Blog

The insider’s look into Hokkaido

Travel Tips

Mar 27, 2024 by Michael

Going Gluten Free in Hokkaido

Like veganism and vegetarianism, gluten free diets have yet to make a splash here in Hokkaido. Culturally important ingredients also mean that avoiding gluten completely can be a challenge. However, as Adventure Hokkaido Guide Michael will demonstrate, with a bit of careful planning it’s perfectly possible to navigate Japanese cuisine with a gluten free restriction!

A hand uses metal tongs to grill meat on a meat grill. There are plates of meat and side dishes around the grill.

  • Travel Tips

    Mar 5, 2024 by Hattie

    Japan Calling! How to Set Up Your Phone for Travel in Hokkaido

    To rent-a-SIM or to not rent-a-SIM? Staying connected while on holiday has never been more important, especially if you plan to venture into Hokkaido’s wilderness. In this blog, we will walk you through all the ways you can set up your phone for travel in Hokkaido.

    A pair of hands hold a smartphone in an outdoor setting. A map app is open on its screen.
  • Travel Tips

    Jan 25, 2024 by Zac

    A Local's Guide to Eating Out in Hokkaido

    Language barriers and unfamiliar cuisine can make eating out in Hokkaido seem daunting at first - but fear not! Adventure Hokkaido's official expert eater Zac is here to help you with all the insider tips you need to enjoy a fantastic meal out in Hokkaido!

    A traditional wooden platter of colourful nigiri sushi (small balls of rice topped with slices of raw fish).
  • Travel Tips

    Nov 28, 2023 by Hattie

    Layer Up! How to Dress for Hokkaido’s Winter

    It get's cold in Hokkaido! But don't let that put you off from heading out and exploring the winter wonderland. Hattie offers advice on how to bundle up nice and warm in Hokkaido’s subzero winter in preparation for your adventure holiday.

    Two snowshoers pose for a photo with Mt Oakan in the background
  • Travel Tips

    Oct 16, 2023 by Hattie

    Preparing for Your First Hokkaido Adventure Holiday

    Hattie talks about her experience on preparing for your first Adventure Holiday in Hokkaido and shares her top tips and tricks on what to expect and how to prepare sufficiently to get the most out of your exciting trip.

  • Travel Tips

    Aug 25, 2023 by Hattie

    Vegan & Vegetarian in Hokkaido

    Navigating Hokkaido as a vegan or vegetarian poses challenges due to meat-centric traditions. Learn about the impact of dashi and cultural hesitations, explore the historical roots and discover strategies for plant-based eating.

  • Travel Tips

    May 8, 2023 by Ayaka

    Covid-19 related requirements when travelling to Japan

    This is our guide to visiting Japan as a tourist now that Covid-19 border closures have been lifted. We will endeavour to keep this page up to date but we recommend that you double check official sources before you travel.

    Hokkaido jingu shrine in Sapporo City
  • Travel Tips

    Nov 20, 2022 by Kazu

    A Local’s Guide to Driving in Hokkaido

    Have questions about getting around by car in Hokkaido? In this article, Kazu gives tips for driving in Hokkaido. A handy guide for anyone planning on renting a car and exploring Hokkaido by road.

    A view of Lake Kussharo from Bihoro Pass.
  • Travel Tips

    Oct 15, 2022 by Ayaka

    How to Onsen (Like a Local!)

    Dipping in an Onsen, or hot spring, is a post hike ritual for Ayaka! She'll explain all about onsen etiquette, from how to enter the bath to the best way to unwind afterwards so you can dip your toes into this part of our culture!

    Hot-spring water gushes out of a wooden pipe and into a small outdoor bathing pool at Nukabira Onsen.
  • Travel Tips

    Nov 7, 2021 by Richard

    Hokkaido Travel Tips & Common Questions

    Where is Hokkaido? How do I get there? Do people speak English?! All these questions and more are answered in this handy blog by Richard!

    Rishiri Island at sunset.