Hokkaido Travel Guides

Farm Tomita is one of Hokkaido's best-known flower gardens, famous for its spectacular lavender fields. Across its gently rolling landscape, visitors can enjoy around 80 varieties of flowers, including lavender, poppies, cosmos, baby's breath, and many other seasonal blooms. The farm is also known for its extensive selection of original lavender products, including essential oils, perfumes, soaps...»

Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan and is renowned for its innovative approach to animal exhibits. Rather than simply displaying animals for visitors to observe, the zoo focuses on “behavioral exhibits” that bring out the natural habits and movements of each species. This approach allows visitors to see animals swimming, climbing, flying, playing, and interacting in ways that resemble...»

Jozankei Onsen is a famous hot spring resort nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by pristine forests. Natural hot spring water rises from cracks in the bedrock along the banks and riverbed of the Toyohira River, creating a tranquil destination where visitors can enjoy both healing waters and spectacular scenery. Located about 26 kilometers south of central Sapporo, Jozankei can be reached by...»

Mount Moiwa rises to 531 meters above sea level almost in the center of Sapporo. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a spectacular panorama stretching across the city of Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and as far as the Mashike-Shokanbetsu mountain range. Especially after sunset, the city lights spread across the Ishikari Plain like countless jewels. The breathtaking nighttime panorama is one of the highl...»

Otaru Canal is one of Hokkaido's most iconic waterfront attractions. Along the canal stand rows of beautifully preserved stone warehouses dating from the Meiji and Taisho periods, when Otaru developed as an important port city. Many of these historic warehouses have been given new life as restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and other businesses, creating a charming blend of history and modern tou...»

Abashiri Prison Museum is an open-air museum that preserves and exhibits the historic buildings of the former Abashiri Prison, along with tools, documents, and other objects dating from the Meiji period onward. It is the only prison museum of its kind in Japan, offering visitors a vivid look at the history of incarceration and prison life in northern Japan. The museum's principal buildings, inclu...»

Mount Hakodate offers one of the most famous panoramic views in Japan. Rising to an elevation of 334 meters, the mountain overlooks Hakodate's distinctive cityscape and the surrounding seas. The summit observatory is especially popular for its breathtaking nighttime panorama. Together with Mt. Maya's Kikuseidai Observatory in Kobe and Mount Inasa in Nagasaki, the view from Mount Hakodate is recog...»

Hachiman-zaka Slope is one of Hakodate's most famous viewpoints and is often introduced alongside the spectacular panorama from Mount Hakodate. From the top of the slope, the road runs in a remarkably straight line toward the sea, creating an impressive view of Hakodate Port. Looking straight down the slope, visitors can see the remains of a former pier and the historic Seikan Ferry Mashu-maru mo...»

Shikisai no Oka, officially known as Shikisai-no-Oka Panorama Flower Garden, is a beautiful sightseeing destination in Biei, Hokkaido. Set on a gently elevated hill along the Panorama Road, the vast 7-hectare flower garden offers sweeping views of the colorful hills and the magnificent Daisetsuzan mountain range....»

Cape Chikyu Observatory stands more than 150 meters above the sea in Muroran, Hokkaido, offering a breathtaking panorama of the open ocean. From the observation deck, visitors can see the striking contrast between the white Cape Chikyu Lighthouse standing on the edge of the cliffs and the deep marine-blue waters stretching toward the horizon. Cape Chikyu is famous for its dramatic coastal scenery...»

Noboribetsu Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, lies northeast of the Noboribetsu Onsen resort area in Hokkaido. This spectacular landscape is the remains of an explosive volcanic crater, approximately 450 meters in diameter, formed by an eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama. Numerous fumaroles are scattered throughout the valley, releasing high-temperature volcanic gases and hot water from beneath the ground. T...»

Rokka no Mori is a beautiful garden and cultural destination in Nakasatsunai Village, Hokkaido, spread across an expansive 100,000-square-meter site. The grounds include a confectionery factory producing Rokkatei's famous Marusei Butter Sand cookies, museums and galleries, and a café, all surrounded by carefully restored natural landscapes. The garden was created with the aim of bringing to life ...»

Patchwork Road is one of the most iconic scenic areas in Biei, Hokkaido. Broad, gently rolling hills stretch into the distance, covered with fields in different shades of green, yellow, and brown. Viewed from the surrounding roads, the landscape resembles a giant patchwork quilt made by stitching together pieces of different-colored fabric. The fairytale-like scenery has an atmosphere reminiscent...»

The Garinko is a powerful icebreaker designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the Sea of Okhotsk in winter. Equipped with enormous drill-shaped screws at the bow, the vessel breaks through thick sheets of drift ice as it cruises across the frozen sea. One of the most spectacular moments comes when broken pieces of ice rise dramatically alongside the hull as the ship pushes forward. The exp...»

Blue Pond, also known as the Shirogane Blue Pond or Biei Shirogane Blue Pond, is one of the most popular scenic attractions in Biei. Its remarkably blue water and the silhouettes of trees that stand stark and lifeless in the pond create an otherworldly landscape that has attracted photographers and travelers from around the world. The pond's unusual blue color is believed to result from the mixin...»

The Road to Heaven is a spectacular straight road in Shari, eastern Hokkaido. Stretching for approximately 18 kilometers, the road runs straight into the distance before appearing to rise toward the sky. This remarkable perspective has earned it the evocative name “Road to Heaven.” Near the top of the hill stands a small wooden observation platform known as the Nameless Observatory. From this vie...»

Goryokaku Park is one of Hakodate's most distinctive historic landmarks. Goryokaku was one of the few Western-style fortresses built in Japan during the final years of the Edo period, when the Tokugawa shogunate constructed defensive facilities in Ezo, the region now known as Hokkaido. The fortress was designed in a striking star shape surrounded by a water-filled moat, with a single crescent-sha...»

The Hakodate Ropeway connects the base of Mount Hakodate with its summit, carrying visitors to an elevation of 334 meters in approximately three minutes. The large ropeway cabins can accommodate up to 125 passengers, making the journey itself a memorable way to rise above Hakodate and take in the changing scenery. At the summit, the observation facilities offer magnificent panoramic views by day ...»

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a historic group of brick buildings in Hakodate's Bay Area. The warehouses flourished during the Meiji era as maritime trade and cargo transportation expanded following the development of Hakodate Port. For a time, changes in transportation and distribution methods threatened the future of the warehouses. However, their architectural and historical value was ...»

Mount Yotei is one of Hokkaido's most beautiful mountains, famous for its graceful, symmetrical silhouette. Because its shape closely resembles Mount Fuji, it is also known as “Ezo Fuji,” or the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido. Recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it is an iconic symbol of the Niseko region. Rising to an elevation of 1,898 meters, Mount Yotei is a volcanic mountain with a cr...»

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a scenic destination on a broad hillside in southeastern Sapporo. With expansive grasslands, grazing sheep, and panoramic views, it offers visitors a chance to experience the peaceful, pastoral landscape often associated with Hokkaido. The grounds are home to several monuments connected with Sapporo and Hokkaido, including the famous statue of Dr. William Smith Cl...»

Tenguyama Observatory is a scenic viewpoint near the summit of Mount Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido. Rising approximately 532–533 meters above sea level, Mount Tengu offers sweeping views of Otaru, the Sea of Japan, and Ishikari Bay. A ropeway connects the mountain's base with the summit, taking approximately four minutes. At the summit station, visitors can also explore attractions including the Ski M...»

Unkai Terrace is a spectacular mountaintop observation area near the summit of Mount Tomamu, at an elevation of approximately 1,088 meters. Located beside the upper station of the gondola operated from Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, the terrace can be reached in about 13 minutes from the resort's base area. When conditions are right, visitors arriving in the early morning during summer may encounter an ...»

Nakafurano Flower Park is a relaxing green space in Nakafurano, Hokkaido, where visitors can enjoy colorful flowers throughout the seasons. Developed as a place of “refreshment and relaxation,” the park is particularly famous for its lavender fields and its beautiful views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. Depending on the season, the grounds are filled with different flowers, including lavender...»

Water Chapel is a striking chapel in Tomamu, Hokkaido, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Completed in 1988, the chapel was created around the theme of living in harmony with nature, blending architecture and the surrounding landscape so seamlessly that the boundary between the two seems to disappear. Visitors approach the chapel along a path bordered by a forest of white b...»

North Safari Sapporo is a unique safari park in Sapporo where visitors can experience animals at close range. The park is divided into three main areas: North Safari Sapporo, where guests can interact with animals; the Dangerous Forest, where dangerous animals can be observed from remarkably close distances; and North Safari Adventure, which offers a variety of seasonal outdoor activities....»

From the late Meiji period through the early Showa period, Otaru flourished as a major center of trade, logistics, and finance. With so many banks and commercial institutions concentrated in the city, Otaru became known as the “Wall Street of the North” and played an important role in the economic development of Hokkaido. Otaru Art Base brings this history back to life inside historic buildings t...»

JR Tower Observatory T38 is located on the 38th floor of JR Tower, directly connected to JR Sapporo Station. Rising 160 meters above the ground, it is the highest observation deck in Hokkaido and offers sweeping 360-degree views across Sapporo and its surrounding landscapes. Looking south, visitors can see the neatly arranged grid of central Sapporo, extending toward landmarks such as the Sapporo...»

Goryokaku Tower is a 107-meter-high observation tower standing next to Goryokaku, a Special Historic Site and one of Hakodate's most important landmarks. The current tower was completed in 2006. Its structure incorporates a star-shaped design inspired by Goryokaku, while the observation floors are pentagonal. From the observation deck approximately 90 meters above the ground, visitors can look di...»

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring destinations, renowned for its extraordinary variety and abundance of mineral-rich waters. Natural hot springs emerge at a rate of approximately 10,000 tons per day, with around 3,000 liters flowing every minute. The resort is famous for its nine different types of spring water, earning it the nickname “the department store of hot springs...»

The Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Yoichi Distillery stands in Yoichi, a town on the coast of Hokkaido known for its cool, humid climate, abundant water, and exceptionally clear air. These natural conditions are remarkably well suited to whisky production. Established in an environment reminiscent of the homeland of whisky, Scotland, the distillery has a distinctive atmosphere that combines traditional Ja...»

Otaru Aquarium is a popular marine-life attraction in Otaru, Hokkaido, overlooking the Sea of Japan. Opened in 1959, the aquarium has introduced generations of visitors to the fascinating world beneath the surrounding seas. The aquarium complex consists of several distinct areas, including the Main Building, where a wide variety of marine life is displayed; the Dolphin Stadium, featuring dolphin ...»

The Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line is a preserved railway line in Otaru, Hokkaido, where visitors can walk along the tracks of a historic railway that once played an important role in transporting coal to the port of Otaru. The line originally opened in 1880 as part of the government-operated Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido. Trains continued to run along the Temiya Line...»

Sapporo TV Tower stands at the eastern end of Odori Park, the broad green boulevard that divides central Sapporo into northern and southern sections. Rising 147.2 meters above the city, the tower has been one of Sapporo's most recognizable landmarks since its completion in 1956. At an elevation of 90 meters, the observation deck offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama across Sapporo. From here, vis...»

Shiroi Koibito Park Chocolate Factory is a charming chocolate-themed attraction in Sapporo operated by Ishiya, the Hokkaido confectionery maker famous for Shiroi Koibito, one of the region's best-known souvenirs. The beautiful European-style buildings resemble a storybook castle, creating a whimsical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a world devoted to sweets. The park combines a working c...»

Matsumae Castle stands in the town of Matsumae in southern Hokkaido and is known as the northernmost castle in Japan. Built as the seat of the Matsumae clan, the castle played an important role in the history of Hokkaido, particularly during the Edo period when the Matsumae domain governed the southern part of Ezo, the historical name for Hokkaido. The castle is also a valuable cultural heritage ...»

Hill of the Buddha is a remarkable Buddhist memorial complex in Sapporo's Makomanai Takino Cemetery, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. At its heart is a monumental Buddha measuring 13.5 meters in height and weighing approximately 1,500 tons. Rather than placing the Buddha in a conventional temple hall, Ando created a striking architectural space in which the statue is part...»

Hakodate Magistrate's Office was a government office established by the Tokugawa shogunate as an important center for the defense and administration of Japan's northern frontier. Today, the reconstructed building stands at the heart of Goryokaku, the distinctive star-shaped fortress in Hakodate. The original office was initially located at the foot of Mount Hakodate. After Goryokaku was construct...»

Niseko Onsen Area is a collection of hot spring resorts scattered around the Niseko region of Hokkaido, particularly across Niseko Town and Kutchan Town. Surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Niseko Range, the area is blessed with abundant natural hot spring resources and a remarkable variety of mineral-rich waters. From mountain hot springs with spectacular views to traditional bathing fac...»

Lake Toya is a magnificent volcanic lake at the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in southwestern Hokkaido. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 110,000 years ago, the almost perfectly circular caldera lake is one of Hokkaido's most celebrated natural landscapes. With a circumference of approximately 50 kilometers and an area of about 70.7 square kilometers, Lake Toya is one of ...»

Historical Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum located within Nopporo Forest Park in Sapporo. Covering a vast area of approximately 54 hectares, the museum recreates the towns, villages, buildings, and everyday life of Hokkaido during the pioneering era from the Meiji and Taisho periods through the early Showa period. Historic buildings from different parts of Hokkaido have been relocated t...»

