Hokkaido Travel Guides

Practical, first-hand guides to Hokkaido — driving, day trips from Sapporo, seasonal events, and food — written by a guide who lives here.

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

Hokkaido Winter Itinerary: 5 Days of Snow, Onsen and Powder

A realistic 5-day Hokkaido winter itinerary: Sapporo's lights and food, Otaru after dark, a proper powder day, and an onsen finish in Noboribetsu. All doable by train.

Published on 8/19/2026

Sapporo Snow Festival: A Local's Guide to Japan's Biggest Winter Event

Everything you need for the Sapporo Snow Festival: when it happens, the three sites (Odori, Susukino, Tsudome), how to beat the crowds, what to wear, and how to book, from a local.

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

Winter Driving in Hokkaido: An Honest Guide from a Local

Should you drive in Hokkaido in winter? An honest local guide: winter tires, black ice, whiteouts, how to plan routes and times, and when to take the train instead.

Published on 8/19/2026

Things to Do in Sapporo in December: Christmas Markets & Illuminations

What's happening in Sapporo in December: the German Christmas Market, White Illumination, fireworks, Santa events, and cozy winter activities, updated every year.

Published on 11/30/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in November: Events & Illuminations

What's happening in Sapporo in November: white illuminations, early Christmas markets, campus ginkgo lights, zine fairs, skating rinks, and more seasonal picks, updated every year.

Published on 10/31/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in October: Autumn Foliage & Halloween

Discover the top events in Sapporo in October, from autumn foliage festivals and jazz performances to marathons and Halloween celebrations, updated every year.

Published on 9/30/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in September: Autumn Fest & Fireworks

Explore the best events in Sapporo in September, from autumn festivals and fireworks to cultural exhibitions and markets across Hokkaido, updated every year.

Published on 9/1/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in August: Fireworks & Summer Festivals

Explore the best events in Sapporo in August, from fireworks festivals and traditional dances to marathons and cultural exhibitions, updated every year.

Published on 7/31/2025

Free Sapporo Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes & Hidden Gems

Download our FREE Sapporo food guide! Discover the best seafood, sushi, ramen, soup curry, and vegetarian spots, plus exclusive tips for travelers. Book a paid tour for a deeper Hokkaido experience!

Published on 5/15/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in July: Beer Gardens & Fireworks

Explore the best events in Sapporo in July, from beer gardens and vibrant summer festivals to firework displays and cultural nights, updated every year.

Published on 6/30/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in June: Yosakoi & Summer Festivals

Discover the best events in Sapporo in June, from the energetic Yosakoi Soran Festival to the Hokkaido Shrine Festival, flower festivals, and more, updated every year.

Published on 5/31/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in May: Ramen Show & Tulip Festival

Discover the best events in Sapporo in May, from the Sapporo Ramen Show to the Tulip Festival, Jingisukan Festival, and more spring highlights, updated every year.

Published on 4/30/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in April: Cherry Blossoms & Spring Festivals

Explore the best events in Sapporo in April, from cherry blossom viewing to the Camping Car Festival, Spring Festival, and more seasonal picks, updated every year.

Published on 3/31/2025

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: History, Forecast, and Best Spots

When and where to see cherry blossoms in Japan: typical bloom timing for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, plus Hokkaido's late April to May season, when Sapporo, Hakodate, and Matsumae bloom weeks after the rest of the country.

Published on 3/21/2025

Hokkaido Autumn Road Trip: Best Self-Drive Routes and Tips

The best self-drive routes in Hokkaido during autumn: Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Furano, Daisetsuzan, and Shiretoko, with key stops, drive times, and practical tips.

Published on 9/15/2024

Vegan Food in Japan: Plant-Based Dining from Sapporo to Tokyo

Discover vegan food in Japan with this friendly guide! From vegan restaurants in Sapporo to Indian vegan options across Tokyo and beyond, explore dining tips, costs, and top picks for your vegan travel adventure.

Published on 3/22/2025

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

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

Driving License Translation for Japan: A Practical Guide

Are you French, German, Belgian, or Swiss and want to drive in Japan? Learn how to get a driving license translation via the JAF, the process, costs, and why using our service lets you hit the road right away, especially in Hokkaido.

Published on 3/25/2025

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.

Published on 3/11/2025

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

A Day Trip from Sapporo to Noboribetsu: Your Simple Guide

Noboribetsu is an easy day trip from Sapporo: about 70 to 80 minutes by JR limited express to Japan's most famous onsen town. How to get there, what to do in Hell Valley, and where to soak and eat, from a Sapporo local.

Published on 3/11/2025

Skiing and Snowboarding in Sapporo: Hokkaido’s Best Resorts

Ready to hit the slopes in Sapporo? Discover the best skiing and snowboarding at Teine, Otaru Tenguyama, Kokusai, Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Bankei, and Moiwa, with details on reservations, times, prices, and tips for an epic Hokkaido winter adventure.

Published on 3/12/2025

How to Get from Tokyo to Sapporo: A Friendly Travel Guide

Flying takes about 1.5 hours and is usually cheapest. The Shinkansen route takes around 8 hours. A local's honest comparison of every way to get from Tokyo to Sapporo, with costs, times, and overnight options.

Published on 3/12/2025

The Best Cafes in Sapporo: Retro Finds and English-Friendly Spots

Explore the best cafes in Sapporo, from retro Showa-era spots to English-friendly cafes with Wi-Fi and great value. Perfect for travelers and digital nomads seeking a timeless break.

Published on 3/19/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in March: Doll's Festival & Early Spring

Discover the best events in Sapporo in March, from the Doll's Festival to baseball games, outdoor festivals, and more early-spring activities, updated every year.

Published on 3/11/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in February: Snow Festival & Winter Events

Explore the top events in Sapporo in February, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, ski jumping, puppet shows, and more winter activities, updated every year.

Published on 3/11/2025

Things to Do in Sapporo in January: New Year & Winter Festivals

Discover the best events in Sapporo in January, from New Year's Day celebrations to winter sports, snow candle festivals, and more seasonal picks, updated every year.

Published on 3/11/2025

Traduction de Permis de Conduire pour le Japon : Guide Pratique

Vous êtes Français, Allemand, Belge ou Suisse et voulez conduire au Japon ? Découvrez comment obtenir une traduction de permis de conduire via la JAF, les démarches, coûts et pourquoi passer par nous pour rouler dès votre arrivée, notamment à Hokkaido.

Published on 3/25/2025