Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime in this latest edition of our guide to Hokkaido.

Discover Hokkaido's most popular experiences and best kept secrets from marvelling at amazing ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February; to exploring the little-known town of Matsumae with its stunning castle surrounded by cherry trees; and soaking in a remote onsen in rock pools by the sea at Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen.

Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Hokkaido travel guide:

• Our classic guidebook format contains the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week trips

• All-new structure and design that's easy to use so you can navigate Hokkaido effortlessly

• Exciting itineraries help you create your perfect adventure with suggestions for extended journeys, day trips, walking tours and activity-led excursions

• Expert local recommendations on eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, festivals, when to go and more

• Vibrant photography and maps

• Get fresh takes on must-visit sights

• Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving, transport, local etiquette, using money, LGBTIQ+ travel advice, useful words and phrases, accessibility and responsible travel

• Connect with Hokkaido culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions

Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary part of the world with Lonely Planet's Hokkaido.

About the Author

Tom Fay is a British writer who has been living in Japan since 2007. He has written extensively about the outdoors and travel in Japan, both online and in print for the likes of The Guardian, The Japan Times, Forbes Travel Guide, Japan Travel, Wanderlust Magazine and many other media outlets.

He has a keen interest in mountaineering and landscape photography, and is the main author of the guidebooks 'Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji' (Cicerone Press, 2019), and 'Hokkaido' (Bradt Travel Guides, 2024). He also writes chapters for Lonely Planet and Fodor's Travel.