As the capital city of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the centre of tourism attraction for the whole prefecture. There are popular tourist spots such as Odori Park, the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office), Sapporo TV Tower, and Sapporo Clock Tower, there is also the majestic Mount Moiwa that is a popular romantic spot for couples. The city also hosts the world-famous Sapporo Snow Fest, arguably Japan's biggest snow festival, on the first week of February annually, and the Sapporo Autumn Fest held every end-September, where up to two million people visit to have some of Hokkaido's best beers and most delectable foods.

Noboribetsu has become completely synonymous with hot springs, and is perhaps Hokkaido's most popular hot spring resort. It is located at the bottom of Hell's Valley (Jigokudani), and the abundant sulphur in the area results in amazing hot springs. It is also part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a sprawling national park stretching across the western region of Hokkaido, and include other popular natural spots such as Mount Yotei, Mount Usu and the all-popular Lake Toya; Lake Shikotsu, and Jozankei.

Located 40 minutes from Sapporo by train, Otaru is a romantic canal city that is highly popular among tourists worldwide. Historically the epicentre of Hokkaido's economy, the city has now become a shopping and gourmet paradise, featuring popular attractions such as the defining Otaru Canal, Nikka Whisky Distillery for whisky lovers, and Sakaimachi Street, where the famous Music Box Museum, numerous glass workshops and the Museum of Venetian Art are located.

Right at the south of Hokkaido lies Hakodate, a picturesque harbour city with spectacular views of the surrounding bay. Hakodate has some of the best seafood and seasonal fruits that the prefecture has to offer, and the go-to for them is definitely the Hakodate Morning Market. There is also the Red Brick Warehouses nearby, a historical trading hub that has now become a shopping complex with chic restaurants, trendy souvenirs and a beer hall. There is also Motomachi, a historical district where foreign traders formerly resided, and the grand Hokkaido Russian Orthodox Church just nearby. Last but not least, it is in Hakodate where the awe-inspiring Fort Goryokaku lies, a star-shaped fort with a magnificent view that changes according to the season.