Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost prefecture and is an island surrounded by 3 seas: the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk. It is a natural wonderland, with approximately 70% of its land area forested, and agriculture, dairy farming, as well as fishing are thriving. It is also a popular tourist destination because of its large open land, beautiful nature, and is especially lively with skiers during the winter months.
Whether you are considering moving here or just interested in sightseeing, tasting delicious food, etc., Hokkaido has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we will cover best cities to live in Hokkaido, top tourist attractions, and more.
Hokkaido has 4 seasons. While winters are cold and snowy, summers are pleasantly refreshing with low humidity. There is also no tsuyu (rainy season) like other parts of Japan. For people tired of Japanese summers with high humidity and temperatures, Hokkaido can be a great relief.
Hokkaido forests make up approximately 22% of all forests in Japan, and the island is home to breathtakingly beautiful lavender fields, magnificent mountains, lakes, and more. Whether you enjoy skiing, sightseeing, or hiking, Hokkaido is an exciting place to explore.
With such abundant nature, Hokkaido is also known for its delicious food such as seafood and dairy products.
The population is concentrated in Sapporo, where the Hokkaido Prefectural Government is located, followed by Asahikawa and Hakodate. Below, we will introduce you to some of the best cities to live in Hokkaido.
Sapporo is the capital and largest city of Hokkaido as well as the 4th most populated city in the whole of Japan. Sapporo is known for hosting 1972 Winter Olympics and the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Being an economic and cultural center of Hokkaido, Sapporo is an attractive place to live for expatriates and digital nomads who would like to enjoy convenience of living in a major city with its shopping, dining, entertainment opportunities without sacrificing easy access to abundant nature. New Chitose Airport can be reached in just 33 minutes by a train from Sapporo, making it a convenient place to live for people who enjoy traveling.
Key attractions: Sapporo Beer Museum, Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo Snow Festival, Shiroi Koibito Park
Asahikawa is the second most populated city in Hokkaido and the biggest transportation hub of Northern Hokkaido with numerous well-developed industries including manufacturing. Asahikawa is home to the first pedestrian-only road in Japan, which is lined with various shops, as well as a popular zoo. It is also known for its Asahikawa ramen and winter festival that is second largest in the region after Sapporo Snow Festival. Flying to and from the city can be done from Asahikawa Airpot. The city has few natural disasters with no earthquakes over magnitude of 5 happening in the last 30 years. Overall, it offers a great balance of nature and urban development making it a nice place for living.
Key attractions: Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa Winter Festival, Asahikawa Heiwa Street Shopping Park
Surrounded by the sea, Hakodate is located in the southmost area of the island and is the third largest city in Hokkaido as well as a popular tourist spot attracting many domestic and foreign visitors. Hakodate was one of the first ports in Japan open to trade with foreign countries resulting in the city's Western influence. It is a fantastic place to live for expats and digital nomads who would like to enjoy living in a charming city with rich history and beautiful scenery. The night view from Mt. Hakodate is one of the most famous in Japan and is truly breathtaking. The city also won't disappoint foodies with its selection of delicious food including Hakodate ramen.
Key attractions: Mt. Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Otaru is a city with easy access to Sapporo. It has a past of economic prosperity, and nowadays it is a major tourist city attracting many visitors. Thanks to its history of being an economic powerhouse, Otaru is home to various historical buildings making it a very enjoyable place to take a walk while looking around and exploring what it has to offer. The most popular spot is Otaru Canal with its romantic atmosphere.
Key attractions: Otaru Canal, Otaru Sakaimachi Street, Otaru Aquarium
From Hokkaido, you can reach various areas of Japan by train, airplane, and ferry.
Starting 2016, it is possible to travel to Tokyo from Hokkaido by taking Shinkansen bullet train. A train ride from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Tokyo Station can be done in just under 4 hours. It is planned to expand all the way to Sapporo by 2038.
Hokkaido is home to a number of airports with New Chitose Airport being by far the largest one. The other airports include Asahikawa Airport, Hakodate Airport, and more. Depending on your location and destination, it is possible to choose an airport best suited to your travel plans.
While ferries take more time than Shinkansen bullet trains and airplanes, it can be a fun way to travel. There are various ferries connecting Hokkaido and the rest of Japan.
From Mountain Hakodate, you can enjoy one of the best night views in Japan. It also has a ropeway.
>> Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
Located in Otaru, it is a picturesque canal with a romantic atmosphere created by surrounding historical buildings and gas lamps. You can enjoy taking a stroll along the canal or take a cruise that will make for a memorable experience.
>> Otaru Canal Cruise
Known for its blue color, Shirogane Blue Pond is a popular tourist spot offering magical scenery.
>> Biei Tourism Portal Site
Niseko is a town in Hokkaido very famous for its ski resort.
>> Niseko Resort Tourist Association
Farm Tomita is located in Nakafurano-cho and is a popular place to visit for its lavender fields and various beautiful flowers.
>> Farm Tomita
Hokkaido offers a great mix of urban development and abundant nature. It is also a foodie's paradise with its selection of delicious food. Hokkaido is a fantastic place to live and explore from charming cities with historical feel to popular ski resorts.
Here we introduce the major communities, groups and members clubs for foreign expats in Sapporo city, Hokkaido-pref.
List of English-Speaking Hospitals in Hokkaido, Japan …
Expats living in Japan have explored their ado…
This article is contributed by Graham Hill - I…
Studying in Japan offers numerous benefits, in…
© 2025 Japan Living Guide. All Rights Reserved.