Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide To Hokkaido: Spring & Summer Edition

Where To Stay: Family Friendly Guide to Hokkaido

Hokkaido has great places to accommodate families. You can choose big resorts with pools and play areas or smaller hotels close to fun spots. Many places have special arrangements for kids, like game rooms or baby care items. Some places are high-end, offering luxury experiences, while others are budget-friendly — choose as per your preference.

Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo Hotel & Spa Resort

This family-friendly hotel has multiple swimming pools, children's pools, spas, and amusement facilities. The fun part? The Patisserie Museum allows kids to make their own snacks. The hotel also offers book rentals and baby car rentals. This hotel and spa is definitely a great pick since it's been mindfully designed to be perfect for families.

Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo Hotel & Spa Resort, 132 Higashibarato, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 002-8043, +81117732211, webmaster@gateauxkingdom.com, www.gateauxkingdom.com

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Since this resort in Shimukappu is surrounded by nature, you get to enjoy fun outdoor activities like tree climbing and night safari tours. In the summer, guests can book the Bokujo Bed, which allows you to cozy up outdoors in a big, open space to stargaze. This is the place to try out for families looking for a unique and adventurous stay.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 0792204, +81167581111, www.snowtomamu.jp/summer

Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Koen

Looking for something small and budget-friendly? This hotel offers baby beds, baby guards, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. Also, kids 18 years old and below stay free in their parents' room. Some notable features are a microwave, laundromat, parking, prime location, and free breakfast for kids under 5.

Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Koen, 4 Chome-1-2 Minami 9 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 0640809, Japan, +81115130700, www.vessel-hotel.jp/en/inn/sapporo

Hotel Mystays Premier Sapporo Park

Mystays Premier offers a variety of rooms and amenities, including a fitness center and a restaurant serving different cuisines, making it a convenient choice for families. You and your family also get sleepwear, high-speed Wi-Fi service, locked drawers, rentable toys and storybooks, a relaxation room, and in-room massage services.

Hotel Mystays Premier Sapporo Park, Japan, 064-0809 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 9 Jonishi, 2 Chome−2−10, +81115123456, www.mystays.com/en-us/hotel-mystays-premier-sapporo-park-hokkaido

The Westin Rusutsu Resort

The Westin Rusutsu Resort offers breathtaking views of mountains and ski-in/ski-out access. Your family can participate in summer activities like rafting, MTB, and hot air balloon flights. The resort has four 18-hole golf courses with beautiful greens and scenic views. You can also enjoy indoor and outdoor baths, tennis courts, and a fitness studio — a complete luxury package for families.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort, Abuta-Gun 133, Izumikawa, Rusutsu, Hokkaido 0481711, +81 136462111, www.rusutsu.com/en/the-westin-rusutsu-resort

Where to Eat: Family-Friendly Guide to Hokkaido

Eating out in Hokkaido is a treat for the whole family. Thanks to its geographical location, it’s perfect for agriculture, dairy, and seafood production. There are restaurants with various cuisines you might already know and new things to try. All places are super welcoming to kids. Some places even have special menus for children.

1. Genghis Khan Hitsujikai no Mise "Itadakimasu"

When in Hokkaido, you can’t simply miss this restaurant. It is well-known for its tender cuts of lamb meat, grilled to charred perfection. The meat is carefully picked for rich and juicy flavours, making it suitable for groups of friends, family, and big celebrations.

Genghis Khan Hitsujikai no Mise "Itadakimasu”, 5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-Shi, Hokkaido 064-0605, South West 5-1-6, +815038161664, home.sapporo.kokosil.net/en/jingisukan

2. Mikuni Sapporo

This French restaurant offers exquisite menu items like Hokkaido hairy crab, Atsuma blue honeysuckle tarte au chocolat with lavender ice cream, and Kamifurano wild rabbit. Private rooms are available for the utmost privacy with your family and kids. You will also love the ambience and the friendly staff here.

Mikuni Sapporo, 060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome−5, +81 112510392, www.jrhotels.co.jp/tower/restaurant/mikuni

3. Soup Curry Shabazo

A full-fledged soup curry restaurant using sheep's bones, a popular cuisine in Hokkaido. It uses boiled lamb stock with varying options of vegetables with 7 different spicy levels to keep your tummy and heart warm. This place offers four soup varieties, including spicy ramen with homemade noodles from the Nanabei shop. Don’t forget to try Keema curry with cheesy sheep — it is popular.

