Every guidebook and information website I've seen says that July is the best time to visit Hokkaido.
Everything is great, isn't it? But with so much information, it can be hard to decide where to go, right?

Speaking of the best season, well... but there's no season in Hokkaido that isn't the best season.
I can say that with certainty. In vast Hokkaido, there's always a peak season somewhere.

However, it is also true that there is a beauty that is limited to a specific season, and that ingredients have their seasons.
So, this time we've carefully selected and will present to you the best choices for Hokkaido in July.

Information updated on 2017/6/10.

<Table of Contents>
1) Hokkaido's must-see attractions in July
1-1 Lavender in Furano and Biei
1-2 Shakotan Peninsula
1-3 Lake Saroma to Shiretoko Peninsula
2) Events in Hokkaido in July
2-1 Orochon Fire Festival
2-2 Odori Park Beer Garden
3) Hokkaido's "must-eat" items for July
3-1 Melon (Yubari/Furano)
3-2 Sea urchin (Rebun Island/Shakotan)
3-3 Hanasaki Crab (Eastern Hokkaido)
4) Temperatures in Hokkaido in July
5) Clothing for Hokkaido in July
6) Precautions
Final thoughts

1-1 Lavender in Furano and Biei

Image source:Hokkaido Kamikawa General Subprefectural Bureau

The high humidity in Honshu during June and July, even though it's the rainy season, is quite unbearable.
In times like these, Hokkaido is the place to go. There is no rainy season. The air is crystal clear and refreshing.

I especially recommend the inland areas. One of the best choices is the lavender fields in the Furano area.
Farm Tomita, a well-known farm, sees its parking lot completely full from early morning on weekends in July, resulting in massive traffic jams as cars that can't fit into the parking lot spill out into the narrow town streets.
This shows just how popular it is.

This is not your average tourist farm; it's on a grand scale and of exceptional quality. The tiny purple flowers that adorn the entire hillside release a fragrant aroma into the air, transforming anyone who stands there into a resident of a fairytale world. A tourist spot imbued with a magical quality.

This is definitely not a place where the signage is the only thing that matters.

Image source:Zerubu Hill

If you also want to enjoy a drive, I recommend Zerubu Hill in the Biei area.
Located on a hill, this place offers a fantastic sense of openness. It also boasts excellent facilities that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

<Spot Information>

■Farm Tomita
Business Hours: No holidays
Hours: 8:30-18:00
Address: 15 Kisen Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0703
Phone number 0167-39-3939

■Zerub Hill
Operating period: April to October, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 071-0225 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei Town, Daisan
Phone number 0166-92-3160

~Related Articles~
Let's go see the lavender in Furano! Everything you need to know about the best time to see it and the highlights!
・Sightseeing spots that showcase the best of Furano and Biei, and model itineraries categorized by time!
・[A breathtaking sight you must see at least once!] The seasonal charm of Biei's Blue Pond and how to get there!

1-2 Shakotan Peninsula

Image source:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

This is the perfect season for a drive to Cape Kamui and Shimamui Coast in search of the Shakotan Blue sea.

From a transportation standpoint, the Otaru/Yoichi area would be the most convenient route, but I recommend the route heading towards Otaru from the Niseko/Iwanai area.
Due to the layout of the driving lanes, this route allows you to enjoy the deep blue sea and the endlessly stretching azure sky without any obstructions.

The only downside is that it takes time. You'll drive along the western coast of the Shakotan Peninsula, passing by the coastline with its unusual rock formations towards Iwanai, and dotted with white sandy beaches and quaint fishing ports. With little oncoming traffic and careful speed, it should be a pleasant drive.

Cape Kamui was once a place where women were forbidden. Even today, it takes about 30 minutes to walk along a treacherous path to reach it.

Image source:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

The deep beauty of the sea at Shimamui Coast is especially striking in July when the sun is high in the sky.
Moreover, with the sea urchin fishing season now open, the area is at its best in terms of taste. There are also many scenic spots and tourist attractions along the way to Yoichi, so the overall quality and satisfaction of your trip will be very high.

~Related Articles~
Let's go see the spectacular Shakotan Blue scenery! How to enjoy sightseeing in Shakotan!
Experience the blue ocean in Hokkaido! Enjoy a breathtaking experience at the "Blue Grotto" in Otaru and Shakotan.

