From ski-in, ski-out lodges to city center apartments, Hokkaido vacation rentals can put you on the spot for all sorts of adventures in Japan's northernmost prefecture. No matter whether you've come to skim down the sides of snowy volcanos and carve through plumes of the fabled Hokkaido powder, to hit the bubbling beer breweries of Sapporo or hike amid wildflowers and mirror-like mountain lakes, there's bound to be a pad to suit. Some fringe beautiful national parks while others lurk in urban areas, going from chic, modern flats to timber-built country boltholes.
Pack the hiking boots, the salopettes and the snow gear for this destination – Hokkaido is Japan's outdoorsy gem. You can bag Hokkaido vacation rentals close to national parks. And there are loads of them. Akan National Park is one of the most famous, lauded for its trio of amazing lakes and ponds, glimmering in turquoise and emerald between primeval forests. UNESCO have even tagged the Shiretoko National Park, a place to strap on the sandals and clamber up naturally-warm rivers. Then there's Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest. It's peppered with mountain peaks, dotted with hot springs and ringed with hiking trails.
Folk who love winter sports will love Hokkaido. From mid-December to late-April, this diamond-shaped island, right on the northern fringes of Japan, becomes a veritable Mecca for skiers and snowboarders. They come from right across the globe, attracted by the promise of the legendary Hokkaido powder – said to be the finest snow anywhere on Earth. Of course, there's also plenty to do if you don't hit the pistes. You can hop between raucous beer bars in brew-mad Sapporo, hike and bike through the wooded reaches of national parks, go camping and bathe in mountain hot springs – there's loads.
It's no secret that Hokkaido is a winter Mecca. Skiers and boarders will clamber for the best ski-in, ski-out Hokkaido vacation rentals in the major mountain resorts between December and March, when excellent snow coverage is all but guaranteed. In summer, between June and August, demand continues for places in the country because of world-class hiking trails through the verdant forests, past shimmering lakes and hot springs. Spring and fall, in months like May and September, are great times to come if you're only looking to explore cities like Sapporo
Ask any Hokkaido local and they'll tell you – their island is the wildest and most beautiful in the country. It's not just home bias, either. You'll see why the first time you spy out the reflective waters of hidden Lake Mashu, surrounded by pointed peaks and old-growth pine forests. You'll see why as you skim across snow plumes in the shadow of Asahi-dake, 2,200-meters high and tucked between the sinewy peaks of the Daisetsuzan National Park. A whopping 7 national parks converge here, heralding waterfalls, forests where bears tread, hot springs, snowy volcanos – the list of wonders goes on.
The nearest airport is in Asahikawa Airport (AKJ), located 37.4 mi (60.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Tokachi - Obihiro Airport (OBO), which is 38.1 mi (61.3 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Tomamu Station, Nishinaka Station and Asahikawa Station are the main stations in the area. You can get around Hokkaido Prefecture by catching a ride on the metro at Satsunai Station, Ranru Station or Osatsu Station.
While long vacations are awesome, there's something undeniably lovely about embarking on a weekend getaway. These rentals in Hokkaido Prefecture are perfect for just that:
Studio apartments are usually on the smaller side, but it's tough to beat their accessible locations and modest price tags. Whether you're traveling by yourself or you're with a few friends, consider booking one of these top studio apartments in Hokkaido Prefecture:
Hokkaido Prefecture has short-term rentals that come in all styles and budgets. Take some time out in a cozy cabin, a luxurious apartment or whatever else appeals to you. Here are a couple of popular options to get you started:
If you're planning to take a memorable trip away, don't go alone; bring the whole crew. You'll have loads more fun sharing the adventure with the ones you love. These vacation rentals in Hokkaido Prefecture are ideal for large groups:
There's no shortage of houses with a pool in Hokkaido Prefecture, so toss your swimsuit into your bag and get ready to spend your days enjoying yourself in the water. Here are some popular options that'll give you inspiration:
We have large family vacation rentals big enough to fit distant relatives — even that long-lost cousin of yours! Whatever type of property you want, you'll find a perfect option on Vrbo. Here are some of our top picks in Hokkaido Prefecture:
Drag yourselves away from your comfy stay and make tracks to North Safari Sapporo — one of Hokkaido Prefecture's best family-friendly attractions. Maruyama Zoo and Otaru Aquarium are also worth a visit while you're in the area.