Hokkaido is probably the best place to escape Japan’s rainy season in summer. In July it rains practically all over the country, while the heat and high humidity in August can turn your holiday in Japan into a nightmare, almost everywhere you go, but… not in Hokkaido! Besides, airline tickets to Sapporo are reasonably priced, especially when compared to the Shinkansen prices, making Hokkaido in summer a great destination for a short weekend getaway.
Top 5 things to do in summer in Hokkaido, a 4-day itinerary for nature lovers, lots of practical tips and an approximate budget for such a trip. All you need to know to plan a short trip to Hokkaido in summer. Let’s start!
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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER
1. Lavender farms in Furano
If you want to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy Hokkaido’s nature, the famous lavender farms in Furano could be your best choice. The blooming season lasts from the end of June to early August and the peak season falls in mid-late July, when the flowers look most impressive. I travelled in Hokkaido in early July, so I had no choice but to visit the lavender farm for the first time in my life. Not in France, but in Japan. Who would have expected this?
Even if, like me, you prefer wildlife to rows of human-planted flowers, the lavender farms in Furano are still worth a visit. I’ll tell you why.
There is probably no other country in the world where flowers are treated with such attention and respect as in Japan. The delight over the beauty of blooming flowers is an exceptionally Japanese experience. So if you want to experience the real Japan, you should watch both flowers and… Japanese watching the flowers. 🙂 If you travel in Japan in spring, you might see cherry blossoms (hanami), whereas in summer, go to Furano. It is a fantastic place to enjoy the colorful flower beds, the sweet scent of lavender and pleasant weather.
In addition, the vicinity of the majestic Tokachi mountain range makes the farms even more beautiful. Therefore, if you have a little bit more time in Hokkaido, you can do some interesting hikes in the area (a bit of details later in the article). Besides, driving around Furano allow you to get to know Japan in a less touristy – rural version.
Three main lavender farms in Furano
1. Tomita Farm – If you are an average flower lover or have little time, visiting one farm is enough. But visit Tomita Farm then. Opened in 1958, it is the oldest lavender farm in Furano. This is where the purple history in Hokkaido began. It offers all you look for – vibrant purple fields of lavender as well as other colorful flowers, purple lavender ice cream and shops with plenty of souvenirs. The views over the flowers and the Tokachi mountains are delightful. You just need to be aware that Tomita Farm is a popular tourist location, so it can get quite busy.
2. Lavender East (also owned by Tomita) – One of the biggest lavender farms in Japan, 4 km away from the original Tomita Farm. Besides lavender fields, it also has a shop, cafe and observation deck as well as a 15-minute ride on the “Lavender Bus” through the purple fields. Although it remained closed for the visitors during the 2021 season as a prevention of Covid-19 spread, I was still able to see it quite well from the road.
3. Flower Land Kamifurano – I recommend visiting this farm in the second half of July, because earlier flowers may not be “ready” for your visit. This flower land is 10 km from Tomita Farm, on a hill overlooking the Tokachi mountain range and colorful flower fields. During my visit (early July), the flowers had not fully bloomed yet, and the mountains were hidden behind thick clouds. Nevertheless, the delicious melon I tasted at the farm made the drive worthwhile. This part of Hokkaido is famous for its amazing melons!
2. Shirogane Blue Pond
The color of the pond is really impressive. What’s more, surrounding larches and birches make it an almost mystical place. Shirogane Blue Pond is undoubtedly one of a kind, so it is totally worth the 40 min drive from Furano Station (35 km).
What’s interesting, Shirogane Blue Pond has been created artificially. It is a by-product of works on the Biei River completed after the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, an active volcano in Daisetsuzan National Park. This is when the new dam was built to protect the town of Biei from dangerous volcanic mudflows. The unreal blue colour of the pond is caused by the mix of minerals such as colloidal aluminium hydroxide occurring naturally in the water coming from the nearby Shirahige Falls.
Apart from a pleasant stroll around the pond and an obligatory blue ice cream, as it’s probably the only place on Earth where you should go for a blue ice cream, there is not much development in the area. Therefore, no unnecessary distractions – you can enjoy nature, which is awesome!
