12 Best Places to Visit for Hokkaido Summer Trips

Unlike Japan's humid mainland, Hokkaido in summer feels fresh, colorful, and alive: endless lavender fields swaying in the breeze, fireworks glowing over a calm lake, and mountain trails leading into the clouds. For your refreshing Japan tour, here are the best places to visit in Hokkaido during the summer.

Where to Go in Hokkaido in Summer

• For colorful flowers & lavender fields: Furano & Biei
• For summer festival atmosphere: Sapporo, Hakodate, Noboribetsu
• For outdoor activities & natural adventures: Shiretoko Peninsula, Daisetsuzan & Akan-Mashu National Park
• For lakeside relaxation: Lake Toya, Otaru, Kushiro
• For hot springs and wellness: Noboribetsu, Niseko
• For family trips & local culture: Asahikawa, Sapporo, Obihiro

Check more details about what to see and do below for each destination and see why it deserves a spot on your Hokkaido summer itinerary.

Furano - Lavender Paradise

• Best for: Flower lovers, photographers, couples, family visitors
• How to get there: About 2 hours by car from Sapporo, or a 1.5-hour train ride from Asahikawa
• How many days to stay: 1 to 2 days

Furano is synonymous with lavender fields in Hokkaido. Come July, the gentle slopes turn into a purple sea, filling the air with a sweet, calming fragrance.

The most famous attraction is Farm Tomita, where you can wander through vast fields of lavender, dahlias, and poppies, and rest with lavender-flavored ice cream and cafe - it's not just a treat for the eyes.

Furano is also a hub for outdoor activities in summer. Cycling through the flower-lined countryside and exploring local wineries and farmhouses are all popular. The gentle pace and open landscapes make Furano a relaxing and picturesque stop - no wonder it's one of the best places to visit in Hokkaido in summer.

Note: July (the peak season) weekends can get very busy. Arrive early in the morning or make a weekday visit for fewer people and better photo spots.

Farm Tomita in Furano

Biei - Town of Beautiful Hills

• Best for: Scenic drives, cycling, nature photography, couples, and slow travelers
• How to get there: 40 minutes by car from Furano or Asahikawa
• How many days to stay: 0.5 to 1 days

Another best summer place to visit in Hokkaido with flowers is Biei (just neighboring Furano), which offers a more tranquil gateway for your slow travel through its rolling hills and patchwork landscapes.

You can rent a bicycle to cross the wide open Shikisai-no-Oka flower garden, which blooms with over 30 different types of flowers from June to September, or drive along Panorama Road and Patchwork Road to capture the endless fields in every shade of green, yellow, and red.

Summer highlights in Biei also include the Blue Pond (Aoiike), featuring turquoise waters that shimmer against a backdrop of white birch trees - an iconic sight you've probably seen on postcards.

Note:

• Taking advantage of the rental bike is one of the best ways to enjoy the sprawling outdoor area of Biei.
• For Blue Pond sightseeing, clear mornings are usually the best time to capture that iconic turquoise-blue color.

Asahikawa - Gateway of Flower Fields

• Best for: Families, zoo lovers, stopover before Furano and Biei
• How to get there: 2 hours by train or car from Sapporo
• How many days to stay: 1 day

If you're exploring central Hokkaido, Asahikawa makes a perfect stop between Furano and Biei, a destination easy to pair sightseeing with some city comforts.

Summer here is relaxed yet full of charm: think wide streets, local cafes, and a city that feels small enough to explore on foot, especially the Chuo-dori for small shops, flower-lined streets, and ice cream stands offering seasonal flavors.

Among the top Hokkaido attractions, families will love Asahiyama Zoo, where you can watch penguins "walk" past glass tunnels or seals perform playful dives. For more seasonal things to do in Hokkaido, the Asahikawa Summer Festival in late July fills the streets with parades, fireworks, and lively food stalls serving local favorites, such as Asahikawa ramen.

Note: Make an early arrival if the penguins' walk is on your to-do list.

Penguins in Asahikawa Zoo

Sapporo - For Summer Festivals

• Best for: Festival-goers, food lovers, first-time visitors
• How to get there: About 1 hour by car or train from New Chitose Airport
• How many days to stay: 2 to 3 days

While many travelers use Sapporo simply as a gateway to Hokkaido's mountains and flower fields, this capital city is actually one of the best places to visit in Hokkaido in summer, coming alive with festivals and vibrant city energy. Take it as a lively start to your trip or the perfect base to recharge after long day excursions.

Join the bustling Sapporo Summer Festival (mid-July to mid-August), enjoy refreshing craft beer, grilled seafood, and authentic local specialties while admiring traditional dances and taiko performances spread across Odori Park.

For more classic things to do in Hokkaido, slurp down a bowl of Sapporo miso ramen or wander through Nijo Market for fresh crab and sashimi after days spent outdoors - Sapporo is more than just a stopover.

Note: Festival events can also be found at Tanukikoji Shopping Street (Tanuki Festival) and Sapporo Station (Hokkaido Bon Odori).

Noboribetsu - Hell Valley Hot Springs

• Best for: Hot spring & volcanic landscape lovers, families, cultural explorers
• How to get there: 1.5 hours by train from Sapporo
• How many days to stay: 1 day

Famous as Hokkaido's top onsen town, Noboribetsu is also a top summer place to visit in Hokkaido, offering relaxation surrounded by dramatic steam vents and sulfurous streams.

For nature lovers, hiking trails around Jigokudani (Hell Valley) open up in the warmer months, ideal for exploring lush forests and crater lakes before soaking your feet in the mineral-rich Oyunuma hot spring.

Families and culture lovers looking for more top things to do can head to Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a theme park that recreates the atmosphere of Japan's samurai era with performances, ninja shows, and traditional crafts.

Note: Don't miss the quirky demon statues scattered through the Jigokudani hot spring town, part of local folklore and a good-luck charm.

Jigokudani, Hell Valley

Lake Toya - Fireworks Over the Water

• Best for: Fireworks, kid-friendly activities, relaxation seekers, and easy outdoor adventures
• How to get there: 2 hours by car from Sapporo, or a 1-hour drive from Noboribetsu
• How many days to stay: 1 to 2 days

The serene volcanic caldera lake of Toyako strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and light adventure, making it one of the most popular family-friendly places to visit in Hokkaido in summer.

Summer is a fantastic time to take a leisurely boat cruise on its crystal-clear waters, explore the surrounding hot spring towns, or hike up Mount Usu, an active volcano offering panoramic views of the lake.

What makes summer extra special here is the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival, held nightly from late April to October. Imagine sitting by the lake after dinner (or without even leaving your hotel balcony) while colorful fireworks burst over the water - it's one of the most romantic experiences in Hokkaido.

Note: Nightly fireworks shows usually start around 8:45 pm and last about 20 minutes.

Niseko - Laid-Back Holiday Escapes

• Best for: Outdoor adventurers, luxury travelers, families
• How to get there: 2 hours by car from Sapporo
• How many days to stay: 1 to 2 days

When you hear Niseko, winter skiing probably comes to mind, but in summer, it transforms into one of Hokkaido's most laid-back holiday escapes. Think of it as a mountain resort where you don't have to rush, days roll slowly, filled with fresh air, gentle adventures, and plenty of good food.

You can enjoy easy activities like river rafting (gentle enough for kids), cycling through farmland, or picking strawberries and cherries at nearby orchards, then soak in an outdoor onsen with mountain views or spend an afternoon at a stylish café tucked away in the greenery.

Finally, return to your spacious lodge or villa where a farm-to-table dinner is paired with Hokkaido wine - just slow down and unwind the resort-town vibe with both nature and comfort.

Note:

• Mt. Yotei (Hokkaido's Mt. Fuji) hiking is another top thing to do during your summer visit.
• Summer is the low season in Niseko - just take advantage of the empty attractions and affordable hotel prices.

Otaru - Romantic Day Trip from Sapporo

• Best for: Foodies, history buffs, romantic travelers
• How to get there: 50 minutes by car from Sapporo
• How many days to stay: 0.5 to 1 days

If you're looking for a charming day trip from Sapporo, Otaru is the top place to visit in Hokkaido in summer - small enough to explore in a day, yet full of warm, relaxing, and delightfully local.

Picture strolling along the historic canal, the sunlight reflecting off the water and old brick warehouses, with ice cream in hand, and the gentle sea breeze keeping you cool, or take an evening canal-side walk, or grab a bench at a café to watch the sunset paint the sky over the harbor.

Families will enjoy making their own glass souvenirs or trying hands-on music box experiences, and food lovers won't be disappointed - fresh sushi, seafood bowls, and seasonal treats like Otaru cream puffs make every stop delicious.

Note: Don't forget to make those DIY activity reservations ahead of time - or contact us for your carefree summer trip through Hokkaido.

