TOP5 Rankings in Hokkaido, Japan
Best time to go to Hokkaido
Hokkaido offers a variety of seasonal pleasures. When booking hotels and airline tickets, do not forget to check the seasons and climate in Hokkaido. Hokkaido has shorter summers and longer winters than Tokyo or Osaka. If winter sports are your goal, the best time to visit is from January to February when the snow is at its best. If trekking or mountain climbing is your goal, I would recommend early summer when the days are pleasant and colorful flowers are in full bloom, or autumn when the mountains are covered in autumn leaves. If gourmet food is your goal, winter is the best time to visit because of the abundance of seasonal produce.
Accommodation Rates for Hotels and Ryokans in Hokkaido
Hotels and ryokans in Hokkaido usually increase their price range during the following periods. It is also a busy time of year, so it may be best to avoid these periods if at all possible.
Late December to early January: Christmas season and New Year’s
First half of February: Sapporo Snow Festival period
Late March: School spring break period
Late April to early May: Golden Week
Second week June: Yosakoi Festival
July: Lavender season
Mid-August: Obon period
Late September: Silver Week holidays
Conversely, hotel price ranges tend to be lower from December to February, excluding the Christmas season, year-end and New Year’s holidays, and the Sapporo Snow Festival. *The Niseko area is excluded. June, except during the Yosakoi Festival held in the second week of June, is also an ideal time for sightseeing and has a lower price range.