[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
- 4.6
- (109 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.
Kushiro Marsh Canoe Private Tour [Lake Toro - Hosooka] 120 minutes
- 4.9
- (70 reviews and experiences)
[Kushiro Marsh Private Canoe Tour Lake Toro to Hosooka Course (Time Required: Approx. 120 minutes)] ■ Enjoy the Kushiro Marsh on a private canoe tour! From Lake Toro, the largest lake in the Kushiro Marsh, you will pass through the Arekinai River, a tributary of the Kushiro River, and reach the Kushiro River. Let yourself go with the slow current and head to the heart of the Kushiro Marsh. In the middle of nature, you will hear the birds singing and the wind blowing.
- 4.6
- (53 reviews and experiences)
[Participation Fee] ◆May-June, October ・For two or more participants (junior high school students and above): 8,000 yen/person ・For one person (high school students and above): 10,000 yen/person ・Children (ages 4 to elementary school): 5,000 yen/person ◆July-September ・For two or more participants (junior high school students and above): 8,500 yen/person
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Rafting Riverboogie
- 4.8
- (41 reviews and experiences)
For customers who want to enjoy rafting with a focus on quality! Niseko is famous for outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors, and rafting is available on the Shiribetsu River that flows leisurely around Mt. Yotei. Enjoy the natural scenery from the river, play in the water, and become one with the river and let your mind go free. This is a new experience that both adults and children can enjoy.
- 5.0
- (3 reviews and experiences)
This is a rafting tour down the Shiribetsu River, a popular river in Niseko! You can enjoy the clean water of the Shiribetsu River while looking out at Mt. Yotei. We offer a variety of water activities for all ages, from children to adults. Recommended for those looking for a memorable experience!
About 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo. Try rafting on the Toyohira River, which is in a great location! Enjoy a leisurely rafting trip while looking at the valley.
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Trekking
- 4.7
- (17 reviews and experiences)
This trekking tour covers all of the Shiretoko Five Lakes, a designated special protected area of Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the elevated boardwalk. This is a groundbreaking forest adventure experience, the first of its kind in Japan, where licensed guides guide you through areas inhabited by brown bears. In addition to the lakes, you can also enjoy seasonal sights such as Ezo deer, Ezo red foxes, wild birds, alpine plants, and autumn leaves.
- 4.8
- (5 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.
[Hokkaido, Shiretoko] Enjoy the rich nature of Shiretoko! Shiretoko 1-day guided tour
- 4.9
- (15 reviews and experiences)
Everyone wants to visit Hokkaido in the summer at least once. We will take you on a leisurely one-day tour of the naturally rich "Okhotsk" region of Hokkaido. The theme of the Shiretoko area is "Fully Enjoy Nature." In the morning, you will take a guided walk around the Shiretoko Five Lakes, walking through the representative fields of Shiretoko. You will be transported to a restaurant in Utoro for lunch. The remaining half of the day will be spent trekking through the primeval forest. You will walk along animal trails and see cliffs and
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SUP
- 4.9
- (54 reviews and experiences)
"Extraordinary Experience Activity" held at Lake Shikotsu in Chitose / Approximately 2 hours of SUP experience tour. 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 create the best memories with your friends and precious family. You can also see the oldest "Mountain Line Iron Bridge" in Japan! The guide will take photos and provide them to you as an album.
[Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu] Relaxing Lake Shikotsu SUP Tour | Drone Photography Included
- 5.0
- (10 reviews and experiences)
★ SUP tour at Lake Shikotsu, boasting the best water quality in Japan ★ Capture your memories in the best possible way with drone photography! Fishing equipment, snorkels, nets, and more are available for free rental! This tour is enjoyable for everyone from beginners to experienced SUPers! Reservations are accepted until 10:00 PM the night before! ----------------◼︎ Event times: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- 5.0
- (26 reviews and experiences)
A spectacular view of the Yoichi Blue that you must see at least once in your life! It takes just a little over an hour by car from Sapporo. About 30 minutes from Otaru. A panoramic view of cliffs and sparkling blue sea. The cruise to the cave is truly an adventure♪ You can enjoy something out of the ordinary and it is sure to become a lifelong memory! ★No worries even for first timers! ★Suitable for a wide range of people from elementary school students to those in their 60s! ★Free high-resolution photo data♪ ★Qualified "local
Popular Hokkaido activity experience tour ranking
[Hokkaido, Otaru] Blue Cave | Famous Captain's Adventure Let's Go Cruise!
