A Visit to Hokkaido, Japan: Beautiful by Nature

A Visit to Hokkaido, Japan: Beautiful by Nature

Since the Japanese government reopened Japan’s borders to tourists in October 2022, there’s no better time to start planning your trip to Japan.

Like most people the first cities that come to mind are Tokyo and Kyoto, but many tourists don’t hear about how truly spectacular the Hokkaido prefecture is.

I’m here to share why you need to add this gorgeous hidden gem as the third leg to your travel itinerary when visiting the “Land of the Rising Sun" because the charms of Hokkaido are plentiful and the Japanese “Omotenashi” (hospitality) is unrivaled.

Just a short flight from Tokyo, Hokkaido is located in the northernmost island of the four main islands of Japan. While Hokkaido is the perfect escape year-round to experience the natural beauty of Japan’s four seasons, I had the immense pleasure of visiting this Fall and it was truly spectacular.

Arriving in Hokkaido at the New Chitose Airport, I was picked up VIP-style at the plane’s runway by luxury charter company Executive Transport Service.  Offering the highest level of hospitality to all tourists visiting Hokkaido, the company’s CEO Yatti provided first-class service, making our trip seamless and memorable.  He is also self-described as the “Onsen Sommelier of Hokkaido” if you wish to spend the day soaking in the therapeutic hot springs, he knows where to find them, and I can attest firsthand that soaking in these naturally rich healing minerals will take away any ache or pain quickly.

Hokkaido Japan

The first thing that hit me driving past the rolling, beautiful landscapes was the myriad of vividly colored Autumn foliage.

A dazzling display of colors; burnt oranges, reds and yellows showcased so perfectly across the scenic roadways, as if someone had painstakingly and methodically planted the trees on purpose to take my breath away.

The region is characterized by the majestic silhouette of Mt. Yotei – also knowns as “Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido” for its size and beautiful shape that follows you almost everywhere you go as the island’s watchful guardian.

In fact, while staying at the newly opened 5-star luxury Setsu Niseko, Mount Yotei’s arresting presence was a constant source of pleasure to marvel its picturesque view from many vantage points throughout the hotel.

Timeless, modern Japanese inspired design with every contemporary luxury imaginable, the Setsu Niseko is comprised of 190 luxury hotel suites to indulge all your senses.

Hokkaido Japan

Another wonderful five-star option for a truly authentic experience is to stay at a traditional ryokan. Zaborin 坐忘林 is a contemporary luxury ryokan located in Hanazono, Hokkaido.

Experience authentic ryokan traditions by unwinding within the serenity of nature, absorbing the minerals of a natural spring onsen, and indulging in exquisite Japanese haute-cuisine.

There are two private onsens (one indoor, one open-air) of hot, natural, spring water in every villa, as well as all the modern amenities.

Hokkaido Japan

Hokkaido's abundant nature has made it one of the best culinary hot spots in Japan and I was blown away by the variety of delicious local cuisine and culinary creativity.

For a truly authentic farm-to-table experience I would highly recommend the Niseko Green Farm where you can hand pick organic, pesticide-free veggies and make your own pizza in their wood fire pizza oven.

Hokkaido Japan

More notable gastronomy that really stood out was savoring a delicious array of seasonal Hokkaido fresh produce and seafood in an eight-course dinner prepared by Chef Ozeki Tatsuya, at Somoza, a private gallery restaurant nestled in the forest in Hanazono.  And the crab paella prepared by Chef Niki at LOOP in Yoichi still leaves me salivating.

Forest Bathing to de-stress and reconnect with nature is my secret to mindful travel whenever the opportunity arises—it’s especially a must-do when vacationing in a natural treasure trove such as Hokkaido.  Of course, I can’t think of a better location to partake in this form of ecotherapy than Japan since it’s actually the birthplace of Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku --“taking in the forest atmosphere”.

Hokkaido Japan autumn

Not far from the Setsu Niseko is Lake Hangetsu or “Half Moon Lake” where I had a fantastic forest bathing “fix” taking in the lakeside scenery.  Formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, it is said that taking a deep breath at the pure waterside surrounded by Niseko's virgin forest is very healing.

Hokkaido Japan lake

Walking through the stunning array of autumn-colored trees, my hike was rewarded when I reached the bottom of the trailhead to discover the lakes crescent-shaped dazzling, crystal-blue rippling water.

Perhaps the most impressive natural phenomena I experienced in Hokkaido was Noboribetsu, or “Hell Valley”.  A volcanic crater with massive amounts of steam rising from the mountains as hot water bubbles up from the Tessan Ike geyser. It’s a unique thermal station, ranked in the top 10 of the best 100 Onsen in Japan and the most famous in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Japan volcano

Noboribetsu derives from the name Ainu nupuru petsu, which means “white muddy river, dark coloured river”.  In ancient times, the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan, used these hot springs as medicinal baths.

It’s an absolute must to visit The Upopoy National Ainu Museum to learn about the Ainu culture as these indigenous people originate from the northern region of the Japanese archipelago, particularly Hokkaido.

The Museum is a wonderful tribute to the Ainu history with many cultural exhibits educating visitors on its traditional dances, wood carving, embroidery using their unique patterns and the Ainu language which is unrelated to Japanese.

What really spoke to me about Ainu culture that mirrored my own beliefs is that respect and gratitude are the essence of their spirituality, and nothing is more important than harmonizing with and coexisting with nature.

When we travel, we drink in the energy of each new place in a way that can be transformational. It enhances our sense of being and that energy stays with us and elevates us even after we leave.

From ramen to robots to ridiculously beautiful scenery Japan is a mind-blowing country that truly has it all! Having explored several of its regions; Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa and now the beauty of Hokkaido, I can honestly say it’s tops on my travel bucket-list.

Hokkaido trip Linda Cooper

Article by Linda Cooper

Linda Cooper is an award-winning TV Host, Producer and Writer serving as a brand ambassador to worldwide travel on her national luxury lifestyle series “Travel Time with Linda” and as a contributor to several lifestyle and travel publications. Her specialties include television and in lifestyle publications include the travel; lifestyle; luxury; tourism; hotels; restaurants; food/wine; fitness; retail shopping industries and most recently longevity health and wellness with her latest series “The New 100 Longevity Campaign”.  Season One & Two of ‘Travel Time with Linda’ aired nationally on AXS TV Network in 2018 & 2019 respectively and is the proud winner of four Telly Awards for national daytime broadcast.  Both seasons of “Travel Time with Linda” are now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.