Soup Curry Shabazo, B1, Sapporo North Plaza, 4, Kitaichijo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, www.syabazo.owst.jp

4. Forest Restaurant Nininupuri

This buffet restaurant is suitable for all meals with family, even offering a dedicated kids menu. You can have pork with various seafood options, French toast, donburi, beef teppanyaki, and soft-serve ice cream. For your kids, they have Risonare Kids Studio, where they can be pastry chefs and create original seasonal sweets. And the view from every corner here is breathtaking.

Forest Restaurant Nininupuri, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2204, +81167581111, www.snowtomamu.jp/summer/restaurant/nininupuri

5. Kani Honke Sapporo

Sapporo Kani Honke is a popular crab restaurant chain in Japan known for serving authentic and delicious crab dishes. Their must-try dish is Sapporo-flavored steamed Hair Crab. You get all kinds of crab dishes, from red king crab meat to crab broth. Your kids and family can delight in the Kaiseki set, featuring crab croquettes, sushi, and ice cream.

Kani Honke Sapporo, 2 Chome-1-18 Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Japan, +81112220018, www.kani-honke.co.jp

Activities for Kids: Family-Friendly Guide to Hokkaido

Hokkaido has exciting activities for your kids to make their experience wholesome. For instance, there are puppet shows, farms where kids can meet animals, places for outdoor adventures, and museums with cool exhibits. The best part? Kids often get to join in and do things themselves. This makes learning more fun and helps spark their imagination.

1. Sapporo Children's Puppet Theater Kogumaza

If you're in central Sapporo, take your kids to Nakajima Park for puppet shows at the oldest puppet theatre in Japan. Puppet shows are affordable every weekend or during the long school holidays, and you can enjoy them with your families and children. They showcase ancient folklore and Japanese fairy tales.

Kogumaza Children’s Puppet Theater, Nakajima Park, 1 Nakajima Koen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931, Japan, +81115113924, www.koguyama.jp/kogumaza

2. Ecorin Village

This village offers a unique experience for kids. It features 30 themed gardens and the chance to interact with alpacas and sheep, fostering a love for nature and animals. The village also features gardens made of recycled materials, composts, earth thermal heat pumps, and anhydrous toilets, allowing families to play with flowers and animals.

Ecorin Village, 277-4 Farm, Eniwa, Hokkaido 061-1421, Japan, +81123347800, www.ecorinvillage.com

3. Niseko Adventure Centre

Niseko Adventure Centre is a paradise for kids. This centre offers a range of outdoor activities for kids with adventurous hearts, including rafting, forest adventure courses, and a kids' summer camp, which provides an adrenaline-filled experience. Your kids can also enjoy mountain biking tours, river kayaking, and hiking.

Niseko Adventure Centre, 044-0080 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, +81136232093, www.nacadventures.jp

4. The Hokkaido University Museum

The Hokkaido University Museum is a great place for your kids to learn about the natural world. The museum features exhibits of the region's unique flora and fauna, including a collection of over 100,000 specimens. There are also interactive displays and educational programs designed specifically for children.

The Hokkaido University Museum, Kita 10-jo, Nishi 8-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture 060-0810, +81117062658, www.museum.hokudai.ac.jp/english

5. Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic landmark and a popular tourist destination. Your kids can enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the tower's observation deck. Additionally, they learn about the history of Sapporo through interactive exhibits and displays. The tower also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Sapporo Clock Tower, North1, West2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 0600001, +81-11-231-0838, +81112310804, www.sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp

What to Do: Family-Friendly Guide to Hokkaido

There are several things to do in Hokkaido with your family and kids. For instance, you can visit museums, go to theme parks, or explore the beauty outside in nature. Some places mix learning with fun, so your kids are getting smarter! Let’s explore some places you can explore.

1. Asahiyama Zoo

This zoo is home to many wildlife species, including red foxes, eagles, polar bears, and lions. You’ll see more than 700 animals from 124 species in natural habitats. Kids under 6 years old enter for free, making it a great family-friendly attraction and learning opportunity for your kids. But don't forget the underwater glass tunnel where your kids can see penguins and other sea creatures.

