Hokkaido is often associated with snow festivals, ski resorts, and Sapporo’s vibrant city life — but Japan’s northernmost island hides many smaller towns rich in charm and natural beauty. From peaceful fishing villages to colorful flower fields, these underrated Hokkaido towns offer a slower, more authentic experience of Japan’s great outdoors.
Whether you visit in summer for lavender blooms or winter for snow-covered streets, Hokkaido’s hidden towns are perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
1. Biei — The Town of Rolling Hills
Biei’s breathtaking landscapes look like oil paintings. Visit the “Patchwork Road” and “Blue Pond,” famous for its surreal turquoise color. Each season paints Biei in new shades — golden wheat in summer, snow-white in winter.
Pro Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the countryside at your own pace.
2. Furano — Lavender Fields and Local Charm
Just an hour from Biei, Furano is best known for its endless lavender farms and rustic charm. Stop by Farm Tomita, one of Japan’s most photographed flower fields, and try lavender ice cream while enjoying mountain views.
3. Otaru — A Nostalgic Port Town
Once a bustling trade port, Otaru now charms visitors with its preserved canal district, glass workshops, and seafood markets. The Otaru Music Box Museum and local sushi restaurants make it ideal for a romantic day trip from Sapporo.
4. Asahikawa — Gateway to the Northern Alps
Hokkaido’s second-largest city often gets overlooked, but Asahikawa is a foodie haven and home to one of Japan’s best zoos. Try Asahikawa shoyu ramen — known for its rich soy-based broth — and explore nearby Daisetsuzan National Park.
5. Lake Toya — Scenic Caldera Lake
This volcanic lake town offers incredible onsen resorts with lake views. Visit Mount Usu for panoramic scenery and enjoy fireworks over the lake in summer.
Local Insight: Many ryokans here have open-air hot springs with sunset views.
6. Kushiro — Japan’s Wetland Wonderland
Kushiro is known for its vast marshlands and wildlife, including the elegant red-crowned cranes. Visit Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, where boardwalks let you stroll through untouched nature.
Pro Tip: Try the city’s famous robata-grilled seafood at a local izakaya.
7. Abashiri — Ice Floes and History
Located on the Okhotsk coast, Abashiri is famous for winter ice drifting. You can board an icebreaker cruise to glide through floating ice, or visit the Abashiri Prison Museum for a fascinating historical perspective.
8. Hakodate — Historic Port Meets Modern Charm
With its scenic harbor, European-style buildings, and night view from Mount Hakodate, this southern town blends old-world atmosphere with culinary delights. Don’t miss the morning seafood market and the luminous slope of Hachiman-zaka.
Hokkaido is more than ski slopes and snow festivals — it’s a land of small-town wonders. These underrated Hokkaido towns capture the island’s rural soul through landscapes, cuisine, and local warmth.
Whether you’re chasing lavender fields, ice floes, or steaming onsens, every corner of Hokkaido promises something worth discovering.