Hagoromo Falls is one of Hokkaido's most spectacular waterfalls, located in Tenninkyo Gorge within Daisetsuzan National Park. The waterfall plunges down a dramatic cliff face approximately 270 meters high, changing direction as it descends through seven distinct tiers. It has the greatest total drop of any waterfall in Hokkaido. The combination of its immense scale and graceful, elegant appearanc...»

Sapporo Beer Museum is a historic beer museum in Sapporo's Higashi Ward and the only museum in Japan dedicated to the history of beer. Housed in a distinctive red-brick building, the museum introduces more than 120 years of Sapporo Beer history, from the development of brewing in Japan to the company's own long brewing tradition. Visitors can learn how beer is made, explore the story of beer cult...»

Moerenuma Park is a spectacular comprehensive park in northeastern Sapporo designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Rather than treating art as something placed within a park, Noguchi envisioned the entire landscape as a monumental work of art, creating a unique environment where nature, architecture, sculpture, and recreation are seamlessly connected. Completed in 2005, the park fe...»

Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city's best-known landmarks and one of the oldest surviving clock towers in Japan. Built in 1878 as the drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University, it has continued to mark the passage of time for more than a century. With its distinctive Western-style wooden architecture, the clock tower stands as a reminder of Sapporo...»

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's leading zoos, home to around 160 species and 700 individual animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Located within the lush natural surroundings of Maruyama Park, the zoo offers visitors the chance to encounter a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout the year. Among its highlights are the Tropical Animal House, where popular animals such as l...»

Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Hokkaido and is regarded as the island's spiritual guardian. Founded in 1869, the shrine occupies an expansive site of approximately 180,000 square meters in central Sapporo, where historic buildings and rich natural surroundings create a peaceful sanctuary. The shrine attracts large numbers of worshippers throughout the year, particu...»

Okurayama Observatory is located at the top of the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, a famous venue where international competitions have been held and which was also used during the Winter Olympics. Reaching the observation area by the same two-person chairlift used by ski jump athletes makes the journey itself part of the experience....»

The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is one of Hakodate's most celebrated historic buildings and a magnificent example of Western-style architecture from the Meiji period. Completed in 1910, the building is designated a National Important Cultural Property and remains one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. With its striking blue roof and pale yellow exterior, the building has an unmistakab...»

Catholic Motomachi Church is a historic Roman Catholic church standing on the hills of Hakodate's Motomachi district. With its impressive Gothic Revival architecture, elegant interior, and beautiful stained-glass windows, the church is one of the area's most distinctive landmarks. The history of the church dates back to 1859, when French missionary Father M. de Rotz arrived in Hakodate and establ...»

Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Mashu-maru is a historic museum ship in Hakodate that preserves the story of the railway ferries that once connected Hokkaido and Honshu across the Tsugaru Strait. Once known as the “Queen of the Strait,” the elegant vessel now serves as a floating museum where visitors can experience the atmosphere of a working ferry. Mashu-maru continued sailing until 1988, when the o...»

Hakodate Orthodox Church is a historic Orthodox church located in Hakodate's Motomachi district. Known for its distinctive architecture and long connection with Russian Orthodox Christianity, the church is one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in the city's historic quarter. The church was established as part of the missionary activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Japan during t...»

The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is one of Hokkaido's most spectacular winter events, transforming the dramatic valley of Sounkyo into a magical world of ice and light. Held along the banks of the Ishikari River at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains, the festival makes remarkable use of the area's cold climate and rugged natural landscape. The approximately 10,000-square-meter festival...»

Trappistine Monastery is a Catholic convent in Hakodate and was founded in 1898 as Japan's first monastery for women following the contemplative tradition of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, commonly known as the Trappists. It is also known as Angel Garden. Set amid a quiet natural landscape, the monastery is known for its serene atmosphere and distinctive architecture. The chapel, ...»

Hakodate St. John’s Church is a Protestant church located in the historic Motomachi district of Hakodate. Its bright white walls are decorated with crosses on all four sides, while its distinctive brown roof forms a cross-shaped design when viewed from above. The church is one of the three best-known historic churches in Hakodate's Motomachi area, together with Hakodate Orthodox Church and Cathol...»

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a unique botanical garden located in Yunokawa Onsen, one of Hakodate's best-known hot spring districts. Despite Hokkaido's cool northern climate, the garden's greenhouse provides a warm environment where visitors can enjoy approximately 300 species of tropical plants throughout the year. In addition to the greenhouse, the garden features outdoor spaces and fa...»

Yunokawa Onsen is a historic hot spring resort on the eastern side of Hakodate, renowned for its abundant hot spring water, convenient location, and beautiful seaside setting. Hakodate Airport is only about 5 minutes by car, or approximately 3 kilometers away, making Yunokawa one of Japan's most conveniently located hot spring resorts near an airport. The resort is also easily reached by Hakodate...»

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most famous winter events, transforming the city of Sapporo into a spectacular outdoor gallery of snow and ice. Every year, enormous snow sculptures, intricate ice carvings, winter attractions, and illuminated displays create a magical atmosphere throughout the city. The festival is centered around three main venues: Odori, Tsudome, and Susukino. Each v...»

Furano Cheese Factory is a popular food and cultural attraction in Furano, Hokkaido, where visitors can discover the region's dairy culture through locally made cheese, fresh milk, and hands-on food experiences. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of Furano, the facility combines food production, sightseeing, and interactive activities in one welcoming destination. Established in 1986, ...»

The Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway connects the Asahidake Onsen Station at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters with Sugatami Station at approximately 1,600 meters, taking visitors high into the mountains of Daisetsuzan. It provides an easy and spectacular way to experience the wilderness of Mount Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido. Large gondolas accommodating up to 101 passengers ...»

The Former Hokkaido Government Office is one of Sapporo's most recognizable historic buildings. Commonly known as the “Red Brick Office”, this elegant Western-style building was completed in 1888 in an American Neo-Baroque style. Its distinctive red-brick exterior has made it a beloved landmark of Sapporo and an enduring symbol of Hokkaido's early development. Today, the building is preserved as ...»

Sounkyo Onsen is a scenic hot spring resort in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, located at the entrance to the spectacular Sounkyo Gorge within Daisetsuzan National Park. Known for its abundant hot spring waters and dramatic columnar-jointed cliffs, the area is also famous for some of the earliest autumn foliage in Japan. The resort town stretches along the gorge, with hotels and traditional Japanese inns cre...»

Mount Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido, rising to 2,291 meters as the principal peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, it is celebrated for its vast mountain scenery, distinctive volcanic landscape, and rich alpine ecosystem. Even without climbing to the summit, visitors can experience the high-mountain environment from around 1,600 meters above...»

Canadian World is a unique municipal park in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, created to recreate the idyllic 19th-century Canadian countryside depicted in the beloved novel Anne of Green Gables. With its quiet landscapes and storybook buildings, the park offers visitors a chance to step into the world created by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The park recreates a number of locations and buildings ass...»

Showa Shinzan is a remarkable lava dome that suddenly emerged from the flat land at the foot of Mount Usu in Hokkaido. It was formed by volcanic activity between 1943 and 1945, making it one of the youngest volcanoes in the world whose entire formation process was observed and documented from beginning to end. Today, the volcano rises to approximately 398 meters above sea level and continues to s...»

Lake Toya Onsen is one of Hokkaido's most popular hot spring resorts, stretching along the southern shore of beautiful Lake Toya. Hotels, traditional Japanese inns, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other visitor facilities form a lively resort town surrounded by spectacular volcanic scenery. The lakeside area features a pleasant promenade, sightseeing boat piers, an outdoor sculpture park, and fr...»

Silo Observatory stands on a hill overlooking the western shore of Lake Toya, offering one of the closest and most impressive views of the lake in the Lake Toya area. From an elevation of approximately 170 meters, visitors can enjoy a sweeping panorama of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, Mount Usu, and Mount Showa-Shinzan, while the Lake Toya Onsen resort area can be seen to the right. The combination...»

Zerubu Hill is a scenic flower garden and tourist attraction in Biei, Hokkaido, where colorful flowers spread across a gently rolling landscape. During summer, lavender and other seasonal flowers brighten the hills, while the distant peaks of Mount Asahidake and the Tokachidake mountain range create a magnificent backdrop. Covering approximately 16 hectares, the expansive grounds combine agricult...»

Wine Castle is a distinctive municipal winery located on a gentle hill in Ikeda, Hokkaido. Officially known as the Institute for Grape and Wine Research, the winery is designed to evoke the appearance of a medieval European castle and has become one of the region's most recognizable attractions. Here, local winemakers develop unique grape varieties suited to the Tokachi climate and produce wines ...»

Ken and Mary Tree is a solitary poplar standing amid the rolling farmland of Biei, Hokkaido. Its simple yet striking silhouette became famous after it appeared in a 1972 Nissan Skyline television commercial titled “A Journey Without a Map.” After the commercial was broadcast, the tree became a popular tourist attraction. It was given the name “Ken and Mary Tree” after the names of the characters ...»

Seven Stars Tree is a solitary oak tree standing on a gently elevated hill in the rolling countryside of Biei, Hokkaido. The tree became famous after it was featured on the packaging of Seven Stars, a Japanese tobacco brand's 1976 tourist edition, giving the landmark its memorable name. Today, the tree is one of the iconic sights of Biei's Patchwork Road area. Its simple silhouette against the wi...»

Mount Usu Ropeway offers a spectacular aerial journey over one of Hokkaido's most active volcanoes and the surrounding landscape of the Toya-Usu Geopark. Mount Usu is an exceptionally active volcano, with eruptions observed four times during the 20th century. The ropeway travels approximately 1,370 meters, rising about 356 meters in elevation. The one-way journey takes approximately six minutes, ...»

Sounkyo Gorge is one of Japan's great scenic gorges, carved by the Ishikari River through the northern foothills of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Dramatic cliffs of columnar joints, unusual rock formations, and waterfalls extend for approximately 24 kilometers along the river. The immense scale of the gorge makes it one of the most impressive places to experience the rugged natural beauty of Ho...»

Shirahige Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Shirogane area of Biei, Hokkaido. Approximately 40 meters wide and 30 meters high, the waterfall consists of dozens of slender streams that emerge from the rock and plunge energetically into the Biei River below. Unlike an ordinary waterfall fed by an open river or stream, Shirahige Falls is formed by groundwater seeping through cracks in layers o...»

Ecorin Village is a spacious eco-themed park in Eniwa, Hokkaido, where visitors can enjoy flowers, animals, gardens, and hands-on experiences while learning about environmental issues and the importance of healthy, sustainable food. The park covers approximately 40 hectares, providing plenty of space to explore at a relaxed pace. Its combination of gardens, farm animals, food, and environmental t...»

Yuni Garden is one of Japan's largest herb gardens, covering an expansive 14.2 hectares in Yuni, Hokkaido. The garden offers a constantly changing display of flowers and herbs throughout the growing season, with each season bringing a distinctive landscape. In spring, cherry blossoms add color to the grounds. Early summer brings an extraordinary display of approximately 1.02 million linaria flowe...»

Okhotsk Ryuhyokan Ice Pavilion is a fascinating museum in Abashiri, Hokkaido, dedicated to the drift ice and marine life of the Sea of Okhotsk. Visitors can experience real drift ice from the Okhotsk Sea throughout the year, even in the middle of summer. Inside the museum's freezing experience room, the temperature is maintained at approximately -15°C. Real pieces of drift ice are permanently dis...»

The Aurora Drift Icebreaker is one of the most popular ways to experience the spectacular drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk. Rather than simply viewing the ice from the shore, passengers travel directly into the frozen sea as the powerful vessel pushes through even thick sheets of drift ice. From the deck, an immense field of white ice stretches across the horizon. As the ship advances, its hull co...»

Lake Shikotsu is a spectacular caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park in southern Hokkaido. Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Sapporo, the lake stretches roughly 13 kilometers from east to west and about 5 kilometers from north to south, forming a distinctive elongated shape. The name Shikotsu comes from an Ainu word meaning “large depression”, an appropriate name for a lake s...»

Koke no Domon is a remarkable natural formation near Lake Shikotsu in Chitose, Hokkaido, where moss-covered rock walls create an enchanting corridor through the forest. The landscape was formed from cracks in lava that flowed during an eruption of Mount Tarumae. Over time, flowing water from streams and other natural forces eroded the volcanic rock, creating the distinctive passageway seen today. ...»

Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3 is one of Otaru's most atmospheric destinations, combining traditional glassware, historic architecture, and a beautifully illuminated café space. The building is a wooden warehouse clad in stone that was originally constructed in 1891 during the Meiji period as a storage facility for the local fishing industry. Today, the historic warehouse has been thoughtfully reused ...»

Shiretoko Five Lakes are a group of five volcanic barrier lakes scattered at the foot of the Shiretoko Mountain Range on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido. Surrounded by dense primeval forest, the lakes form one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Shiretoko region, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The five lakes are known simply as Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Three, Lake F...»

Tenguyama Ropeway carries visitors from the foot of Mount Tengu to its summit, where one of Otaru's most spectacular panoramic viewpoints awaits. From the mountain, visitors can look across the historic city of Otaru, Ishikari Bay, and toward the Shakotan Peninsula, with views extending as far as Sapporo on clear days. The ropeway offers an easy way to reach the mountain while enjoying changing v...»

The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum occupies the former Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan, a magnificent Renaissance-style building that preserves the atmosphere of Otaru's golden age as a center of finance and trade. Five distinctive green domes rise above the building, giving it an impressive presence among the historic architecture of the city. The former Otaru Branch ended its banking operations i...»

