I had always been curious about what Hokkaido would be like in the warmer months.

Most people think of it as a winter destination, but I discovered that Hokkaido during summer has a charm of its own.

Summer in Hokkaido usually runs from late June to August, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities without the extreme heat.

The rolling green hills, cool mountain air, and flower-filled landscapes made it feel almost like a different island outside Japan.

If you're thinking of a different kind of Japan holiday, I highly recommend exploring my Hokkaido summer itinerary below.

I began my trip in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido.

Despite being a city, it felt calm and spacious, with lots of greenery in the summer.

I visited Odori Park and took a lift up the Sapporo TV Tower to get a great view.

Sapporo in the summer is also a great place to enjoy cold desserts like melon parfaits.

In the evening, I walked around Susukino and had dinner at a local izakaya.

There was a relaxed vibe, and the cooler night temperatures made it comfortable to explore.

Otaru was a charming port town with canal-side streets and old warehouses turned into cafes.

It was an easy and scenic drive, just under an hour from Sapporo.

I walked along the canal, visited the music box museum, and sampled fresh uni and sushi from the local market in the city.

Summer in Sapporo and nearby areas brings clear skies, which are perfect for photos.

I returned to Sapporo in the evening and stopped by a local beer garden at Odori Park.

I left Sapporo early and drove to Furano to see the lavender fields at Farm Tomita.

They were in full bloom, and the scent in the air was unforgettable.

I continued to Biei, where the patchwork hills and Blue Pond created stunning landscapes.

This area showed me a different side of Hokkaido during summer, which is quiet, rural and incredibly photogenic.

I spent the night in a small guesthouse and enjoyed a local farm-to-table dinner.

I drove north to visit the famous Asahikawa Zoo, which is approximately one hour from Biei.

Even in summer, many of the animals like penguins and polar bears seemed active because of the cooler weather.

Later in the afternoon, I checked out the local ramen village and tried the shoyu-based Asahikawa ramen.

There were fewer crowds than in Sapporo, and the roads between towns were peaceful and easy to drive for tourists.

Niseko in the summer felt like a hidden gem.

Known mostly for skiing, the area turns into a lush countryside during the warmer months.

I went hiking near Mount Yotei, enjoyed the peaceful views, and stayed in a small lodge surrounded by nature.

The highlight was a relaxing soak in an outdoor onsen with a view of the green hills.

If you're seeking a slower-paced Hokkaido summer travel experience, Niseko is a must.

From Niseko, I drove around 1.5 hours towards Lake Toya.

The lake was calm, and I took a short boat ride to see the island in the centre.

In the afternoon, I take another 1-hour drive from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu to visit the famous Jigokudani or “Hell Valley.”

The geothermal activity was fascinating, and the walking trails were well-maintained

I stayed the night in a traditional ryokan with access to an onsen bath.

The whole day felt like a good balance of relaxing scenery and interesting stops.

On the last day, I made my way back to Sapporo for one last round of sightseeing and shopping.

I stopped at the Sapporo Beer Museum and bought souvenirs from Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

The weather was sunny, with just a light breeze.

The day was bright and breezy, a lovely way to end this Hokkaido summer travel experience.

If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to Hakodate to your Hokkaido summer itinerary.

Located in the south, Hakodate is known for its night views from Mount Hakodate, historic red brick warehouses, and fresh seafood at the morning market.

Hakodate in summer offers pleasant weather and a relaxing coastal atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind.

It’s a lovely way to round out your exploration of Hokkaido.

The best time to enjoy Hokkaido in summer is from late June to August.

Whether you're after flower fields, festivals, or clear skies, summer is the perfect season to explore Hokkaido.

For your preference, the weather in Hokkaido during summer is generally pleasant and much cooler than the rest of Japan.

Temperatures usually range between 20–27°C during the day, making it comfortable for hiking, sightseeing, and road trips.

Evenings can get chilly, so it’s still helpful to bring a light jacket, especially in the mountains.

Rain does occur, particularly in late June and early July, but it’s not as humid as Tokyo or Kyoto.

The air felt clean and refreshing, and I could enjoy being outdoors all day.

I appreciated that there were fewer mosquitoes and less stickiness overall.

Driving across Hokkaido in summer gave me the freedom to explore places that would have been tricky to reach by public transport.

The roads are wide, the signage is clear, and traffic is generally light outside the main cities.

If you’re planning to drive in Hokkaido in summer, here are a few tips that might help:

One thing I enjoyed most was pulling over at roadside stations called “Michi-no-Eki,” where I could try local snacks and pick up maps.

One of the best things about travelling through Hokkaido in summer was the food.

With cooler temperatures and rich farmland, fresh produce was everywhere.

I tasted sweet Yubari melons, creamy soft serve, and butter corn ramen.

In coastal towns, seafood like scallops, crab, and sea urchin was plentiful and delicious.

Even street stalls offered high-quality treats like grilled corn and potato croquettes.

Every stop on my itinerary had something special to offer.

Another thing I looked forward to was the seasonal events.

Summer isn’t just about scenery; Hokkaido during summer also comes alive with local festivals that reflect its rich culture.

These were some of the most memorable events I experienced during my trip:

I was lucky enough to catch one of the summer fireworks displays in Otaru.

Held in late July, this event lights the night sky over the canal area.

It had a relaxed, family-friendly vibe and was a great way to enjoy a cool evening outdoors.

The Sapporo Summer Festival runs from mid-July to mid-August.

During the festival, I spent a few evenings enjoying the food stalls in Odori Park.

It’s right in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to reach and very lively.

There’s also a Bon Odori dance event at the end of the festival, which was fascinating to watch.

Held in early August in Kamishihoro, the Hokkaido Balloon Festival features dozens of colourful hot air balloons.

It’s one of the more unique events in Hokkaido during summer, with morning launches, food stalls, and night-time displays.

The wide open skies in eastern Hokkaido make it a perfect setting.

The Hokuryu Sunflower Festival runs from late July to mid-August in Hokuryu Town.

Over 1.5 million sunflowers fill the fields during this festival, creating a bright yellow landscape.

I went in early August, and it was peak bloom.

It was one of the best sights during my Hokkaido summer travel experience.

So, if you’re planning a visit to Hokkaido during summer, don’t just stick to the big cities.

Try to explore the countryside, discover lesser-known attractions, and take the time to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the island.

Whether it's Niseko and Sapporo in summer, or a drive through the fields of Furano, this part of Japan truly comes alive in its quiet way.

Let this guide be your starting point, and don’t forget to book your flights, hotels, and attraction tickets in Hokkaido through Traveloka.

It’s easy to use, with clear comparisons, flexible options, and secure payments in one place!