- 4.8
- (162 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
- (109 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.
Kushiro Marsh Canoe Private Tour [Lake Toro - Hosooka] 120 minutes
- 4.9
- (70 reviews and experiences)
[Kushiro Marsh Private Canoe Tour Lake Toro to Hosooka Course (Time Required: Approx. 120 minutes)] ■ Enjoy the Kushiro Marsh on a private canoe tour! From Lake Toro, the largest lake in the Kushiro Marsh, you will pass through the Arekinai River, a tributary of the Kushiro River, and reach the Kushiro River. Let yourself go with the slow current and head to the heart of the Kushiro Marsh. In the middle of nature, you will hear the birds singing and the wind blowing.
[Hokkaido, Otaru] The original! Otaru Blue Hidden Land Cruise
- 4.8
- (62 reviews and experiences)
The original! Otaru Blue Hidden Land Cruise Tsusen Co., Ltd. Departing from Otaru Canal, a fun guided 70-minute cruise will fly you through the Otaru Canal and Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, stopping the boat at various points. The refreshing open boat is great for taking photos! The seagull feeding experience is also popular. All seats are individual captain seats with 360° rotation by the window, providing excellent visibility and comfort! *2025/7/
- 4.6
- (53 reviews and experiences)
[Participation Fee] ◆May-June, October ・For two or more participants (junior high school students and above): 8,000 yen/person ・For one person (high school students and above): 10,000 yen/person ・Children (ages 4 to elementary school): 5,000 yen/person ◆July-September ・For two or more participants (junior high school students and above): 8,500 yen/person
- 4.7
- (88 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.
- 4.9
- (54 reviews and experiences)
"Extraordinary Experience Activity" held at Lake Shikotsu in Chitose / Approximately 2 hours of SUP experience tour. 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 create the best memories with your friends and precious family. You can also see the oldest "Mountain Line Iron Bridge" in Japan! The guide will take photos and provide them to you as an album.
[Hokkaido, Niseko] Hot air balloon tethering experience (held twice a day)
- 4.4
- (31 reviews and experiences)
Hokkaido - Activities in Niseko. Hot air ballooning is held twice a day, in the early morning and evening. It is held at the place with the highest rate of tethered hot air ballooning experiences in Hokkaido. The Niseko balloon, where you can experience the great outdoors, rises to about 30m above the ground, and from there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Niseko mountain range area. Air enters and the large envelope inflates bigger and bigger, and the balloon stands up.
[Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu] Relaxing Lake Shikotsu SUP Tour | Drone Photography Included
- 5.0
- (10 reviews and experiences)
★ SUP tour at Lake Shikotsu, boasting the best water quality in Japan ★ Capture your memories in the best possible way with drone photography! Fishing equipment, snorkels, nets, and more are available for free rental! This tour is enjoyable for everyone from beginners to experienced SUPers! Reservations are accepted until 10:00 PM the night before! ----------------◼︎ Event times: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- 5.0
- (26 reviews and experiences)
A spectacular view of the Yoichi Blue that you must see at least once in your life! It takes just a little over an hour by car from Sapporo. About 30 minutes from Otaru. A panoramic view of cliffs and sparkling blue sea. The cruise to the cave is truly an adventure♪ You can enjoy something out of the ordinary and it is sure to become a lifelong memory! ★No worries even for first timers! ★Suitable for a wide range of people from elementary school students to those in their 60s! ★Free high-resolution photo data♪ ★Qualified "local
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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