Hokkaido for Your Obon Holiday! Discover a Refreshing Summer Adventure Beyond the Usual Hotspots☆

If you’re dreaming of an extraordinary trip to the vast lands of Hokkaido during your extended Obon vacation, rest assured you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re feeling concerned about potential crowds or hoping to find new, deeper places to explore rather than simply sticking to the usual tourist attractions. Thankfully, by shifting your perspective just a little, it’s possible to uncover surprising hidden gems abundant in serene nature and delightful gourmet treats. With a bit of planning, you can enhance your chance of experiencing an unhurried, scenic escape that’s worlds apart from typical bustling destinations.

With that in mind, we’re thrilled to unveil five recommended travel plans! Each incorporates striking vistas and immersive experiences you can enjoy while avoiding large crowds. From combining temple visits and gourmet tours to leisurely exploring vast territories, you’ll find plenty of ways to indulge in the quintessential Hokkaido experience. Ready to create cherished summer break memories that deliver more than just the standard sightseeing route? Let’s begin!

※This article is an AI translation of a Japanese article. We hope you will understand that there may be some inappropriate expressions.

1. Venture into Northern Hokkaido and the Sarobetsu Wetland for Wildflowers & Immersive Marshland: Revitalize Yourself in Quiet Bliss!

Journey to the far north of Hokkaido, around Teshio-gun Toyotomi-cho Onsen, and discover the sweeping Sarobetsu Wetland, which turns into a broad tapestry of delicate wildflowers around Obon. The unique marsh ecosystem is impressive enough to captivate any visitor wanting an intimate connection with the great outdoors. Locals applaud its relative quietness even during summer vacations, making it a hidden gem free from large crowds.

Below are some highlights in this area:

Sarobetsu Wetland Center: This visitor center sits alongside a well-maintained boardwalk, letting you observe local flora and wildlife up close. After immersing yourself in nature, take a soothing break in the center’s cozy rest area.

Toyotomi Onsen (Toyotomi Hot Springs): Famed for its special oil-infused waters, this uniquely soothing onsen in Toyotomi-cho Onsen, Teshio-gun is an ideal spot to ease your travel fatigue. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while your body and spirit recuperate.

Cape Soya: Expand your trip to Cape Soya (Wakkanai, Hokkaido), the northernmost point of Japan. Witness breathtaking ocean vistas and capture an unforgettable photo beside the iconic monument—an ultimate travel memento.

Cycling Across Open Marshlands: Drift through far-reaching horizons on two wheels and feel your everyday worries melt away with every pedal stroke. The panoramic view of the wetlands stretches endlessly, delivering a much-needed sense of liberation.

2. Head to Central Hokkaido’s Sorachi Region for Winery Touring & Gourmet Discoveries: Treat Yourself to the Finer Side of Vacation!

If you’re craving tourism with a twist during your Obon break, plan a trip to the Sorachi region in central Hokkaido, celebrated for its local wine culture. Easily accessible by car or JR from Sapporo Station, this area boasts multiple boutique wineries. Enjoy savoring wines molded by distinct terroirs, paired masterfully with drool-worthy local ingredients. Embrace the relaxing indulgence alongside family or good friends—you deserve this exquisite escapade!

Experiences to enjoy in Sorachi include:

Winery Hopping: Several facilities, such as the renowned Housui Winery in Takasu-cho, Iwamizawa-shi, Hokkaido, offer tours of their manufacturing processes plus tasting sessions. Chatting with dedicated winemakers lets you grasp the depth and subtlety of Hokkaido’s wine creation.

Local Produce Restaurants: From fresh vegetables to refined game-based menus, many eateries here specialize in delectable cuisine that pairs superbly with local wines. Satisfy both your palate and your sense of culinary adventure.

Vineyard Strolls: Traverse expansive grape fields, and admire the seasonal changes in leaves and clusters. Snap photos of small signposts or horizon-filling rows of vines as you meander along. It’s a serene yet inspiring way to explore.

Yubari Onsen: When you’re finished sampling gourmet wonders in the Sorachi region, find respite at local hot springs in Hiyoshi, Yubari-shi, Hokkaido. Sink into the waters and let your cares drift away after a day of pleasant discoveries.

3. Escape to Southern Hokkaido’s Okushiri Island: Relish the Island’s Entire Bounty, from Serene Shores to Scrumptious Seafood!

Down south, you’ll find the gem of Okushiri Island (Okushiri-cho, Okushiri-gun, Hokkaido), renowned for its spectacular natural attractions. Summer is the perfect time for marine thrills like kayaking and snorkeling. Jagged coastal cliffs and bountiful fishing grounds set a dramatic stage, certain to leave you breathless upon first sight. Plus, you can indulge in mouthwatering local seafood—an incredible bonus that only an island visit can provide.