Otaru Music Box Museum is one of Otaru's best-known attractions, offering an enchanting journey into the world of music boxes. The shop features one of the largest selections in Japan, with approximately 5,000 types and 80,000 music boxes on display and available for purchase. The main building occupies a historic structure characterized by its distinctive red-brick construction, dating from 1915...»

Otaru Station is a historic railway station and an important gateway to the city. Its distinctive atmosphere is enhanced by approximately 333 glass lamps installed throughout the station building and on the platforms, creating a warm, nostalgic glow that perfectly matches Otaru's historic character. The station building was constructed in 1934 and was the first reinforced concrete railway station...»

Sakaimachi Street is one of Otaru's most popular areas for walking, shopping, and enjoying local food. Located one street inland from the road along the Otaru Canal, the approximately 900-meter-long street is lined with souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants, and specialty stores housed in historic merchant buildings and elegant Western-style structures. Many of the buildings date from the period bet...»

Upopoy is a cultural facility in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, dedicated to sharing the history, culture, and traditions of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan. Officially known as the National Ainu Museum and Park, or the Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony, it was established as a major center for the revitalization and transmission of Ainu culture. The name Upopoy comes from an Ainu word mean...»

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular spring flower-viewing destinations. Located in Higashimokoto, Ozora Town, the park is famous for its vast hillside covered in colorful moss phlox, known in Japanese as shibazakura. From around mid-May to early June, approximately 100,000 square meters of gently sloping ground is transformed into a vivid floral landscape. The pin...»

Lake Toya Sculpture Park is a unique open-air art space stretching around the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. Sculptures are displayed along promenades and other locations around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy contemporary art against a constantly changing natural backdrop. The park extends for approximately 43 kilometers, following almost the entire circumference of Lake Toya. Around 58 s...»

Ningle Terrace is a charming craft village nestled in a forest in Furano, Hokkaido. Small log cabins are scattered among the trees, connected by wooden walkways that invite visitors to wander from one workshop and shop to the next. Each cabin is filled with unique handmade creations inspired by nature, including woodcraft, glasswork, candles, and other artistic pieces. In some workshops, visitors...»

Roller Coaster Road is a scenic driving route in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, where a remarkably straight road climbs and descends through the region's picturesque countryside. Stretching for approximately 4 kilometers, the road passes through a series of gentle slopes as well as surprisingly steep rises and drops. As the road continues straight ahead, its dramatic changes in elevation create an appeara...»

New Chitose Airport is one of Japan's major airports and the principal gateway to Hokkaido for travelers arriving from other parts of Japan and overseas. Located in the cities of Chitose and Tomakomai, the airport is approximately 45 kilometers southeast of central Sapporo and connects Hokkaido with numerous domestic and international destinations. More than simply an airport, New Chitose is a de...»

Futami Suspension Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Jozankei, a hot spring resort nestled in a beautiful forested valley on the outskirts of Sapporo. Spanning the Toyohira River, the striking red suspension bridge stands out against the surrounding greenery and has become a symbol of the area. From the bridge, visitors can look down into the dramatic gorge and see unusual rock f...»

Hoheikyo Onsen is a day-use hot spring facility in the Jozankei area of Sapporo, famous for its enormous open-air bath and exceptionally pure natural hot spring water. The baths are supplied directly from underground hot spring sources without storing the water in tanks, diluting it, reheating it, or recirculating it. This 100% free-flowing natural hot spring experience allows visitors to soak in...»

Kamino-ko Pond is a remarkably clear pond in Kiyosato, eastern Hokkaido, famous for its vivid blue water and the mysterious sight of fallen trees preserved beneath the surface. Through the transparent water, the pond bottom can be seen at a depth of around 5 meters, appearing beautifully blue in the sunlight. Fallen tree trunks lie submerged in the clear water as if they were fossils, remarkably ...»

Hoheikyo Dam is a spectacular arch concrete dam in Jozankei, southern Sapporo. Completed in 1972, the dam rises 102.5 meters and plays an important role in supplying water to Sapporo. Its immense scale, dramatic rock cliffs, and surrounding forests make it one of the most impressive scenic destinations in the Jozankei area. The reservoir created by the dam is known as Jozan Lake. Surrounded by st...»

Otaru Sankaku Market is a compact and lively seafood market located just a one-minute walk from Otaru Station. Enter through its small, nostalgic entrance and you will find a bustling market stretching deep into the building, with shops and restaurants already coming to life from around 6:00 a.m.. The market stretches for approximately 200 meters along a narrow, gently sloping passageway only abo...»

Tokachi Millennium Forest is a vast nature and art destination in Hokkaido's Tokachi region, where gardens, forests, contemporary art, dining, and hands-on activities come together in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can experience the changing character of Hokkaido throughout the seasons while exploring gardens carefully designed to work in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Covering a...»

Rebun Island lies in the Sea of Japan approximately 60 kilometers west of Wakkanai City in northern Hokkaido. Known as the “Floating Island of Flowers,” Rebun is famous for its extraordinary variety of alpine plants. More than 300 species of alpine and other wild plants can be found on the island, including many rare species that are difficult to see anywhere else. The island is relatively small,...»

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a historical theme park where the streets, architecture, entertainment, and everyday culture of Japan's Edo period are recreated in remarkable detail. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere is designed to make you feel as though you have stepped back several centuries into the world of samurai, merchants, ninja, and traditional performers. Many of the buildings an...»

Machimura Farm Milk Garden is a charming dairy destination in Ebetsu, near Sapporo, where visitors can enjoy fresh milk and homemade dairy sweets surrounded by a peaceful countryside landscape. Set on spacious grounds with open pastures, the farm offers a refreshing escape from the city and a chance to experience the gentle flavors of Hokkaido dairy products. The Milk Garden is housed in a distin...»

Chitose Winery is a winery in Chitose, Hokkaido, producing wines that capture the rich character and abundant fruit flavors of the northern land. Founded in 1988, the winery makes and sells a variety of wines using grapes grown in Hokkaido, as well as a distinctive sweet fruit wine made with haskap berries, a fruit closely associated with Hokkaido. Hokkaido's cool climate and fertile natural envi...»

Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum in Asahikawa offers visitors an opportunity to discover the long history and culture of Japanese sake while learning about the famous Otokoyama brand. The history of Otokoyama dates back to the Edo period, and the museum introduces the traditions of sake brewing through historical materials, traditional brewing tools, and exhibits tracing the development of the brand....»

Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum is a cultural museum in Nibutani, Biratori, Hokkaido, dedicated to introducing the history, traditions, language, and everyday life of the Ainu people. The museum houses a rich collection of traditional household objects and ethnographic materials, as well as audio recordings featuring the Ainu language. Nibutani was once known as an important Ainu settlement, alongsi...»

Garō Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Shimamaki Village, southern Hokkaido, known for its immense scale and powerful presence. The waterfall is approximately 35 meters wide and 70 meters high, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Japan. Also known as Ryūjin Falls or Hiryū Falls, Garō Falls is located within the Kariba-Motsuta Prefectural Natural Park and has been selected as one ...»

Lake Utonai is a freshwater lake surrounded by expansive wetlands and natural wilderness in Tomakomai, Hokkaido. Located about 11 kilometers east-northeast of central Tomakomai, the lake stretches across the alluvial plain of the lower Bibi River. It has a circumference of approximately 9 kilometers, an area of about 275 hectares, and an average depth of only 1.2 meters. The surrounding landscape...»

Sunflower Village in Hokuryu, Hokkaido, is famous for its spectacular sunflower fields, where approximately two million sunflowers bloom across a vast 23-hectare area. Equivalent to roughly five Tokyo Domes in size, the expansive fields are celebrated as one of Japan's most impressive sunflower landscapes. During the main flowering season, from mid-July through late August, the fields are transfo...»

Kaori no Sato Herb Garden is a beautiful garden in Takinoue, Hokkaido, where approximately 300 varieties of herbs and flowers grow across a spacious 4-hectare site. From May through October, the garden changes with the seasons, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a constantly evolving display of fragrant herbs and colorful flowers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Hokkaido, the gard...»

Koryuji Temple, also known as Kokugazan Koryuji, is the oldest temple in Hakodate. Located at the foot of Mount Hakodate, the temple is known for its imposing wooden architecture, richly decorated buildings, and deep connection with the city's history. Ten structures within the temple complex have been registered as Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. Their historical importance, ...»

Yasuda Kan Sculpture Museum Arte Piazza Bibai is a unique open-air art space where sculpture, architecture, and the natural landscape of Hokkaido come together. The name “Arte Piazza” is Italian for “art square.” Rather than a conventional museum building, the site was created by renovating a former elementary school and its gymnasium, transforming a place once filled with the sounds of children i...»

Makomanai Takino Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Sapporo, covering approximately 1.8 million square meters. Although it is a cemetery and sacred site, its striking architecture, monumental sculptures, flower gardens, and expansive green spaces have made it an unusual and increasingly popular destination for visitors from Japan and overseas. The cemetery was developed with the concept...»

Uni and Ikura Rice Bowl is a sumptuous Japanese seafood bowl featuring two of Hokkaido's most prized marine delicacies: rich sea urchin and plump salmon roe. Served generously over warm rice, the dish brings together the creamy texture of fresh uni and the pleasantly springy texture of ikura in a particularly satisfying combination. Hokkaido is renowned for the quality of its seafood, and this ri...»

Jingisukan is one of Hokkaido's most distinctive local dishes: grilled lamb or mutton cooked on a special dome-shaped metal grill. The meat is often marinated in a savory sauce before grilling, and its rich aroma is an important part of the appeal. The characteristic Jingisukan grill has a raised center where the meat is cooked and a lower rim where vegetables are placed. As the lamb cooks, its f...»

Ikameshi is a traditional dish from the Hakodate and southern Hokkaido region, and one of the area's best-known local foods. It consists of squid stuffed with rice and slowly simmered in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based broth. The tender texture and natural umami of the squid combine beautifully with the flavorful rice, making it a simple yet deeply satisfying taste of Hokkaido....»

Sapporo Ramen is a famous regional style of ramen that originated in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Today, it is particularly known for its rich and flavorful miso-based broth, chewy noodles, and toppings that make the most of Hokkaido's local ingredients....»

Soup Curry is one of Sapporo's best-known local dishes. Unlike the thick, flour-based curries commonly served with rice in Japan, Soup Curry is built around a flavorful, spiced broth. It is generously filled with vegetables, meat, seafood, and other ingredients, making it a warming and satisfying meal that reflects the character of Hokkaido....»

Salmon ruibe-zuke is a distinctive Hokkaido delicacy made with fresh locally caught salmon and salmon roe. Bite-sized pieces of raw autumn salmon are marinated in a specially prepared soy-based sauce and combined with salmon roe, creating a rich harmony of flavors and textures. The salmon has a smooth, delicate texture, while the salmon roe adds a pleasant burst of flavor. The combination is part...»

Teppō-jiru is a traditional soup from the Nemuro area of eastern Hokkaido, made by simmering crab in miso soup. The dish is especially associated with Hanasaki crab, a prized local crab known for its thick legs, generous meat, and rich, juicy flavor. Even when simmered in soup, Hanasaki crab releases an exceptionally rich stock, filling the broth with the deep taste of the sea. The result is a wa...»

Ishikari Nabe is one of Hokkaido’s best-known traditional hot pot dishes, combining tender pieces of salmon with seasonal vegetables in a comforting miso-based broth. The dish is especially satisfying during the colder months, when its rich flavors and warming soup make it a beloved part of Hokkaido’s regional food culture....»

Muroran Curry Ramen is a distinctive local specialty from Muroran, a port city in southern Hokkaido. Around 60% of the city’s approximately 50 ramen shops are said to serve curry ramen, making Muroran one of Hokkaido’s true curry-ramen hotspots. Its appeal lies in the combination of a rich, slightly sweet and spicy curry soup with chewy noodles, tender slices of chashu pork, and toppings such as ...»

Okhotsk Kitami Salt Yakisoba is a distinctive local noodle dish from Kitami City in eastern Hokkaido. Created to showcase the region’s agricultural and seafood specialties, it brings together two of Kitami’s best-known ingredients: Okhotsk scallops and Kitami onions. Rather than relying on a rich sauce, the dish is seasoned with salt to bring out the natural flavors of its ingredients. The result...»

Kushiro Ramen is one of Hokkaido’s four major regional ramen styles, known for its light soup and fine, curly noodles. Although the bowl has a simple appearance, the broth can have remarkable depth, with each restaurant using its own combination of ingredients. Kushiro and the surrounding area have a deeply rooted ramen culture, with more than 100 ramen restaurants in and around the city and seve...»

Salmon toba is a traditional dried salmon delicacy from Hokkaido, known for its firm texture and intensely concentrated flavor. Salmon is cleaned and cut into fillets before being salted and slowly dried in the cold northern air. The result is a chewy snack that becomes increasingly flavorful the longer you savor each bite....»

Tsukisamu Anpan is a famous Sapporo sweet that has been loved for more than 100 years. It was created in the Tsukisamu district during the Meiji era, when one of Hokkaido's largest infantry regiments was stationed in the area. Made with smooth red bean paste from Hokkaido's Tokachi region and wrapped in a moist, thin layer of dough, it has a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor....»

Ainu cuisine reflects the unique food culture developed by the Ainu people, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido and surrounding northern regions. Closely connected with the natural environment, traditional Ainu cooking made use of a wide variety of fish, game, wild plants, berries, and other foods available in the forests, rivers, lakes, and seas....»

