[2025] Obon Travel in Hokkaido | Complete Guide to Costs, Climate, and Recommended Spots
![[2025] Obon Travel in Hokkaido | Complete Guide to Costs, Climate, and Recommended Spots](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/obon-trip-hokkaido_thumb.jpg)
"
I want to go on a trip during the Obon holidays, but I don't like the heat.
" I would like to recommend this to those who say,
Hokkaido
trip.
In this article,
A perfect trip to Hokkaido for the Obon holidays
will be featured!
From basic information such as the weather in Hokkaido in August and travel cost estimates to recommended events, sightseeing spots, and popular activities. , plenty of introductions!
It's perfect for family trips, couples trips, and outings with friends!
table of contents
- 1 What is the appeal of traveling to Hokkaido during Obon?
- 2 Basic information about Hokkaido Obon trip (August)
- 3 3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hokkaido during the Obon Period
- 4 Event information for Hokkaido Obon trip (August)
- 5 Recommended popular activities for your Hokkaido Obon trip
- 6 Popular Hokkaido activity experience tour ranking
- 7 This year's Obon trip is definitely to Hokkaido!
- 8 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What is the appeal of traveling to Hokkaido during Obon?
It is the Obon season in Honshu, where the heatwaves continue.
Hokkaido has a low average temperature and low humidity.
!
It is becoming a popular summer travel destination as you can enjoy the dry, refreshing air.
Fireworks displays, summer festivals, outdoor music festivals, etc. Plenty of events unique to summer It will add color to your memories of the trip.
Also,
Enjoy Hokkaido's summer cuisine
That is also attractive!
Scallops, corn, Yubari melon, etc.
You can enjoy the flavors of the season.
Rafting or SUP , Kayaking The weather is also perfect for enjoying water activities such as swimming, so be sure to give it a try!
Rafting on the Shisorapti River (also known as the Sorachi River) is offered at the best affordable price using high-quality equipment and highly professional guides. This is a very popular river for rafting in Furano, Minamifurano and Tomamu. Recommended for couples, friends and families. Tomamu (17km), Furano Station (51km), Minamifurano Roadside Station or Montbell Minamifurano
This is a rafting tour on the Shiribetsu River. We will guide you through a course that anyone from 4 years old to adults can enjoy. Please come and make memories with your family, friends, and loved ones. The meeting place is in Kyogoku Town, so there are campsites and hot springs nearby, making it the perfect place to refresh yourself after rafting. Let's enjoy playing on Hokkaido's rivers together!
Hokkaido's most popular SUP experience tour. Highly transparent lake water: Lake Shikotsu's high transparency is sure to be an amazing experience. You can see the bottom of the lake more than 10m deep from the SUP board, so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the water. This is a special experience that you can't get anywhere else. Natural beauty: Surrounded by the outer rim of the crater rim,
Basic information about Hokkaido Obon trip (August)
During Obon
Hokkaido
If you are planning to travel, it is important to gather information in advance.
In the following,
Costs, climate, recommended clothing and items to bring
We will introduce you to the details.
What is the average cost of traveling to Hokkaido during Obon?
Hokkaido travel is popular all year round,
August is the month when airfare and accommodation costs are the most expensive in the year.
.
The more people in your family travel or the longer your stay, the higher the cost.
We recommend you make your reservation as early as possible.
is!
Also, if you want to keep costs down, To avoid Obon, move it to early or late August. This is one option.
What is the weather like in Hokkaido during the Obon season?
Hokkaido The weather in August is It is cooler than Honshu and is a very popular summer resort. .
For example, the Japan Meteorological Agency Sapporo and Tokyo Comparing the average temperature data, the average temperature in August 2023 was approximately 26.7°C in Sapporo and approximately 29.2°C in Tokyo, and in August 2024 it was approximately 24.6°C in Sapporo and approximately 29.0°C in Tokyo.
| Average Temperature in August | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | Approximately 26.7℃ | Approximately 24.6℃ |
| Tokyo | Approximately 29.2℃ | Approximately 29.0℃ |
In other words, The difference in average temperature between Sapporo and Tokyo is about 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. It should feel quite cool. .
In addition, the humidity is lower than in Tokyo, so it is less muggy. Comfortable even during the day That's what's attractive about it!
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What to wear and bring during the Obon season in Hokkaido?
recent years,
Hokkaido
However, in some areas the maximum temperature may reach nearly 35°C.
Therefore,
Short sleeves and cool summer clothing are recommended
!
As a measure against ultraviolet rays, hat or sunglasses , Sunscreen This will make your stay more comfortable.