Things to do and see on Okushiri Island include:

Magnificent Trekking: Head to promontories like Kamuiwaki Cape or Sai no Kawara, and immerse yourself in pristine landscapes removed from the everyday world. Gazing at the ocean’s horizon from high vantage points provides an unforgettable rush of awe.

Marine Activities: The island’s crystalline waters are ideal for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or rock fishing. Though you won’t encounter tropical fish, spotting unique local species will surely ignite your sense of wonder.

Seafood Gastronomy: Whatever you do, don’t miss the famous uni-don (sea urchin bowl). Freshly harvested sea urchin brims with creamy, rich flavor you simply can’t find elsewhere. Savoring a bowl is a gratifying reward for your journey.

4. Journey to Eastern Hokkaido’s Nemuro Peninsula for Birdwatching & a Moving “Edge of Japan” Experience: Perfect for Tranquil Grown-up Travel!

At Hokkaido’s easternmost point lies the Nemuro Peninsula. Set your sights on Nosappu Cape (Nosappu-misaki, Nemuro-shi, Hokkaido) to witness the earliest sunrise in Japan, a breathtaking summer treat during Obon. This region also doubles as a top birdwatching haven, thanks to its Ramsar-registered sites like Shunkunitai and the environs near Lake Furen, which serve as seasonal homes to myriad bird species. If you prefer an unhurried stay in a remote area brimming with nature’s melodious rhythms, this is your ideal itinerary.

Recommended highlights around Nemuro Peninsula include:

Sunrise at Japan’s Eastern Edge: Locals tout the sunrise at Nosappu Cape as among the earliest visible in the country. Its mystical rays are the perfect start to a day, wiping away any lingering fatigue.

Birdwatching Paradise: Thanks to well-maintained boardwalks, you can meander through Shunkunitai while listening to choruses of wild birds. If luck is on your side, you may spot regal white-tailed eagles or other rare species.

Nemuro Cuisine: The region is famed for robust-flavored Hanasaki crab and freshly caught pacific saury. Savor these ocean delights in numerous local restaurants, and experience top-tier tastes exclusive to Nemuro.

Farm Life Encounters: Eastern Hokkaido boasts sprawling pastoral landscapes. Try your hand at milking cows or feeding livestock—a wonderful way to feel closer to the island’s vast countryside.

5. Embrace a Rental Bicycle Adventure Across Hokkaido: Hunt for Hidden Local Scenes & Delicious Surprises!

Visiting famous landmarks at a brisk pace is wonderful, but Hokkaido’s open roads also invite a slower-paced, pedal-powered excursion. If you’re craving deeper connections with local communities, consider renting a bicycle and charting your path through enchanting streets, villages, and scenic backroads. For instance, if you start around “North 3 West 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo,” or anywhere near the city center, you may stumble upon lesser-known panoramic viewpoints or endearing hole-in-the-wall eateries. Such spontaneous discoveries can transform a simple bike journey into an unforgettable holiday highlight.

Popular areas to explore on two wheels include:

Examples of Scenic Spots: The nostalgic slopes around Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido, the vibrant rolling hills of Furano and Biei (watch out for inclines if you want a more leisurely ride!), and the broad vistas of the Tokachi Plains each showcase varied landscapes unique to Hokkaido.

Leisurely Cycling at Your Own Pace: Following coastal routes offers a delightful blend of sea breezes and open-air freedom. Keep your eyes peeled for intriguing roadside shrines or colorful flowers—snapping quick photos makes the ride even more enjoyable.

Local Shops & Roadside Stations: Don’t miss out on farmers’ markets or roadside stations brimming with just-harvested vegetables and regional specialties. Sometimes you’ll find rare items exclusively sold in those locations, adding an element of surprise to your trip.

Hidden Eateries: Ask local residents for their favorite dining spots. Unexpected sweets or specialty dishes might be waiting behind an unassuming storefront—a delightful payoff for your adventurous spirit.

Onsen for Rejuvenation: Once you’ve finished cycling, head to one of the numerous hot spring facilities scattered throughout Hokkaido. Enjoy a relaxing soak, and reward your hardworking muscles with a blissful and restorative break before drifting off to a restful sleep back at your lodging.

Summary

What do you think? During Obon in Hokkaido, you can certainly follow the throngs at famous tourist attractions. However, there are plenty of relatively undiscovered destinations where you can easily avoid crowds and envelop yourself in nature and mouthwatering cuisine. From easily accessible spots near Sapporo to far-flung islands and beyond, you have endless ways to discover lesser-known sides of this expansive region. If any of these areas or activities have captured your imagination, consider booking hotels and tours early. This way, you can embark on an inspiring escapade that adds new memories to your summer adventures. Use these tips to guide you in designing a personalized itinerary full of unforgettable moments in Hokkaido!