Hakodate Ramen is one of Hokkaido’s three best-known regional ramen styles, alongside Sapporo Ramen and Asahikawa Ramen. It is characterized by a light, delicate salt-based broth, thin noodles, and simple toppings such as chashu pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, and spinach. Compared with the rich miso ramen associated with Sapporo or the soy-sauce-based ramen popular in Asahikawa, Hakodate Rame...»

White Curry is a distinctive Hokkaido-born curry known for its unusual appearance and surprisingly spicy flavor. Unlike the dark brown curry familiar to many visitors, this regional specialty is made with a white, cream-based sauce that resembles a creamy stew at first glance. However, the first bite reveals a pleasant kick of spices beneath its smooth appearance. Milk is added toward the end of ...»

Otaru Ankake Yakisoba is one of the classic local dishes of Otaru, a historic port city in Hokkaido. It consists of stir-fried noodles generously topped with a thick, savory ankake sauce filled with seafood and other ingredients, creating a satisfying combination of crisp noodles, tender toppings, and silky sauce. Many restaurants in Otaru and the surrounding area serve their own version of this ...»

Shiraoi Burger is a distinctive local specialty created in Shiraoi Town, southern Hokkaido. Known as a “kingdom of ingredients,” Shiraoi is blessed with a wide variety of local foods, including seafood, beef and other livestock products, dairy products, and agricultural produce. The town actively promotes the use of locally produced ingredients, and Shiraoi Burger was created to showcase this rich...»

Mormen is a distinctive local specialty from the Asahikawa area of Hokkaido, consisting of ramen topped with carefully prepared hormone, or Japanese-style grilled meat offal. Some restaurants also serve the dish with soba noodles instead of ramen. At first glance, Mormen may look like an especially hearty bowl of ramen, but its appeal lies in the quality and preparation of the hormone. The offal ...»

Chippu cuisine refers to dishes made with kokanee, a landlocked form of sockeye salmon that lives in Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. The fish is affectionately known locally as “Chippu,” and Chitose City, home to Lake Shikotsu, has designated it as the city’s official fish. Lake Shikotsu is renowned for its exceptionally clear water and outstanding water quality, creating an ideal environment for koka...»

Chuka Chirashi is a distinctive local dish from Obihiro, Hokkaido, made by stir-frying a colorful assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood, seasoning them with a sweet and savory sauce, and serving everything over rice. Despite its name, it is not a type of sushi and does not use vinegared rice. The dish has been enjoyed in Obihiro for more than 30 years and was already being served locally by...»

Gokko Soup is a traditional local dish from southern Hokkaido made with gokko, a distinctive deep-sea fish also known as smooth lumpsucker or by its Japanese name, hotokeuo. Especially popular around the Hakodate and southern Hokkaido area, this hearty soup is a seasonal specialty enjoyed during the cold winter months. Gokko has relatively little meat, but its mild, delicate white flesh absorbs t...»

Chanchan-yaki is a traditional Hokkaido dish in which salmon or other fish is steamed and grilled together with seasonal vegetables, then generously seasoned with miso. Originally associated with the fishing communities of Hokkaido, it is a hearty home-style dish that brings together the rich flavor of fish, the sweetness of vegetables, and the savory depth of miso....»

Escalop is one of Nemuro's best-known local dishes, a hearty Western-style meal that has developed its own unique identity in Japan's easternmost Hokkaido city. Nemuro is famous for its abundant seafood and fishing culture, yet this satisfying dish is just as deeply rooted in local food culture. A typical Escalop consists of a thin pork cutlet served over butter rice studded with bamboo shoots, t...»

Spakatsu is a beloved local specialty of Kushiro, Hokkaido, combining spaghetti, a generous pork cutlet, and rich meat sauce on a sizzling hot iron plate. Considered a soul food of Kushiro, it is a familiar favorite among local residents and a signature dish found at restaurants throughout the city. The dish is especially associated with Izumiya, a long-established Western-style restaurant in Kus...»

Matsumaezuke is a traditional preserved food from southern Hokkaido, particularly associated with the town of Matsumae. It combines dried squid and kombu seaweed with a savory soy sauce-based seasoning, creating a flavorful dish with a distinctive chewy and crunchy texture. The dish is said to have originated around the former Matsumae Domain. Originally, it was a way of preserving abundant herri...»

Ikatokkuiri is a distinctive Japanese seafood delicacy and souvenir from Hakodate, made by shaping the body of a Japanese flying squid into a traditional sake flask and drying it. It is both a drinking vessel and a snack, offering a unique way to enjoy the rich flavor of squid together with sake....»

Biei Curry Udon is a distinctive local specialty from Biei, Hokkaido, a town renowned for its beautiful rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. What makes this curry udon particularly interesting is its dipping-noodle style: thick udon noodles and their toppings are served separately from the rich curry sauce, allowing diners to dip each bite into the flavorful sauce....»

Gagome kombu is a distinctive type of kelp that grows abundantly along the coast of Hakodate in southern Hokkaido. It is especially valued for its exceptionally strong, almost natto-like stickiness and its rich, deep umami flavor....»

Asari Meat Shop Croquettes are a much-loved local specialty in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Made by the long-established Asari Meat Shop, these handmade croquettes have been enjoyed by local residents for generations and are known for their simple yet remarkably satisfying flavor. Asari Meat Shop first opened in 1901 and has continued to provide high-quality meat to the people of Hakodate for more than a ...»

Chikurō-en Azumaya Main Restaurant is a historic soba restaurant in Kushiro and is regarded as the oldest soba restaurant in Hokkaido. With a tradition rooted in the classic Yabu soba style of Tokyo, the restaurant has played an important role in preserving and passing on Japan's traditional soba culture. The story of Chikurō-en dates back to the turbulent years of the Boshin War. Its founder, Bu...»

Otaru Denuki Koji is a lively commercial complex in Otaru, Hokkaido, designed to recreate the atmosphere of the city's streets during the Meiji and Taisho periods. With its old-fashioned buildings, stone-paved lanes, and traditional-style streetscape, it offers visitors an enjoyable glimpse into the historic character of Otaru while bringing together a wide variety of restaurants and shops. One o...»

Iizushi is a traditional Japanese fermented food and a type of narezushi, an early style of sushi in which fish is preserved through fermentation. Salted fish is layered with vegetables, wild mountain plants, rice, and rice koji, then left to ferment naturally. The combination of rice and koji creates a distinctive flavor in which the natural sweetness of the rice meets the gentle acidity produce...»

Obihiro Butadon is one of the signature dishes of Obihiro and the Tokachi region of Hokkaido. Thick slices of pork are grilled and coated with a rich sweet-and-savory sauce made with sugar and soy sauce, then served generously over a bowl of warm rice. Today, Obihiro is so closely associated with butadon that the dish has become an essential part of the local food culture. Restaurants throughout ...»

Katte Don is a unique local specialty of Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido that lets you create your own original seafood rice bowl. Rather than ordering a fixed menu item, you start with a bowl of white rice and then choose your favorite seafood from the many vendors inside Washo Market. The name “Katte Don” can be understood as a “make-it-yourself rice bowl.” The experience is part of the appeal: you...»

Sanpei-jiru is a traditional soup from Hokkaido made by simmering salted fish with vegetables. Salmon, herring, cod, and other fish are commonly combined with ingredients such as daikon radish and potatoes to create a simple yet deeply satisfying dish. It is especially cherished during Hokkaido's long, cold winter....»

Cheese Omelette is a popular cheesecake born in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Despite its name, it is not an omelette, but a delicate soufflé-style cheesecake with an exceptionally soft and creamy texture. Its appearance and texture are reminiscent of a perfectly cooked soft omelette. The cake is light and moist, with a smooth texture that seems to melt in the mouth. This distinctive combination has made C...»

Ika Somen is one of Hakodate's signature seafood dishes, made by cutting freshly landed Japanese flying squid into extremely thin strips resembling somen noodles. The delicate-looking squid is then enjoyed with a dipping sauce or seasoned soy sauce, often accompanied by Japanese condiments. Fresh squid has a translucent appearance and a distinctive firm texture. Even when cut into thin, noodle-li...»

Salmon Sushi Bento is a distinctive local ekiben, or railway station lunch box, featuring pressed sushi made with smoked salmon from Tomakomai in Hokkaido. The dish uses locally produced Oji Salmon, giving this simple-looking sushi a rich and memorable character....»

Jundog is a distinctive local specialty from Hokkaido that combines the satisfying flavors of a casual comfort-food meal with the convenience of a handheld rice snack. It was originally developed by Yoshokuya Junpei, a Western-style restaurant in Biei, and was later commercialized in Asahikawa, where it has steadily gained popularity as a hidden local B-grade gourmet favorite....»

Muryōju Soba is a distinctive local soba dish associated with Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido. Originating at Chikurōen Azumaya Sohonten, it is characterized by the unusual yet delicious combination of Japanese buckwheat noodles and sesame oil. Unlike ordinary soba, the noodles are coated with sesame oil, creating an enticing roasted aroma and a subtly rich flavor. Although oil is used, the dish does...»

Ika Shumai is a local specialty that brings together the rich flavor and distinctive texture of Hakodate’s famous squid with the familiar form of Japanese shumai dumplings. Hakodate is renowned for its exceptionally fresh squid, and this dish offers a delicious way to enjoy its flavor in a single bite. To make Ika Shumai, whole squid is finely ground into a paste and blended with the filling used...»

Kasu Ika is fresh squid that has been carefully marinated in sake lees, giving it a distinctive flavor and aroma. Made with the exceptionally fresh squid caught in Hokkaido, it is a traditional local delicacy that has long been enjoyed as a special winter treat in the Hakodate area. The squid is prepared whole, and when it is sliced into rings, its generous portion of tentacles can be seen inside...»

Shibetsu Three-Generation Salmon Zuke Don is a specialty rice bowl from Shibetsu in eastern Hokkaido, a region renowned for its abundant salmon fisheries. It combines fresh locally caught salmon and salmon roe with salmon flakes made from dried and smoked salmon, creating a dish that celebrates the full depth of Hokkaido's salmon culture....»

Gosetsu Udon is a unique local specialty from Kutchan, Hokkaido, one of Japan's snowiest towns. Unlike ordinary udon noodles, which are primarily made from wheat flour, Gosetsu Udon is made with 95% potato starch and 5% wheat flour. Kutchan is famous not only for its heavy snowfall but also for producing high-quality potatoes, particularly the locally grown Baron potato. The idea for Gosetsu Udon...»

Nemuro Sanma Roll Sushi is a specialty sushi roll from Nemuro, eastern Hokkaido. Instead of using traditional dried seaweed sheets, the sushi is wrapped in sakamae kombu, a prized local kelp harvested in the waters around the Nemuro Peninsula. The roll combines fresh Pacific saury caught off the coast of Nemuro with shiso leaves, green onions and white sesame seeds. The kelp is seasoned with swee...»

Soba Sushi is a distinctive local specialty from the Kushiro area of eastern Hokkaido. Rather than using the usual sushi rice, this unusual dish uses Japanese soba noodles as the main ingredient and rolls them together with ginger in a sheet of nori seaweed. The combination of cool, refreshing soba and aromatic ginger creates a light and clean flavor that is remarkably easy to eat. Its simple yet...»

Ika Sashimi, or fresh squid sashimi, is one of the classic seafood experiences to enjoy in Hakodate and throughout Hokkaido. Because exceptionally fresh squid is landed in the region, it can be served soon after being caught, allowing diners to appreciate its distinctive crisp texture, translucent appearance and delicate natural sweetness. Fresh squid has a firm, pleasantly crunchy bite and a ric...»

Furano Omucurry is a unique local specialty from Furano, Hokkaido, that combines two beloved Japanese comfort foods: curry rice and omelet rice. Developed as part of a local revitalization initiative, the dish was created to showcase Furano-grown ingredients while also promoting the consumption of locally produced milk. Each restaurant creates its own version of Furano Omucurry, but all versions ...»

Hokki Curry is a beloved local dish from Tomakomai, Hokkaido, made with hokki-gai, or surf clams, one of the city's signature seafood products. Tomakomai is known for having one of Japan's largest surf clam catches, and hokki-gai has long been a familiar ingredient in local cuisine. Hokki Curry is so deeply rooted in the area's food culture that it has traditionally been prepared in ordinary hous...»

Shiribesh Cotriade is a relatively new local specialty created in Otaru, a port city in Hokkaido with a long-established tradition of Western-style cuisine. It brings together the fresh seafood and other delicious ingredients of the Otaru and Shiribesh area in a comforting, creamy soup....»

Hasami-zuke is a traditional pickled specialty that has long been enjoyed in the fishing towns of Hokkaido. The name refers to the way vegetables and seafood are prepared together, with ingredients such as daikon radish and salted salmon layered or “sandwiched” together and seasoned with vinegar. One of the classic versions is red salmon hasami-zuke, in which salted salmon is paired with crisp da...»

Scallop Ramen is a distinctive Hokkaido specialty that combines one of the region's most prized seafood products with one of Japan's most popular comfort foods. The scallops used in the dish are known for their plump texture, natural sweetness and rich umami, much of which is infused into the ramen broth....»

Muroran Yakitori is a distinctive local specialty from Muroran, Hokkaido. Despite its name, “yakitori,” which normally means grilled chicken skewers in Japan, Muroran Yakitori is traditionally made with pork rather than chicken. The classic combination consists of tender pork and onion threaded alternately onto a skewer. It is typically brushed with a sweet and savory sauce and served with a gene...»