1-3 Lake Saroma to Shiretoko Peninsula

Kitami City, located on the Okhotsk Sea side of Hokkaido, is one of the cities in Japan with the least rainfall.
We receive only about half the amount of rainfall compared to the national average.

July on the Okhotsk Sea side is probably the most refreshing time of year in Japan.

The sheer grandeur of the scenery is simply amazing. With flat land, the sea, and straight roads, you can truly experience the quintessential Hokkaido atmosphere.

The Saroma Lake Observatory, Mount Tento in Abashiri, and Shiretoko. Scenery unfolds before your eyes that makes even the word "awe-inspiring" seem inadequate.

The blueness of the sky is due to the low humidity. The blueness of the sea is due to its high transparency. Unlike the contrast of white and blue seen in winter, this interplay of two different shades of blue will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by its vastness. For those seeking delicious flavors, hairy crabs are still available. The fishing season for Hokkai shrimp has also opened, allowing you to enjoy their rich taste.

~Related Articles~
・[Sightseeing & Gourmet at Lake Saroma!] Eastern Hokkaido spots to enjoy on a drive♪
・Abashiri offers much more than just a prison! Must-see tourist spots in Abashiri
I participated in a guided tour of the Shiretoko Five Lakes! [Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site]

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2-1 Orochon Fire Festival

Image provided by: Abashiri Tourism Association

The Orochon Fire Festival is considered one of Japan's most unusual festivals.

This festival commemorates the remnants of the culture of the northern peoples. Its purpose is to honor the Orochon, the indigenous people of the Okhotsk region.
This is a summer festival in Abashiri City that began shortly after the war, thanks to the efforts of people who returned from Sakhalin.

Amidst the fantastically flickering bonfires, people dressed in traditional costumes move about, carrying torches, dancing, and offering prayers of gratitude and remembrance. It is the only festival of its kind in the entire country.
The solemn atmosphere, unlike anything you'd expect from a Japanese festival, is definitely worth seeing.

<Basic information>
Date and time: Scheduled for late July (Monday, July 30, 2018)
Venue: Moyoro Shell Mound - Parking lot of "Ryusuikaido Abashiri" roadside station
Address: Kita 1-jo Higashi 2-chome to Minami 3-jo Higashi 4-chome, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
For inquiries: 0152-44-5849 (Abashiri City Tourism Association)

2-2 Odori Park Beer Garden

The reason Hokkaido beer tastes so good is because of the low humidity in the air.
Even if you sweat, it dries quickly, and your throat gets dry, so drinking a beer in the afternoon and enjoying the refreshing breeze feels great.

With 13,000 seats filling the area from 5th to 11th blocks of Odori Park, it's a massive beer garden stretching over approximately one kilometer.

Not only can you enjoy beers from various domestic companies, but at 10th Street you can enjoy beers from all over the world, and at 11th Street, thanks to the sister city relationship with Munich, Germany, you can savor German beers at the German Village.

Bringing your own drinks is strictly prohibited, but you can certainly go bar-hopping within this beer garden venue.
A page that beautifully captures the refreshing summer of Sapporo. You're sure to enjoy it.

<Basic information>
Dates: Typically mid-July to mid-August / July 20th (Fri) to August 15th (Wed), 2018
Business hours from 12:21 to XNUMX:XNUMX
Venue: Odori Park (5th to 11th West, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)

3-1 Melon (Yubari/Furano)

In Hokkaido, the melons have an orange center, which is what is commonly known as red flesh.
The variety with green flesh that is cultivated in Shizuoka and other areas was not suitable for the cool climate of Hokkaido.

Among them, the one that is always considered to be of the highest quality is Yubari King from Yubari.
The peak season for this variety is from June to July. Yubari King is produced exclusively by farmers in Yubari City, and even the seeds are kept strictly within the family.

At the same time, it's said that Yubari King is a very finicky rice variety, and only producers with considerable experience can cultivate it.
It's safe to say that it has an incredibly high level of premium quality.

In addition to these, Furano and Kyowa Town are also major melon-producing areas.
The prices are also reasonable. You can find some really delicious things at surprisingly low prices at roadside roadside stands and other direct sales outlets.

If you're traveling by car, you shouldn't miss this opportunity, as many places will cut your hair on the spot.

