If you’re a fan of pop culture and love to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, Hokkaido is the perfect destination for you. This northernmost island of Japan offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern pop culture influences.

Day 1: Sapporo

Start your pop culture adventure in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s vibrant capital city. Visit the Sapporo TV Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, a bustling street lined with shops selling everything from anime merchandise to cutting-edge fashion.

Continue your day with a visit to Sapporo Factory, a shopping and entertainment complex packed with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you’re a fan of manga and anime, make sure to explore the anime specialty stores in the complex.

Day 2: Otaru

On your second day, take a trip to Otaru, a charming coastal city just 30 minutes away from Sapporo by train. Otaru is not only known for its picturesque canal and historic buildings but also its pop culture attractions.

Start your day by exploring Sakaimachi Street, a lively shopping street lined with unique shops and cafes. You’ll find plenty of pop culture-related merchandise, including nostalgic toys, vintage clothing, and even handmade crafts inspired by anime and manga.

Don’t miss a visit to the Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can admire a vast collection of intricately designed music boxes. The museum also features a shop where you can purchase your very own music box as a souvenir.

Day 3: Asahikawa

On your third day, head to Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest city and a hub for pop culture enthusiasts.

Start your day with a visit to the Asahikawa Ramen Village, a food theme park dedicated to the region’s famous ramen noodles. Enjoy a bowl of delicious ramen while surrounded by a lively atmosphere inspired by Japanese pop culture.

After fueling up with ramen, make your way to the Asahikawa Manga Museum, a haven for manga lovers. The museum showcases the works of local manga artists and provides interactive exhibits where you can try your hand at drawing manga characters. Don’t forget to browse the museum shop for rare manga titles and merchandise.

Day 4: Furano

On your final day in Hokkaido, visit Furano, a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty and pop culture connections.

Start your day by exploring Furano Cheese Factory, where you can learn about the cheese-making process and even try your hand at making your own cheese. The factory also features a cafe where you can enjoy cheese-based dishes.

Afterwards, head to Ningle Terrace, a charming shopping village tucked away in the forest. The village showcases local crafts and handmade products, many of which are inspired by Japanese pop culture.

Before leaving Furano, make sure to visit the Furano Jam Garden, a delightful store offering a wide selection of fruit jams. The store also hosts hands-on jam-making workshops where you can create your own unique flavors.

After an eventful four days exploring the pop culture and trend scenes in Hokkaido, it’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful island. If you’re planning to visit Hokkaido and are looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay, check out our Hokkaido furnished apartment options. Our furnished apartments provide all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant pop culture and trends of Hokkaido.