9 Attractions in Hokkaidō worth your time
Japan Gems
Hokkaidō offers diverse attractions, from the relaxing hot springs of Tokachigawa Onsen to the scenic views at Taisetsu Observatory. These seven locations provide a range of experiences for your visit.
Hokkaidō has 9 attractions on Japan Gems. Below are the 9 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all attractions in Hokkaidō.
01
Taisetsu Observatory
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 大雪展望台
A unique observatory in Hokkaido with a giant French bell and a time capsule.
What it is
- Observatory in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido.
- Constructed in 1984 in Kamikawa Park.
- Designed by Kijo Rokkaku.
- Also called Taisetsu Observatory Espoir no Kane.
What to see
- Giant bell, Espoir no Kane, at the top.
- Five bells specially ordered from France.
- Bell has a diameter of approximately 1.5 meters.
- Internal spiral staircase to the observation deck.
- Time capsule installed at ground level.
When to go
- Bell rings four times regularly after 9 AM.
- Time capsule will be opened in 2034.
02
Hosooka Observatory
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 細岡展望台
Hosooka Observatory offers views of Japan's largest wetland, home to red-crowned cranes.
What it is
- Observatory overlooking Japan's largest wetland, Kushiro Shitsugen.
- Wetland became first Ramsar Convention site in Japan in 1980.
- Designated a National Park seven years later.
What to see
- View of Kushiro Shitsugen wetland, covering 29,000 hectares.
- Kushiro River meandering through reeds and sedges.
- Red-crowned cranes, occasionally visible.
- Three nearby lakes: Toro, Shirarutoro, and Takkobu.
- Hilly terrain including Cape Miyajima and Cape Kirakotan.
- Akan mountain range, with active volcano Mt. Meakan.
03
Sounkyo Onsen
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 層雲峡温泉
Sounkyo Onsen is a large hot spring resort in a scenic gorge, ideal for relaxation and mountain access.
What it is
- One of Hokkaido's largest hot spring resorts.
- Features simple thermal and sulfur springs.
- Modern development began in the 1950s.
- Serves as a base for climbing Daisetsuzan mountains.
What to see
- The central area, 'Canyon Mall', mimics Canadian resorts.
- Fifteen hotels, inns, guesthouses, and hostels.
- One public bathhouse for visitors.
- Sounkyo Visitor Center of the Ministry of the Environment.
When to go
- The 'Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival' is held every winter.
- Address
- 北海道上川郡上川町層雲峡 Map
- Official site
- www.sounkyo.net
04
Aurora Tower
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 望郷の塔
Aurora Tower offers panoramic views of the Northern Territories from its observation deck.
What it is
- A 96-meter tall observation tower near Cape Nosappu.
- Opened in 1987 as Sasakawa Memorial Peace Tower.
- Renovated and reopened as Aurora Tower in 2012.
- Closed to visitors since January 1, 2020.
What to see
- Observation deck with views of the Northern Territories.
- Event hall and exhibition rooms inside the tower.
Getting there
- Accessible by bus from Nemuro Station.
- Official site
- tower-of-nostalgia.or.jp
05
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 大倉山ジャンプ競技場
Historic ski jump stadium with Olympic legacy, offering panoramic views and a museum.
What it is
- Large hill ski jump stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
- Built in 1931, funded by Kihachiro Okura.
- Renovated for the 1972 Sapporo Olympics.
- National Training Center facility.
What to see
- Observation lounge at 307m altitude.
- Sapporo Olympic Museum.
- Okurayama Crystal House.
When to go
- Hosts summer and night jumps.
- Many domestic and international competitions.
- Official site
- okura.sapporo-dc.co.jp
06
Kaiyodai
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 開陽台
Kaiyodai offers panoramic views of Hokkaido's unique landscape from a free observation deck.
What it is
- A hill in Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido.
- Features a two-story observation deck, built in 1995.
- Sacred place for touring riders since the 1980s.
What to see
- Observation deck at 271 meters above sea level.
- 360-degree panoramic view of the surroundings.
- Grid-patterned windbreaks across the landscape.
Getting there
- 15 minutes by car from Nakashibetsu Airport.
07
Tokachigawa Onsen
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 十勝川温泉
Tokachigawa Onsen offers unique moor hot spring waters, a relaxing and historic experience in Hokkaido.
What it is
- A hot spring resort in Otofuke Town, Hokkaido.
- Oldest record of the hot spring is from 1874.
- Named Tokachigawa Onsen in 1933.
- Selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site in 2004.
What to see
- Michi-no-eki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen is in the center.
- A footbath is south of the Tourist Guide Center.
- Tokachi-Chuo Ohashi bridge opened in 1988.
- Address
- 080-0262 北海道河東郡音更町十勝川温泉 Map
- Official site
- www.tokachigawa.net
08
Goryōkaku Tower
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION 五稜郭タワー
Goryōkaku Tower offers panoramic views of a star-shaped fort and Hakodate city.
What it is
- An observation tower next to Goryōkaku Special Historic Site.
- Operated by Goryōkaku Tower Inc. as a private tourist facility.
- The current 107-meter tower opened on April 1, 2006.
What to see
- The tower's structure is star-shaped.
- The pentagonal observation deck accommodates 500 people.
- Views of Goryōkaku fort and Hakodate city.
- Official site
- www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp
09
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
HOKKAIDō · ATTRACTION さっぽろ羊ヶ丘展望台
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers city views and a famous statue, a quick trip for Sapporo visitors.
What it is
- A major tourist attraction in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
- Opened in 1959 on a gentle hill.
- Features a full-body statue of Dr. William Smith Clark.
What to see
- Views of Sapporo city.
- Statue of Dr. William Smith Clark, 'Clark on the Hill'.
- Sapporo Dome is visible.
- An Austrian House and a restaurant.
- A Sapporo Snow Festival Museum.
- Official site
- www.hitsujigaoka.jp