Asahiyama Zoo, Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan, +81166361104, www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo

2. Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito is one of Hokkaido's most famous parks. At this park, you can enjoy a chocolate factory tour and make chocolate cookies, providing kids with a fun and educational experience. There is also a whimsical theme park with a play area for kids with buildings based on Gulliver’s Travels. Time for some nostalgia for you, too, maybe?

Shiroi Koibito Park, 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan, +81116661481, www.shiroikoibitopark.jp

3. Historical Village of Hokkaido

If your family is a history buff or loves architecture, the historical village of Hokkaido is the perfect place for you. It is an open-air museum showcasing Hokkaido’s rich heritage from 1868 to 1920. You may stroll those 52 buildings that show the culture of the Meiji and Taisho periods. What’s more? Make your family’s experience more exquisite by riding a horse-drawn trolley.

Historical Village of Hokkaido, Konopporo-50-1 Atsubetsucho, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0006, +81118982692, www.kaitaku.or.jp/en

4. Farm Tomita

Your journey to Hokkaido is incomplete without visiting this farm. It is known for its breathtaking lavender fields, which offer a majestic landscape view from June to August. Other flowers include poppies, marigolds, and cosmos. From visiting the distillery to enjoying lavender-flavored ice cream, your family is up for a great hike here.

Farm Tomita, Kisen Kita 15-go, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0704, +81167393939, www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en

5. Akan Mashu National Park

Want to escape city life and be in nature with your family? Akan Mashu National Park is home to three lakes (Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo), offering a perfect treat for nature-loving families. You can explore forests, hike to the volcano, do adventure activities, and camp. Kids can enjoy boat rides, learn about volcanic landscapes, and take cycling tours.

Akan Mashu National Park, 085-0467 Hokkaido, Kushiro, Japan, +81154832335, www.env.go.jp/park/akan

What To See: Family-Friendly Guide to Hokkaido

Check out pretty farms, aquariums with amusing sea creatures, busy shopping streets, or beautiful waterfalls in Hokkaido. Some places have guides or activities that help your kids understand what they see. And because the seasons change so much in Hokkaido, you get to see new views and join in different festivals all year round.

1. Lake Hill Farm

Located in the Southern Hokkaido, Lake Hill Farm features breathtaking views of Lake Toya and Mount Yotei. Since it’s a dairy farm, you shouldn't miss their 20 varieties of ice cream, fresh milk, and coffee. The fun part? Kids can also try making butter or ice cream. In the summer, they allow you to play with animals under the sun.

Lake Hill Farm, 127 Hanawa, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5724, Japan, +81120833376, www.lake-hill.com/english

2. Otaru Aquarium

Otaru is a small harbour town worth a day trip from Sapporo City with your family and friends. The museum here displays 5,000 animals of 250 different species. From interactive daily shows to feeding sessions, you'll never have a dull moment with the kids. You can also consider exploring the canal, high street, and seasonal festivals.

Otaru Aquarium, 3 Chome-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan, +81134331400, ​uu-hokkaido.com/corporate/otaru-aq

3. Sapporo Satoland

Nestled in the east, Satoland offers a casual approach to family fun. Families can ride horses, play with farm animals like rabbits and cows, and indulge in fresh ice cream. You can also enjoy carnival games, high-intensity roller coasters, and BBQ sessions with freshly picked seasonal vegetables — a subtle but wholesome experience with your family and kids.

Sapporo Satoland, 584-2 Okadamacho, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0880, Japan, +81117870223, www.satoland.com

4. Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Ready to experience the oldest shopping arcade in Hokkaido? Established in the late 19th century, Tanukikoji Shopping Street boasts a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. The street has various shops catering to diverse tastes, including fashion boutiques, souvenir stores, and traditional craft shops. Visitors can enjoy various dining options, from local eateries to international cuisines.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street, 060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Japan, +81 112415125, www.tanukikoji.or.jp

5. Shirahige Waterfall

The Shirahige is an extremely beautiful waterfall in Biei, Hokkaido. "Shirahige” means "White Beard" because the water cascades down like a frothy beard. It flows from volcanic rocks and falls into the Biei River, creating a striking scene. It is a lovely spot for nature lovers and photographers, offering peaceful and scenic views.

Shirahige Waterfall, Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235 Japan, +81 166924321, www.town.biei.hokkaido.jp/about/event/illuminate