7 Stunning Things To Photograph In Hokkaido

Hokkaido took the photographer in me by surprise.

Whenever I’m going on a trip, one of the things I want to know is if there are going to be places I can photograph.

I’m not talking about spots to capture an Insta-worthy selfie. I mean breathtaking landscapes, iconic buildings, or those views that you look at and can’t help but say ‘wow’ to yourself.

I’d never been to Japan before. So when I sat on the nine hour flight from Sydney to Tokyo earlier this year, I had photos of the famous Shibuya Crossing in my head.

But on this trip I wasn’t going to Tokyo, I was going to Hokkaido – a northern island that turned out to be worlds away from the image of Japan that I previously had in my head.

Hokkaido is an island where natural beauty is in abundance, which meant that for the 6 days I was there my camera barely left my hand.

So if you’re going to Hokkaido and want to come away with some incredible pictures to remember your trip by, here are some of the amazing things to try and snap while you’re there.

Mount Yotei

Mount Yotei is sometimes called “Ezo Fuji” because of its resemblance to Mount Fuji. It’s a cone-shaped stratovolcano in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and it makes for an amazing photo wherever you catch a glimpse of it from.

Lake Kuttara

This magnificent lake is located in the caldera of a volcano in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. And what makes Lake Kuttara unique – and any picture you can take of it – is that its shape is almost perfectly round.

“Hell Valley”

The hot steam rising up throughout Jigokudani – or “Hell Valley” as it’s often called – is what makes this stunning valley above the Noboribetsu Onsen town an incredible place to photograph.

Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark

This unique region of Hokkaido has a wealth of characteristic geological relics, in a relatively compact area. Multiple eruptions over the last 110,000 years have created stunning landscapes that make for great photo opportunities.

Lake Toya

One lake you’ll immediately want to photograph is the caldera Lake Toya in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Right in the middle of the lake are the Nakajima Islands, which were created by repeated eruptions about 50,000 years ago.

Orofure Mountain Pass

We can guarantee your camera will be in your hand the entire time you’re on this hike. It offers spectacular views every way you look, and is a great place to photograph some of Hokkaido’s famous scenery, like Lake Kuttara and Lake Toya.

The Autumn Colours

When October rolls around and Autumn sets in on Japan, it brings with it colours everywhere you turn. Leaves turn beautiful shades of crimson, yellow, and orange, which make any photo pop.