Zangi is Hokkaido's distinctive take on Japanese fried chicken and is widely regarded as one of the region's beloved soul foods. Although it resembles ordinary Japanese karaage, Zangi is typically characterized by stronger seasoning and a deeper savory flavor. The dish is generally made by marinating chicken in a soy sauce-based mixture before frying it. Common ingredients in the marinade include...»

Sukiyaki Asari Honten is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant in Hakodate, Hokkaido, founded in 1901. For more than a century, the restaurant has preserved its traditional sukiyaki flavor while serving carefully selected Japanese black beef. The restaurant's sukiyaki is prepared with Japanese black beef from Kyushu and fresh vegetables from Hokkaido. The ingredients are simmered in a specially ...»

Nishin-zuke is a traditional preserved food from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Made by fermenting herring and vegetables with rice koji and salt, it was traditionally prepared to provide food during the long, harsh winter. Unlike heavily salted pickles, Nishin-zuke uses a relatively moderate amount of salt. As the ingredients are left to ferment with rice koji over an extended...»

Kushiro soba is a distinctive local style of Japanese buckwheat noodles that has been enjoyed in Kushiro, eastern Hokkaido, since the Meiji period (1868–1912). Its most recognizable feature is its vivid green color, created by adding chlorella to the soba dough. Chlorella is a type of freshwater green microalgae known for its nutritional content. Its addition gives Kushiro soba its characteristic...»

Hakodate curry rice is a traditional local dish closely connected with the city's long history of Western-style cuisine. Hakodate was one of Japan's important international port cities, and its culinary culture developed with influences from overseas. Curry rice became part of this food culture and has been enjoyed locally for generations....»

Ika shiokara is a traditional Japanese fermented seafood delicacy made by combining thinly sliced squid with its liver and salt. In Hakodate, where squid has long been an important part of the local fishing industry, handmade ika shiokara is especially prized for its firm, pleasantly chewy texture and deep, concentrated flavor. Hakodate has a long history as a port city. From the days of the Kita...»

Nishin Soba is a traditional Hokkaido dish made by placing sweetly simmered dried herring, known as migaki-nishin, on a bowl of soba noodles. It is particularly associated with Esashi Town, a historic herring-fishing center in southern Hokkaido. The dish offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy one of Hokkaido’s most important traditional seafood products. The rich flavor of the herring pairs ...»

Otaru Nigiri Sushi is one of the culinary specialties of Otaru, a historic port town in Hokkaido known throughout Japan as a “town of sushi.” With a large natural harbor facing Ishikari Bay, Otaru has long benefited from an abundant supply of fresh seafood. The quality and freshness of Otaru’s seafood attracted sushi chefs from across Japan. During the Meiji and Taisho periods, young chefs who ha...»

Matsumae Tuna Kimchi is a distinctive local specialty from Matsumae in southern Hokkaido, combining premium locally caught tuna with the bold flavors of Korean-style kimchi. Matsumae is known for its wild Pacific bluefin tuna, a highly prized fish that is considered comparable in quality to the famous tuna caught around Oma. At local inns and izakaya pubs, visitors can enjoy fresh tuna sashimi as...»

Ikura Shoyu-zuke is salmon roe marinated in soy sauce, a much-loved seafood specialty of Hokkaido. The jewel-like roe has a rich, savory flavor and a distinctive texture that pops gently in the mouth. Ikura is one of Hokkaido’s most popular seafood products and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The peak season for salmon fishing is generally from September to October, when fresh salmon roe, known...»

Tokachi Gyutoro-don is a distinctive local rice bowl from Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, made by topping warm rice with finely prepared gyutoro flakes and garnishing them with green onions, shredded nori seaweed, and other condiments. A soy-sauce-based sauce is then drizzled over the top. The dish became widely known after winning the Grand Prix at the National Local Rice Bowl Championship, a competi...»

Otaru is a charming port city surrounded by both the sea and mountains, blessed with an abundance of fresh and flavorful local ingredients. The city’s tradition of Western-style cuisine is closely connected to its long history as an international trading port, where Otaru developed cultural and commercial ties with overseas countries. Today, Otaru is home to many restaurants where visitors can en...»

Chicken Katsu Curry is a satisfying Japanese curry dish featuring a light and crispy chicken cutlet served over rice and topped with rich curry sauce. In Sapporo-style versions, shredded cabbage is also placed alongside the chicken katsu, creating a distinctive combination of crispy, savory, and refreshing textures....»

Ramen Salad is a unique Hokkaido dish that combines chilled ramen noodles with a generous amount of fresh vegetables and salad dressing. Often nicknamed “Rā-Sara” in Japan, it is especially popular in Sapporo and is commonly served at izakaya, casual Japanese pubs. Although it contains ramen noodles, Ramen Salad is enjoyed more like a salad than a noodle dish. The large quantity of vegetables dis...»

Soup Curry Hot Pot is a creative hot pot dish born in Hokkaido, the birthplace of Japan’s distinctive soup curry culture. Combining the comforting warmth of a Japanese hot pot with a richly spiced curry broth, it is a hearty dish that is perfect for Hokkaido’s cold climate. The broth is made with a flavorful stock and carefully selected spices, creating a fragrant curry soup that is both warming ...»

Lucky Pierrot is one of Hakodate’s best-known local food brands and a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the city’s unique food culture. In Hakodate, it is often said that when people think of local fast food, they think of Lucky Pierrot. The chain is so deeply rooted in Hakodate that many people travel from outside the city specifically to enjoy its hamburgers. Lucky Pierr...»

Ageimo is a simple and satisfying Hokkaido snack made by deep-frying whole potatoes and serving them on a skewer. Made with locally grown Hokkaido potatoes, it is a popular roadside treat that lets travelers enjoy the region’s famous potato harvest in an easy-to-eat form....»

Ruibe is a traditional Hokkaido dish in which fish, particularly salmon or trout, is frozen and eaten thinly sliced without being completely thawed. It is known for its remarkably cold texture and the way the frozen fish gradually melts in the mouth, revealing the natural flavor of the fish. The dish has long been associated with the Ainu people of northern Japan. In the cold climate of Hokkaido,...»

Kitaakari Jumbo Potato with Butter is a simple yet irresistible Hokkaido specialty made with a whole Kitaakari potato topped with a generous piece of butter. The potato is served piping hot, allowing the butter to slowly melt over its fluffy surface. The rich aroma of warm potato and butter makes this a wonderfully appetizing treat....»

Kanisuki is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that allows you to enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of Hokkaido crab. Hokkaido is famous for its abundance of high-quality crab, including horsehair crab, king crab, Hanasaki crab, and snow crab. Among these varieties, snow crab is sometimes described as the “king of crabs.” It is delicious whether grilled or served as sashimi, but kanisuki...»

Hokkaido is one of Japan's best destinations for crab lovers, offering several varieties of crab from the surrounding waters. Among the most famous are horsehair crab, king crab, snow crab, and Hanasaki crab, each with its own distinctive flavor, texture, and character....»

Hokkaido potatoes are one of the region's most important agricultural specialties. Thanks to their high starch content and excellent keeping qualities, potatoes have long been an essential part of everyday cooking in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is also known for the subtle sweetness, satisfying texture, and wide variety of potatoes grown across the island. Different varieties are cultivated to suit differ...»

Yurine, or edible lily bulb, is a distinctive Japanese ingredient, and more than 90% of Japan's production comes from Hokkaido. It has a delicate natural sweetness and a unique texture that is both fluffy and slightly chewy, making it a prized seasonal ingredient. Yurine is especially popular in the Kansai region of Japan, where it has traditionally been used in refined seasonal dishes. Its many ...»

Rikubetsu asparagus is a specialty vegetable from Rikubetsu Town in eastern Hokkaido, known for its exceptionally tender texture and natural sweetness. The town experiences some of the most dramatic temperature changes in Japan, and these conditions are believed to contribute to the asparagus's distinctive flavor....»

Danshaku potatoes are one of the most familiar and widely loved potato varieties in Japan. They are especially associated with Hokkaido, where the variety became firmly established and developed into an essential ingredient in Japanese home cooking....»

Hokkaido pumpkins are one of Japan's most important agricultural specialties, with the region accounting for approximately half of Japan's total pumpkin-growing area. Wakkan Town in the Kamikawa area is one of Hokkaido's leading production centers. Hokkaido pumpkins are prized for their gentle sweetness and fluffy texture, and they are used in an impressively wide range of Japanese foods, from tr...»

Hokkaido onions are an essential ingredient in Japanese cooking and are used in everyday dishes such as curry and stew. Hokkaido is said to account for more than half of Japan's total onion production, making it the country's leading onion-growing region. One of the greatest strengths of Hokkaido onions is their excellent storage quality. From November through April, they play an especially impor...»

Hokkaido tomatoes are one of the delicious summer harvests that showcase the natural bounty of Japan’s northernmost island. Although tomatoes are grown throughout Japan, Hokkaido’s cool climate creates particularly favorable conditions for producing sweet, flavorful fruit....»

Asparagus grown in Nanae, Hokkaido, is a delicious local specialty cultivated in one of southern Hokkaido’s agriculturally rich areas. Nanae and the surrounding Hakodate region have relatively mild conditions throughout the year, making them well suited to growing fresh vegetables....»

Shako, known as mantis shrimp in English, is one of the distinctive seafood specialties of Otaru. Hokkaido’s commercial shako fishery is concentrated in Ishikari Bay, and the waters off Otaru are particularly famous for producing large shako with an excellent balance of size and flavor....»

Ikura, or salmon roe, is one of Hokkaido’s most prized seafood delicacies. Each bright, jewel-like egg gently pops in the mouth, releasing a rich umami flavor that makes it a particularly popular sushi topping in Japan....»

Botan ebi, a prized type of deep-sea shrimp from Hokkaido, is loved for its plump texture and rich, concentrated flavor. Its delicate sweetness is followed by a deep umami that lingers pleasantly on the palate....»

Ajiou pumpkin is a large, highly regarded pumpkin variety from Hokkaido, known for its thick flesh, excellent flavor, and wonderfully fluffy texture. The name “Ajiou” can be understood as “King of Flavor,” a fitting name for a pumpkin celebrated for its rich taste....»

Pure White is a distinctive variety of sweet corn developed in Hokkaido. With rows of glossy, brilliantly white kernels, it looks almost like a jewel or a miniature version of Hokkaido’s snow-covered landscape. Its unusual appearance and exceptional sweetness have made it one of the region’s most sought-after corn varieties....»

Memuro burdock root is a flavorful agricultural specialty from Memuro Town in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region. It is grown in deep, soft soil that allows the long roots to develop straight and evenly, producing burdock with a rich aroma and satisfying texture....»

Kitaakari is a popular potato variety from Hokkaido, prized for its naturally sweet flavor and wonderfully fluffy texture. Its pleasant aroma and rich taste are so distinctive that it is sometimes nicknamed “chestnut potatoes” in Japan....»

Taisho daikon is a seasonal specialty grown in the Taisho area of Tokachi, Hokkaido. Known for its brilliant white skin, juicy texture, and freshness, it is one of the area’s three major local vegetables....»

Sugar beets, known in Japan as tensai or satou daikon (sugar beet), are a distinctive agricultural crop grown only in Hokkaido within Japan. They are an important raw material for producing familiar types of Japanese sugar, including granulated sugar and refined white sugar....»

Reika is a popular Japanese tomato variety known for its attractive appearance, firm texture, and refreshing flavor. Its name can be associated with the image of a “beautiful summer jewel,” reflecting the bright, vivid quality of these large Hokkaido-grown tomatoes....»

Nanae White Turnips are a local specialty grown in Nanae Town, in the southern part of Hokkaido near Hakodate. Known in Japanese as shiro-kabu, these white turnips are carefully cultivated to develop a naturally sweet flavor and tender texture. Even the stems and leaves can be enjoyed....»

Hokuto and Nanae spinach is a locally grown vegetable from the southern Hokkaido area around Hakodate. It is shipped to markets throughout Japan throughout the year, but its character changes noticeably between summer and winter, offering visitors two different ways to enjoy this Hokkaido-grown vegetable....»

Otofuke Town lies near the center of the vast and fertile Tokachi Plain in eastern Hokkaido. The area is one of Japan’s major large-scale agricultural regions, blessed with broad farmland and significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Among the crops grown in Otofuke are azuki beans, soybeans, kidney beans, and black beans. The town is particularly well known for its subs...»

Mori and Hokuto cucumbers are seasonal vegetables grown in the Hakodate area of southern Hokkaido. Depending on the time of year, cucumbers from different growing areas are available, allowing visitors to enjoy subtle differences in cultivation, texture, and flavor....»

Taisho Nagaimo is a locally grown variety of Japanese mountain yam cultivated in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido. Grown in fertile soil and nurtured by the area’s significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures, it is prized for its gentle natural sweetness and exceptionally strong stickiness....»

Asahi Melon is a premium melon grown in the former Oiwake Town area of Hokkaido, near Yūbari. Sometimes described as rivaling the famous Yūbari melon, it is known for its exceptionally high quality, refreshing sweetness, and firm flesh....»

Haskap is a distinctive berry native to Hokkaido, known for its unique sweet-and-tart flavor and delicate aroma. The Japanese name for the plant is “Kuronōguisukagura”, while the name “Haskap” is believed to come from the Ainu word “Haskapp”....»

