate and the surrounding area is the perfect destination.
Hakodate is a perfect first stop if you plan to travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido by Shinkansen. Right now, it's the only city in Hokkaido that's directly connected to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
3. Furano and Asahikawa Surroundings: Flower Fields and Mountains
Want to enjoy Hokkaido's natural beauty and outdoor fun? Furano and Asahikawa are perfect choices.
In summer, you can wander through endless flower-covered hills and hike in national parks. In winter, you can hit the top ski resorts and watch penguins strolling along snowy paths.
- Farm Tomita: The best place for seeing lavender. You can also enjoy lavender ice cream and make your own lavender crafts.
- Shikisai-no-Oka: Take a relaxing tractor ride to enjoy colorful flower fields across the hills.
- Asahiyama Zoo: Watch penguins walk through the snow in winter.
4. Eastern Hokkaido: Explore Wild Nature
If this is your second trip to Hokkaido, you want to explore its hidden corners or wild nature, Eastern Hokkaido is the perfect choice.
However, these cities are far from other major tourist spots, and you might spend most of the day traveling to get there. If you plan to explore Eastern Hokkaido, it's best to spend around 14 days in Hokkaido.
If you're unsure how to plan your trip in Hokkaido, we're here to help. Our customized itineraries ensure you see the best of Hokkaido, tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style.
Hokkaido Transportation Map
The most common way to travel to Hokkaido is by plane, as it is quite far. Flights usually take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
If you want to take the Shinkansen to Hokkaido, you can only go as far as Hakodate from Tokyo, since the Shinkansen doesn't reach the rest of the island yet.
Hokkaido Airport Map
Flying is the easiest and fastest way to reach Hokkaido, as it is far from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Hokkaido has three major airports: New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo, Hakodate Airport (CTS) in Hakodate, and Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)in Asahikawa.
- New Chitose Airport: The main hub in Hokkaido, with the most domestic and international flights.
- Hakodate Airport: Flying here makes it easy to explore Hakodate and the surrounding area. But there are only a few direct domestic flights each day, and most stop in Tokyo first.
- Asahikawa Airport: Easy to visit Asahikawa and nearby places like Furano. Flight options are limited, and most routes connect through Tokyo.
Hokkaido Railway Map
Most of Hokkaido's major tourist cities are connected by railway.
But for some places, trains don't go all the way, or you may need to transfer. That's why we recommend using a private car, which can save a lot of travel time.
Hokkaido doesn't have its own Shinkansen lines yet. At present, only one line runs from Tokyo to Hakodate, and it is planned to be extended to Sapporo by 2030.
Hokkaido Itinerary Map: How to Plan Your Hokkaido Trip
If it's your first time visiting Hokkaido, plan at least 5-7 days to explore the region's highlights.
Winter and summer are the best times to visit Hokkaido. Below are two sample itineraries for each season.
1. Winter Itinerary: Snow Activities at Their Best
Skiing in NisekoThis classic winter itinerary lets you enjoy the best of Hokkaido's winter.
Spend 2 days exploring Sapporo, the center of Hokkaido. Then spend a day in Otaru. Enjoy 2 days of skiing in Niseko, one of Japan's top ski resorts. Finish with 1 to 2 days in Noboribetsu for a relaxing hot spring stay.
- Sapporo (2 days): Explore the city and join the Sapporo Snow Festival.
- Otaru (1 day): Try glass-making and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
- Niseko (2-3 days): Ski at Japan's world-class ski resort.
- Noboribetsu (1 day): Explore Hell Valley and relax in hot springs.
2. Summer Itinerary: Enjoy Hokkaido's Flower Fields
Flower fields in FuranoThe highlight of summer in Hokkaido is visiting the beautiful flower fields.
Spend 2 to 3 days in Sapporo, enjoying the summer festival, and take a day trip to Otaru. Then spend a day having water fun at Lake Toya. Try one of Hokkaido's famous ramen in Asahikawa. Finally, spend 2 to 3 days in Furano admiring the flower fields.
- Sapporo (2-3 days): Explore the city with day trips to nearby Jozankei or Otaru.
- Lake Toya (1 day): Admire the volcanic crater lake and watch the summer fireworks in the evening.
- Asahikawa (2 days): Visit the zoo and taste soy sauce ramen.
- Furano (2-3 days): See the vibrant flower fields
Let's Start to Plan Your Hokkaido Trip!
No matter what you want to experience in Hokkaido, our expert Japan travel advisors will customize your trip to fit your needs. We'll take care of everything, including hotels, transportation, and your itinerary. All you need to do is relax and enjoy your trip.
Here are our Hokkaido tours for your inspiration.