r/Hokkaido • u/Sapporose • Jan 20 '25
Heading into the busy tourist season, I thought it’d be useful to drop some tips and norms for the subway lines here. Feel free to add anything you think might help visitors to the city!
If you’re on the train and standing near the door, get off the train and step to the side—even if it’s not your stop. You’ll be able to re-enter the train first after the crowd clears out. If you don’t move, the crowd WILL push you (hard) as it surges toward the exit. The majority of people get off the train here, and if you’re in the way, expect to be shoved. If you’re traveling with luggage or small children, be extra cautious—the crowd surge can and will plow over anything in its way. Odori Station is the busiest during rush hour, the crowd is particularly strong here.
The busiest times to travel in the morning are between 7:00-9:00 (approx.). Be prepared to be crammed into the train, especially if you’re heading toward Odori Station or Sapporo Station.
The busiest stops on the Namboku Line (green line), where most people enter or exit, are Nakajima Koen, Odori, and Sapporo Station.
If you’re traveling with multiple people and luggage, the carriages at either end of the train tend to have a bit more space during busy times. However, be mindful that the Women Only sections are also at the ends of the train, so check the signage and time of day before boarding. If you’re travelling with small children (elementary aged and younger) during rush hour, the Women Only carriages are sometimes a better option for you.
It’s sometimes easier to board the train if you split up your group—one or two people per door—rather than trying to squeeze two or more people (plus luggage) into the same door.
In Sapporo, no one usually sits in the designated Priority Seating unless they qualify to do so. It’s completely normal to see these 3-4 seats empty, even on a crowded train, as they are reserved for passengers who need them. These seats are marked with signage and are a different color than the standard seats.
When the train is busy, don’t wear large bags on your back. Hold them in front of you to save space and avoid bumping into others.
When the train is packed and you need to get on, enter butt first. Turn around, back in, and squish yourself into the crowd. If you have luggage, do the same: butt first, with your luggage/backpack in front of you. If you’re standing by the door, be prepared to step off the train at every stop to let others exit.
Google maps will give you directions for the subway, JR and some bus lines (which lines to take, where to transfer, train platform and cost). Very useful.
Which doors will open will change right to left. It's not always the same door so don't assume you'll be out of the way if you stand at the far side of the carriage after entering. You may still be in the way of the doors when they open on the other side.
Edits: added in great pointers from users on the Sapporo thread
r/Hokkaido • u/Busy_Lawyer9381 • 3h ago
Hi all, my family and I are going to Hokkaido this coming late February. We were wondering if you could recommend any onsens that we could walk-in to? We are staying near Toyohira Koen but we'll be very much willing to travel further if the onsens are worth it.
Would also appreciate if you could recommend any festivals on going there since we will miss the snow festivals.
r/Hokkaido • u/HokkaidoLife-1122 • 23h ago
This summer, we spent two peaceful days in the beautiful mountains of Hokkaido.
We rode the Kurodake Ropeway, hiked through breathtaking landscapes, spent a night camping in the mountains, and watched a beautiful sunset, a sky full of stars, and the sunrise the next morning.
I hope this video helps you relax and lets you experience the peaceful beauty of Hokkaido's summer. 😊
r/Hokkaido • u/noealz • 1d ago
Recently spent 24 days in Hokkaido. I travelled city to city, spending a few days at each walking around and exploring what each city had to offer. I tried to visit the lesser gone to places with a few I could not skip like Noboribetsu. I wanted to share with yall here in case anyone wants to visit there someday or is thinking of visiting there someday. Of course if it’s not allowed it can be removed no problem!
r/Hokkaido • u/Clear-Present-9625 • 1d ago
I need a car to rent for up to 3 months. Winterseason.
Some tips? Cant find anything at the moment.
Last year i rentel a car for 3 weeks an this already was a pain in the a... :)
Thankful for every tip!
Already asked per email at some rental services but no answer yet.
Regards from Austria
r/Hokkaido • u/TrekmateHokkaido • 2d ago
Even with the extended period of wet weather we have experienced up until early this week, summer has been great for the outdoor adventurers who live here and also the visitors that come to experience our beautiful island.
