Where to Stay in Hokkaido: Best Areas and Onsen Towns You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido and wondering where to stay? It’s a huge island so planning the best areas to stay could be tricky.

Many first-time visitors assume they should stay in one place and explore everything from there. While that can work, it often means spending a lot of time driving long distances. A much easier approach is to split your stay between two or three bases, especially if you’re renting a car.

I’ve visited Hokkaido twice, exploring onsen towns and road tripping around the island in different seasons. Now, whenever someone asks me where to stay in Hokkaido, I usually recommend these top areas:

• Sapporo for food, city attractions, and convenience
• Furano or Asahikawa for countryside scenery and national parks
• Noboribetsu or Lake Toya for a relaxing onsen stay

This combination gives you a good balance of city life, nature, and hot springs without constantly packing and unpacking. It also depends on how long your trip is, so we’ll talk about that too.

Let’s get started with the best areas and onsen towns to consider when deciding where to stay in Hokkaido.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

---

Best Places to Stay in Hokkaido at a Glance

If you’re planning your first trip to Hokkaido, these areas are a good starting point:

• Sapporo – best for food, nightlife, and first-time visitors
• Furano – scenic countryside and flower fields
• Asahikawa – practical base for exploring Daisetsuzan National Park
• Otaru – charming canal town near Sapporo
• Noboribetsu – famous hot spring town with large onsen resorts
• Lake Toya – scenic lake views and relaxing onsen stays

Most travelers will combine two or three of these destinations depending on how long they’re staying in Hokkaido.

Best Hotels in Hokkaido (Quick Comparison)

Here are a few accommodation options across different areas of Hokkaido that I personally stayed at during my trips.

Hotel	Area	Best For
Hotel androoms Sapporo Susukino	Sapporo	Convenient stay near restaurants & nightlife
Dormy Inn Premium La Vista Furano Hills	Furano	Scenic countryside stay with private onsen facilities
Mimatsusou Ryokan	Asahikawa	Traditional ryokan homestay
Hotel Neuschloss Otaru	Otaru	Private onsen stay with ocean view
Noboribetsu Grand Hotel	Noboribetsu	Onsen resort near Jigokudani
Guesthouse Matsuyoshi	Toyako	Budget stay between the lake and the beach

---

How to Choose Where to Stay in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second-largest island in Japan, so distances between destinations can be bigger than you expect. I personally don’t like spending a lot of time in the car, so I try to stay in convenient areas to break up the trip. If you’re the same, choosing the right bases can make a big difference in how enjoyable your trip feels.

Instead of trying to explore the entire island from one location, it usually works better to split your trip between two or three different areas. This keeps driving distances manageable and allows you to experience different sides of Hokkaido.

A simple way to think about where to stay is to divide your trip into three types of destinations: a city base, a countryside base, and an onsen stay.

Start with a City Base

For most travelers, Sapporo is the easiest place to begin a trip in Hokkaido. As the island’s largest city, it has the widest range of hotels, restaurants, and transportation options.

It’s also easily the best place in Hokkaido for food. Compared to smaller towns, Sapporo has a much broader dining scene, from ramen shops and izakayas to seafood restaurants and cafes.

During my visit, I stayed in the Susukino area, which turned out to be incredibly convenient for dining and nightlife. In the evenings we could simply walk out of the hotel and find plenty of places to eat without needing to drive anywhere.

Spending the first few nights in Sapporo also helps ease you into the trip before heading out to the quieter and more rural parts of Hokkaido. This is also where we arranged our rental car pick up for the road trip.

Add a Countryside Base

As you drive north from Sapporo, you’ll head toward central Hokkaido for scenery and nature.

Two of the most common bases in this region are Furano and Asahikawa. Both towns give you access to some of Hokkaido’s most beautiful landscapes, including farmland, flower fields, and mountain scenery.

Which one you choose usually depends on your itinerary.

If you plan to explore places like Biei, Furano’s flower fields, or scenic countryside drives, Furano works well as a base. The town feels smaller and more rural, and many accommodations have views of the surrounding landscape.

If your itinerary includes Sounkyo or deeper parts of Daisetsuzan National Park, Asahikawa may be the more practical option. It’s a larger city with more hotels and restaurants, and it’s closer to some of the northern mountain areas.

I’ve stayed in both Furano and Asahikawa, and I personally like the convenience in Asahikawa, but also the proximity to attractions in Furano.

Include an Onsen Stay

One of the best experiences in Hokkaido is staying in a hot spring town, also known as onsen towns.

Places like Noboribetsu and Lake Toya are known for their onsen resorts, where you can relax in indoor and outdoor baths after a day of exploring.

Unlike city hotels, many onsen resorts are designed for a slower pace. Guests often spend the afternoon soaking in the baths, enjoying dinner at the hotel, and relaxing in a yukata.

During my trip to Noboribetsu, I stayed overnight at Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, which had multiple indoor and outdoor baths to try. Staying overnight made the experience much more enjoyable than trying to visit as a quick day trip.

Nearby, Lake Toya offers a different kind of onsen experience, with many resorts having beautiful lake views and a quieter atmosphere.

For something closer to Sapporo, Jozankei is also a popular option for quick trips – but in my opinion it might be better as a day trip.

Consider Renting a Car

Transportation is another factor that affects where you should stay.

While trains connect major cities like Sapporo and Asahikawa, many of Hokkaido’s scenic destinations are easier to reach by car.

I rented a car both times I visited Hokkaido, and driving was surprisingly easy. The roads are wide and well maintained, and distances between towns are manageable. The longest we drove in a day was probably just 3 hours.

Having a car also makes it much easier to explore places like Furano, Biei, and Daisetsuzan National Park at your own pace.

Secure the best rental car rates by booking early

Best Areas to Stay in Hokkaido

Hokkaido has a few standout base areas depending on your travel style. Some are better for food and convenience, while others make more sense for scenery, national parks, or a slower-paced stay.

Sapporo

Best for: food, convenience, and first-time visitors

If you only stay in one city in Hokkaido, make it Sapporo. It has plenty of history, great transportation, and of course lots of good food.

During my visit, I stayed in the Susukino district at Hotel androoms Sapporo Susukino. There are countless restaurants and bars in the area, and it’s also within walking distance of many central attractions. Overall, we chose this area because of the affordability and convenience.

Another popular area to stay is near Sapporo Station. This is a great location for quick access to the airport and more upscale shopping.

Overall, Sapporo works well as a starting point for exploring nearby destinations like Otaru and Jozankei or heading further into central Hokkaido.

For most travelers, spending two or three nights in Sapporo is a great way to start a trip.

---

Furano

Best for: scenic countryside landscapes

Furano is one of the most scenic areas in central Hokkaido. The region is famous for its flower fields, farmland, and wide open landscapes.

Compared to larger cities, Furano feels quieter and more relaxed. Many hotels and guesthouses here take advantage of the surrounding scenery.

On one of my trips, I stayed at Dormy Inn Premium La Vista Furano Hills, which had beautiful private onsens with views of the surrounding landscape. After a day of exploring, soaking in the bath while looking out toward the mountains was a great way to unwind.

One fun detail about this hotel is that they serve free ramen at night, which feels especially satisfying after an onsen soak.

If you want a countryside base with scenery and easy access to places like Biei and Daisetsuzan National Park, Furano is a great choice.

If you’re planning a summer trip through this region, I outline the route in my Hokkaido summer road trip itinerary, which includes stops in Furano and Biei.

---

Asahikawa

Best for: exploring Daisetsuzan National Park and northern Hokkaido

Asahikawa is another popular base in central Hokkaido, especially if you’re planning to explore the mountains and towns around Daisetsuzan National Park.

I share more about exploring this area in my guide to Daisetsuzan National Park and Furano, including tips for visiting Sounkyo and other mountain areas.

Unlike Furano, Asahikawa feels more like a proper city. It has more hotels and restaurants, but you’re less likely to find accommodations with scenic countryside views.

On one of my trips, we stayed at Mimatsusou Ryokan, a small homestay run by incredibly hospitable hosts. When we arrived, they welcomed us with warm milk and biscuits, which immediately made the stay feel cozy and personal.

The ryokan also had a small onsen-style bath, and guests could choose to have home-cooked Japanese meals. Our booking included two rooms (a bedroom and a living space), which made the stay feel very comfortable.

Asahikawa worked well for that trip because we were visiting Sounkyo in addition to Daisetsuzan National Park and Furano, so the city was a convenient midway stop.

Whether you choose Furano or Asahikawa usually depends on your itinerary. If you’re heading further north, Asahikawa can be the more practical base.

---

Otaru

Best for: a charming small-town stay

Otaru is one of the most popular towns to visit near Sapporo. The town is known for its historic canal, old warehouses, and glass shops.

Many travelers visit Otaru as a day trip, but staying overnight can be a nice experience because the town becomes much quieter after the day-trip crowds leave.

During my visit, I stayed at Hotel Neuschloss Otaru, which is perched on top of a coastal cliff. I was particularly excited about this one because of its private onsen baths with ocean views. It’s one of the more affordable places in Hokkaido where you can book a room with a private onsen. The meals were amazing too, so I highly recommend this stay.

If you’re specifically looking for accommodations with private baths, I also share a few favorites in my guide to the best private onsen hotels in Hokkaido.

Overall, Otaru is a great option for a relaxing overnight stay near Sapporo.

