Creator: Tsuguaki Abe

Tokyo has Shinjuku. Osaka has Dotonbori. And Sapporo has Susukino, its electric heart. Hokkaido’s capital hums with energy and is packed with restaurants, snug izakayas, and a central square lit ablaze with glowing neon signs and looping billboards of giant beer mugs being poured on repeat.

We asked photographer Tsuguaki Abe to share his take on why this slice of Sapporo is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

Tsuguaki Abe Says:
"I visited Sapporo in mid-February, and even though it was sub-zero, I didn’t feel too cold, thanks to the city’s fantastic underground passages that let you move around without being exposed to the elements. The streets were very well maintained, with the snow cleared from the sidewalks, making it easy to walk around even at night.

I took these photos around 11 pm after dinner, it was a quick 30-minute shoot since I had enjoyed a bit too much sake. The streets were quieter at that hour, which is great if you prefer a more serene atmosphere like I do. However, if you want to capture the more vibrant, flashy side of Susukino, I’d recommend going earlier in the evening, around 9 p.m., when the lights are still bright and the crowds are more active.

Sapporo has become a very popular destination, and I noticed many more tourists compared to my last visit. Booking a good, centrally-located hotel was a bit of a challenge. And while I usually enjoy local delicacies at family-owned restaurants, I couldn’t get into my first choice without a reservation. So, I’d recommend booking ahead, especially in peak travel seasons. Despite that small hiccup, Sapporo is an amazing city with superb food, friendly people, and excellent public transport."

Best Time to Visit:
To replicate this composition, make your way to COCONO Terrace after dark and go to the right side of the terrace.

Creator: Ai

In Hokkaido, you don’t have to wait for Christmas to escape to a place that feels straight out of a storybook. Ningle Terrace is a popular Furano attraction, set inside a forest and lined with timber cabins, each glowing with warm lights and dusted in snow from late November through February.

The whole place is charming and enjoyed by all types of visitors, but couples will love it for the ready-made holiday photo ops. Between late autumn and early spring, the log cabins function as photogenic backdrops and also unique craft shops. You’ll find everything from handmade candles to leather goods to offbeat design pieces. Just note that photography inside the shops isn’t allowed, and the prices lean high.

Cold bites once the sun dips, so winter visitors must bring gloves, a thermal layer, and something windproof.

Getting there on your own can be a hassle. Driving is the most straightforward option, but several well-reviewed tours in Furano include a stop here, giving you enough time to walk the trail and shoot photos without feeling rushed.

Best Time to Visit:
Open 24/7, but it’s best after dark during winter when the snow and lights are out, or in late autumn when the trail glows with fiery momiji.

Creator: miki_photo1616

As if the soft periwinkle haze of Hinode Park’s lavender fields wasn’t reason enough to visit, Kami-Furano ups the enchantment each year with a glittering fireworks display that lights up the summer sky.

The next show is scheduled for July 12, 2025, with fireworks set to go off at 7:45 PM.

Our favorite spot to watch would be from the observation deck at the Hinode Park stage. Check the Lavender Festival’s official page for any updates closer to the date.

We caught up with photographer Miki, who made the trip last year to capture the sky that cracked and sparkled above the sea of lavender blooms.

Miki Says:
"This summer's trip to Hokkaido was a tandem tour (two-person motorbike trip) with my husband on a large motorbike.

Every year, we visit Hokkaido to escape the scorching heat of Osaka's summers. This summer, the whole of Japan was extremely hot, and while the highest temperature in Hokkaido is usually around 25 degrees, when we visited in July, the temperature was over 30 degrees, the same as in Osaka, making it unbearable for motorbike riders. Nevertheless, the majestic land of Hokkaido is still beautiful, and the breathtaking scenery is enough to make you forget the heat. This time, I'll be on a whirlwind trip of just one night, so I'll be riding my bike to Biei and Furano.

My hobby is photography, so my aim this time is to see this event, the Kamifurano Lavender Festival. At the opening ceremony, fireworks will be set off right in front of the vast lavender fields that are lit up in the evening. I can't miss this rare combination of fireworks on a lavender field! So I'm excited and head off on my bike.