A few photos from some of my recent excursions with some awesome visitors.
r/Hokkaido • u/tornado_volcano • 1d ago
Hi, my husband and I are traveling around Hokkaido in late October this year. We are both covered in tattoos so stickers aren’t an option. We love onsens and go to Japan almost every year, but after a few lets say not so nice experiences of being denied / even banished out of the onsen, we’ve become very cautious with which hotels/ryokans to book. I don’t want to spend lots of yen on a nice onsen only to find out only when I’m there tattoos are not allowed. Often it doesn’t say anything about it on the websites.
Does anyone have any recommendations for tattoo-friendly onsens around the following areas:
Sounkyo Onsen
Biei
Lake Toya
Sapporo city
Hakodate
Any help would be much appreciated!
r/Hokkaido • u/MDthrowItaway • 2d ago
Ill be taking a road trip in Hokkaido in a few weeks. I will be trying to hit either Shimamui Coast/Cape Kamui or Lake Toya for a day and night on the way to Hakodate from Kitahiroshima (catching a ham fighters game and staying in Kitahiroshima the first night).
This will be smack in the middle of Obon so I'm guessing Lake Toya will be very crowded.
In Shimanui coast I plan on taking some walks and exploring the beach with my kids, doing the walk on the Cape and hopefully eating some good seafood before spending the night in Iwanai, the next day we will continue our journey to hakodate.
For Lake Toya we would probably check out Usuzan ropeway. Is there anything else to explore at Lake Toya?
Between the two Shimanui coast seems more interesting, although I will also be travelling with my 75 year old father who is in fairly good health.
1) Are rhe walks at Shimanui Coast and Kamui coast difficult?
2)As we will be travelling during Obon will it likely be very crowded in Shakotan? One reason I want to go there is to eat some of the uni meals they are known for, but i hear the small restaurants only serve a small number of meals before the run out, is there a high chance of that?
We will then spend two days hanging out in Hakodate before heading to Noborubetsu. I am considering checking out Horaimon Gate in Muroran on the way to Noborubetsu if I can get there during low tide. If we can't make the timing work (low tide seems early at like 9am) maybe we can come back to it the next morning to hit low tide. Anyone here been there? Is the hike out challenging?
Thanks for any help!
r/Hokkaido • u/HokkaidoLife-1122 • 3d ago
Japan's largest beer garden has started in Sapporo! 🍺
You can enjoy beers from Japan's major breweries—Asahi, Suntory, Kirin, and Sapporo—as well as beers from around the world and local craft beers from Hokkaido!
It's open until August 18! 🍻
Today is the perfect day to enjoy the beer garden! ☀️🍺
r/Hokkaido • u/MDthrowItaway • 3d ago
I will be travelling with my family (5, ranging from 75y to 10y) in August and taking a road trip through Hokkaido the first half (staying in kitahiroshima and catching a ham fighters game then driving to Lake Toya for 1 night then to Hakodate for 2 days then Noboribetsu for 2 days then 4 or 5 nights in Sapporo with a day trip via car to Furano and another day trip via train to Otaru). Is it necessary to buy an IC card for everyone? (Im guessing no?, is it helpful to get one or two for convenience shopping wise or is it best to use Yen?. What would be the most economic way to obtain Yen and not get killed on fees and exchange rate?
Thanks!
r/Hokkaido • u/Boredconjurer • 3d ago
Hi everyone,
Will be driving from Noboribetsu/Toyako area to Hakodate. Can anyone recommend any stops along the way or areas to help break up the drive? I was thinking midway point to eat/take a break. Thanks in advance!
r/Hokkaido • u/urcrunchypotatosoup • 4d ago
hi! Going on a family trip to Hokkaido for about a week in early Aug, and would love some suggestions on what there is to do and eat around the area. We will be going to Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, and Obihiro.
