Japan, Asia
Hokkaido in June
Hokkaido largely escapes Japan's rainy season. Early lavender, green hills, and quiet roads.
The straight answer
June is a good month to visit Hokkaido. Hokkaido largely escapes Japan's rainy season. Early lavender, green hills, and quiet roads.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 70F (21C), little rainy season
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What June is like in Hokkaido
June is mild, with highs near 70F (21C). Hokkaido largely escapes the rainy season that soaks the rest of Japan, so it is a smart summer escape. Hills turn green, early lavender starts blooming around Furano late in the month, and roads are quiet. Crowds and prices are moderate. Evenings are cool and long, good for relaxed dinners.
It suits road trippers, hikers, and families who want pleasant weather without July crowds. It is a great alternative to rainy Honshu. If you want peak lavender, go in mid to late July.
Make the most of June
What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.
Escaping the rainy season
While most of Japan is wet in June, Hokkaido is mostly dry and comfortable.
Early lavender
Late June brings the first lavender blooms around Furano and Farm Tomita.
Shiretoko's Five Lakes
Summer trails at the Five Lakes open up, with boardwalks and views of the peninsula.
What to pack for June
- Layers for mild days and cool evenings
- Hiking shoes
- A light rain jacket
- Insect repellent
Our timing tip
Rent a car in June to explore the quiet roads around Biei and Furano before summer traffic.
Book Hokkaido for June.
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- Hotels for June
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in HokkaidoOpens a hotel search for Hokkaido in June, 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 June. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in June
Furano lavender season
Late June through July, peak mid to late July
Farm Tomita and the Biei patchwork fields are at their most colorful.
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 June, quick answers
Is June a good time to visit Hokkaido?
June is a good month to visit Hokkaido. Hokkaido largely escapes Japan's rainy season. Early lavender, green hills, and quiet roads.
What is the weather like in Hokkaido in June?
Mild, highs near 70F (21C), little rainy season.
Is Hokkaido crowded in June?
June is one of the quieter months in Hokkaido; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Hokkaido in June?
Furano lavender season (late june through july, peak mid to late july).
Keep planning Hokkaido.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in June
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