If you think you’ve seen a blue pond like this before, but have never been to Hokkaido, don’t worry, you’re fine. You are probably just an Apple Mac user. In 2012, Shirogane Blue Pond appeared on one of the Apple computers wallpapers and partly for this reason, the blue pond became so famous.
The pond can be visited all year round, however in summer, it reveals all its charm. No wind, blue skies and green trees makes the blue color even more radiant. This is probably my favorite place, out of all I visited on the island of Hokkaido in summer.
3. Sapporo Beer Museum
“The beer that made Sapporo famous” – it is hard not to agree with this marketing slogan. Sapporo is the oldest brewery in Japan, founded in 1876. Sapporo beer is widely available throughout the country and exported all over the world. Although its current headquarters is located in Tokyo (Ebisu), the beer was first brewed in Sapporo. If you want to learn about beer history, try some beers – for example the delicious Sapporo Classic available only in Hokkaido, enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the historical brewery’s complex, then Sapporo Beer Museum visit is simply a must.
First of all, especially if you live in Japan and miss European architecture’s style, you are going to love the red-brick building, where the museum is located. In addition, the entire brewery’s complex consists not only of the museum, but also the “Star Hall” for beer tasting, museum shop, several restaurants and beer garden. That’s a perfect setup to enjoy your afternoon in Hokkaido in summer.
Secondly, the entrance to the museum is free. Just keep in mind that the information is mostly available in Japanese, which is quite surprising for such a large and well-known tourist attraction. Well, that’s Japan… Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the visit, mainly because of the historical beer posters. Here are some of my favorites.
But what’s the coolest thing about any brewery visit? Beer tasting at the end, isn’t it? The “Star Hall” where you end your museum visit is a beautiful space where you can taste a variety of Sapporo beers. This is where the entire frustration caused by the lack of information in English is gone. Sample of 3 beers cost 800 JPY / 7 USD.
4. The views of Sapporo from Mt. Moiwa
Even if you have already experienced many great views of extraordinary cities, there is something special about the panorama from Mount Moiwa (531 m) that makes it an unforgettable experience. Is it because the view of the city of Sapporo stretches to the horizon endlessly? Or is it the contrast of unspoiled nature and green mountains surrounding the neverending city on the other side? Or maybe the picturesque little white pagoda on top of one of the smaller hills? Probably it’s a little bit of everything
The lovely white stupa is one of 80 Peace Pagodas around the world, built from the Japanese monk’s initiative to promote peace after World War II. The first Peace Pagoda I’ve seen was in Pokhara in Nepal where I got stuck for 8 months during pandemic in 2020. I could see it every day from my balcony. There are many Peace Pagodas in Japan, the first was constructed in Kumamoto, others were built for example in Hiroshima or Nagasaki among others.
But if you want to read more about the Peace Pagoda in the picturesque city of Pokhara click HERE [coming soon].
The view from Mount Moiwa is especially beautiful in the evening. Therefore, it is best to arrive before sunset and wait for the city lights to go on. If you come in summer, your time on the observatory deck will definitely be more pleasant. Nevertheless, in case you come in colder months, you can always go to the lounge area inside the building.
The panoramic round trip ropeway ride to the top of Mount Moiwa costs 1,800 JPY (16 USD) and there is also a hiking path leading to the top of the hill.
5. Camping with sheep & rabbits
Hokkaido in summer is a great place to travel in a campervan or in a tent and staying at the Hoshinitenotodokuoka campground is a great solution. Firstly, it’s hard to carry your own camping gear if you arrive by plane, but this campsite offers comfortable bungalows as well as tents set up and equipment rental. Secondly, if you want to enjoy the city life in Sapporo, it is much better to stay in the center than at a campsite on the outskirts. Consequently, a campervan might not be the best option in Sapporo. Finally, Hoshinitenotodokuoka campground is simply the best because of the… sheep and the rabbits. In fact, you can ignore the first two reasons and concentrate on … sheep and rabbits. 🙂
Have you ever started your day surrounded by amazing nature, with very well-mannered sheep walking lazily by your bungalow and the company of cute rabbits that you can play with endlessly? If yes, did your day end up with a fire and star gazing? If so, you are a winner in life, but if not, just come to the Hoshinitenotodokuoka campsite to become one.