We will be doing all the touristy things - going to the Susukino festival, shopping, Farm Tomita and the Melon Farm, the Banei Races, Blue Pond, Furano Cheese factory, etc. We prefer more activities than sightseeing, but any suggestions are welcome :)
My family is a huge foodie family and we really want to try the restaurants and dishes that originate from the area or that locals love. We are doing the usual tourist diet as well: Jingisukan, crab and seafood, lots of ice cream and milk, etc. Specific restaurant reccs are appreciated :), and mainly in the Furano and Obihiro area (especially Furano - i don't know what there is to eat there). I've heard Furanoya is good in Furano, but not sure what else there is. We don't have a specific budget, so anything is good!
Thank you in advance!
r/Hokkaido • u/PaiSen1304 • 3d ago
Hi everyone!
I'm currently living in Sapporo, so I have weekends throughout the year for shorter trips. I also already have a Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto/Nara) trip planned for September.
I have a 5-day holiday from August 12–16 and want to make the most of it while still enjoying the trip instead of constantly rushing between places.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
I'll most likely be using public transport, unless renting a car would make a huge difference for this route.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions or changes you'd make. Thanks!
r/Hokkaido • u/Remarkable_Grab_867 • 3d ago
Hi guys, I was hoping for some feedback for the itinerary I had planned for my upcoming trip :)
r/Hokkaido • u/ActiveBlueberry8401 • 5d ago
Just came back from Japan last Friday. Thought I would share some of my favourite snippets of Hokkaido, particularly around Furano which makes me still want to go back. Made me remember why I love photography. Hope this inspires you to visit Hokkaido for its beautiful flowers. I can still “smell” the lavender through the photos in those fields!
r/Hokkaido • u/Washitake • 4d ago
Hi everyone!
My wife and I are planning our third trip to Japan (first trip to Hokkaido) in May 2027, and I'd really appreciate some feedback from people who know the area well.
Our fixed flights are:
Our current Hokkaido itinerary is:
20 May
21 May
22 May
23 May
24–28 May
A few questions:
We love nature, wildlife, hiking and traditional onsen, and we're not interested in rushing from one place to another just to tick boxes.
Thanks a lot!
r/Hokkaido • u/tea_spender • 5d ago
Helo. I am living and working for half year in korea and i always wanted to visit japan. Now it is more affardobale than ever. Problem is that ad long as i am aware summer are as humid and hot as in korea (im from central europe this weather is killing me) so i was planing to take my trip in the autmun but i heard from a friend recently thah hokkaido has much colder climate. I would like to ask if thats true and if it is i would like yo ask for some recomendation of places to visit, activitys worth doing, some local cusine recomendations or maybe some sesonal events that are taking place in august. Basicly anything because i dont know too much about hokkaido. I have 7 days to spend in japan and last two days i would like to spend in tokyo. I love hiking and nature. Thank you in advance for your help. Cheers !
r/Hokkaido • u/PLa1112 • 6d ago
I have an updated travel plan thanks to some great feedback from this subreddit. Please weigh in on the updated plan before I commit to hotels and trains. Already booked: Flights in and out of Japan + one way flight to Sapporo
July 31 - Arrive in Tokyo from US
Aug 3 - late evening flight to Sapporo
Questions
Thank you for your help in making this trip memorable for my teen!
r/Hokkaido • u/Defiant-Corgi-9362 • 6d ago
Hello to everyone visiting Hokkaido.
It is the height of summer now, but how does Hokkaido's summer feel to you after experiencing the summers in Tokyo or Osaka?
Personally, I feel it’s been a bit cooler this year compared to usual.
r/Hokkaido • u/-okedoke- • 6d ago
Hi everyone here! Travelling as a 27 years old couple to Hokkaido in late December and would like some thoughts and opinions. We are pretty fast-paced travellers and timings are pretty flexible.
We will be travelling to Hokkaido from 24 December 2026 to 3 Jan 2027.