---

Best Onsen Towns to Stay in Hokkaido

If soaking in a Japanese hot spring is one of your priorities, it’s worth spending at least one night in an onsen town. An overnight stay gives you time to enjoy the baths properly instead of trying to squeeze the experience into a rushed day trip.

Noboribetsu

Best for: a classic hot spring resort experience

Noboribetsu is one of the most famous onsen towns in Hokkaido. The area is known for its volcanic landscape and mineral-rich hot springs.

I stayed at Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, which has a large bath complex with multiple indoor and outdoor pools. One of the highlights was the variety of baths available, which made it fun to try different hot springs during the stay.

Noboribetsu is also close to Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a dramatic volcanic area with steaming vents and sulfur pools.

Because Noboribetsu is a bit far from Sapporo, it’s not the most convenient place for a quick day trip. Staying overnight gives you time to properly enjoy the onsen experience.

---

Lake Toya

Best for: scenic lake views and relaxing stays

Lake Toya is one of the most beautiful places to stay in southern Hokkaido. Many hotels sit directly along the lakeshore, offering wide views of the water and surrounding mountains.

The scenery around Lake Toya is stunning, with several trails and walking paths to explore. In summer, you even get to see fireworks that go off every night.

During one of my trips, we stayed at Guesthouse Matsuyoshi in the nearby town of Toya. It was about a 10-minute drive from Lake Toya but significantly more affordable than the lakeside resorts.

The location ended up being a great compromise. We were close enough to explore Lake Toya while staying in a quieter area with beach access within walking distance.

If you’re deciding where to stay around the lake, I also put together a guide to the best hotels in Lake Toya with some of the most scenic views.

Jozankei

Best for: an easy onsen getaway from Sapporo

Jozankei is the closest hot spring town to Sapporo, located about one hour from the city.

Because of its location, it’s one of the easiest places to experience a traditional onsen stay without traveling far from Sapporo. Many travelers visit Jozankei for a relaxing overnight trip after spending time exploring the city.

The town sits along a scenic river valley surrounded by forests and mountains, which makes it especially beautiful during autumn foliage season and winter when the landscape is covered in snow. You might drive past this onsen town on your way back to Sapporo, so you could always include it as a quick stop.

Lake Shikotsu

Best for: quiet lake scenery and nature stays

Lake Shikotsu is another scenic destination in southern Hokkaido, located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park about an hour from Sapporo. The lake is known for its incredibly clear water and peaceful forested surroundings.

Compared to places like Noboribetsu or Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu feels much quieter and more nature-focused. Some travelers stay here to enjoy lake views, relaxing hot springs, or outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

I had a great time visiting Lake Shikotsu as a day trip, and you can find my favorite hike here through this guide. We skipped this stay the last few times because it was a little pricey – but the upscale resorts here are definitely some of the best.

Best Places to Stay in Hokkaido by Season

One of the most important things to consider when deciding where to stay in Hokkaido is when you’re visiting. The island experiences dramatic seasonal changes, and different areas become more appealing depending on the time of year.

Some destinations are best known for their summer landscapes, while others are more popular during winter ski season or autumn foliage. Here’s how I’d choose the location based on various seasons.

Summer (Lavender Fields and Scenic Countryside)

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Hokkaido. Compared to the rest of Japan, the weather here is cooler and more comfortable, which makes it a great destination for road trips and outdoor activities. During this season, many travelers head to central Hokkaido to see the region’s famous flower fields and countryside landscapes.

Best places to stay in summer:

Furano
Furano is one of the most popular summer destinations in Hokkaido thanks to its lavender fields and farmland scenery. The surrounding countryside is especially beautiful in July and August when the fields are in bloom. Staying in Furano also makes it easy to explore nearby areas like Biei, which is known for its patchwork farmland and scenic viewpoints.

Asahikawa
Asahikawa works well as a base if you plan to explore Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest national park in Japan. From here, you can access mountain areas like Sounkyo, which offer hiking trails, waterfalls, and alpine scenery. Because Asahikawa is a city, it also has more restaurants and accommodation options compared to smaller towns.

Lake Toya
Lake Toya is a beautiful place to stay during the warmer months. The calm lake, surrounding mountains, and lakeside hotels make it a relaxing destination after exploring other parts of Hokkaido. Summer is also a good time to enjoy lakeside walks, boat rides, and the outdoor scenery around the lake. Plus, they have fireworks every night in summer.

---

Fall (Autumn Foliage and Mountain Scenery)

Hokkaido is one of the first places in Japan to experience autumn foliage. The fall colors often start appearing in the mountains as early as September. Many travelers visit Hokkaido during this season to see the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that cover the forests and valleys.

Best places to stay in fall:

Asahikawa
Asahikawa is a great base for exploring the mountains of Daisetsuzan National Park, where some of the earliest autumn foliage in Japan appears. From Asahikawa, it’s easy to visit scenic areas like Sounkyo Gorge, which is famous for its dramatic cliffs and colorful fall leaves.

