Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto! Why Travelers Around the World Fall in Love with Hokkaido

When you think of captivating cities in Japan, Tokyo’s bustling neon streets and Kyoto’s traditional cultural heritage often come to mind. However, Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is currently drawing immense attention from travelers worldwide.

Offering a massive escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Hokkaido is home to majestic nature and an unparalleled food culture. In this article, we will break down exactly why travelers across the globe are mesmerized by Hokkaido and share the best ways to enjoy your time here!

How to Make a Reservation

Reservations can be made through the options below.

Availability is limited, and bookings will close once all slots are filled, so we recommend reserving early ♡

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What is Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is the northernmost and second-largest island in the Japanese archipelago. Covering about 22% of Japan’s total land area, this vast expanse is filled with untouched, lush natural landscapes.

• Comfortable Climate: Unlike most regions in Japan, Hokkaido does not experience a hot, humid rainy season. Summers are cool, refreshing, and incredibly comfortable, while winters transform the landscape into a beautiful snowy wonderland.

• Convenient Access: The main hub, New Chitose Airport (Sapporo/Chitose), offers excellent international connectivity with numerous direct flights from major Asian cities. It is also highly accessible from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), taking only about 1.5 hours via a domestic flight.

3 Reasons Why Travelers Worldwide Are Captivated

Why does Hokkaido attract so many repeat international visitors? It comes down to three unique charms you can only find here.

1. World-Class Snow: “JAPOW”

The powder snow that falls on resorts like Niseko and Furano is famously known among global skiers and snowboarders as “JAPOW” (Japan + Powder Snow). It is widely recognized as a dream destination that winter sports enthusiasts want to ride at least once in their lives.

2. Incredibly Fresh Gourmet Food (Seafood & Dairy)

Surrounded by the ocean on all sides, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of fresh seafood, including crab, sea urchin, and salmon. It is also Japan’s premier dairy farming region, meaning the cheese and soft-serve ice cream made from rich, local milk are absolutely exquisite.

3. Spectacular Nature and Premium Hot Springs (Nature & Onsen)

Hokkaido offers plenty of activities to fully experience its dynamic nature, such as exploring the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site or the mystical Lake Akan. After moving your body through hikes and outdoor adventures, you can completely refresh your mind and body in natural hot springs (onsen).

ecommended Areas for First-Time Visitors

Vast Hokkaido possesses different charms depending on the area. First, make sure to keep these two representative regions in mind:

• Sapporo & Otaru: Sapporo is a major metropolis famous for its Snow Festival and beer, while Otaru offers beautiful, nostalgic canal streets. This area provides a great balance of sightseeing and gourmet dining.

• Niseko & Furano: Niseko transforms into one of the world’s leading snow resorts in winter, and Furano is famous for its endless lavender fields in summer. Here, you can enjoy stunning seasonal landscapes.

A Special Souvenir: The “Pre-Wedding Photo” Experience

If you are visiting Hokkaido as a couple or for your honeymoon, we highly recommend booking a pre-wedding photo shoot to go along with your trip!

Whether it is the colorful flower fields in the summer or a magical silver wonderland in the winter, every location in Hokkaido looks like a scene straight out of a movie. The style of having a professional photographer capture beautiful, lifelong memories while you fully enjoy the outdoors and delicious food has become incredibly popular among international couples.

Conclusion

Hokkaido is a place that shows such different charms with each passing season that a single visit simply is not enough to experience it all.

If you are looking for “overwhelming nature,” “blissful gourmet food,” and “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” that are distinctly different from Tokyo and Kyoto, why not make Hokkaido the next stop on your golden route through Japan?

Are there any specific parts of this article you would like to expand on for your English-speaking audience, such as detailing specific photography locations?

How to Make a Reservation

Reservations can be made through the options below.

Availability is limited, and bookings will close once all slots are filled, so we recommend reserving early ♡

LINE (image)

Phone (image)

Online Reservation (image)

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Beyond the Boundaries of a Photo Studio—Onto the World Stage.

In April 2026, aim/aimme made its first appearance at Vancouver Fashion Week, one of the world’s five major fashion weeks.

This marked a historic achievement as the first appearance by a Japanese photo studio.

It represents our determination to break through the traditional boundaries of the photography industry and become a creator of global trends through our original creative work.

Through this challenge, we aim to demonstrate the new possibilities of both Japan’s photography industry and its traditional culture to the world.

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Our creations are more than simply beautiful. They have the presence and power to reveal the inner strength and beauty of the person wearing them.

For Sapporo brides who want something different and value their own individuality:

Why not experience world-class trends through the aim collection?

We are fully committed to helping you bring your ideal wedding vision to life.

aim Sapporo

8・3 Square North Building, 1F
Kita 8-jo Nishi 3-chome 32, Kita-ku
Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808
Japan

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How to Make a Reservation

Reservations can be made through the options below.

Availability is limited, and bookings will close once all slots are filled, so we recommend reserving early ♡

LINE (image)

Phone (image)

Online Reservation (image)

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⭐️ These special offers are available exclusively to first-time customers.

About Us

aim is a photo studio directly connected to the underground walkway at the north exit of Sapporo Station.

It is the perfect studio for anyone who wants stylish and sophisticated wedding or coming-of-age photography with a distinctive touch.

With exceptional photography techniques that are evident at first glance, carefully selected fashion-forward attire, and professional hair and makeup that bring out your natural beauty, we help make life’s most important milestones truly unforgettable.

aim Sapporo Access

■ Address

8・3 Square North Building, 1F
Kita 8-jo Nishi 3-chome 32, Kita-ku
Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808
Japan

■ Phone

011-758-3303

■ By Subway

Approximately a three-minute walk from Sapporo Station.

■ By Car

Please use the underground parking lot at the north exit of Sapporo Station.

We will provide a parking voucher valid for one hour.

■ Business Hours

10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Closed on Wednesdays. Open when Wednesday falls on a public holiday.

▶︎ Discover one-of-a-kind coming-of-age furisode and graduation hakama styles at aimme.