Central Hokkaido

Hokkaido's classic region centered on Sapporo: the Otaru Canal, Niseko powder, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu hot springs and Lake Shikotsu.

Central Hokkaido (Doo) is where most Hokkaido visitors go. Centered on Sapporo, it takes in Otaru, Niseko, Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu and Noboribetsu in the Ishikari, Shiribeshi and Iburi areas, and most first Hokkaido trips take place here. Summer highlights are the Otaru Canal, the "Shakotan Blue" coast of the Shakotan Peninsula, the fireworks at Lake Toya and Mt. Usu, and the clear water of Lake Shikotsu. Winter brings the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru's Snow Light Path, and the world-class powder ski resorts of Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro. The Otaru Canal and glass workshops, Noboribetsu's Hell Valley and the Lake Toya hot springs are good all year round. The classic route is the Sapporo–Otaru–Niseko–Lake Toya–Noboribetsu loop, about 4–6 days. To the north, Asahikawa, Biei and Furano officially belong to the Kamikawa area of northern Hokkaido, but are often added from Sapporo to see the lavender fields and Asahiyama Zoo, making 7–9 days in all. New Chitose Airport is the gateway, and JR connects Sapporo, Otaru and Noboribetsu and runs north to Asahikawa; but driving is the most convenient way to link Lake Toya, Niseko and Lake Shikotsu. Roads ice over in winter, so buses and JR are recommended.

Destinations

Itineraries