Otaru Canal in Hokkaido in Summer

Hakodate - History & Charming Seaside

• Best for: History enthusiasts, couples, night-view lovers
• How to get there: 3.5 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo, or 4 hours by train from Sapporo
• How many days to stay: 2 days

The sea breeze keeps this southern city pleasantly cool, perfect for wandering along the old red-brick warehouses or hopping on the vintage streetcar that rattles through town.

Summer in Hakodate is all about slow mornings at the Hakodate Morning Market: watch locals banter while you dig into a bowl of fresh uni or squid straight from the sea. Kids will love the quirky squid fishing game at the market, while couples can sneak away to Motomachi's sloping streets lined with old Western-style houses.

And then comes the showstopper: Hakodate's night view from Mount Hakodate. On a clear summer night, the lights of the city sparkle against the bay like a jewel box. Add in the Hakodate Port Festival in early August, with its famous squid dance, and you've got yourself a summer trip that feels both local and unforgettable.

Note: Hakodate Port Festival also features a grand fireworks display on the first night.

Daisetsuzan National Park - Roof of Hokkaido

• Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts
• How to get there: About a 50-minute car drive from Asahikawa
• How many days to stay: 1 to 2 days

Also known as the Roof of Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan, the largest national park in Hokkaido, transforms it into a summer paradise for hikers, with alpine flowers blooming across high plateaus and trails leading to dramatic peaks like Mt. Asahidake.

The Asahidake Ropeway, which whisks you up to panoramic viewpoints without the need for strenuous climbing, is perfect for families or travelers who want the mountain experience with minimal effort. For more active try, trails from the ropeway lead to flower-filled alpine meadows and gentle summit hikes.

Wildlife spotting is part of the fun: deer, pika, and various birds are common in summer, so keep your camera ready.

Note: After a day of exploring, relax at nearby onsen or lodges to soak tired muscles in the mineral-rich waters.

Akan-Mashu National Park - Lakes & Indigenous Culture

• Best for: Nature photographers, hikers, cultural explorers
• How to get there: About 1 hour by car from Daisetsuzan, or a 45-minute drive from Kushiro Airport
• How many days to stay: 1 to 2 days

It is one of the best summer places for adventure in Hokkaido. Akan-Mashu National Park's star attractions are crystal-clear caldera lakes, steaming volcanic vents, and indigenous Ainu culture, offering a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural discovery.

Summer is the perfect time to explore Lake Mashu, where water shimmers like glass, framed by steep cliffs. Nearby Lake Akan combines natural beauty with local Ainu heritage. You can enjoy easy lakeside walks, see special marimo, traditional crafts, and learn about Ainu legends at the small museums along the shore.

Outdoor enthusiasts can try canoeing, gentle hiking, or cycling around the lakes, while still keeping the pace relaxed enough for kids or senior travelers.

Note: Public transport during the summer season can be infrequent. Consider car rental, or plan your summer trip with Odynovo, including private car service with an experienced driver for your carefree visit.

Shiretoko Peninsula - Raw & Untamed Wide

• Best for: Adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and hikers who want to escape the crowds
• How to get there: Around 1.5 hours by car from Lake Akan, or fly to Memanbetsu Airport and drive 1.5 hours
• How many days to stay: 2 to 3 days

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shiretoko Peninsula is where Hokkaido shows its untamed side, an ideal summer gateway for hikers and nature enthusiasts to delve into its mountains, forests, coastline, and raw wilderness.

Start your day with a cruise along the rugged coastline, where you might spot brown bears fishing, eagles soaring overhead, or dolphins playing in the waves. Summer is also the best time for kayaking and fishing, with long daylight hours to enjoy the untouched beauty.

For those who prefer to stay on land, the Shiretoko Five Lakes trail offers an easy yet breathtaking hike - boardwalks make it accessible for families while still giving that "deep in nature" feeling.

Note: Pack a light jacket and sturdy shoes, as mornings can be cool and the terrain occasionally uneven.

Plan Your Summer Trip to Hokkaido With Odynovo

Hokkaido in summer is all about variety. You can spend one day wandering through lavender fields, the next climbing mountain trails, and the following evening enjoying fireworks by the lake. It's the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all wrapped in cool, refreshing summer weather. Ready to experience it for yourself? Contact us and let Odynovo help you plan the perfect Hokkaido summer getaway, tailored to the best summer places, exactly to what you love most.