Yubari Melon is one of Japan’s best-known luxury melons. It was first developed in 1961 in Yubari, a city that was once one of Hokkaido’s major coal-mining centers....»

Toyoura Strawberries are a signature specialty of Toyoura, a town in southern Hokkaido. This traditional local brand has a history of more than 70 years and is highly regarded for its large size, sweetness, and overall quality....»

Yoichi Apples are closely connected with the history of apple cultivation in Japan. Yoichi in Hokkaido is known as the place where private-sector apple cultivation was first successfully established in Japan, making it an important starting point in the country’s apple-growing history....»

Sarufutsu Scallops are highly prized scallops from Sarufutsu Village in northern Hokkaido, where the rich waters of the Sea of Okhotsk provide an ideal environment for producing large, flavorful shellfish....»

Rausu Kombu is a premium variety of kelp harvested around Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido. Renowned as one of Japan’s finest types of kombu, it is prized for its rich natural umami and excellent quality....»

Hanasaki Crab is a distinctive seafood specialty of eastern Hokkaido, known for its thick legs, abundant meat, and rich, juicy flavor. Its unusual appearance and satisfying texture make it one of the region’s memorable local delicacies....»

Budo Ebi, literally meaning “grape shrimp,” is an exceptionally rare shrimp caught in the waters around Rausu in eastern Hokkaido. Known for its deep sweetness and firm, satisfying texture, it is considered a prized delicacy that is difficult to find outside the local area....»

Murasaki Uni is one of the most commonly encountered sea urchins along the Japanese coast and is a prized natural seafood of Hokkaido. It is particularly associated with Okushiri Island and is also harvested around the Shakotan Peninsula and other coastal areas of Hokkaido....»

Tokishirazu, also written as “Tokishirazu,” is a prized salmon caught along the coast of Hokkaido in spring and early summer. Its unusual name literally suggests a salmon that “doesn’t know the season,” referring to the fact that it appears at a time different from the usual autumn salmon run....»

Senposhi Oysters are a highly prized oyster from eastern Hokkaido, known for their rich, creamy flavor and mineral-rich taste. Harvested in the Senposhi area near Akkeshi Bay, they are regarded as one of Japan’s finest regional oyster brands....»

Gokko is a distinctive local fish that is rarely eaten outside Hokkaido. Its official Japanese name is Hoteiuo, and it has become a seasonal specialty of northern Japan....»

Mizudako, or giant Pacific octopus, is one of Hokkaido’s distinctive seafood specialties. It is famous for its enormous size and unusually juicy, smooth and tender texture, which sets it apart from the more familiar common octopus....»

Squid is one of Hokkaido’s best-known seafood specialties, with a particularly strong connection to Hakodate. So popular is squid among local residents and visitors that it has been designated as the city’s official fish....»

Shishamo is a fish found naturally only in Japan, with its habitat limited to the Pacific coast of Hokkaido. Because it is caught during a short seasonal fishing period in autumn and early winter, fresh Shishamo is a particularly special local delicacy....»

Kegani, or horsehair crab, is one of Hokkaido’s most popular crab delicacies. It is prized for its naturally sweet meat and especially its rich, creamy crab miso, the flavorful tomalley found inside the crab....»

Surumeika, or Japanese flying squid, is one of Hokkaido’s best-known seafood specialties. When exceptionally fresh, its flesh is almost translucent, making it ideal for eating raw as sashimi or finely sliced into Ika Somen, a dish named for its resemblance to thin Japanese noodles....»

Tarabagani, or king crab, is one of the most impressive seafood specialties of Hokkaido. Known for its enormous size, firm texture and rich flavor, it is often described as the “king of crabs” and is one of the great tastes of northern Japan, alongside Hokkaido’s famous Kegani horsehair crab....»

Hokkaido shrimp includes several prized varieties, particularly Hokkai Shima Ebi and Botan Ebi. Depending on the species and season, these shrimp are enjoyed as sashimi, sushi, grilled seafood, tempura and other dishes that highlight their distinctive sweetness and texture....»

Nameta-garei, also known as Baba-garei, is a highly prized flatfish enjoyed in Hokkaido and northern Japan. Unlike many varieties of flatfish that are associated with summer, Nameta-garei reaches its peak in winter and is especially valued when the female fish are carrying roe....»

Crab is one of the foods most closely associated with Hokkaido, and the island is home to several highly prized varieties. Among the most famous are Kegani horsehair crab, Zuwaigani snow crab, Tarabagani king crab, and Hanasaki crab. Each has its own fishing season, habitat and distinctive flavor....»

Ezo Abalone, or Ezo-awabi, is a prized shellfish from Hokkaido, especially appreciated for the firm texture and rich flavor of fresh, live abalone. It is considered comparable in taste to Kuro-awabi, one of Japan’s most highly regarded abalone varieties....»

Suketōdara, or Alaska pollock, is one of the most important commercial fish caught in Hokkaido and ranks among the island’s most abundant catches. It is valued not only as a seafood fish but also as a versatile ingredient used to make traditional Japanese foods such as kamaboko fish cakes, tarako salted cod roe and mentaiko....»

Hokkaido scallops are one of the island’s signature seafood products, ranking among the region’s leading marine specialties in both production volume and value. Grown in the cold waters surrounding Hokkaido, they are prized for their exceptional umami, substantial thickness and naturally sweet meat....»

Mako-garei, or marbled sole, is a highly regarded flatfish caught in the waters off Shiriuchi in southern Hokkaido. The area is known for producing high-quality wild Mako-garei, thanks to the favorable natural conditions of the nearby fishing grounds, Kikonai Bay and Hakodate Bay....»

Hatahata is a traditional seasonal fish of northern Japan, particularly associated with the cold winter months. Its roe is especially prized for its distinctive texture, with small eggs that pop pleasantly in the mouth and have a characteristic sticky quality....»

Hokkaido is home to three main types of cod: Madara, Suketōdara and Komai. Cod is strongly associated with winter in Japan, and the name “tara” is written with a Japanese character containing the meaning of “snow,” reflecting its reputation as a fish of the snowy season....»

Hokkaido salmon is one of the island’s most representative seafood specialties. Around Hakodate, salmon is especially prized in autumn, when returning fish bring not only flavorful meat but also the precious salmon roe known as ikura....»

Masu is a general Japanese term for salmonid fish other than species commonly called salmon, such as sockeye salmon and king salmon. In Hokkaido, Karafuto-masu, or pink salmon, is the representative species and is valued for its good-quality fat and rich flavor....»

Pacific saury, known as sanma in Japanese, is one of the quintessential flavors of autumn in Hokkaido. This seasonal fish is especially valued for its rich fat and savory flavor, with the waters off Kushiro being particularly famous for producing high-quality saury....»

Iwashi, or Japanese sardines, are a familiar fish in Japanese cuisine and an important seasonal catch around Hakodate. The waters along the eastern coast of the Oshima Peninsula are an important fishing ground, and the fish are at their best from summer into autumn....»

Hokkai Shima Ebi, or Hokkaido striped shrimp, is a prized summer seafood of eastern Hokkaido. Known for its beautiful striped appearance and wonderfully rich, melting sweetness, this shrimp is a seasonal delicacy that is best enjoyed fresh during its short fishing season....»

Ezo Bafun Uni is one of Hokkaido’s most prized summer sea urchins, known for its intensely rich umami and creamy texture. It belongs to the type of sea urchin commonly referred to as “red uni” and is especially associated with the waters around Shakotan....»

Saroma Lake scallops are one of the prized seafood specialties of northeastern Hokkaido. Raised in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Lake Saroma, these scallops are known for their large size, thick flesh and smooth, naturally sweet flavor....»

Toi Tuna is a highly prized tuna from the waters around Toi Fishing Port in Hakodate. Its reputation has been growing thanks to its exceptional freshness and high quality, made possible by the careful and rapid handling of the fish immediately after it is caught....»

Kasube is a traditional Hokkaido seafood specialty made from skate, particularly species such as the Mejane Kasube. In Hokkaido and the Tohoku region of northern Japan, skates are commonly known as “kasube.”...»

Soi is a flavorful white fish from the rockfish family that is sometimes called the “sea bream of Hokkaido.” Although its flesh is light and delicate, it has a notably rich umami flavor, making it one of the versatile fish enjoyed in Hokkaido cuisine....»

Keiji Salmon, known as “Keiji” in Japanese, is an exceptionally rare salmon caught around the Shiretoko Peninsula. It is said to be found only once in every 10,000 salmon caught in the region, making it one of Hokkaido’s most prized seafood delicacies. Because of its extreme rarity, it is sometimes described as a “phantom salmon.”...»

Saomae Kombu is a precious type of young kelp harvested in Hokkaido before the main kelp-fishing season officially begins. Because it is collected while still immature, before the kelp has fully developed, it is characterized by its thin, soft leaves and delicate texture....»

Ginsei is a premium variety of salmon from Hokkaido’s Hidaka region, carefully caught alive using fixed fishing nets off the Hidaka coast. Among the many high-quality salmon produced in Hokkaido, Ginsei is especially prized for its rich flavor, beautiful appearance and careful handling....»

Raō is a premium brand of autumn salmon shipped from Rausu, one of Japan’s leading salmon-fishing areas and part of the World Heritage-listed Shiretoko Peninsula. Only a small percentage of the salmon landed during the peak season are selected to carry the Raō name, making it one of the most carefully chosen salmon specialties in eastern Hokkaido....»

Daikoku Sanma is a premium brand of Pacific saury landed at Akkeshi Fishing Port in eastern Hokkaido. Only saury that meet exceptionally strict standards are given this prestigious name, making it one of the finest ways to experience the rich flavor of Hokkaido’s famous autumn fish....»

Akkeshi Clams are renowned in Hokkaido for their generous meat, rich flavor and excellent stock. Produced in Akkeshi, eastern Hokkaido, they are said to have the highest production volume in Hokkaido, making them one of the region’s representative clam varieties....»

Okushiri Abalone is a prized seafood specialty from Okushiri Island, off the coast of southern Hokkaido. Although Hokkaido abalone is relatively small compared with abalone from some other regions, its firm, crisp texture and concentrated aroma of the sea make it a distinctive local delicacy....»

Shirakuchihama Makombu is a premium variety of Japanese kelp produced along the coast of the Minamikayabe area of Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. Makombu is regarded as one of Japan’s finest types of kelp, prized for its wide leaves, substantial thickness and excellent quality....»

Akkeshi Hayani Kombu is a young, tender kelp from Akkeshi in eastern Hokkaido. Because it is harvested before the kelp has fully matured, it contains relatively little fibrous material and has a soft, pleasant texture....»

Habomai Kombu is a high-quality Japanese kelp harvested around Habomai on the Nemuro Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido. Facing the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Habomai is one of Japan’s best-known regions for kelp production. The kelp grown here develops thick, substantial leaves packed with the rich nourishment of the surrounding sea. It is highly regarded among Japan’s many varieties of k...»

Hokkigai, commonly known in English as the surf clam, is one of Hokkaido’s well-known shellfish. Its official Japanese name is Ubagai, but throughout Hokkaido it is widely called Hokkigai, or “Northern clam.” It is found in sandy coastal waters across much of Hokkaido....»

Onuma Beef is locally produced beef from the Hakodate area, raised in pastures at the foot of Mount Komagatake, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Onuma region in southern Hokkaido....»

Milk lamb is an exceptionally rare and luxurious type of young lamb that is well worth seeking out for anyone who loves lamb. In Hokkaido, where sheep farming is found in many parts of the region, only a very small number of farms raise and offer milk lamb....»

Tokachi Wagyu is premium Japanese Black cattle raised in Tokachi, Hokkaido. Recognized producers approved by the Tokachi Wagyu Promotion Council raise and ship this beef, which is born in Hokkaido and raised in Tokachi....»

Sanporoku is a popular Baumkuchen cake from Tokachi, Hokkaido, inspired by the firewood that was an essential part of life during Hokkaido’s pioneering days. Its distinctive appearance and moist texture have made it one of Hokkaido’s best-known confectionery specialties....»

Jaga Pokkuru is a popular Hokkaido snack made from locally grown potatoes. Simple in concept yet distinctive in flavor, it lets you enjoy the natural taste of Hokkaido potatoes in a light, crispy snack....»

Marusei Butter Sand is one of the best-known confectionery souvenirs from Hokkaido. Created by Rokkatei, a confectionery maker based in Obihiro, the popular treat consists of a rich filling sandwiched between crisp biscuits....»

ROYCE' Nama Chocolate is one of Hokkaido's signature chocolate sweets, known for its exceptionally smooth texture and clean, refined finish. The Japanese word nama means “fresh,” referring to the use of fresh cream that gives this chocolate its soft, melt-in-the-mouth character....»

Shiroi Koibito is one of Hokkaido’s most famous confectionery specialties. It combines a light, crisp French-style cookie with a layer of smooth white chocolate, creating a delicate texture that is both crunchy and pleasantly melt-in-the-mouth....»

HORI Tokibi Chocolate is a popular Hokkaido confectionery that combines golden corn grown in Hokkaido with carefully selected white chocolate. Its crisp texture and gentle sweetness make it an appealing snack and a popular souvenir from northern Japan....»

Yubari Melon Pure Jelly is a popular Hokkaido dessert made generously with the ripe flesh of Yubari Melon. Its rich fruitiness and satisfying texture allow you to enjoy the distinctive taste of Yubari Melon throughout the year....»

