A Refreshing Summer Retreat: 5 Things to Do in Hokkaido to Beat the Heat
For those looking to escape Japan's notorious summer humidity, the nation's northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, is the ultimate destination. Its refreshingly mild climate makes it an ideal spot for a summer getaway. In this guide, 47trip highlights five unique activities that define the Hokkaido summer experience. We'll explore a wide range of things to do in Hokkaido, from flower-viewing treks on beautiful islands to a little-known spot offering a surprising sub-zero chill. Get ready to discover the perfect way to enjoy Hokkaido, Japan.
Kushiro Wetlands Kushiro Marsh Observatory (Kushiro City)
For the ultimate summer retreat, the exceptionally cool Kushiro area in Hokkaido is highly recommended. With temperatures often staying below 25°C (77°F) even in midsummer, you can spend your days in comfort. A key destination is the Kushiro City Marsh Observatory, a landmark with a distinctive design resembling ancient ruins.A 2.5 km walking trail is maintained around the observatory, perfect for a leisurely stroll. In the summer season, you can enjoy observing the delicate flowers and lush green plants of the Kushiro Wetlands up close. Inside the building, climb the spiral staircase to the rooftop deck. There, you can feel the pleasantly cool breeze while taking in a vast, panoramic view of the sprawling wetlands all to yourself. It's the perfect spot for a summer trip where you can enjoy both distant scenery and nearby nature at the same time.
Recommended Hotel
Hotel globalviewKushiro
Conveniently located just a short distance from JR Kushiro Station and a 40-minute drive to the Kushiro City Marsh Observatory. This hotel features the "Tenku no Yu" (Bath in the Sky) natural hot spring on its top floor, as well as private family baths available for reservation. It offers an ideal balance of excellent accessibility and a highly satisfying stay.
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Dormy Inn PREMIUM Kushiro Hotel Natural Hot Spring
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Kushiro Prince Hotel
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Rishiri Island and Rebun Island Flower Trekking (Rishiri District and Rebun District)
For those who wish to behold truly spectacular scenery, a trekking expedition to Rishiri and Rebun Islands, accessible by ferry from Wakkanai, is essential. These remote islands, sanctuaries of untouched nature, serve as ideal summer refuges with average midsummer temperatures hovering around a pleasant 20°C.On Rishiri Island, one can trek under the gaze of the magnificent Mount Rishiri (also known as Rishiri Fuji), widely considered one of Japan's most beautiful peaks. Meanwhile, Rebun Island, aptly nicknamed the "Floating Island of Flowers," presents a remarkable botanical spectacle. Due to its high latitude, approximately 300 species of alpine plants flourish at low altitudes. To witness these fields of delicate flowers—a sight typically reserved for 2,000-meter-class mountains elsewhere in Japan—is a profoundly moving experience.
Recommended Hotel
Island Inn Rishiri
This resort hotel is located in the Kutsugata area on the west coast of Rishiri Island. It proudly offers the island's most extensive breakfast and dinner buffets, and a unique hot spring known for its skin-beautifying properties, featuring seawater infused with local Rishiri kombu (kelp). From the guest rooms, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Rishiri bathed in the sunset's glow.
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REBUN Hotel SARYO
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Rishiri Fuji Kanko Hotel
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Hokkaido Ice Pavilion (Kamikawa Town)
※The photo is for illustrative purposes only
For the ultimate cool-down experience this Hokkaido summer, dare to visit the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion in Sounkyo, a hot spring town in Kamikawa. This unique facility invites you into the bone-chilling cold of a harsh Hokkaido winter, regardless of the season. Inside, you'll find a world of fantastic ice sculptures, but the real challenge awaits in a special room where you can experience -41°C—the coldest temperature ever recorded in Japan. It's an intense memory that will make you completely forget the summer heat. Don't worry, special winter gear is provided for free, so anyone can brave this extreme moment.
Recommended Hotel
Choyo Resort Hotel
This hotel stands out in Sounkyo Onsen for its modern and stylish atmosphere, making it a favorite among design-conscious travelers. A culinary highlight is the unique dinner experience: creative cuisine inspired by the rustic, traditional dishes of Europe's Alpine regions. As a special perk, guests also receive complimentary access to the onsen facilities at its sister hotel, "Choyo-tei."
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Hotel Taisetsu
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Sounkaku
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Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum(Abashiri City)
To escape the summer heat, another unique recommendation is the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum in Abashiri City, where you can experience the winter Sea of Okhotsk even in midsummer. On the -15°C Drift Ice Experience Terrace, you can get hands-on with giant blocks of real drift ice and enjoy the popular experiment of watching a wet towel freeze solid in an instant. You can also observe the graceful clione, known as "sea angels," swimming up close. This is a special memory in the making, allowing you to feel the power and raw nature of the winter drift ice with all your senses.
Recommended Hotel
Dormy Inn Abashiri Natural Hot Spring
This hotel, part of the famous Dormy Inn chain, is conveniently located in the heart of Abashiri City, just a 10-minute walk from JR Abashiri Station. It features a top-floor natural hot spring public bath overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. Guests also love the popular complimentary late-night snack, "Yonaki Soba" ramen.
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HOKUTEN NO OKA Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort
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Hotel Route Inn Abashiri Ekimae
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Rafting (Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan Town)
For a fun and exciting way to beat the summer heat with family and friends, rafting is a perfect choice. Hokkaido's rivers offer plenty of gentle courses, making it a safe activity even for young children or those who aren't looking for intense thrills. In the calmer sections of the river, you can even hop out of the boat for some "kawa-asobi" (river play) and a swim in Hokkaido's refreshingly clear, cool water.The view from the river is also special. In the popular Niseko area, you'll be treated to magnificent views of Mount Yotei and the beauty of deep forests and gorges. After soaking in the scenery, you can take a fun jump from the boat into the river. It’s a wonderful way for everyone to playfully enjoy Hokkaido's great outdoors to the fullest!
Recommended Hotel
Hilton Niseko Village
Hilton Niseko Village, a premier resort hotel representing the Niseko area, is captivating not only during the winter ski season but also throughout the lush green season. Guests can relax in a natural hot spring with water flowing directly from its source. The spacious open-air bath, set beside a tranquil pond with swimming koi carp, offers magnificent views of the majestic Mount Yotei.
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Other recommended hotels
AYA Niseko
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Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei
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Summary
When it comes to escaping the Japanese summer, Hokkaido is truly the perfect destination for a cool retreat. From trekking among beautiful flowers on remote islands to visiting unique spots where you can experience sub-zero temperatures in midsummer, Hokkaido is packed with fascinating summer activities. This summer, why not use this 47trip guide to plan your special getaway and enjoy a wonderful trip to Hokkaido, an island blessed with beautiful nature and a pleasantly cool climate?
