Hokkaido Highlights – Super Cheap Japan

Niseko

Niseko (ニセコ町) is my far the most popular ski resort for foreigners, and also the most foreign friendly with a host of services and restaurants catering for foreigners. It is therefore a great place to come if this is your first ski or snowboard trip to Japan, but people living here or those experienced traveling inContinue reading “Niseko”

Biei

Biei (美瑛) is known all over Japan as one of the best places to go for lavender viewing. It’s also a great place to go other times of the year due to its beautiful countryside hills that make for a great walk or bike ride. There is lots to do here, so spend at leastContinue reading “Biei”

Naka-Furano

Naka-Furano (中富良野), in Furano, is one of the best places to come for flower viewing in Hokkaido, along with Biei. As it’s all free it’s great for budget travelers, and has plenty to do to fill a whole day. The main flower season is between June and September. Lavender is usually best around mid July to theContinue reading “Naka-Furano”

Otaru

Otaru (小樽) is one of the main tourist hotspots in Hokkaido, well known all over Japan for its lovely, quiet canal. While there are plenty of tour buses and touristy shops, the town has a really laid-back feel and is definitely worth a visit. Budget travel Pick up a free map from the station beforeContinue reading “Otaru”

Lake Toya (Toyako)

Lake Toya (洞爺湖) is one of the best hot spring towns in Japan for budget travelers. The combination of many free hot spring facilities, cheap bus routes and some super cheap accommodation makes the place stand out from the others. It’s also a hotspot for modern art. Budget travel tips Make sure you get toContinue reading “Lake Toya (Toyako)”

Sapporo

Sapporo (札幌), the capital of Hokkaido, makes for an interesting change to the cities on the main island of Honshuu. With an American style grid system and deep history of foreign influences, it’s a great place to spend a few days. Budget travel tips Pick up the superb map from the Tourist Information Center in SapporoContinue reading “Sapporo”

Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園) is one of the best zoos in Japan. As would be expected from a zoo in Hokkaido, there are animals such as penguins, polar bears and seals. What makes the zoo extra special is the layout of some of the cages, which encourages the animals, such as monkeys, to jump around andContinue reading “Asahiyama Zoo”