To clarify, the sheep are released to the grassy campsite in the morning while the rabbits are kept in an outdoor enclosure all the time.
Hoshinitenotodokuoka campsite details
Due to the limited amount of the artificial light around Nakafurano, Hoshinitenotodokuoka campsite, by the way, what an easy name to remember :), is famous for its starry skies. Actually, this complicated name of the camping (星に手のとどく丘) has a beautiful meaning and translates into “The hill reaching the stars”.
Moreover, a local specialty – the Mongolian Genghis Khan grill is prepared at the campsite every day – from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. All you need to do is check in before 5 PM and let the staff know you want to come for dinner. This way, you don’t even have to worry about preparing your own meal. Hoshinitenotodokuoka camping is a perfect solution for comfortable campers.:)
In addition, it’s a foreigner friendly place where the staff speaks English. Just remember to book it via the website HERE. Since it fills up pretty quickly during the summer months do it well in advance.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO IN HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER?
Furano Cheese Factory and Furano Winery
Wine and cheese lovers will definitely enjoy Furano. Firstly, Hokkaido milk is known throughout Japan for its excellent quality, so when you are in Hokkaido, be sure to taste the local dairy products. There is no better place than Furano Cheese Factory to taste and buy local cheeses (wine cheddar is my favorite), eat pizza with delicious mozzarella as well as an amazing ice cream made with fresh Furano milk. You can also see the cheese production through the glass window. But honestly, eating is much more enjoyable than watching. What’s best, this yummy food can be enjoyed outdoors, at the picnic table surrounded by beautiful nature.
Secondly, wine production in Furano has a long history, it began in 1972. Currently, the Furano Winery offers many types of wine. The white “Chateau Furano” is my personal favorite. Nevertheless, wine tasting at Furano Winery is a very different experience than those in Europe, Australia or New Zealand. It might sound a bit strange, it’s self service. After inserting a 500 JPY coin into the machine, pour yourself a glass of wine. That’s it, you get no explanation about the wine at all, you can learn a bit from a brochure. But hey, it’s still worth it! You’re in Japan, so why not to try the local wine? Besides, the view from the vineyard is really nice.
Hokkaido Museum (in Sapporo)
If you want to learn more about the history of Hokkaido and its indigenous people oppressed by Japanese rule for centuries – the Ainu, this is the right place for you. Besides, you will be able to learn why the sixth most populous city in Japan (almost 2.7 million inhabitants) has such a short history. I visited Sapporo in July 2021 when the museum was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, but I hope to visit next time.
Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park (from Furano)
Daisetsuzan National Park, located in the center of the island of Hokkaido, consists of three volcanic mountain groups:
- the Tokachi mountains, the nearest from Furano,
- the Daisetsu mountains with the highest peak in Hokkaido – Asahi (2,291 m) and;
- the Shikaribetsu range.
Ryonkaku Onsen (1,270 m) located 40min ~ 30km by car from Furano station is the starting point of many interesting trails in the Tokachi mountains. From here, you can start hiking towards the highest mountain in the Tokachi mountain range, named for a change… Mount Tokachi (2,077 m), as well as towards Mount Furano (1,912 m). Hiking Mount Tokachi takes approximately 7 h (round trip). Since it is an active volcano, volcanic landscapes are guaranteed during this trek. Mount Furano hiking, famous for its rich alpine flora and flowers, takes less time – about 5 h.
4-DAY HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER ITINERARY FOR NATURE LOVERS
Day 1: Arrival to Hokkaido and transfer to Furano
- Evening arrival at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and car rental.
- Transfer to Furano to La Vista Furano Hills Naturals Hot Spring hotel with the onsen.
- If you arrive late, you will not have much time for dinner. I had onigiris (Japanese stuffed rice balls) from Seven Eleven across the street. Well, you can’t say you’ve been somewhere in Japan if you haven’t eaten onigiri there. Besides, it is an integral part of Betiful World! 🙂
Day 2: Visiting lavender farms and Genghis Khan BBQ
- Morning visit to the most famous lavender farm – Tomita Farm.
- Pizza and ice cream at Furano Cheese Factory for lunch. What else do you need to be happy?
