Best Places to Visit in Hokkaido, Japan During Summer (2023)

Hokkaido is a dream destination for people seeking a more relaxed vacation in Japan.

Japan’s northernmost island is rife with unspoiled lakes, heritage sites, food festivals, and coastal villages. 

Summer reveals nature in full bloom, and is a great time to go sightseeing.

It can also be a pretty busy season too!

So to make your trip planning easier, I’m going to tell you about 5 of the most beautiful places in Hokkaido worth visiting in the summertime.

Whether or not you visit is totally up to you!

Odori Park in Sapporo

Smack dab in the middle of Sapporo, Odori Park is an urban oasis throughout the year—except for winter during the snow festival.

To usher in summer, the community hosts the Hokkaido Shrine Festival and Yosakoi Soran Festival in June.

But if you visit in July, you’ll be greeted by outdoor music events, including the Sapporo City Jazz Festival.

Dotted with flower gardens, the park is a lovely place for strolling with a beer in hand and a camera in the other.

From Sapporo TV Tower’s observation, you can also walk towards its eastern end to see the park and its surrounding cities in full glory. 

Are you a shopaholic? (it’s ok I won’t tell :)) Did you know there’s an underground shopping area?

You can meet the vendors underground, or make a detour to the Tanuki Shopping Arcade and the Daiso 100-Yen Store just nearby.

Address: 7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (see map)

Otaru Canal in Otaru

From the JR Otaru Station, go on a short 10-minute walk to the charming canal in Otaru.

Built-in the 1920s to support trade by boat to Hokkaido, the port is famously photographed for its old-world bridges, stone warehouses, and peaceful canal. 

Summer mornings make the reflections in the water pronounced, and you can admire its beauty aboard the Otaru Canal Cruise, complete with stories by the boat crew.

Although I don’t see why you should pass up on a relaxing walk along the riverside, too!

Come early to beat the crowds, or experience it in the evening with your date.

The antique gas lamps light up the otherwise lonely canal, restaurants, and souvenir stores—painting a romantic movie-like scene. 

Drop by the Canal Plaza for a tourism guide or check out the specialty goods and café while you’re there.

Have more time? Spend it wisely at the nearby Otaru Art Base featuring dozens of local artworks.

Address: 5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan (see map)

Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei

Have you ever seen something eerie and enchanting at the same time? Today’s the day. 

Tucked away in Biei Town near Shirogane Onsen, the Shirogane Blue Pond boasts calm waters that shift colors from light blue to a deep turquoise depending on the season and where you’re standing from. 

Did you know that it was created by accident? 

Disaster prevention work was being done for Mt. Tokachi when the volcano erupted, and a dam was built a year later to prevent mudflows.

The water from the dam flooded the forest, withered the Japanese larch and silver birch trees, and left a breathtaking pool of water. The result is a mystical scene that many people now consider a spiritual place.

Summer in Shirogane Blue Pond

During summer, the pond becomes livelier as the trees blossom and the blue sky illuminates it.

I suggest renting a car to get there since parking space is available.

Just make sure to pack what you need as there are no shops, restaurants, and restrooms in the area. 

Also, it’s a short distance from Furano’s famous lavender fields.

So if you’re coming in July, you can plan for a laid-back but full day at two of Hokkaido’s most famous sights!

Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, Japan (see map)

Farm Tomita in Furano

Stop and smell the (lavender) flowers at Farm Tomita, Japan’s oldest lavender village!

Stretching 20 hectares wide with over 10 flower fields, it fills the summer air with soothing scents every late June to mid-August during the flowering season. 

Pose against Furano’s rural landscape, the Tachidake mountain range, or in the middle of the iconic Irodori field.

Apart from purple lavender, its gently rolling hills are adorned with organized rows of white baby’s breath, red poppies, pink garden catchflies, and orange California poppies that mimic the rainbow.

While you’re there, sample their lavender ice cream made from real flower extracts!

You can also tour the distillery, attend perfume workshops, or buy special lavender goods like soaps, potpourri, and dried bouquets. 

Address: １５号 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido, Japan (see map)

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa

Bringing your entire family? Keep everyone busy at the popular Asahiyama Zoo. 

This zoological garden on the outskirts of central Asahikawa City is home to some animals you’ll only find here.

The place itself is a treat with birds flying freely, river waters pit-pattering, and towering trees that create a forest feel. 

The Hippopotamus House is one of its star attractions. But you have to get there super early before the nocturnal animals finish their dance show!

After, you can watch the penguins’ underwater flights through a glass tunnel. 

There are also small glass domes in the middle of enclosures that let you get up close and personal with polar bears, wolves, and seals.

I’m betting you may also want to take pictures with cute and cuddly pandas, which you can do by crossing the suspension bridge.

Asahiyama Zoo closes its doors on some days in April, so summer is just the perfect time for you to enjoy everything on offer.

Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan (see map)

Conclusion

I can go on and on! But I’m sure there are stunning new places that I haven’t been to before. 

Which of these are you excited to visit on your next trip to Japan? Tell me in the comments below!

For more insider tips and trip-planning hacks, check out my Travel posts.