Free Hokkaido Travel Guides

Practical, no-fluff resources for exploring Hokkaido — driving, day trips, food, and local know-how.

Popular Guides

3 Days in Hokkaido: A Local's Itinerary (No Car Needed)

A realistic 3-day Hokkaido itinerary from a Sapporo local: one day for the city, one for Otaru, and one for Noboribetsu's onsen (or skiing in winter). All of it by train.

Published on 8/19/2026

Best Time to Visit Hokkaido: A Local's Season-by-Season Guide

When should you visit Hokkaido? A local's season-by-season breakdown: powder snow in January, lavender in July, the earliest autumn colors in Japan, and the months to think twice about.

Published on 8/19/2026

Renting a Car in Hokkaido: Everything You Need to Know

How to rent a car in Hokkaido as a foreigner: the documents you need (IDP or license translation), real costs, ETC toll cards, winter driving, one-way fees, and parking, all from a local.

Published on 3/23/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo: A Friendly Guide to Hokkaido’s Capital

Discover the best things to do in Sapporo, from the Snow Festival and Mount Moiwa views to Hokkaido Jingu and miso ramen. Plan your Hokkaido travel with this guide to top attractions and seasonal highlights.

Published on 3/23/2025

A Day Trip from Sapporo to Otaru: A Local's Simple Guide

Plan a perfect day trip from Sapporo to Otaru with this guide. Discover the Otaru Canal, seafood spots, and more, plus our Hokkaido Day Trips option.

Published on 3/11/2025

How to Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo: A Simple Guide

Learn how to travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo with this easy guide. Explore train, bus, taxi, and rental car options, plus the Sapporo Landing Pack for a hassle-free arrival.