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Flowers, Beer & More: Hokkaido Summer Driving Itinerary (+ Bonus 6-Day Plan)

Furano / Biei / Sounkyo Other Sightseeing

Hokkaido's northern location brings a refreshing and pleasant climate, even during the hottest summer months. People from other parts of Japan flock to Hokkaido during this season to escape the scorching heat, while local residents take full advantage of the relatively short summer to engage in exciting outdoor activities such as camping and rafting. During this time, Hokkaido's valleys, rivers, and famous flower meadows come alive with vibrant colors, offering a strikingly different experience from the winter wonderland it is commonly associated with. We have enlisted the help of Ching Yu, a Sapporo resident with over 10 years of experience, to recommend an unforgettable six-day self-drive tour for the summer, complete with camping, picnics, rafting, flower viewing, festivals, and everything that makes Hokkaido special. You'll soon realize that discovering fascinating sights, delicious food, and exciting adventures in this charming prefecture during the summer is easier than you might think! Cover picture of Asahigaoka Park in Memanbetsu, Hokkaido courtesy of Ching Yu's Facebook fan group, "A Taiwanese Woman's Hokkaido Life"

Fun Summer Festivals and Events in Hokkaido (June/July/August 2025)

Sapporo / Chitose Summer

Hokkaido’s summer may be short, but it’s packed with exciting festivals and seasonal events. From lively local celebrations to major attractions that draw visitors from across Japan and beyond, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sunshine. This guide, curated by a local writer, highlights must-visit summer events in Hokkaido from June to August! (This article may contain promotions)

Expert-Recommended: 9 Hakodate Hotels Serving Up the Best Breakfasts in Town

Hakodate Hotels

Hakodate, Hokkaido, is famous for hotels that serve incredible breakfasts, with competition so fierce it was once dubbed the "Hakodate Breakfast Wars" on Japanese TV and in magazines! From freshly caught squid—a local specialty—to premium seafood, dairy, meat, and vegetables, each hotel crafts unique morning dishes worth savoring. Hokkaido travel expert Nobuka has personally selected nine hotels known for outstanding breakfasts, based on firsthand visits and guest reviews. With over 15 years of experience and 1,000+ travel articles, Nobuka has stayed in hundreds of hotels and ryokan across Hokkaido. Planning a trip to Hakodate? Don’t miss these top breakfast spots! This article contains promotional content.

Touch the Sky: Enjoy Seasonal Escapes on the Asahidake Ropeway (Hokkaido)

Asahikawa Forests & Mountains

Located in central Hokkaido is Daisetsuzan National Park, one of the largest national parks in Japan, and home to Asahidake, the tallest peak in this mountainous region. The Asahidake Ropeway, positioned halfway up the mountain, provides stunning aerial views of the majestic landscapes and alpine flora. Here, we will introduce a variety of activities available at the popular Asahidake Ropeway, including scenic rides, walks, and local cuisine, to ensure you can experience all the area has to offer, and enjoy your trip to the fullest! This page contains promotional content

Hokkaido Autumn Foliage 2024: 8 Best Places For Fall Leaves & When To See Them (+Tours)

Hakodate Autumn

In Hokkaido, where the average temperature is lower, the autumn leaves reach their peak color earlier than in regions like Kanto and Kansai on the main island of Honshu. In fact, Hokkaido's autumn foliage season typically begins from around mid-September. Here we'll share when you can catch the fall leaves in Hokkaido in all their glory. (This page contains promotional content.)

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