Gokatteya Yokan is a famous traditional confection from Hakodate, made by Gokatteya Honpo, a long-established confectionery founded in 1870. Unlike many varieties of yokan, which are traditionally made with azuki beans, Gokatteya Yokan uses Kintoki beans, creating a distinctive flavor with a rich yet refreshingly mild sweetness....»

Tokachi Cheese is made from fresh milk produced in the vast dairy-farming region of the Tokachi Plain in eastern Hokkaido. Known for its expansive farmland and thriving agriculture, Tokachi is one of Japan’s major food-producing regions and is particularly famous for high-quality dairy products....»

Potatochip Chocolate is a distinctive Hokkaido confectionery created by ROYCE', the chocolatier famous for its smooth Nama Chocolate. It combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the savory, crisp taste of potato chips, creating an irresistible balance of sweet and salty flavors....»

Hyōtenka 41 Degrees Below Zero is a distinctive confectionery from Asahikawa, inspired by the beauty of Hokkaido's extreme winter. Its name comes from the lowest temperature ever officially recorded in Japan: −41°C (−41°F), measured in Asahikawa on the early morning of January 25, 1902....»

MARRON CORON is a beloved confection from Otaru and the signature product of Amato, a long-established confectionery founded in 1929. First created in 1960 with the desire to make a sweet unlike anything else, it has remained popular locally for decades and has become one of Otaru’s best-known sweets....»

Kuroi Koibito is a distinctive Hokkaido souvenir made with black soybeans from Asahikawa and crispy corn puffs coated in chocolate. The name, which literally means “Black Lover,” gives this sweet a playful connection to one of Hokkaido’s best-known confectionery names, while its flavor offers something quite different....»

Yukimushi Soufflé is a delicate Hokkaido sweet known for its soft, airy texture and cream that seems to melt gently in the mouth. It is one of the signature products of Morimoto, a Hokkaido confectionery company founded in 1949 that has long emphasized the use of ingredients from Hokkaido....»

Sapporo Times Square is a popular local confection from Sapporo, featuring a soft steamed sponge cake filled with smooth custard cream. Created by Sanhachi Co., Ltd. in 1990 as part of the launch of its new confectionery brand, Sapporo Kashidokoro Kakasha, it has become a familiar sweet among local residents....»

Shiroi Black Thunder is the Hokkaido-exclusive version of Black Thunder, the popular chocolate snack bar made by Yuraku Confectionery. First introduced in 1994, Black Thunder is known for its satisfying bite and crispy texture, while Shiroi Black Thunder adds a distinctly Hokkaido twist with rich white chocolate made with Hokkaido milk....»

Vitamin Castella is a simple yet deeply beloved snack from Hokkaido. Sold exclusively in Hokkaido, this lightly sweet castella has been enjoyed by generations of local residents and is often described as a Hokkaido soul food....»

Hokkaido Kaitaku Okaki is a popular traditional-style rice cracker made by Kitakaro in Hokkaido. Made with carefully selected glutinous rice and salt from Hokkaido, these crunchy rice crackers are distinguished by their fragrant texture and the rich flavors of seafood from different parts of the region....»

Yama Oyaji is a long-loved Hokkaido confection from the traditional confectionery maker Senshu-an. This distinctive Western-style rice cracker, or yōsen senbei, is made generously with butter, milk, and eggs, creating a gentle richness and delicate sweetness. First introduced in 1930, Yama Oyaji has remained a beloved Hokkaido souvenir for generations. Its name refers to the brown bear, or Hokkai...»

Mifuyu is a delicate chocolate mille-feuille made by ISHIYA, the Hokkaido confectionery company best known for Shiroi Koibito. Combining crisp pastry, layered chocolate and carefully selected fillings, Mifuyu showcases the company's attention to ingredients and confectionery craftsmanship....»

Kaitan Ame is a distinctive traditional candy from Akabira, Hokkaido, created to resemble the lumps of coal that once supported the city's thriving mining industry. With its glossy black color and irregular, rock-like shape, the candy looks remarkably like a small piece of coal....»

Yoitomake is the signature confection of Mitsuboshi, a long-established confectionery company founded in 1898 and based in Tomakomai, Hokkaido. This distinctive roll cake is generously coated with haskap jam and has been a beloved local favorite for more than half a century....»

Nihon-ichi Kibidango is a simple, traditional sweet that has been loved by local residents of Kuriyama, Hokkaido, for generations. Its familiar flavor and unchanged recipe make it a nostalgic snack that offers a glimpse into the everyday food culture of central Hokkaido....»

Dairy Cheese Pudding is a refined pudding made with high-quality milk from Biei, one of Hokkaido's most scenic agricultural areas. Created by Kinotoya, the pudding combines rich dairy ingredients with a remarkably smooth texture and a sweet caramel sauce....»

Hanabatake Farm Nama Caramel is a popular Hokkaido confection that has become a classic souvenir from the region. Made carefully by hand, these soft caramels are known for their exceptionally smooth texture and their ability to melt almost instantly in the mouth....»

Yakisoba Bento is a cup-style yakisoba that virtually everyone in Hokkaido knows. Available only in Hokkaido, this popular instant noodle series has become a familiar part of everyday food culture in the region....»

Ika Yokan is one of Hakodate's most unusual local sweets, cleverly designed to look like a squid. Hakodate is famously known as a “city of squid,” and this distinctive confection captures that local identity in a playful and memorable form....»

Angel’s Bell is a distinctive baked custard confection from Hokkaido, created by Kitakaro. Often regarded as one of the products that helped pave the way for the canelé boom in Japan, this treat combines the rich sweetness of custard with the fragrant, caramelized crust of a slowly baked dessert....»

Hokkaido Vegetable Dips from NORTH FARM STOCK are flavorful vegetable-based dips made to bring out the natural taste of Hokkaido-grown produce. They are delicious with crackers, crispy toast, fresh vegetable sticks and sausages, and can also be used in a variety of dishes....»

Tsukisamu Donuts, also known as Tama Donuts, are a beloved traditional sweet from Sapporo. Made by Tsukisamu Anpan Honpo, the maker famous for its Tsukisamu Anpan, these bite-sized bean paste doughnuts have been enjoyed by people in Hokkaido for more than 50 years....»

Kuma Tsumami is a distinctive Hokkaido snack made from natural autumn salmon. Its playful name and cute package immediately catch the eye, while its rich smoked-salmon flavor makes it surprisingly addictive....»

Kita no Oichiizu is a unique type of cheese unlike anything travelers may have encountered before. With its appearance and texture resembling saki-ika, Japanese shredded dried squid, it offers a completely new way to enjoy cheese from Hokkaido....»

Haskapp Jewelry is a signature sweet from Morimoto that combines thin, crisp cookies with homemade Haskapp jam made from Hokkaido-grown berries. The elegant balance of sweet chocolate and the refreshing tartness of Haskapp has made it one of Morimoto's best-selling sweets....»

Hotate Kun-yu-zuke is a classic Hokkaido souvenir made from fresh scallop adductor muscles harvested from the waters around Hokkaido. Gently smoked and preserved in high-quality vegetable oil, the scallops offer a rich umami flavor with a delicate smoky aroma....»

Noshi Hotate is a convenient snack made from Hokkaido scallop adductor muscles. The scallop meat is stretched thin and baked into delicate, leaf-shaped pieces, creating an easy way to enjoy the rich umami of Hokkaido scallops anytime, anywhere....»

Kunio's Salmon Kimchi is a distinctive Hokkaido specialty that brings together two ingredients with very different culinary traditions: rich salmon and spicy Korean-style kimchi. The unexpected combination has become a popular local food product....»

Matsuo Jingisukan Tokujō Lamb is one of the most popular products from Matsuo Jingisukan, a long-established restaurant specializing in Jingisukan, Hokkaido's distinctive style of grilled lamb. Carefully selected lamb is marinated in the restaurant's original sauce, creating tender meat with a clean, refreshing finish....»

Clotted cream is a traditional British dairy product that has been made in Devon, southwestern England, for more than 2,000 years. Tokachi Shinmura Farm produces a distinctive Hokkaido version made from the rich milk of pasture-raised cows, offering a luxurious yet surprisingly light way to enjoy cream....»

Hokuto Monogatari is a carefully crafted smoked egg from the Hakodate area, combining an enticing smoky aroma with a rich, soft-boiled yolk. Made from special red-shelled eggs and slowly smoked in natural cherry wood chips, it is a distinctive Hokkaido delicacy that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes....»

Trappist Cookies are handmade cookies produced by the monks of Trappist Monastery in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Carefully baked with traditional methods, these cookies are known for their light, delicate flavor and crisp texture....»

LeTAO Double Fromage is one of Otaru's most popular cheesecakes, celebrated for its exceptionally smooth texture and mellow, rich flavor. Its distinctive two-layer design brings together two different styles of cheesecake in a single dessert....»

Chihoku Kogen Bacon is a popular Hokkaido bacon known for its relatively lean meat, gentle saltiness, and rich smoky aroma. It is made from Danish pork belly, which tends to contain less fat and a higher proportion of lean meat than many domestically produced pork cuts....»

S&B Hong Kong Yakisoba is a nostalgic Japanese instant noodle dish that has been enjoyed for around 60 years. First introduced in 1964, it is a distinctive product from the early days of instant yakisoba and remains especially popular in Hokkaido....»

Tokachi Butadon Sauce is a long-selling seasoning from Hokkaido that makes it easy to recreate the rich, sweet-and-savory flavor of Tokachi-style pork rice bowls at home....»

Chocolat Voyage is a popular sweet from Hakodate that has been attracting attention as a local souvenir. Despite being described as a chocolate cake, it is more like a delicate fresh chocolate truffle, combining soft fresh cream with a rich chocolate ganache....»

Gyu Koro Koro Horumon is a popular Hokkaido-style local specialty made from beef intestines. Known for its juicy texture and rich flavor, this casual “B-grade gourmet” dish is seasoned simply with salt from Rebun Island in Hokkaido....»

Beko Mochi is a traditional Hokkaido wagashi, or Japanese confectionery, especially associated with May 5, the Japanese Boys' Festival (Tango no Sekku). Soft, chewy, and mildly sweet, it is particularly familiar in southern Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan coast....»

Fairy Forest Baumkuchen is a signature cake from Kitakaro, a Hokkaido confectionery maker known for its carefully crafted sweets. It has a soft, springy texture combined with exceptional moistness, creating a delicate mouthfeel that seems to gently melt away....»

Nanohana Nishin-zuke is a colorful and refreshing Hokkaido specialty made with herring marinated in a mildly sweet and sour seasoning. The dish combines bite-sized pieces of herring with bright yellow rape blossoms, carrot, and the small, pleasantly popping eggs of shishamo fish....»

Hokkaido Bagna Càuda is a rich yet approachable dipping sauce inspired by Bagna Càuda, a traditional dish from Italy's Piedmont region. Served warm like an oil fondue, it is commonly enjoyed by dipping vegetables, bread, meat, and seafood into the flavorful sauce....»

Milk Jam from Tokachi Shinmura Farm is a simple yet richly flavored spread made by slowly concentrating fresh milk until its natural sweetness and creamy character become wonderfully intense. Originally a traditional preserved food made in rural areas of France, milk jam was introduced as a domestic dairy product in Japan by Tokachi Shinmura Farm in 2000....»

Sapporo Agricultural School Hokkaido Milk Cookies are a popular Hokkaido souvenir known for their light, crisp texture and gentle milk flavor. For travelers unsure what to buy as a gift from Hokkaido, these cookies are often considered an easy and dependable choice....»

Soy Milk Chiffon Cake is a signature sweet from Hakodate Otafukudo, a confectionery shop located near Goryokaku in Hakodate. Made with soy milk from premium-quality Hokkaido soybeans, this chiffon cake is wonderfully light, fluffy, and moist, with a gentle sweetness that makes it easy to enjoy....»

Ika Sankai-zuke is a traditional Hakodate specialty made by pickling fresh squid together with nozawana greens, daikon radish, and other vegetables in sake lees seasoned with wasabi. The combination of the squid's natural sweetness, the sharp spiciness of wasabi, and the rich aroma of sake lees creates a distinctive flavor that is deeply satisfying....»

Hakodate Squid Rice Crackers are a popular local snack inspired by Hakodate's famous fresh squid. Made primarily from Hokkaido potatoes and generously blended with squid, these thin, crispy crackers capture the rich, savory aroma of squid roasted over a flame. Their delicate saltiness complements the seafood flavor, while a gentle spiciness adds an extra kick. The crackers have a satisfyingly cri...»

The Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi) is one of Hokkaido’s most famous food destinations, bringing together approximately 250 shops selling fresh seafood, local produce, and regional specialties. Located just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station, this bustling market is an ideal place to discover the culinary delights of northern Japan. Visitors can browse the stalls, sample local delica...»

Ishikari no Hama is a distinctive Hokkaido specialty made using a traditional Japanese pickling method known as hasami-zuke, in which layers of vegetables and seafood are stacked together and allowed to mature in a carefully prepared seasoning. Resembling a savory sandwich, this beautifully layered pickle combines the natural flavors of fresh vegetables with the rich bounty of Hokkaido's seas. Th...»

Pan Roll is a distinctive local specialty from Otaru, Hokkaido, combining Japanese fish cake with crispy fried bread. Created in 1962 by the president of Kamaei, a fish cake manufacturer founded in 1905, this innovative snack was developed to make traditional kamaboko easier to enjoy as a casual treat. The idea was simple yet ingenious: wrap seasoned fish paste in bread and deep-fry it until gold...»

