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Cranes, Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido

A remote island of natural wonders

Hokkaido tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Japan’s northern frontier and second-largest island hosts just five percent of the country’s population, despite featuring 30,000 square miles of volcanic peaks, glassy lakes and icy coastline. It’s a world away from main island Honshu’s cram. Give us a call on 020 7590 0775 to speak to our experts and plan your Hokkaido holiday today.

Natural wonders

With its close proximity to Russia, there’s something distinctly Siberian about Hokkaido’s vast national park wilderness, creeping ice floes and earthquake-troubled rifts. Abashiri even features a Meiji era penal colony. However, in lakeside onsen hot springs, luxury traditional ryokans serving up multi-course seafood feasts and Tsurui’s iconic red-crowned cranes it’s a place that’s distinctly Japanese. Indeed, Hokkaido is where the country’s overworked urbanites come to relax. To some that means strolls along Biei’s Patchwork Road of multi-coloured fields and relaxing in Sapporo’s parks while to others it’s husky sledding out of Asahikawa, hiking Lake Toya’s volcano and skiing down world-class slopes, stopping off at hot springs along the way.


Lake Toya, Hokkaido, Japan

Historic architecture

But, in a country that annexed itself from the rest of the world for 200 years, Hokkaido also bears some uniquely international influences. Hakodate features everything from Russian Orthodox churches and British cottage consulates to pentagonal Western style citadels and redbrick Chinese memorial halls. You can even take a cable car up a city centre mountain for spectacular views of it all. And, not to miss out, the island’s capital, Sapporo, has taken on a distinctly European outlook in its generous parks and café culture. Don’t miss Odori Park – a giant green cleave, dividing the city in two – and the Sapporo brewery, the oldest in Japan. However, be sure that you spend plenty of time out of the cities, perhaps witnessing the colossal ice floes off the northern coast. 


Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

 

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Special offers in Hokkaido

Osaka, Japan

Japan's Cherry Blossoms with Silversea

17-day luxury ocean cruise from £9,800 pp incl. flights

Exclusive
cruise offer

Exclusive savings of up to £600 pp
Book by: 30 April 2024

Now booking for 2025, experience the iconic beauty of Japan's cherry blossom season on this all-encompassing Silversea cruise, exploring the best of ancient and modern Japan in spring.

Top places to stay in Hokkaido

Kimamaya, Niseko, Hokkaido

Kimamaya, Niseko, Hokkaido

Contemporary hotel

With a spa and one of Niseko’s best restaurants, this boutique hotel is the perfect base for exploring the winter powder runs and summer hiking trails of Hokkaido’s most popular mountain resort.

Sapporo Cross, Sapporo

Sapporo Cross, Sapporo

Contemporary hotel

Conveniently located in the heart of Hokkaido’s capital, this modern hotel is close to many of Sapporo’s attractions.

Nonokaze Resort, Lake Toya

Nonokaze Resort, Lake Toya

Contemporary resort

Commanding stunning views with a lakeside salute to a volcanic landscape, this contemporary gem makes the most of its picturesque location.

Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza, Lake Akan

Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza, Lake Akan

Traditional lodge

Private rotenburo baths, sliding doors and traditional kaiseki dining are the perfect complement to an idyllic lakeside setting.

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Where to go in Hokkaido

Toya Onsen

Toya Onsen is one of Hokkaido's best hot spring resorts, with many of the baths affording stunning views of the eponymous lake.

Biei

A little town in a big setting, Biei serves as a base for exploring its stunning surroundings. Nearby Daisetsuzan National Park boasts forests, lakes and the highest peak in Hokkaido, Mount Asahi.

Tsurui

The small village of Tsurui is situated near Kushiro Marsh, a place of beauty all year round. In spring, cherry trees start to blossom and the massive marsh shrugs off a snowy covering, exchanging brilliant white for fresh light green.

Sapporo

Hokkaido's capital, Sapporo, was nothing more than a frontier town 130 years ago, but is now a modern yet charming city with a population of almost two million.

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When to go to Hokkaido

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As Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido is known for its icy winters and relatively cool summers. Indeed, in August and July, while the rest of the country suffers in the sticky humidity Hokkaido is perfectly temperate making it Japan's favourite getaway. However, come winter, expect pretty blankets of snow and ice-locked coastlines with skiing, snowboarding and dogsledding opportunities.

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Meet our Hokkaido experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0689

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0689 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected