Looking for places to visit in Hokkaido that aren’t Sapporo? Want to avoid the crowds? Then this article is perfect for you.
I picked the top 5 beautiful destinations in Eastern Hokkaido that'll cater to any travel style. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, family, or traveler without a car - I've got you covered.
Let's dive in!
What We'll Cover
Useful Resources
✨Planning a trip to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Ultimate Travel Planner & Itineraries
✨Looking for places to stay? Check out my Hotel Recommendations
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
Why visit Eastern Hokkaido?
Hiking in Shiretoko
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido is a must-see destination (and my hometown!). Covering more than a third of Hokkaido, this region is home to stunning mountain ranges, serene lakes, and breathtaking coastal lines. You'll also find some of the freshest seafood around!
Plus, it's way less touristy compared to places like Sapporo, Otaru, and Furano. If you want to escape the crowds and experience the real local vibes, I highly recommend including Eastern Hokkaido in your itinerary.
Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or just seeking a more authentic local experience, Eastern Hokkaido is the perfect place for travelers looking for something truly unique in Hokkaido!
The Best Times to Visit Eastern Hokkaido
Summer
Summer is the peak season for Eastern Hokkaido, with gorgeous natural landscapes and many fun outdoor activities. If you want to fully experience the best of Eastern Hokkaido, June to September is the time to visit! The weather is very pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around 25°C in August.
Just be prepared for higher prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals. To avoid disappointment, book your summer trip as soon as you can.
The best way of getting around in summer is driving a car, if it’s possible for you. Here’s my popular Hokkaido road trip itinerary for 7 days. Check this out!
Winter
Hokkaido is a winter wonderland covered with beautiful, powdery snow. It is the best place in Japan to enjoy winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and many more. January to early March would be the best time for a winter trip.
However, be aware of the harsh winter weather. It could get as cold as -15 Celcius degrees on the coldest days. One of the major winter attractions in Eastern Hokkaido is the world-famous drift ice in the Okhotsk Sea. Take a drift ice walk tour in Shiretoko, or get on drift icebreaker ships in Abashiri and Mombetsu.
I generally don’t recommend self-driving during winter in Hokkaido, due to safety reasons, unless you are already familiar with driving on snowy, icy roads. But no worries, you can travel the region without a car, of course. Here’s my 7-day winter Hokkaido itinerary that is public transportation-friendly!
Spring
Spring in Eastern Hokkaido arrives a little later than in other parts of Japan, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in early May. It can still be chilly, so make sure to bring extra layers. Although it's not the most popular time to visit, there are many unique attractions that you can only experience in spring, like Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto.
Autumn
Autumn in Eastern Hokkaido is short, with beautiful autumn colors lasting from late September to October. If you're lucky enough to visit during this time, make sure to take in some of the stunning autumn color spots!
Top 5 Destinations in Eastern Hokkaido
Eastern Hokkaido is a nature lover's paradise, with tons of amazing destinations to choose from. I've narrowed it down to the top five that are perfect for different types of travelers. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, onsen lover, or foodie, you'll find something you'll love.
Let’s dive into each destination!
1. Shiretoko for Nature Lovers
Are you in search of breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor adventures? If so, Shiretoko is the place for you. This peninsula, registered as a World Natural Heritage site, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers. Shiretoko is one of my favorite places to spend a few days during summer.
With two-thirds of the peninsula covered by Shiretoko National Park, there are plenty of fun things to do, both in summer and winter. Whether you're interested in mountain hikes or scenic seashores, Shiretoko has got you covered.
How to Get There
To get to Shiretoko, the nearest airport is Memambetsu Airport. From there, you can take the Shiretoko Airport Liner bus for about two hours to Utoro, the center of Shiretoko attractions. Alternatively, you can also take a local bus from JR Shari station for one hour.
Best Things to do in Shiretoko
Drift ice walk in winter - An absolutely unique experience you will never forget!
Hiking in the Shiretoko National Park - Immerse yourself in the untouched nature
Nature cruise for wildlife watching - Spot wild bears and dolphins!
Best Hotels to stay in Shiretoko
Image by Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
Luxury hotel - Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort : Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring.
Mid-range hotel - Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko : A cozy family-run onsen hotel with an ocean view
Budget-friendly hotel - Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae : A affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast
📍Pick up
Looking for a cozy hotel where you feel connected with a warm-hearted owner? Then Sekka Shiretoko is a perfect place to stay for you. Check out the blog post below for a deeper look!
2. Akan for Onsen Lovers
Akan is a charming hot spring town situated next to the tranquil Lake Akan. This cozy town is home to many hotels that offer breathtaking views of the lake and natural hot springs, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to relax and unwind.
If you're interested in learning about the Ainu culture, Akan is the perfect place for that too. With its large Ainu communities, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and history, as well as explore the unique handmade crafts.
How to Get There
To get to Akan, simply take a flight to Kushiro Airport and hop on the Akan Airport Liner bus, which departs after every flight arrival and takes just one hour. Or, you can take a local bus from JR Kushiro station, also taking about one hour.
Best Things to do in Akan
Lake Akan Cruise - A 80-min trip around the beautiful lake
Fun winter activities on the frozen lake - From ice fishing to snowmobile
Ainu Kotan - Learn about the traditional Ainu culture
Best Hotels to stay in Akan
Image by Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
Luxury hotel - Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza : All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view. Dinner features fresh local and seasonal ingredients.
Mid-range hotel - Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka : A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options
Budget-friendly hotel - Hotel Gozensui : A classic Japanese-style onsen hotel overlooking the lake
Itineraries
Useful Resources
✨Planning a trip to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Ultimate Travel Planner & Itineraries
✨Looking for places to stay? Check out my Hotel Recommendations
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
3. Abashiri for a Family Trip
Abashiri is a coastal city in Eastern Hokkaido, offering its natural beauty and diverse range of attractions. Whether you're looking to experience the natural wonders of the Okhotsk Sea, or explore the local museums, Abashiri has something for everyone.
Abashiri is a great destination for families. From cycling in nature reserves to checking out the drift ice during winter, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in and around the city. If you're looking for a fun family trip, Abashiri is the perfect place to be!
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Abashiri is the Memanbetsu Airport. You can get to the city center by taking a bus for half an hour, with the fare ranging from 600 to 1,000 yen depending on your stop.
Best Things to do in Abashiri
Cycling in nature reserves, Wakka Nature Center
Drift Ice Museum - Touch the real drift ice at -15 degrees
Best Hotels to stay in Abashiri
Image by Hokuten no Oka Abashiri Tsuruga Resort
Luxury hotel - Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort : A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring the Ainu art in its well-designed interior
Mid-range hotel - Kagariya : An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.
Budget-friendly hotel - Dormy Inn Abashiri : A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby
Itineraries
4. Kushiro for Traveling without a Car
Kushiro is a port city located on the Pacific Ocean, renowned for its beautiful sunsets and abundant fresh seafood. Kushiro is also home to the Kushiro Marshland National Park, a vast protected area covering over 260 square km and a habitat for rare wildlife species such as Japanese cranes.
For those who are traveling without a car, Kushiro is the perfect destination. It’s easy to get around with public transportation, as tourist attractions in and around Kushiro are well connected by the local bus network.
How to Get There
The city is easily accessible by bus from the nearby Kushiro Airport, with regular departures after every flight arrival. The bus ride to the city center takes approximately 40 minutes and costs 950 yen per person. For those arriving from other cities, Kushiro can also be reached by train at JR Kushiro station.
Best Things to do in Kushiro
Kushiro Marshland National Park - Enjoy beautiful landscapes from observatories and walking paths
Crane Nature Park - Observe wild Japanese cranes in their natural habitat
Washo Seafood Market - Make your own sashimi rice bowl at local seafood shops
Best Hotels to stay in Kushiro
Image by ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro
Mid-range hotel - ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro : Conveniently located near JR Kushiro Station, offering great guest services and a breakfast buffet using fresh local ingredients.
Budget-friendly hotel - Comfort Hotel Kushiro : A modern city hotel just a 2-min walk away from JR Kushiro Station
5. Obihiro for Foodies
Obihiro is the perfect place for foodies! Located in the heart of the fertile Tokachi Plain, it is renowned for its fresh and locally grown produce. This gourmet hub is not only famous for its delicious grilled pork rice bowl, but also for its delightful sweets and local wines.
But the city isn't all about food - it's also surrounded by lush fields and farms that are sure to entice nature lovers. Obihiro is a lesser-known destination among international travelers - if you’re looking for off-the-beaten paths, definitely consider adding Obihiro to your itinerary!
How to Get There
To get there, you can take a bus from the Obihiro Airport after every flight arrival, or hop on a train from other cities to JR Obihiro Station. Intercity buses are also available if you want to explore the area.
Best Things to do in Obihiro
Pancho - The most popular butadon restaurant in Obihiro
Rokkatei - The main branch of the famous Hokkaido sweets brand with a shop and a cafe
Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden - Another Hokkaido sweets brand’s factory shop
Banei Horse Race - Hokkaido’s traditional horse race, now taking place only in Obihiro
Best Hotels to stay in Obihiro
Image by Sanyoan
Luxury hotel - Sanyoan : A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa Onsen
Mid-range hotel - Hotel Grand Terrace Obihiro : A convenient city hotel located near JR Obihiro Station
Budget-friendly hotel - Hotel Nupka : A simple, affordable hotel with complimentary breakfast, located near the station
Grab Your Ultimate Travel Planner for Eastern Hokkaido
Want more tips for your travel planning? Grab this e-guidebook packed with useful resources! You can download it in a second in PDF format.
This e-Guidebook will...
- Save you weeks of research
- Makes your travel planning so much easier!
- Cover everything you need to know about Eastern Hokkaido
NEED ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP PLAN?
I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!
I’ve been helping international travelers plan their dream trips to Hokkaido for many years. I’d be happy to plan your itinerary with you for Eastern Hokkaido as well as other regions.
Check out what you can ask me & why you should plan with a local expert like me.