During the day, you also need to be careful about heatstroke. Bring sports drinks, salt tablets, salt candy, etc. with you to ensure frequent hydration and salt intake. .
The temperature can drop sharply in the mornings and evenings, It's a good idea to bring a long-sleeved jacket or a thin cardigan. is.
3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hokkaido during the Obon Period
Next, we would like you to visit Hokkaido during the Obon season in August. Recommended sightseeing spots We will introduce the following.
1. Shirogane Blue Pond
Hokkaido
・
Biei Town
In
Shirogane Blue Pond
"teeth,
A popular tourist spot with a fantastical landscape
!
As the name suggests,
The water surface is a vivid blue color.
Another attractive feature is how its appearance changes depending on the weather, season, and time of day.
On sunny summer days, the pond's water shines cobalt blue, creating a particularly beautiful sight.
Including the contrast with the surrounding greenery,
A great spot for social media
is!
Address: Shirokane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
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2. Furano Lavender Fields/Farm Tomita
"
Farm Tomita
"teeth,
A farm that boasts lavender in Nakafurano, Hokkaido
.
The lavender fields that spread across the slopes are a sight to behold and a delight to the eyes of all who visit.
The best time to see lavender is usually mid to late July, Even during the Obon period, you can enjoy late-flowering varieties and lavender in greenhouses. !
In addition, Potpourri House At ", you can enjoy lavender soft serve ice cream and light meals while gazing at the Tokachi mountain range. House of Perfume You can see perfume being mixed.
Hokkaido Of course, those who want to experience the summer scenery, A spot that families and couples can enjoy is!
Address: 15 Kisen Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
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3. The Road to Heaven
"
The Road to Heaven
"teeth,
A road stretching 28.1km in length in Shari, Hokkaido.
.
This straight road, where national highways 244 and 334 join, was named because it appears to continue straight into the sky.
" Top 100 moving moments in Hokkaido It is a scenic road that has been selected as one of the best roads in Japan. Hokkaido You can experience the unique sense of scale while driving.
Address: Shari Town, Shari District, Hokkaido
Event information for Hokkaido Obon trip (August)
Summer
Hokkaido
Various events will be held in various locations.
In the following,
Events held in Hokkaido during the Obon period
We will introduce the following.
Sapporo Summer Festival
"
Sapporo Summer Festival
"teeth,
Sapporo's classic summer event
!
It started in 1954 (Showa 29),
Held annually from mid-July to mid-August in central Sapporo
It has been done.
At the main venue, Odori Park,
A huge beer garden with 10,000 seats, one of the largest in the country, opens
!
Enjoying delicious beer and gourmet food under a clear summer sky is a pleasure unique to Sapporo.
There are also many unreserved seats available, so no reservation is required.
This makes it an attractive place to drop in any time.
Besides," North Sea Bon Dance "or" Tanuki Festival " " Susukino Festival " etc. Sapporo A variety of supportive events will be held simultaneously across the city.
Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival
"
Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival
"teeth,
A hugely popular event that attracts over 200,000 people every year
!
From mid-July to late August, 2 million sunflowers will be in full bloom across a 23-hectare site, roughly the size of five Tokyo Domes.
There is also a sightseeing car called "Himawari-go" that slowly travels through the sunflower fields, making it a great place to bring children.
!
There is also a duck ranch within the venue.
Feeding ducks
is also popular.
At the attached tourist center, you can also purchase locally produced gourmet foods and specialty products, so it's a recommended spot and event where you can enjoy nature, experiences, and gourmet food all at once!
Recommended popular activities for your Hokkaido Obon trip
Hokkaido
offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences set in the great outdoors!
In the following,
Popular activities especially recommended for Obon trips in Hokkaido
We will introduce them by genre.
Canoeing and Kayaking
- 4.5
- (9 reviews and experiences)
Come empty-handed! 10,000 people experience the facility every year! Experience the natural beauty of Japan's top-class lakes and rivers in a clear kayak, the first of its kind in Hokkaido! You'll also receive free photos of your tour! *Lockers, changing rooms, and foot towels are available at the on-site shop. *Certified as a tour business authorized by the Ministry of the Environment, the shop is a member of the "JSPASUP"
- 4.8
- (100 reviews and experiences)
This course runs through the Kushiro Marshland, and you'll start from Hosooka Station and paddle leisurely along the wide, calm river to Iwaboki Water Gate, feeling the breeze blowing through the marsh. You won't get wet, so just wear comfortable clothing that suits the weather. *This is a short course.
