--- title: 5 Of The Best Day Trips To Take In Hokkaido Outside Of Winter date: 2025-09-21T00:00:00+09:00 author: Gwen Magdamit canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/5-of-the-best-day-trips-to-take-in-hokkaido-outside-of-winter" section: News --- [Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# 5 Of The Best Day Trips To Take In Hokkaido Outside Of Winter Sep 21, 2025 - [ ](mailto:?subject=5%20Of%20The%20Best%20Day%20Trips%20To%20Take%20In%20Hokkaido%20Outside%20Of%20Winter%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2F5-of-the-best-day-trips-to-take-in-hokkaido-outside-of-winter "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2F5-of-the-best-day-trips-to-take-in-hokkaido-outside-of-winter&title=5%20Of%20The%20Best%20Day%20Trips%20To%20Take%20In%20Hokkaido%20Outside%20Of%20Winter&description=Discover%20the%20charm%20of%20Hokkaido%E2%80%99s%20resort%20towns%20beyond%20skiing.%20Explore%20autumn%20foliage%2C%20fine%20dining%2C%20and%20year-round%20living%20in%20Japan.&caption=Uchi) ![Hokkaido Autumn 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/Hokkaido-Autumn-01.jpg)Hokkaido’s resort towns may be best known for their unbeatable credentials as some of Japan’s top winter havens, but did you know that they are also incredible destinations outside of the winter season too? From fiery [autumnal foliage](https://uchijapan.com/news/autumn-leaves-forecast-japan) to exceptional gastronomic adventures, each town offers diverse opportunities to dive into activities that highlight Japan’s northernmost prefecture’s natural beauty and seasonal charm. Beyond being just winter getaways, Hokkaido’s resort towns are increasingly popular for those seeking holiday homes or investment properties all year round. Let’s take a look at the best day trips you can take while staying in Hokkaido in spring, summer and autumn. ## Niseko For Year-Round Adventure And Fine Dining Known for its fine powder snow during winter and cooling mountain escapes during summer, Niseko stands out as one of Hokkaido’s most valuable resort towns. In spring, summer and autumn, Niseko shifts from a winter wonderland into a hub for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. Some famous hiking trails include [Mount Annupuri](https://annupuri.info/en/concept/), and [Shinsen Marsh](https://gate-to-hokkaido.jp/en/spots/136/), all of which offer easy access to the mountain’s stunning scenery. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can explore the iconic Mount Yotei by taking on the [Yotei Summit Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/hokkaido/mount-yotei). Like with any great hike (we’re looking at you Mount Fuji), often the biggest payoffs come at the end of the most effort expended, in this case rewarding you with a majestic view of Niseko from above. For a gentler pace, stroll through [Hangetsu Lake](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/hokkaido/lake-hangetsu) and [Shinsen-numa](https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10169.html) and witness stunning reflections of vibrant red maple and yellow gingko leaves in autumn and cherry blossom in late spring. ![Fukidashi Park spring and Mt Yotei 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Fukidashi-Park-spring-and-Mt-Yotei-01.jpg) Image credit: Niseko’s vibrant autumn leaves with a glimpse of Mount Yotei / Experience Niseko Apart from hiking trails, Niseko provides well-developed cycling routes such as the [Twin Peaks Bike Park](https://www.trailforks.com/region/twin-peaks-bike-park/) and [Niseko Grand Hirafu](https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/), showcasing scenic routes around Mount Yotei and Shiribetsu River. Other trail riding routes include exploring the natural beauty scenery in [Fukidashi Park](https://hokkaidoguide.com/fukidashi-park/), [Goshiki Onsen](https://www.experienceniseko.com/onsen/niseko-goshiki-onsen), [Hangetsu Lake](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/hokkaido/lake-hangetsu), and [Shinsen-numa](https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10169.html). Niseko doesn’t just shine when it comes to wholesome outdoor pursuits—it’s also a foodie’s paradise. Just some spots to whet your appetite include [An Dining](https://andining.com/) which showcases contemporary Japanese cuisine with Hokkaido's fresh produce at the Ki Niseko hotel. [Niseko Naniwatei](https://robata-naniwatei.com/en/), known for its premium Hokkaido seafood and wagyu beef and whose traditional Japanese cooking methods offer a cultural dining experience. Don’t miss [Kitchen Niseko](https://www.kitchen-niseko.com/), a Michelin-starred restaurant managed by Kamimura whose fusion of Japanese and Western dishes will fire up your taste buds. ![An Dining menu 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/An-Dining-menu-01.jpg) Image credit: Contemporary Japanese cuisine from An Dining / Skye Niseko ## Moiwa For Fresh Seafood And Views For Days A quieter alternative for skiing and winter adventures, Moiwa offers a more relaxed, local atmosphere that contrasts with the lively energy of Niseko and in the off season becomes the perfect year-round retreat. Some of Moiwa’s unique activities include exploring Mount Moiwa through the [Moiwa Ropeway and mini-cable car](https://www.sapporo.travel/en/spot/facility/mount_moiwayama/), where you can witness a remarkable 360-degree view of Sapporo. At the top of the mountain, a symbolic “Bell of Happiness” awaits, that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity alongside stunning views of Japan laid at your feet. ![Moiwa 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Moiwa-01.jpg) Image credit: Night view of Mount Moiwa and the “Bell of Happiness” / Hokkaido Labo Beyond daytime adventures, Moiwa is also a hidden gem for food lovers. Local favourites like [Kani Honke](https://www.kani-honke.co.jp/en/) and [ISOKIN Fisheries](https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/17065-isokin-fisheries-hokkaido/) serve Hokkaido’s famed crab and seafood, while the Michelin-starred [Wada](https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/80623-wada-sapporo/) offers a refined kaiseki dining experience. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course dining experience that strives for harmony among various delicacies. The meal begins with appetisers followed by sashimi (raw fish), simmered dishes, grilled foods, steamed specialties, and concludes with rice, soup, and a seasonal dessert. ![Wada 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/319006/Wada-01.jpg) Image credit: Wada’s Japanese Kaiseki / JPNEAZY ## Furano For Seasonal Treats And Relaxation Celebrated for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and dual-season lifestyle, Furano is renowned for its abundant snowfall, with over nine metres’ each winter, and vibrant flower fields every summer. Some popular off-season activities include taking the Furano Ropeway to witness the Furano Basin’s picturesque view of flower fields and its panoramic view of seasonal foliage. No trip to Furano would be complete without checking out the serene [Torinuma park](https://www.furanotourism.com/en/spot/spot_D.php?id=405) and the magnificent [Kaze-no Garden](https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10147.html) (Hokkaido Garden Path). ![Autumn in Furano 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Autumn-in-Furano-01.jpg) Image credit: Autumn in Furano / UU-Nippon Aside from the scenery, Furano’s harvest season including local wine, cheese, and wood is something to behold. Furano offers a variety of activities to experience its culture and local harvest during the autumn season. One of these includes visiting the [Furano Wine House](http://www.furanowinehouse.co.jp/), where you can enjoy locally produced wines and witness stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Another highlight is the [Furano Cheese Factory](http://www.furano-cheese.jp/), where you can experience workshops on creating a range of dairy products. Lastly, you can visit the [Ningle Terrace](https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_11270.html), which features enchanting log cabins with unique handicrafts and woodwork accessories crafted by local artists. Furano is renowned for its restaurants, where you can explore culinary delights from around the world. Indulge in [Masaya](https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g674811-d3354455-Reviews-Teppan_Okonomiyaki_Masaya-Furano_Hokkaido.html), where sizzling teppanyaki and perfectly crafted okonomiyaki will quickly become your favourites. For an authentic taste of Japan, [Fukuzushi](http://www.fukuzushi.jp/en/menu.html) offers masterfully prepared sushi, while [Kodayama](https://www.furanotourism.com/en/spot/spot_D.php?id=160&kid1=1&kid2=6&kid3=48) invites you to experience the tradition of handmade soba. And no trip is complete without a sweet stop at [Furano Delice](https://www.le-nord.com/), renowned for its exquisite desserts made from the finest Hokkaido ingredients. ![Furano Lavender Icecream 2023 05 24 060451 fhzr 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/319010/Furano-Lavender-Icecream_2023-05-24-060451_fhzr-01.jpg) Image credit: Furano lavender ice cream / supplied ## Hit Rusutsu For Fun For All The Family Popularly recognised as Japan’s most family-friendly ski resort, Rusutsu is a unique winter wonderland with world-class powder snow, tree skiing, and well-groomed runs. But Rusutsu offers more than just great winter skiing—golf courses, a theme park, gondola rides, an indoor wave pool and vibrant scenery are just a few of the delights that await you here. After a day of activities, don’t miss a soak in the rejuvenating onsen (hot spring) located at the Toyako Onsen resort town with diverse water types and breathtaking views of the caldera lake and its surrounding landscapes. After an itinerary packed with family-friendly fun, check out Rusutsu’s diverse options for refueling from elegant hotel restaurants to independently operated village favourites like [Rusutsu Sakaba](https://www.instagram.com/rusutsusakaba/?hl=en), a Japanese-style pub restaurant serving grilled meat, seafood, and sake, [Belle Vue](https://rusutsu.com/en/dining/belle-vue/), a French fine dining restaurant inside Rusutsu Resort, and [Oktoberfest](https://rusutsu.com/en/dining/oktoberfest/) Buffet for hearty international options with a Germanic slant. ![Rusutsu Autumn 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Rusutsu-Autumn-01.jpg) Image credit: Autumn in Rusutsu / Traveloka ## Lake Toya For Lakeside Hot Springs And Stunning Scenery Lake Toya offers year-round tranquility beyond winter skiing with lakeside hot springs and scenic views of nature. During off-peak season, Lake Toya boasts many leisure activities including canoeing, boat cruises, and Mt. Usu hikes. You won’t go hungry in Lake Toya with the finest year-round restaurants like [Michel Bras Toya Japon](https://www.instagram.com/michelbrastoyajapon/?hl=en)—a Michelin-starred French restaurant, [The Windsor Hotel’s Gilligan’s](https://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/en/restaurant/gilligans/) for teppanyaki, and [Arashiyama Kitcho](https://kyoto-kitcho.com/en/) for Kyoto-style kaiseki. ![Lake Toya Autumn 01](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/319014/Lake-Toya-Autumn-01.jpg) Image credit: Lake Toya view during autumn / Heritage Vietnam Airlines Hokkaido boasts more than just exceptional wintertime activities and spring, summer and autumn are the perfect times to take day trips around the area to explore their wonderful offerings. No wonder then that this year-round appeal makes Japan’s northernmost prefecture one of the most highly sought-after areas for tourists, investors and developers alike. [ Like what you see? Explore Hokkaido properties today. ](https://uchijapan.com/properties?search%5BsortBy%5D=date_desc)