Furano
Furano’s countryside landscapes are also beautiful in autumn. The rolling farmland and mountain backdrops create some excellent scenery for photography and scenic drives. The region is usually less crowded in fall compared to the peak summer flower season.

Sounkyo Onsen
For travelers who want to stay closer to the mountains, Sounkyo Onsen is an underrated option. This small hot spring town sits within Daisetsuzan National Park and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Staying here during autumn gives you easy access to hiking trails and some of the best foliage views in Hokkaido.

---

Winter (Snow, Skiing, and Hot Springs)

Winter transforms Hokkaido into a snowy landscape that attracts skiers and winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. It’s not surprising that the island is famous for its powder snow and winter festivals. During this season, many travelers combine city stays, ski resorts, and onsen towns.

Best places to stay in winter:

Sapporo
Sapporo is a lively winter destination and the host of the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features massive snow sculptures and ice installations. The city is also a great base for enjoying Hokkaido’s food scene during the colder months, especially warm dishes like ramen and soup curry.

Furano
Furano becomes a popular ski destination during winter. The area is known for its powder snow and scenic mountain views, making it a great choice for travelers interested in skiing or snowboarding. Even if you’re not skiing, the snowy countryside landscapes around Furano are beautiful during winter.

Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu’s hot spring resorts are especially enjoyable in winter when you can soak in an outdoor bath surrounded by snowy scenery. The contrast between the hot mineral water and the cold winter air makes the experience even more relaxing.

Spring (Cherry Blossoms and Quiet Travel)

Spring arrives later in Hokkaido than in the rest of Japan, usually from late April through May. Because of the cooler climate, cherry blossoms bloom several weeks after places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Spring can be a nice time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather. Cities like Sapporo and Otaru are convenient bases for exploring parks and enjoying seasonal food, while nearby nature areas begin to reopen after winter.

Some travelers also visit Lake Toya or Noboribetsu in spring to enjoy hot springs surrounded by fresh greenery as the snow melts in the mountains.

While spring doesn’t have the same famous attractions as summer flower fields or winter ski resorts, it can be a peaceful time to explore Hokkaido before the busy travel season begins.

---

How Many Places to Stay in Hokkaido

Because Hokkaido is so large, trying to see everything from a single base can mean spending a lot of time on the road. In most cases, it’s better to split your trip between two or three destinations depending on how many days you have.

On my trips to Hokkaido, I found that using a few strategic bases worked much better than moving hotels every night. This made the trip feel more relaxed while still allowing us to explore different parts of the island.

A helpful approach is to combine a city stay, a countryside stay, and possibly an onsen stay. Here are a few examples of how you might structure your accommodations.

4–5 Days in Hokkaido

If you only have a few days, it’s best to keep your itinerary simple and focus on one region. A good option is to stay in Sapporo for most of the trip and add one overnight stay in a nearby onsen town.

Example itinerary:

• Sapporo (3 nights)
• Noboribetsu, Jozankei, or Lake Toya (1 night)

Sapporo gives you easy access to great food and city attractions, while the onsen stay adds a relaxing hot spring experience to the trip.

6–7 Days in Hokkaido

With about a week in Hokkaido, you can comfortably add a countryside destination.

Example structure:

• Sapporo (2–3 nights)
• Furano or Asahikawa (2–3 nights)
• Noboribetsu or Lake Toya (1–2 nights)

This combination works well because it gives you time to experience Hokkaido’s cities, landscapes, and hot springs without too much driving.

During my own trips, I often used this type of structure. After spending time in Sapporo, we moved to central Hokkaido to explore places like Furano, Biei, and parts of Daisetsuzan National Park before finishing with a relaxing onsen stay.

8–10 Days in Hokkaido

If you have more time, you can explore more of central Hokkaido while still keeping your itinerary manageable.

Example itinerary:

• Sapporo (2–3 nights)
• Furano or Asahikawa (3 nights)
• Noboribetsu or Lake Toya (2 nights)

With this amount of time, you can explore scenic areas like Biei, Furano’s flower fields, and Daisetsuzan National Park at a slower pace. Having two or three nights in each destination also makes the trip feel less rushed.

---

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Hokkaido

Since Hokkaido is so large, choosing the right bases can make a big difference in how smooth your trip feels.

On both of my trips, splitting the itinerary between Sapporo, central Hokkaido, and an onsen town worked especially well. This combination gives you access to great food, beautiful countryside scenery, and a relaxing hot spring stay without spending too much time on the road.

Whether you’re visiting for summer flower fields, autumn foliage, or winter snow, choosing a few well-placed bases will make it much easier to explore the island and enjoy everything Hokkaido has to offer.