- 4.6
- (116 reviews and experiences)
This course runs through the Kushiro Marshland, and you can leisurely paddle a canoe along the wide, calm river starting from Lake Toro to Hosooka Station, feeling the breeze blowing through the marshland. You won't get wet, so just wear comfortable clothing that suits the weather. If you're short on time, we recommend the short course from Hosooka Station to Iwaboki Water Gate. *This is the standard course.
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Rafting Riverboogie
[Hokkaido・Sapporo・Jozankei] 神秘的な夜のJozankeiを味わえる!～ナイトクルージング＆夜カフェツアー～（軽食付き）
- 5.0
- (2 reviews/experiences)
【プラン名】・ナイトクルージング＆夜カフェツアー（Rafting）【開催時期】・４月下旬～11月下旬【開始時間】・19:30～（集合時間19:15まで）※集合時間に遅れますandツアーの参加をお断りさせていただく場合がございます.【所要時間】・90分〜120分程度※人数or川の状況によって変動します【参加対
[Hokkaido, Minamifurano] 《Meet at the location》 Rafting down the rapids! (Half-day plan)
- 5.0
- (2 reviews/experiences)
This is a dynamic activity where you and your guide will board a boat and work together to paddle and control the boat as you go down the rapids of Hokkaido's wilderness. Life jackets will be provided, so even those who can't swim can participate. *This is a local meeting plan. Please come to the local meeting point (Ochiai, Minamifurano Town) by yourself.
[Hokkaido, Furano] Safe for small children! Smile Rafting ★ Half-day plan ★
- 4.6
- (5 reviews and experiences)
Why not try rafting with the whole family on the Sorachi River in Furano? The course is gentle, so even small children and those who are afraid of rapids can feel safe. The whole family can enjoy splashing around in the water, getting in the river, and having fun on the river.
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Trekking
- 4.8
- (6 reviews and experiences)
You can stroll around Lake Two and Lake One of the Shiretoko Five Lakes on a ground walkway, and return via an elevated boardwalk. While walking along the walking path, you can observe the nature that changes with the seasons. You can mainly observe Ezo deer and wild birds. Roads and walking paths may be closed due to brown bear sightings, snowfall, storms, etc. If we know of a closure in advance, we will contact you by mobile phone and, if you wish, we will arrange a day off.
- 4.8
- (18 reviews and experiences)
This trekking tour covers the Shiretoko Five Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a special protected area of Shiretoko National Park, including the elevated boardwalk. This is the first groundbreaking forest adventure experience in Japan, where licensed guides will guide you through areas where brown bears live. In addition to the lakes, you can also enjoy wildlife, wild birds, alpine plants, autumn leaves, and other seasonal sights.
【Hokkaido・美瑛】絶景スノーシューツアー!ガイドand一緒に"美瑛・白金温泉パワースポットめぐり」
白ひげの滝～不動の滝～ブルーリバー～白銀模範牧場andめぐります.白ひげの滝から不動の滝,流れ落ちる先にはブルーリバー,広大な牧場までパワースポットを巡ります.
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SUP
- 4.8
- (19 reviews and experiences)
●This is a local SUP tour shop for Lake Shikotsu! We have a changing room, bath towels, hair dryers, cotton swabs, tissues, bamboo combs, and various other amenities. ●You will be guided by a "JSPASUP Basic Instructor," so even first-timers can participate with peace of mind! ●You will need to wear a dry (shell dry) suit (11/1 - 5/15)
- 5.0
- (6 reviews and experiences)
This is a two-hour SUP experience tour held at Lake Shikotsu in Chitose. A luxurious SUP experience tour at Lake Shikotsu, which has the best water quality in Japan for 11 consecutive years. The high quality water and beautiful scenery will enrich your soul and make for the best memories. You can also see Japan's oldest "Mountain Line Iron Bridge"! The guide will take photos and provide them to you as an album. You can rest assured as the guide guides more than 200 tours a year.
【Hokkaido・支笏湖】8/23(土)・24(日)開催!大自然支笏湖ブルーに癒されながら大人の休日♪サップヨガ＆散歩!スープカレーlunch付き
～Supyoga＆Supcruisingeventの開催のお知らせ～支笏湖で笑顔溢れる非日常のリラックスタイム♪初めての方!!お一人様大歓迎☺大自然に癒されながら緩むひand時を過ごす大人の休日♪らっきょ無添加スープカレーランチ付きスペシャルevent!2025.08.23(土)24(日)千歳市/支笏湖ボー
Popular Hokkaido activity experience tour ranking
- 4.5
- (57 reviews and experiences)
Located about 30-40 minutes by car from central Sapporo, the popular Ibarato River is the perfect place to experience ice fishing for smelt! Pick-up from Sapporo Station is included, and all equipment is provided, so you can easily participate. As this is an outdoor activity, please dress warmly. If you have any problems, such as not being able to attach bait, not being able to touch the fish, or not knowing how to fish, the guide will be happy to help you.