Hokkaido melons have an overwhelmingly high sugar content, and just one bite makes you feel like happiness is welling up from your whole body.
The rich, sweet aroma that lingers in the nose afterward could even be described as sensual.

This is a seasonal ingredient that you should definitely try in Hokkaido in July.

3-2 Sea urchin (Rebun Island/Shakotan)

Sea urchin is an ingredient that is in season somewhere in Hokkaido at any given time.
Sea urchins from northern Hokkaido to the Shakotan Peninsula are in season during the summer, while those from the Shiretoko area are in season during the winter. First and foremost, a key factor in delicious sea urchins is the presence of high-quality kelp.
Rebun, Shiretoko, and Erimo (Hidaka) are famous kelp producing areas throughout Japan. Naturally, this also improves the taste of sea urchins.

Moreover, since the supply of sea urchin increases during the summer months, even though it's a luxury ingredient, the price tends to drop slightly during this time.

So, this is your chance to savor a delicious sea urchin rice bowl in Rebun or Shakotan.
Each individual grain is a distinctly shaped, pale orange gem, and its taste is on a completely different level. You are guaranteed to be impressed.

3-3 Hanasaki Crab (Eastern Hokkaido)

Hanasaki crabs are smaller compared to the large king crabs.
It has low recognition and is not widely available.

However, it is also true that there are quite a few Hokkaido residents who prefer Hanasaki crab due to its dense texture and rich flavor.
King crab is said to have a bland taste.

There are concerns about a decline in resource levels compared to the past, and the period during which fishing is possible is considerably limited.
The ban is lifted in July. You can eat freshly boiled ones in front of Nemuro Station and other locations.

A high-end and rare ingredient that even Hokkaido residents rarely get to eat.
If it's July, you have no choice but to try your luck at this highly coveted target for Hokkaido residents.

There is also the snow crab, which has a similar shape, and it is slightly more reasonably priced and tastes just as good.
It's slightly smaller in size.

Image source:Knox cram school

The city with the lowest minimum temperature in July in Japan is Nemuro, Hokkaido.
It's around 17℃, which is about the same temperature as Okinawa in January or February.

Image source:Knox cram school

While inland areas such as Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Obihiro may experience days with temperatures exceeding 30°C, temperatures will generally stay in the low to high 20s.

Image source:Knox cram school

In particular, eastern Hokkaido often experiences sea fog (which locals call "gas") due to ocean currents, so temperatures in the upper teens (Celsius) are not uncommon.
With less sunshine, the weather can be far from refreshing. Similarly, the southern Hokkaido region experiences more cloudy days due to the influence of Honshu's rainy season.

Even the night view from Mount Hakodate can sometimes be obscured by clouds, resulting in a disappointing, hazy nightscape.

You should assume that your clothing choices will vary considerably depending on where in Hokkaido you plan to visit.
Since temperatures vary greatly from day to day, a flexible style is highly recommended. You will definitely need at least one jacket or long-sleeved shirt.

The temperature difference between day and night becomes quite large.

It's not uncommon for temperatures to reach 30°C during the day and drop to the teens (Celsius) at night.
This applies to both coastal and inland areas. Another thing to be careful about is ultraviolet radiation.

Hokkaido, being closer to the Arctic and having longer daylight hours, experiences very strong UV radiation. Therefore, sunscreen is essential, and if you plan on driving, be sure to bring sunglasses.

The glare from the ground is also quite strong.

The photo shows Tanukikoji Shopping Street in August, and you can see a variety of clothing styles, including short sleeves, long sleeves, and jackets.

There are roughly two things to be aware of. First, you might get sick due to the temperature difference. Second, there's the sea fog on the Pacific side.
In particular, the sea fog in eastern Hokkaido can become quite thick in some years.

Image source: Kushiro Tourism Data Box

The town shrouded in milky-white mist is romantic, but please be extra careful when driving.

Final thoughts

So, what did you think? July is often said to be the best time to visit Hokkaido. I think that's largely because it's in comparison to the climate of Honshu.
It's true that July in Hokkaido might be the most pleasant time of year in Japan in terms of climate.

However, it's also true that there are many aspects of Hokkaido that can only be experienced and seen during this season.
I hope that each and every visitor will have the best possible experience in Hokkaido.

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