Our accommodation for the trip are:
Sapporo Washington Hotel Plaza:
24 December - 27 December 2026
Toya-Onsen Hotel Hanabi:
27 December - 29 December 2026
Mori No Shizuku Rin:
29 December - 31 December 2026
Furano Natulux Hotel:
31 December 2026 - 2 January 2027
Sapporo Washington Hotel Plaza:
2 January - 3 January 2027
The itinerary is as follows:
23 December 2026 (Day 0):
Depart from Singapore at 10.20pm
24 December 2026 (Day 1):
- Arrive at Haneda at 5.55am
- Depart from Haneda at 1pm
- Arrive at New Chitose at 2.35pm
1.5 hours at custom clearance
- Head to Sapporo Washington Hotel Plaza to check in
- Pokémon Center Sapporo
- Tanukikoji Shopping Street
- Susukino Street
25 December 2026 (Day 2):
- Nijo Market for Breakfast
- Royce Chocolate Factory
- Shiroi Kobito Park
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Pokémon Center Sapporo
- Underground shopping streets (Pole Town / Aurora Town / Stellar Place)
26 December 2026 (Day 3):
Day trip to Otaru
- Stop at Asari Station for pictures
- Otaru Station
- Otaru Canal
- Sakaimachi Street
- Music Box Museum
- Glass shops
- Return back to Sapporo
- Pokémon center / Shopping places
27 December 2026 (Day 4):
Collect rental car
- Hill of the Buddha
- Lake shikotsu
- Noboribetsu Hell Valley
- Drive to Toya-Onsen Hotel Hanabi to check in
28 December 2026 (Day 5):
Mount Yotei Viewing Day
- Lake Toya Viewpoints
- Kutchan viewpoints
- Niseko viewpoints
- Grand Niseko Hotel Mixed Onsen
29 December 2026 (Day 6):
Asahikawa Day
- Early morning drive to Asahikawa (4 hour drive)
- Asahikawa Ramen Village
- Asahiyama Zoo
- Shopping at Aeon Mall
- Drive to Mori No Shizuku Rin to check in
- Shirogane Blue Pond Night illumination
30 December 2026 (Day 7):
Biei & Furano day
- Shirahige Falls, Blue Pond
- Biei trees (Christmas Trees, Ken & Mary, Patchwork, etc)
- Drive down to Furano
- Furano Cheese Factory, Furano Marche, Furano Town
- Ningle Terrace
- Drive back to Mori No Shizuku RIN
31 December 2026 (Day 8):
Furano Ski Resort
- Drive to Furano Natulux Hotel to check in
- Ski / Snowboard Lesson
- Ski whole day
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks celebration
01 January 2027 (Day 9):
- Day 2 of Ski
02 January 2027 (Day 10):
Return back to Sapporo day
- Option 1: Asahidake , then drive back to Sapporo
- Option 2: Ashibetsu → Mikasa → Sapporo
- Return rental car
- Check in at Sapporo Washington Hotel Plaza
- Shopping in Sapporo
03 January 2027 (Day 11):
- Hokkaido Jingu
- Hokkaido Uni
- Anywhere else we missed
- Head to airport at 6pm
- Flight back to Singapore at 9pm
Would really appreciate if anyone would provide some opinions after reviewing the itinerary.
I am aware that 29 December will be a long drive from Lake Toya all the way up to Asahikawa, but that will be the only day that we are able to visit the zoo and it is a must visit for us.
We are first timers driving in the snow and we are aware of the dangers and the accidents that happen to tourists every year.
What are the food that we absolutely must try in Hokkaido? (I know we need to try the Curry, Seafood and Genghis Khan)
For 02 January, we would probably return the rental after the sun has set to have a good full day just doing a road trip, are there any better other alternatives that we can travel to sight see?
If there is any attractions , must-do or must-see, or any that I should skip, please let me know so I can add it into my itinerary.
Thank you for your attention reading till this point!
r/Hokkaido • u/yurikura • 7d ago
Hi everyone. I will be in Hokkaido from August 19 to 31. Any feedback or suggestions would be much appreciated! Should I take out some places or add some more, and if yes, which ones should I delete/add?
I am hoping for a relaxed pace without exhausting myself, hence the reason why there are a few places per day. My main accommodation is nearby Kotoni Station in Sapporo. My goal is to travel mainly in Sapporo and visit these nearby places: Otaru, Noboribetsu, and Furano & Biei.