In Hokkaido, you don't often meet people while riding your bike, but when you arrive at your destination, there are so many people gathered to watch the fireworks! It makes you wonder where you all have been. lol

Hinode Park is a small mountain that becomes a ski resort in the winter, so the lavender planted on the vast slope is the most impressive of all the lavender fields in Hokkaido.
The photo was taken during the magic hour just after sunset, so the sky was still blue and the fireworks exploded just as the lavender and sky were bathed in a world of blue. It was a dreamlike scene.

Of course, I prepared a tripod and took photos with long exposure, but I made the mistake of leaving my remote control at the accommodation where I checked in, so I wasn't able to take spectacular photos of the fireworks. But I hope I was able to convey the atmosphere."

Best Time to Visit:
During the next display on July 12, 2025, 7:45 PM

Creator: Miki

The lone Christmas tree of Biei is as picturesque as it is melancholic. Standing tall in a sea of white during winter, with soft snowflakes floating down, and surrounded by endless green in summer, this single cypress has the classic shape of a Christmas tree. Plus, its upper branches even form a subtle star.

It may be standing alone, but right across from it, you'll find a stream of camera-wielding locals, all hoping to snap their own shot of the famed attraction.

There are no signs leading up to it, but once you're nearby, it's hard to miss.

Weekends bring waves of tourist buses, and the crowds can get heavy. So go during a weekday morning to get the shot with fewer crowds.

Be careful not to trespass on the nearby private farmland, and only park on the roadside in the designated area.

Miki Says:
"This spot is located in Bibaushi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido.

You can take beautiful photos of the fields and trees no matter what season you visit, but some roads are closed in winter.
Also, there are no parking lots, so you need to be careful of passing cars."

Best Time to Visit:
Summer or winter weekdays

Creator: Tone

Less than an hour from Sapporo by car lies the small but stylish harbor city of Otaru. Spend the day wandering along photogenic canals, resting your legs in cozy eateries, snacking on desserts that are almost too cute to eat, and sipping generous pours of sake, local gin, or craft beer.

If you’re skipping the booze, there are plenty of excellent coffee spots worth ducking into, and a chance to pick up locally made glassware while you're at it.

Otaru has a European vibe and every winding, lantern-lit street offers a great photo op, but creator Tone has a personal favorite.

Tone Says:
"The location of the photo was the Otaru Canal, famous for its beautiful brickwork and retro atmosphere. I took the photo on a bridge over the canal. I couldn't use a tripod, so I took the photo handheld. It was evening, and I was waiting for a boat to come to this spot."

Best Time to Visit:
Sunset walks during summer or winter nights

Creator: Tone

Just outside Sapporo is Lake Shikotsu, a drop-dead gorgeous caldera lake formed over 40,000 years ago.

Tucked inside a national park and encircled by the towering mountains of Hokkaido, it’s a spectacular spot to see Mother Nature in all her glory.

Expect to spend a few hours exploring and taking in the lakefront, and in colder months, ending with a soak in the Bijin-Yu hot springs.

From April to November, there are Underwater Tour Boats with see-through windows at the bottom to snap otherworldly photos of the aquatic life of Lake Shikotsu.

The best times to visit are autumn, when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold, or winter when the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival transforms the area into a surreal frozen landscape.

Tone Says:
"Lake Shikotsu has extremely clear water, which stands out, especially on sunny days.
I went to take this photo in early summer when the water looked emerald green."

Best Time to Visit:
April to November

Creator: Sho

We challenge you to find a parking lot more picturesque than the Aikawa Viewpoint.

Head to Kimobetsu Town to capture the seemingly endless road that leads straight to Mount Yotei, rising like a deity at the end of the frame.

Once a local secret, the spot has gained serious popularity in recent years.

Just a heads-up: traffic can get busy. Stay in the parking area and avoid stepping onto the road to get your shot.

The best time to shoot? Sunset—when golden light floods the valley and Mount Yotei glows in the distance. For snow-capped peaks, visit during the winter months.

Sho Says:
This photo was taken in April 2024. I traveled all the way to this location to capture the beautiful sight of Mt. Yotei with its remaining snow and the sunset

Best Time to Visit:
4-5 PM during winter

Hit these seven spots on your next Hokkaido trip and make your Instagram shine.

Between shaking off deep slumber, digging into hearty mountain vegetables, and winding down in the tatami rooms of your onsen hotel, you’ll likely fill your camera roll from morning to night without even trying.