Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second-largest island, renowned for its pristine wilderness, world-class powder snow, and vibrant seasonal beauty. From the lavender-carpeted fields of Furano to the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido offers Japan's most dramatic natural landscapes alongside excellent seafood and dairy cuisine.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Parade and Polar Bear Tunnel
Japan's most innovative zoo — penguins march through visitor paths in winter, polar bears swim overhead through a clear underwater tunnel, and orangutans cross aerial ropeways. Genuinely revolutionary zoo design beloved by all ages.
Shiroi Koibito Cookie Workshop
Hands-on cookie making at Hokkaido's most famous confectionery park. Children decorate Shiroi Koibito biscuits in a guided workshop and take them home. The park itself has rides, gardens, and a chocolate museum. Booking required for the workshop.
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Ninja Theme Park
Full Edo-period historical theme park with live ninja performances, samurai sword demonstrations, a ninja obstacle course, shuriken throwing, and a haunted house. Children can try throwing stars under instruction. Genuinely entertaining for all ages.
Farm Tomita Lavender Fields
Japan's most famous lavender farm is free to enter — purple fields stretching to the volcanic mountain backdrop, lavender soft-serve ice cream, and a truly magical sensory environment for children of all ages.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU Ice Village
A winter wonderland rebuilt from ice each year — ice tunnels, ice slides, an ice chapel, illuminated ice sculptures, and an ice bar. Magical for children and spectacular for families after dark under the illumination.
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort Family Area
The closest major ski resort to Sapporo, with a dedicated family and beginner area including gentle slopes, snow tubing runs, and snowplay zones. Children's ski and snowboard lessons available from age 3.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is one of Japan's best family resort complexes, offering ski slopes, an indoor water park (Mina-Mina Beach), ice village in winter, star gazing, and a comprehensive range of family activities. The complex has multiple restaurants, convenience stores, and ski schools. Though expensive, it provides maximum convenience for families wanting an all-in-one winter resort experience.
Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
A large traditional ryokan-style hotel in Noboribetsu Onsen with extensive bath facilities including an indoor children's pool area, family rooms, and proximity to Jigokudani and Date Jidaimura. Good value for families combining onsen and sightseeing.
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Conveniently located above JR Sapporo Station, JR Tower Hotel Nikko offers spacious family rooms with city views, direct access to station shopping and restaurants, and a top-floor location with panoramic views. An excellent base for day-tripping families.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) chains like Toriton and Hamazushi are universally loved by children — colourful plates rotating past the table, prices from ¥110 per plate, no language barrier
Ramen shops are excellent family choices — quick service, universally appealing noodles, and many have illustrated menus or plastic food display cases
Hokkaido soft-serve ice cream at Farm Tomita, Hokkaido University Dairy, and farm shops throughout Furano and Biei is ¥350–500 and noticeably superior to mainland versions
Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are reliable child-friendly food stops 24 hours — quality onigiri from ¥130, hot foods, fresh sandwiches, and drinks
Soup curry (Sapporo's signature dish) can be ordered at spice level 0 with no heat for children — the large, colourful roasted vegetables and rice make it visually engaging
Baby food, formula, and nappies are readily available at drug stores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tsuruha) and supermarkets throughout Hokkaido
Most Japanese restaurants have high chairs available and staff are exceptionally welcoming to families — children are treated warmly in virtually all dining establishments
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Purchase JR Hokkaido Rail Pass as a family — children 6-11 travel at half price, under 6 free
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson convenience stores are lifesavers for quick snacks, onigiri, hot food, and baby supplies
Most major attractions have English-language materials; Japan is generally very accommodating to foreign visitors with children
Baby food and formula widely available at drug stores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tsuruha) and supermarkets
Coin-operated luggage lockers at JR stations allow you to leave bags while sightseeing — very useful for families
Japan is highly safe for families; children can walk and play in most public areas without concern