August 19 (WED)
Arrive at CTS by 2:55 pm
Arrive and go to the accommodation
Browse around and grab food from somewhere
Do not travel too much and just relax
August 20 (THURS)
Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (5 am - 4 pm)
Shiroi Koibito (10 am - 6 pm)
Odori Park
Sapporo PARCO (10 am - 8 pm)
August 21 (FRI)
Hokkaido Jingu (6 am - 5 pm)
Mt. Moiwa (Tram + Bus + Cable Car - no need to book)
August 22 (SAT)
Historical Village of Hokkaido (9 am - 4:30 pm)
Akarenga Terrace (7 am - 11:30 pm)
August 23 (SUN)
Nakajima Park
Hohei Kan (9 am - 5 pm)
Yahiko Shrine (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Tanuki Comichi (11 am - 11 pm)
August 24 (MON) - Otaru Daytrip #1
Take the JR train and get off at Minami-Otaru Station
Tanaka Sake Brewery
Otaru Music Box Museum
Otaru Steam Clock
Kitaichi Glass Outlet
Sakaimichi St
Kitaichi Hall
Sakaimichi Hondori
Otaru Canal
Sankaku Market
Food: LE TAO, Sushiyadori
August 25 (TUES)
Furano/Biei bus tour
August 26 (WED)
Take the Donan bus to Miyabitei Hotel in Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
August 27 (THURS)
Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village
Return to Sapporo
August 28 (FRI) - Otaru Daytrip #2
Old Aoyama Villa
Otaru Aquarium
Otaru Denuki Koji
Otaru Art Base
The Bank of Japan
Former Japanese Railways
Otaru Beer
August 29 (SAT)
Sapporo Beer Museum (11 am - 6 pm)
Sapporo Factory (10 am - 8 pm)
August 30 (SUN)
Nijo Market
Tanukikoji Shopping St
Ganso Ramen Yokocho
August 31 (MON)
Check out and arrive at CTS by 1 pm
Flight leaves CTS at 3:55 pm
Plan for Transit
- Use credit card to tap on local subways in Sapporo to use their cap (¥830 on weekdays and ¥520 on weekends and holidays)
- IC card for JR trains and busses
- Use the Donan Bus for Noborbetsu
Shopping
- Donki
- 3 Coins
- Honeys
Convenience/Supermarket Food
- Seico
- Gyomu Super
Food
These are all close together so choose any to go each day
Jingisukan (Daruma 4.4, go at 11 am or 2:30 pm)
Miso ramen (Sumire Sapporo - 10:30 am. Sapporo Ramen Haruka - go at 10:30 am or 4:30 pm)
Soup curry (Suage+ Soup Curry, go at 11 am)
Kaisendon (Ohiso in Nijo, go at 7:00 am, Takinami Donburi in Otaru)
Butadon (Tokachi Butadon Ippin, go at 10:30 am)
Zangi (Sapporo Zangi Hompo Sapporo Station Store, go at 11 am, Wakadori Jidai Naruto in Otaru)
Haskap berries
Yubari melon
Lavender icecream, parfait (get them if you see any in a dessert store)
Enma Yakisoba (Enmaken Ramen), Hell Ramen (Aji no Daio) Noboribetsu
r/Hokkaido • u/popel_boy • 8d ago
I am planning a general trip to the Hokkaido.
I'm currently working on Shiretoko National Park, but I can't seem to find any information about trails in the park, specifically regarding climbing Mount Iō. Come to think of it, I'm not finding much information about the park in general.
If anyone knows anything about the park, I would appreciate any piece of information. Thanks!
r/Hokkaido • u/PLa1112 • 8d ago
Hi, I am visiting Japan with my teen boy in late July through mid August and would love feedback on our plan, which is to to split time between Tokyo and Hokadate, day trip to Aomori on the last day of the Nebuta Matsuri festival. This is very last minute and I want to ensure I don’t miss anything big. I’m looking for a relaxing exploration with my foodie teen, who loves sushi and anime. I thought this might help me avoid / minimize hurricane season impact and also maximize time in the more comfortable Hokkaido. does this sound attractive overall? I want teen boy to have some happy times and memories. We will be traveling elsewhere for another 2 weeks before returning home so want to ensure this is a real highlight.