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.
Hokkaido is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Crime rates are extremely low throughout the island — particularly violent crime and theft. The primary risks are natural: severe winter driving conditions, brown bear encounters in national parks, volcanic activity near active peaks, and echinococcosis (tapeworm disease) from wild foxes unique to Hokkaido.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Japan overall has extremely low crime — Hokkaido is no exception. You are very unlikely to be a victim of theft or violence, even travelling alone or at night.
Register your trip with your country's embassy or travel advisory service for emergency alerts — the STEP program (US citizens), FCDO registration (UK citizens), or the equivalent national service.
Download the Safety Tips Japan app (available in English, Chinese, and Korean) for real-time earthquake, tsunami, and severe weather alerts sent directly to your phone.
Japanese emergency services (110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire) may not have English-speaking operators — keep the hotel's address written in Japanese on your phone to show dispatchers.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for rural hiking, backcountry skiing, and activities in remote areas of Daisetsuzan, Shiretoko, and the Hidaka mountains.
Carry a bear bell and bear spray when hiking in Daisetsuzan, Shiretoko, and Hidaka national parks — Hokkaido has an estimated 3,000 Ezo brown bears and encounters occur in forested mountain areas.
Do not drink from streams or natural springs and do not touch wild foxes — echinococcosis, a serious tapeworm disease carried by Hokkaido red foxes, is a genuine and unique health risk on this island.
Check Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) volcanic alert levels for Usu-zan, Meakan-dake, and Tokachi-dake before hiking near active volcanic peaks anywhere in Hokkaido.
In winter, only drive rental cars fitted with studded or studless snow tyres (mandatory November to March) and check road conditions before driving mountain passes — blizzards can close routes with little warning.
In Sapporo's Susukino district after dark, politely but firmly decline approaches from touts near adult entertainment venues — this is the only area where visitor-targeted solicitation occurs with any regularity.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Entertainment touts in Susukino
In Sapporo's Susukino district, touts occasionally approach foreign visitors near hostess bars and adult entertainment venues. A polite but firm refusal is all that is needed.
Unlicensed taxis
Extremely rare in Hokkaido. All legitimate taxis display a meter — do not accept a fixed-price offer from an unlicensed driver.
Counterfeit goods
Not a meaningful concern in Hokkaido's legitimate shops and markets.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Summary
- Hokkaido has no unique tropical or serious disease risks. Tap water is safe throughout the island. Medical facilities are excellent in Sapporo and major cities. Travel health insurance strongly recommended.
- Tap Water Safe
- True
- Vaccinations Required
- False
- Recommended Vaccinations
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Unique Risk
- Echinococcosis — a tapeworm disease carried by Hokkaido foxes. Do not touch foxes, drink untreated stream water, or eat unwashed wild berries.
- Medical Facilities
- Sapporo Hokkaido University Hospital and Sapporo Medical University Hospital have English-speaking staff. Rural areas have limited services.
- Altitude Note
- Mild altitude effects possible above 1,800m in Daisetsuzan — acclimatise gradually.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance And Fire
- 119
- Coast Guard
- 118
- Tourist Emergency Multilingual
- 050-3816-2787 (Japan Tourism Agency, 24 hours)
- Us Embassy Tokyo
- +81-3-3224-5000
- Uk Embassy Tokyo
- +81-3-5211-1100
- Notes
- Emergency operators may not speak English. Keep hotel address in Japanese to show taxi drivers and emergency services.