I thought Hokkaido was only for winters. Well, Hokkaido summer is just as stunning and dreamy. In fact, I can’t name a better place than Hokkaido to enjoy summer on your solo female trip to Japan. 

Hokkaido in the summer is a refreshing contrast to other parts of Japan, like Tokyo. Usually, the temperature ranges between 20 – 25. But now it goes until 30 on certain days which again in comparison is a lot less.

That’s why with touristy flower farms like Shikisai-no-oka, lavender fields, waterfalls, coastal roads, onsens, national parks, melons, and active volcanoes, Hokkaido summer is the ideal time to experience a perfect road trip on your solo adventure in Japan. 

How to Get Around Hokkaido

First, reach Hokkaido Prefecture – Japan’s northernmost island. You can easily reach Hokkaido from Tokyo via Narita and Haneda airports. If you don’t want to opt for a flight, you can also board a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido. It takes around 4 hours.

And, if you are travelling to Hokkaido from Kyoto or Osaka, you can take a flight from the Kansai International Airport. You can also fly directly to the island from any Asian city and to New Chitose Airport.

From the airport, you will have to board a direct train to reach Sapporo – the capital of Hokkaido- to start your solo trip to the prefecture. You can get around Hokkaido using the JR Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass.

Or, if you like a good road trip, rent a car! Pick it up from the airport itself. Make sure you know how to drive. The roads are pretty big with minimal traffic, so that won’t be a problem. And do have your International Driving Permit with you. It’s mandatory for foreign travellers.

Best Places to Visit in Hokkaido Summer 

1. Sapporo – The Perfect Base of Your Hokkaido Trip

Ramen, beer, and the Sapporo Snow Festival – these three things sum up the capital of Hokkaido. But is that it? Of course not! 

There are so many highlights in Sapporo, from big city life to natural gateways, that it can easily take you 3 days to explore as a first-timer. 

Plus, if you are right in time for the summer festivals in Sapporo, like the Sapporo Beer Festival in mid-July, you are in for a treat. You will have first-hand experience of the culture of Sapporo. 

That said, the flavors of Sapporo are as strong as its culture. After all, it is the birthplace of ramen in miso broth – don’t forget to try that. 

Things to do in Sapporo

• Visit Sapporo TV Tower and the NORBESA Ferris wheel for the best night views of Japan in Odori Park
• Watch the iconic Clock Tower
• Explore Hokkaido Shrine
• Take the cable car to Mt. Moiwa at night
• Shop and dine in Susukino Street
• Savour fresh seafood in Nijo Market
• Taste beers at Sapporo Beer Museum 
• Rewind at Jozankei Onsen

2. Otaru – A Day Trip from Sapporo

A 45-minute train ride from Sapporo, Otaru is a coastal city. Most people visit Otaru as a day trip from Sapporo, but a night’s stay here would be lovely, too. 

Known for glass works, sake distilleries, fishing, and music boxes, Otaru is a city with a box full of surprises. Usually, travellers just visit the tourist spots near the train station, but I would recommend exploring the coast. 

Things to do in Otaru

• Visit the iconic Hiyoriyama Lighthouse 
• Taste kaisendon – rice bowls with fresh seafood, melon soft serve, and Otaru sushi at Sankaku fish market
• Walk around the Otaru Canal
• Explore Otaru Glassware 
• Take a glass-blowing class
• Buy souvenirs from the Otaru Music Box Museum
• Eat and shop at Sakaimachi Street

3. Furano and Biei – The Most Famous Towns for Hokkaido Summer

When it comes to Hokkaido Summer, there are two towns on top of the list – Furano and Biei. The rural landscape, carpets of blooms, and scenic drives of these towns are straight out of an animated series. 

Take your rental car and just drive! Yes, that’s the best way to get around Furano and Biei. From central Hokkaido, i.e. Sapporo, it takes around 2 hours to reach Furano. And from Furano, Biei is just a 40-minute drive.

If you don’t want to rush, stay at least 2 nights in Furano. Otherwise, it’s difficult to cover all the flower fields, farms, ropeways, National Parks, and other unmissable attractions of Hokkaido summer in Furano and Biei. 

Things to do in Furano and Biei

• Visit the rainbow rolling hills – Shikisai-no-Oka
• Go for a tractor ride in Farm Tomita
• Ride the summer only Furano Biei Norokko Train
• Swing by Ningle Terrace to vibe with nature
• Head to the Blue Pond
• Get a quick, relaxing bath at Shirogane Onsen
• Taste free wine at Furano Winery 
• Go for a hike at Datsetsuzan National Park
• Watch the Shirahige Waterfall

4. Lake Toya – Volcanic Natural Oasis

Onsens, islands, boat rides, trekking, and of course the active volcano, Mt. Usu, make Lake Toya one of the most popular tourist spots for Hokkaido summer. 

It’s a round lake formed in a caldera and lies inside the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. You can easily spend 2 nights here. 

Things to do in Lake Toya

• Kayak around Lake Toya
• Get a Japanese foot bath with a view of the Lake
• Take the cable car to Mt. Showa Shinzan
• Hike the Toya Volcanic Eruption Trail
• Rewind with a relaxing dip at any of the lakeside onsen
• Watch the Lake Toya Fireworks Festival
• Go for a day trip to Noboribetsu to experience the gates of hell – Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and natural onsens

5. Hakodate – Best Coastal View in Hokkaido 

Being a trading port in the early 1900s, Hakodate still has the old-school vibe. If you are visiting Hokkaido in the summer, Hakodate has to be on your itinerary. 

It is a 3-hour drive from Lake Toya. The scenic drive is the highlight of this place. I would suggest keeping Lake Toya as your base and opting for a day trip to Hakodate if you are short on time.

Things to do in Hakodate

• Enjoy fresh seafood at the Hakodate Morning Market
• Take the Hakodate ropeway to Mt. Hakodate during sunset
• View the star-shaped 1866 fortress from Goryokaku Tower
• Drive to Cape Tachimachi to take in the view of the sea

My Brief 7-Day Itinerary for Hokkaido Summer – Your Ultimate Guide

Hokkaido is huge. Even two weeks isn’t enough to cover it all. So, it’s wise not to do all of Hokkaido at once. 

If you have less than 3 days in Hokkaido, pick a base like Sapporo, Asahikawa, etc, and plan your days accordingly.

But if you want to get the most out of Hokkaido summer, plan for at least 7 days in the prefecture. To help you, have a look at my brief itinerary and customise it accordingly:

• Day 1 – Arrive at Sapporo and explore the city highlights
• Day 2 – Take a day trip to Otaru
• Day 3 – Drive to Furano and explore the must-visits 
• Day 4 – Visit Biei (overnight stay at Furano)
• Day 5 – Head to Lake Toya and relax
• Day 6 – Go for a road trip to Hakodate from Lake Toya (overnight stay at Lake Toya)
• Day 7 – Once you have covered everything in Lake Toya, head back to Sapporo to fly to your next destination. 

Hokkaido is one of my favourite solo travel destinations in Japan. It’s freeing. And I bet you’ll feel it, too, on your solo trip to the prefecture. 

So, stop thinking and add Hokkaido to your solo trip to Japan. You won’t regret it. Hokkaido is always worth the trip in every season, including summer! If you need help with itineraries in Japan, leave a comment, and I will send you my travel guides straight away!