- 4.8
- (14 reviews and experiences)
===================================Go fishing with a fishing sage! A plan to go smelt fishing empty-handed♪ Drilling holes, fishing, frying the smelt you catch... This is a smelt fishing tour where you do it all by yourself from start to finish! Since you're not prepared, you'll be taking on the challenge yourself, so you can learn while having fun.
- 4.9
- (50 reviews and experiences)
====================================■ Choose your preferred plan for day or night! ■ Free rental of "snowshoe sets" for easy walking on fluffy snow! ■ (Day) Held in a forest inhabited by small animals such as long-tailed tits and Hokkaido squirrels! ■ (Night) Held on a snowy hill with a panoramic view of one of Japan's three greatest night views! ■
- 4.6
- (7 reviews and experiences)
~Schedule for the day~ [08:00] Sapporo Station North Exit, board the group bus (meeting point) [10:30] Asahiyama Zoo (approx. 120 minutes, including lunch, at your own expense) [13:20] Christmas tree (approx. 15 minutes) [14:10] Biei Blue Pond (approx. 30 minutes) [14:50] Shirahige Falls (approx. 20 minutes) [15:10] Return to central Sapporo and enjoy the day
[Hokkaido, Otaru] Blue Cave | Famous Captain's Adventure Let's Go Cruise!
- 4.8
- (169 reviews and experiences)
This tour will take you to the Blue Cave while listening to stories about Otaru's little-known nature, history, and culture! You will be guided to the Blue Cave while remaining on board the boat. Because it is an all-weather boat (with a cabin), you won't be splashed by the waves! You can enjoy a comfortable cruise even on rainy days! The boat also has an open deck space where you can feel the sea breeze.
- 4.6
- (11 reviews and experiences)
All you have to do is drill a hole in the frozen lake and set up the fishing gear! Once the fish bite, all you have to do is pull the line. Leave the tedious tasks of drilling holes, feeding, and setting up the gear to the guide! Once you learn the tricks, even beginners and children can easily try it! After catching the fish, you can fry them on the spot and make them into tempura! The taste is absolutely exceptional when you can fry them right after catching them, piping hot!
- 4.9
- (41 reviews and experiences)
This is a smelt fishing experience tour brought to you by a leading smelt fishing guide who has guided the most customers in Hokkaido. This is a luxurious plan that will take you exclusively to the Minami fishing spot, known as the best spot, at Lake Shinotsu in Shinshinotsu Village, one of Hokkaido's best smelt fishing spots. It was also the location for filming the smelt fishing segment of a certain famous variety show from Hokkaido.
- 5.0
- (17 reviews and experiences)
This is a smelt fishing experience that can be enjoyed in the ponds and riverbeds of the Ishikari River system, about 50 minutes from central Sapporo. In this COVID-19 era, we need to avoid crowded fishing in tents of about 3.3 m2, and while following the new Hokkaido guidelines and Go To Travel campaign, we also need to provide the enjoyment of winter without any worries. Therefore, we will be joining you on the ice.
【Hokkaido・富良野】スノーモービル体験!!★10㎞コース★
- 4.9
- (6 reviews and experiences)
スノーモービルって難しそう？怖そう？そんなこandはありません!ガイドがしっかりレクチャーしてから先導しますので,運転が不安な方or女性の方でも安心してご参加いただけます.スノーモービルでしか行けない林道or山岳,雪原など誰も知らない銀世界への旅にチャレンジしてみませんか？
- 4.5
- (9 reviews and experiences)
Come empty-handed! 10,000 people experience the facility every year! Experience the natural beauty of Japan's top-class lakes and rivers in a clear kayak, the first of its kind in Hokkaido! You'll also receive free photos of your tour! *Lockers, changing rooms, and foot towels are available at the on-site shop. *Certified as a tour business authorized by the Ministry of the Environment, the shop is a member of the "JSPASUP"
This year's Obon trip is definitely to Hokkaido!
This time, Useful information for traveling to Hokkaido during Obon was featured.
Compared to Honshu, Hokkaido is a perfect place for an Obon trip, as you can enjoy events and activities in a refreshingly hot climate!
During your summer vacation, why not enjoy Hokkaido to the fullest with your family, partner, friends, or other loved ones?
*The content of this article is current as of May 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA
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