Hanazono Dango is one of Otaru’s best-known traditional Japanese sweets, made by Niikuraya, a long-established confectionery shop founded in 1895. These soft rice dumplings are celebrated for their simple ingredients, delicate sweetness, and distinctive presentation. Made without preservatives or other additives, they offer an authentic taste of Japanese confectionery craftsmanship. The name Hana...»

Imo Dango, also known as Imo Mochi, is a traditional Hokkaido comfort food made from potatoes and potato starch. Since Hokkaido produces abundant quantities of potatoes, these simple dumplings have long been prepared in households throughout the region as an inexpensive, satisfying snack. Although often called potato dumplings, their soft, chewy texture is reminiscent of Japanese rice cakes. Imo ...»

Kusataro is a traditional Japanese steamed bun flavored with yomogi, or Japanese mugwort, a plant that has long been valued in Japan for its medicinal properties. Its vivid green color and distinctive herbal aroma are the result of carefully selected ingredients, freshness, and meticulous preparation. The buns are made with hand-picked wild mugwort shoots gathered around Lake Toya and wheat produ...»

Hokkaido Onion Soup is a convenient, flavorful soup that captures the rich taste and natural sweetness of locally grown onions. The Kitami region of Hokkaido is Japan's leading onion-producing area, accounting for approximately 30% of the country's total onion harvest. Made by Green Kitami Co., Ltd., this popular soup uses a concentrated extract obtained from onions grown in Kitami. The extract i...»

Habomai Kombu Soy Sauce is a popular Hokkaido seasoning known for its deep kelp flavor and rich umami. Since its launch in 1990, it has earned a loyal following among Hokkaido residents. Habomai is located at the tip of the Nemuro Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, an area renowned for its high-quality kombu, or edible kelp. This soy sauce is made using only the finest grade of naturally harvested Ha...»

Hokkaido Rusk is a delicious baked confection made by Shikisha using its own carefully developed bread. Rusk is typically prepared by slicing bread into thin pieces, coating them with butter or sugar, and baking them again until crisp. To achieve the ideal texture and flavor, Shikisha experimented extensively to create a bread specially designed for making rusk....»

Eastern Hokkaido is a treasure trove of natural cheese, with a wide variety of locally produced cheeses available throughout Kushiro, including at Kushiro Airport. Hokkaido is home to nearly 80 cheese-making facilities, producing an impressive range of natural cheeses that reflect the region's rich dairy farming tradition. Cheese is particularly popular in the Kanto region and Hokkaido, while con...»

Yakumo Yurappu Pepper Tongue is a flavorful Hokkaido specialty made from pork tongue produced in and around Yakumo Town in southern Hokkaido. Its name comes from the Yurappu River, which flows through the town. To make this distinctive delicacy, whole blocks of pork tongue are first cured in salt and left to mature. They are then coated evenly with black pepper and cooked, giving the meat a bold,...»

Somen Kombu is a specialty product from the Esan district of Hakodate, an area in southern Hokkaido renowned for its kelp. It is made exclusively from first-year Makombu, a premium variety of kelp prized for producing an elegant, refined broth and traditionally valued as a high-quality offering. After the kelp is harvested, it is briefly blanched in hot water and dried. It is then finely cut into...»

Haru-yutaka Karinto is a popular traditional Japanese snack made with Haru-yutaka wheat grown in Hokkaido. Known for its rich wheat aroma and satisfyingly crisp texture, it has remained a best-selling product since its launch. Produced by Kitakari, a specialty karinto shop founded in Asahikawa in 1931, these crunchy treats showcase the flavors of Hokkaido through carefully selected local ingredie...»

Daichi no Hoppe is a creamy, soft natural cheese from Hokkaido whose name evokes the image of a soft, rounded cheek. Its texture is often compared to a Japanese rice cake made with milk: tender, smooth, and pleasantly springy. Made primarily from high-quality milk, this soft cheese is produced using a method based on Reblochon, a traditional cheese originating in France’s Savoie region. It is age...»

Kamigami no Asobu Niwa is a colorful rusk confection created to commemorate the opening of Campana Rokkatei in 2010. The shop is located amid Rokkatei’s expansive grape fields in Furano, Hokkaido, and the sweet has since become a distinctive treat inspired by the region’s natural beauty....»

Okara Boro is a bite-sized baked confection from Hakodate, Hokkaido, made with okara, the nutrient-rich soybean pulp left over after soy milk is produced. With its delicate crunch and light texture, this snack offers a distinctive way to enjoy an ingredient valued for its dietary fiber and protein. The cookies are made by Hakodate Otafukudo, a specialty shop known for its soy milk chiffon cakes. ...»

Haskap Berry Jam is a distinctive Hokkaido specialty made from haskap berries, a fruit known for its refreshing tartness, rich flavor, and deep color. In the Tomakomai area, the long-established confectionery maker Mitsuboshi has continued to develop products that showcase the unique qualities of this local berry. Haskap is a plant native to northern regions, and it grows naturally in the Yufutsu...»

Piri-Kara Shittoro is a flavorful cod roe product developed to make Hokkaido-produced cod roe more affordable and easier to enjoy. Inspired by the desire to create a convenient product from local ingredients, it offers the distinctive taste of Japanese spicy mentaiko, or seasoned pollock roe. The product is made using fresh cod roe obtained from Alaska pollock caught in the waters around Mori Tow...»

Melokonkon Pickles are a distinctive Hokkaido specialty whose playful name combines the Japanese words for melon, kelp, and daikon radish. This unusual combination of ingredients creates a refreshing pickle with a delicate, savory flavor. The pickles feature locally sourced ingredients from different parts of Hokkaido: Hattari melons, a specialty of Kyowa Town at the foot of the Niseko mountain r...»

Kombu maki is a classic Hokkaido delicacy and a popular souvenir from Japan’s northernmost main island, renowned for its abundant seafood. NS Nissei’s Shizenha Kombu Maki is carefully handmade, with each piece of fish wrapped individually in Hidaka kombu kelp. The rolls are then slowly simmered in a special sauce based on soy sauce and sugar, with no chemical flavor enhancers. This gentle seasonin...»

Hon-Kazunoko Ougon Matsumae is a luxurious version of Matsumae-zuke, a traditional Hokkaido seafood pickle generously packed with herring roe. It combines beautifully intact pieces of herring roe, known as ipponba, with smaller individual roe grains called barako, creating a rich and satisfying mixture in which herring roe makes up an impressive 60% of the product. The ingredients are carefully s...»

Butadon Meijin is a specially crafted sauce that makes it easy to prepare delicious, restaurant-quality butadon—a Japanese rice bowl topped with grilled pork. Butadon originated in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region more than 100 years ago. According to one popular story, pioneers substituted pork for eel and grilled it with a sauce traditionally used for unagi, or grilled eel, creating this now-famous loc...»

Camembert Hayakita is a soft, white-mold cheese produced by Yume Minsya (Yumeminsya), a cheesemaker in Hokkaido. Camembert originated in France and is characterized by its distinctive white mold rind. This cheese was the first locally produced cheese made by Yumeminsya, marking the beginning of the company’s cheesemaking history. Made exclusively with fresh raw milk from dairy farms in the easter...»

This smooth and flavorful pork liver pâté is made in Sapporo using a traditional method taught by a German master butcher. It features pork from Hokkaido and is carefully seasoned with 12 spices and herbs, including marjoram, a perennial herb in the mint family. These seasonings help reduce the liver’s strong aroma, creating a milder flavor that is easy to enjoy. The pâté combines pork liver blen...»

Onion Dressing is made by Komagatake Farm Okubo, a farm in the Komagatake area of Mori Town, Hokkaido. The farm is committed to growing vegetables with reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and its dressing reflects the same focus on carefully selected ingredients. What makes this dressing distinctive is the inclusion of small pieces of onion, which give it a pleasant texture and br...»

Hokkaido Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning whose origins can be traced to brewing techniques brought to Hokkaido by skilled miso makers from other parts of Japan. However, the methods that worked well on the mainland did not produce satisfactory results in Hokkaido’s different climate. Through years of experimentation and dedication, local producers developed their own techniques, making th...»

Karikari Mada Aru? is a popular curry-flavored snack created by Yoshimi, a renowned Sapporo restaurant known for its signature soup curry, one of Hokkaido’s best-loved local dishes. Developed with a strong emphasis on flavor and aroma, these crunchy rice crackers bring the restaurant’s distinctive curry taste into an easy-to-enjoy snack....»

Furano Yukidoke Cheesecake is a much-loved dessert that has attracted considerable attention from the media. Made by SHINYA, a long-established confectionery shop in Furano, this distinctive cheesecake combines local ingredients with the character of Hokkaido’s northern climate. It brings together the richness of baked cheesecake and the delicate creaminess of a rare cheesecake in a delicious laye...»

Yubari Melon Caramel is a popular Hokkaido souvenir that captures the distinctive flavor of the celebrated Yubari melon in a convenient, bite-sized sweet. Known for its juicy orange-red flesh, rich fragrance, and exceptionally smooth sweetness, Yubari melon is a premium fruit that represents the best of Hokkaido’s agricultural produce....»

Hokkaido Fresh Salami is a carefully crafted meat delicacy made with premium pork from Hokkaido and deep-sea salt sourced from Rausu, a coastal town in eastern Hokkaido. With a strong emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional European-style flavor, this salami offers an authentic taste without unnecessary shortcuts....»

Uncolored Tarako is a traditional Japanese delicacy made from the mature roe of fresh Alaska pollock caught in Hokkaido’s Funka Bay. The roe is carefully preserved using only mineral-rich sun-dried salt and water, with no added coloring agents or other additives. This simple preparation allows the natural qualities of the ingredients to shine through....»

Kamboshi Bōtara Taki is a traditional Hokkaido seafood delicacy made from Alaska pollock caught in the waters around Hokkaido. The fish is exposed to the bitter winter sea winds and naturally dried in the cold air, producing a firm, dried fish known as bōtara. This is then carefully rehydrated in cold water over several days to remove impurities before being slowly simmered until tender....»

Hokkaido Corn Potage Soup is a rich and satisfying soup made with sweet corn grown in Hokkaido and onions from Furano that have been slowly sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness. Produced by JA Furano, this comforting soup showcases the delicious flavors of the region’s agricultural produce....»

Kobayashi Farm Story Handmade Blue Cheese is a distinctive blue cheese developed to offer a gentler flavor that appeals to Japanese palates. The cheese is made using a Roquefort-style blue mold culture that has been cultivated in-house over many years. Its relatively low salt content allows the cheese’s rich, complex flavors to shine through without being overpowering. The cheese is made entirely...»

Toit Vert Cream Cheese is a fresh cheese made from raw milk and fresh cream. Unlike aged cheeses, it is not matured, allowing its fresh dairy flavor to remain at the forefront. The cheese is first coagulated through the action of lactic acid bacteria, then placed in a cotton bag to drain away the whey. It is subsequently heated under pressure in an emulsifying kettle, where the fat is homogenized ...»

Hokkaido Tartary Buckwheat Tea is a flavorful tea made from Tartary buckwheat seeds grown in Hokkaido and roasted to a deep, rich finish. Produced by Yamaka Seifun, it is known for its distinctive aroma and full-bodied taste, offering a warming drink with a unique buckwheat character....»

Soy Sauce-Flavored Gagome Kelp is a flavorful Hokkaido delicacy that pairs the distinctive stickiness of local kelp with the sharp aroma and heat of Japanese horseradish. It is an excellent accompaniment to a bowl of freshly cooked rice, adding a savory taste and a pleasantly pungent kick. Gagome kelp grows naturally in southern Hokkaido and is known for its exceptionally strong, sticky texture. ...»

Traditionally Aged Aramaki Salmon is a distinctive Hokkaido specialty made from male chum salmon caught in the Sea of Okhotsk during the season when the fish are at their richest and fattiest. Unlike conventional aramaki salmon, which is typically prepared in about a week, this carefully crafted version takes approximately two weeks to produce using a traditional salt-curing method known as yamazu...»

Hokugai Flaked Red Salmon is a popular Hokkaido salmon product made exclusively from sockeye salmon, prized for its rich flavor and appealing texture. While some canned salmon products use less expensive fish, such as pink salmon, this specialty uses genuine red salmon for a fuller, more satisfying taste....»

Komagatake Farm Okubo, located in the Komagatake area of Mori Town, Hokkaido, grows its crops using reduced amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The farm transforms its prized homegrown tomatoes and locally sourced Hokkaido ingredients into a distinctive tomato sauce made without chemical flavor enhancers or additives. Great care goes into every stage of production, from cultivating to...»

Salmon sausage from Sato Suisan offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the natural goodness of salmon. Salmon is generally considered difficult to use in fish paste because its fine muscle fibers produce little stickiness when minced, making it hard to achieve the desired springy texture. Through its own distinctive production method, however, Sato Suisan has succeeded in creating a smooth...»

Rokkatei is a renowned confectionery maker from Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, best known for its Marusei Butter Sandwich and a wide range of sweets made with carefully selected local ingredients. Among its most popular creations is Strawberry Chocolate, a distinctive treat that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the tangy flavor of real strawberries. Each piece contains a whole freeze-dried st...»

Line-caught pollock roe is a prized Hokkaido delicacy made from roe of Alaska pollock, a fish traditionally caught one at a time using a method known as longlining. Because each fish is carefully hooked individually, its body is less likely to be damaged, helping preserve the freshness and quality of the roe. The roe is carefully removed while fresh, and only eggs with desirable size and color ar...»