Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost and second largest island. Spending two weeks there provides a great opportunity to see and experience the best on offer when it comes to Japanese culture, history, food, and nature. Here is a sample two-week itinerary for anyone planning a trip to this amazing place:
Day 1 – Day 3: Hakodate
Hakodate is Hokkaido’s third largest city and among its most popular attractions are Onuma Park, which offers majestic views of Mount Komagatake, Onuma Lake, and Konuma Lake; the Edo Period Western-style fortress Fort Goryokaku, an amazing cherry blossom viewing spot thanks to its thousands of cherry trees; and the Morning Market, the best place in the city to find varieties of fresh seafood, such as salmon eggs, crabs, and sea urchins.
Day 4 – Day 7: Sapporo
Every February, Sapporo holds probably the most popular winter festival in Japan, the Snow Festival. During this time, large ice sculptures are featured and displayed at Odori Park and Susukino.
Other highly recommended places to visit are the Historic Village, Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, Shiroi Koibito Park, Okurayama Ski Jump, Mount Moiwa, Clock Tower, Curb Market, and Nijo Market.
Day 7 – Day 9: Otaru
Just half an hour away from Sapporo by train is the small port town of Otaru. Among its most revered attractions is the Snow Light Path Festival every February, when its streets transform into a magical haven of snow statues decorated with lights.
The city has other interesting activities and sights to offer, in particular a tour of the Nikka Whisky Distillery, Canal Area, City Museum, Herring Mansion, and Sakaimachi Street.
Day 10 – Day 14: Abashiri
Situated on Hokkaido’s eastern coast, Abashiri has a wealth of untouched and unspoiled natural beauty to offer.
In winter, you can board a sightseeing boat to see the drift ice in the Okhotsk Sea. The city also has museums, the Northern Peoples Museum and the Prison Museum, both of which provide good insight into the history and lives of the people who used to inhabit this part of the country.
Two popular side trips from Abashiri are Akan National Park, home to three gorgeous, pristine lakes and refreshing hot spring resorts, and Shiretoko National Park, which serves as a sanctuary to brown bears, foxes, rare trees and plants, and other wildlife.
