Japan, Asia
Hokkaido in April
Mud season: resorts close, snow is dirty, mountain roads stay shut. Cheap but not pretty.
The straight answer
April is a month of real tradeoffs in Hokkaido. Mud season: resorts close, snow is dirty, mountain roads stay shut. Cheap but not pretty.
- Weather
- Thawing, highs near 52F (11C), slushy
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What April is like in Hokkaido
April is mud season. Highs reach about 52F (11C), the snow is melting and dirty, and ski resorts close. Mountain roads, including the Shiretoko Pass, usually stay shut until late April. Many seasonal attractions and lodges are still closed. Prices are low, but the island is not at its prettiest. Cities are fine for food, markets, and museums.
Most travelers should skip April. If you do come, stick to Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate. For cherry blossoms, wait until late April or early May; for skiing, come in January or February.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.
Early cherry blossoms, in some years
Blossoms usually arrive from late April to mid May. In warm years, the first can open in late April in Hakodate.
City food trips
Sapporo and Otaru are good for food and sightseeing when the countryside is muddy.
Hakodate's night view
The view from Mount Hakodate is lovely in any season, and April crowds are light.
What to pack for April
- Waterproof shoes for slush and mud
- A warm jacket
- Layers for changing weather
- An umbrella
Our timing tip
Base yourself in a city in April and check that any mountain road or ropeway is open before planning a day around it.
Book Hokkaido for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in HokkaidoOpens a hotel search for Hokkaido in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in HokkaidoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in HokkaidoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Hokkaido for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Things to do in Hokkaido
Sapporo Snow Festival
Giant snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino for about a week in early February. Book lodging months ahead.
Niseko and the ski resorts
Niseko is the most international; Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro are often quieter. January and February are the powder months.
Furano and Biei lavender
The fields peak in mid to late July. Go early morning to beat tour buses at Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond.
Otaru
Canal town with glassworks and sushi, 30 to 40 minutes from Sapporo. Magical during the Snow Light Path festival in February.
Shiretoko Peninsula
Five Lakes walk and bear-watching boat cruises in summer; drift ice walks in February and early March.
Asahiyama Zoo
Famous for its winter penguin walk and animal viewing design. A great family stop in Asahikawa.
Beat the crowds
- If you want the Snow Festival, book Sapporo hotels three to six months out, or stay in Otaru and commute.
- Ski in early to mid January or March for good snow with fewer people and lower rates than Christmas, Lunar New Year, and February.
- At Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond, arrive before 8am in July. By 10am the tour buses are in.
- Avoid Obon week in mid August for rental cars and lodging, and book summer rental cars early; they sell out.
Know before you go
- Shiretoko Pass (the road across the peninsula) and many mountain roads close in winter, usually from roughly early November to late April.
- Many summer attractions, ropeways, and lodges in national parks close from about November to April; check any specific site.
- Ski resorts generally open in late November or December and close between late March and early May depending on the resort and snow.
- Heavy snowstorms can cancel flights at New Chitose and shut roads and trains for a day. Build a buffer day into any winter itinerary.
Hokkaido in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Hokkaido?
April is a month of real tradeoffs in Hokkaido. Mud season: resorts close, snow is dirty, mountain roads stay shut. Cheap but not pretty.
What is the weather like in Hokkaido in April?
Thawing, highs near 52F (11C), slushy.
Is Hokkaido crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Hokkaido; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Hokkaido in April?
Cherry blossom season (usually late april to mid may, varies by year).
Keep planning Hokkaido.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
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