Our pick of the best experiences in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second largest, and northmost island of Japan, and as it presents cold winters and mild, crisp and bright summers, it’s a great year-round destination. Whether you like to stay snuggled up or prefer a warmer climate, a luxury holiday to Hokkaido with Lightfoot Travel can be tailored to perfectly suit your preferences.

For those who love the cold, there’s no shortage of snow in the winter, alongside some of the best ski resorts in the world - Niseko being the most famous with its long ski runs, endless powder, and epic after-ski activities. For non-skiers, whale watching and drift ice sightseeing on an icebreaker are amazing experiences.

In summer, Hokkaido is filled with colour. Dozens of flowers blanket the hills of Shikisai-no-oka, Farm Tomita in Furano is filled with lavender fields, and the pretty canal city Otaru is blooming. Don’t miss the glassware and music box museum while there.

As the first port to open up to foreign trade, Hakodate is an intriguing mix of European-style buildings, authentic markets and incredible panoramic views of the city from Mt. Hakodate, especially at night. As the birthplace of shio (salt) ramen, a slurpy bowl here is obligatory.

The island’s capital Sapporo is one of the most underrated cities in Japan. Home to the eponymous beer museum, expansive sculpture parks and many markets, it has plenty going on. Fantastic fresh food is also one of Hokkaido’s biggest attractions. Blessed by rich marine and agricultural resources, it’s the place to enjoy seafood, and in summer Hokkaido melon is hard to beat.