- Afternoon visit to the Flower Land Kamifurano. If you have enough flowers for today, you can head towards the town of Biei – nestled among hills and vast plains. Patchwork Road and Panorama Road are said to be pretty areas. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to check it myself.
- Hokkaido’s delicacy for dinner – Genghis Khan BBQ – mutton and vegetables cooked on a cast iron grill – served at Hoshinitenotodokuoka Camping, where you stay overnight. If like me, you don’t eat meat, don’t worry, grilling vegetables is great fun too!
Day 3: One more lavender farm, Blue Pond, Furano Winery and Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo
- Morning – Play time with sheep and bunnies on the campsite. 🙂
- Visit to the Lavender East Farm.
- Drive to Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls and Tokachidake Observatory, back to Furano.
- How about cheese fondue with a beautiful view at Furano Wine House for lunch? It doesn’t sound bad, does it?
- Afternoon visit to Furano Winery.
- Transfer to Sapporo (2h10min ~ 120 km drive). Try to reach Mt. Moiwa before sunset.
- Ropeway ride to the top of Mt.Moiwa.
- You will probably have no time and energy left for a big dinner. Just grab a quick bite. I had cheese I bought at the Cheese Factory.
Day 4: Visiting Sapporo (Odori Park, TV Tower, Nijo Market, Sapporo Beer Museum) & flight back
- Start your day with a light breakfast. I ate a delicious melon Hokkaido is famous for.
- Visiting Odori Park and TV Sapporo Tower Observatory for great views of the city.
- The Nijo Market, which is a smaller version of the Tokyo Tsukiji market, is famous for its seafood, especially crabs.
- Lunchtime – ramen at the famous Ramen Alley in downtown Sapporo – Ganso Ramen Yokocho in Susukino.
- Afternoon visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum, followed by an early dinner at the Beer Garden.
- Transfer to the new Chitose airport for the evening flight to Tokyo.
4-DAY TRIP BUDGET (HOKKAIDO & FURANO)
The approximate cost of my trip in Hokkaido in summer (July 2021) for 2 people, food expenses are not included, was 80,000JPY (~700 USD).
Breakdown:
- Return flights from Tokyo Narita to Sapporo for 2 pax ~ 30.000 JPY (260 USD).
- 3 night accommodation for 2 pax ~ 28.000 JPY (250 USD).
- Car rental from Budget (the smallest size vehicle) ~ 11.000 JPY (100 USD).
- Road toll & petrol ~ 10.000 JPY (90 USD).
Most of the attractions are free and the entrance fee is only required for the Mt. Moiwa ropeway (1,800 JPY / 16 USD) and the Sapporo TV Tower Observatory (800 JPY / 7 USD).
Hopefully after reading this article, even if you are the most avid winter sports enthusiast, who so far considered the second largest island of Japan to be a great winter travel destination only, visiting Hokkaido in summer became an interesting alternative for you. 🙂
HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER: PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Hire a car as it’s the best way to travel in Hokkaido. Just watch out for wildlife when driving in the evening. About 10 deer and a few foxes crossed the road on the 2-hour drive to Furano. The nature of Hokkaido is truly wild! <3
- The famous Ramen Alley in Sapporo (Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho) is a little street full of tiny restaurants serving ramen soup. You’re in Japan, in Sapporo – the birthplace of “Miso Ramen”, so it shouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary, right? Well, some restaurants serve vegetarian ramen, which is quite rare in Japan. What’s more – it is delicious!
- If you travelled or lived in Japan, you know it’s ruled by three convenience store brands – Seven Eleven, Familymart and Lawson. Hokkaido has its own well-developed convenience store chain – Seicomart, which offers many local products. Try it!
- There are two buildings worth visiting in Furano Winery. The Furano Winery, the main wine shop and the cellar with wine aging in barrels, is where you can also taste wine for a small fee (500 JPY / 5 USD). Whereas the Furano Wine House is a restaurant located on a hill (2 min by car from the Furano Winery).
- If you are more of a sweet tooth than a wine lover head to Campana Rokkatei (1 km from the Furano Winery) to enjoy local desserts with stunning views of the vineyards .
And if you are looking for a beach holiday in Japan in summer, check out my Ishigaki guide – “ISHIGAKI ISLAND ON A SCOOTER – A TROPICAL PARADISE IN JAPAN“
