Unforgettable Hokkaido Summer: Breathtaking Views & Top Things to Do in Hokkaido, Japan
Looking for the perfect way to enjoy summer in Japan? Look no further than Hokkaido, where refreshing breezes make it the ideal escape. The Hokkaido summer season unveils spectacular natural landscapes you can only witness at this time of year, along with countless popular activities to explore its vast outdoors. In this 47trip guide, we’ve handpicked the best spots and experiences for you. Let’s find your unforgettable adventure and the top things to do in Hokkaido, Japan!
Shikisai no Oka (Biei Town)
Even after the lavender season, Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei is a picturesque location where a vibrant tapestry of flowers continues to bloom, creating a scene straight out of a painting. To fully enjoy this view, we recommend cycling through the floral carpets. You can easily rent an electric bicycle from a shop in front of Bibaushi Station on the JR Furano Line, allowing you to explore stunning photo spots at your own pace while feeling the pleasant breeze. Other popular routes include the beautiful "Patchwork Road," with its famous trees from TV commercials, and the "Jet Coaster Road," a 2.5km straightaway with rolling hills. Every view is breathtaking, guaranteeing you'll take photos that create lifelong memories.
Recommended Hotel
Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Located about a 40-minute drive from Shikisai-no-Oka, this large resort hotel is a landmark in the neighboring city of Furano. The hotel grounds are surrounded by attractions, including the charming "Ningle Terrace"—a collection of log cabin shops nestled in the forest—as well as an onsen (hot spring) and a golf course. With so much to do on-site, guests can fully enjoy the resort experience itself. It serves as the perfect base for touring both the Biei and Furano areas.
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Other recommended hotels
Morinoshizuku RIN
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Mori no Ryotei Biei
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Paragliding overlooking Mount Yotei (Rusutsu Village)
For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience in Hokkaido this summer, paragliding is highly recommended. In the village of Rusutsu, you can enjoy an aerial stroll with stunning views of the beautiful Mt. Yotei. No special skills or training are required for a "tandem flight," where you fly together with a certified instructor. The exhilarating feeling of gliding on the refreshing summer breeze is an experience you'll never forget, sure to become the highlight of your trip.
Recommended Hotel
Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention
When touring this area, a visit to Rusutsu Resort, one of Hokkaido's largest all-season resorts, is a must. The hotel is packed with entertainment, featuring a magnificent two-story carousel and captivating projection mapping shows. It is the perfect choice for families and groups looking to enjoy an active and fun-filled resort stay.
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Other recommended hotels
The Westin Rusutsu Resort
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The Vale Rusutsu
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Horseback riding experience at Northern Horse Park (Tomakomai City)
Escape the urban chaos and find a moment of peace at Northern Horse Park in Tomakomai. Here, you can have a truly therapeutic experience, connecting with nature alongside gentle horses. Listen to the rhythmic sound of their hooves on a carriage ride or explore the serene forest on a trekking tour—there are activities for everyone to enjoy. This time spent healing in nature will create a memory you'll cherish. The best part? It's incredibly accessible, just 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport.
Recommended Hotel
Air Terminal Hotel
For travelers looking for convenience, this hotel is an excellent choice, as it's directly connected to New Chitose Airport. Access to local attractions is also superb, with a free shuttle bus service taking guests to Northern Horse Park in about 15 minutes. A major perk that makes this hotel stand out is that guests receive complimentary access to the "New Chitose Airport Onsen," located right inside the airport terminal.
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Other recommended hotels
JR Inn Chitose
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Grand Hotel New Oji
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Blue Cave Cruise (Otaru City)
When visiting Otaru in the summer, a cruise to the mysterious "Blue Grotto" is highly recommended. In contrast to the retro atmosphere of the Otaru Canal, the city's coastline reveals a stunning landscape of beautiful seas and unique rock formations. The sight of sunlight reflecting off the water's surface, enveloping the entire cave in a fantastical blue light, is breathtakingly beautiful. While this natural marvel looks incredible in photos, you truly have to see its glow with your own eyes. Feel the refreshing sea breeze and discover a whole new side of Otaru's charm.
Recommended Hotel
Natural Hot Spring Tonoyu Dormy Inn Premium Otaru
This hotel boasts a prime location, situated right in front of JR Otaru Station. It offers excellent access to both the Otaru Canal and the departure points for boat cruises. The hotel is also equipped with a large public bath with natural hot spring water, perfect for soothing your body after a day of sightseeing.
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Other recommended hotels
Hotel Nord Otaru
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OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts
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Whale watching tour (Shiretoko, Rausu Town)
To truly experience the magnificent nature of the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site, a whale watching tour is a must. In summer, the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Rausu attract incredible marine life, including orcas and sperm whales. The moment the boat's engine stops and the only sound is a whale's breath echoing across the quiet sea is a truly special experience that will deeply move you. There are also plenty of chances to encounter pods of curious dolphins and rare seabirds. This is more than just a whale watching trip; it's an intellectual expedition where you can enjoy the full richness of the Shiretoko ecosystem.
Recommended Hotel
LIVEMAX RESORT SHIRETOKO SEA FRONT
Connect with the raw nature of Shiretoko from this modern hotel set on the Rausu coast. Your room serves as a private observatory, with every window framing the grand scale of the Nemuro Strait and Kunashiri Island. The immersion continues at the natural hot spring bath, which draws from its own source on the property. In the open-air rotenburo, you can soak in the therapeutic waters while gazing at the vast ocean, feeling at one with the magnificent landscape.
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Other recommended hotels
Shiretoko-Daiichi-Hotel
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Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort
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Mount Hakodate (Hakodate City)
While Mount Hakodate is famous for its spectacular night views, the daytime hiking experience is also wonderful. The well-maintained trails are beginner-friendly, and a popular route can get you to the summit in about an hour. Climbing at your own pace amidst the summer sunlight filtering through the trees and enjoying the seasonal flowers is a perfect way to refresh your mind and body. Of course, at night, you can enjoy the romantic panoramic view from the summit, famously known as the "million-dollar night view" and considered one of the top three in the world. We invite you to fully experience the two charming faces of Mount Hakodate, day and night.
Recommended Hotel
La Vista Hakodate Bay
Situated right next to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, this is one of the most popular hotels in Hakodate. From its natural hot spring public bath on the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic night view of the beautiful Hakodate Port. Furthermore, the hotel is renowned for its breakfast buffet, which consistently ranks as one of the best in Japan and features a famous make-your-own kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).
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Other recommended hotels
Century Marina Hakodate
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Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
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Summary
From cycling through purple lavender fields to touring a crystal-clear blue grotto, we've introduced you to the spectacular scenery of a Hokkaido summer and the best spots and activities for enjoying its great outdoors. The special experiences you'll have in these beautiful landscapes are sure to become memories you'll cherish. We hope you'll use the spots featured by 47trip as a reference to plan your own perfect summer trip for your next journey to Japan.
