Getting to Hokkaido from Malaysia
You want Hokkaido, and you are not sure whether the route has a stop or two.
Choosing your region
Hokkaido or Honshu for a first Japan trip
You are torn between cool open space in the north and the classic cities of the main island.
Choose Hokkaido for a first trip if you want space, seafood, cool summers or snow, and you accept longer distances. Choose Honshu if you want temples, big cities and dense rail links.
Both are good first trips. The right one depends on your dates and who is travelling.
How do Hokkaido and Honshu compare at a glance?
| Question | Hokkaido | Honshu (Tokyo and Kansai) |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Open land, farms and onsen towns. | Dense cities, temples and shops. |
| Distance | Long between places. | Short rail hops between many places. |
| Climate | Cool summer, cold winter. | Warm summer, cool winter. |
| Best for | Scenery, seafood, snow. | Culture, variety, first-time ease. |
Use the table to see which column sounds like your group.
How different are the temperatures?
Sapporo averages -3.2 °C in January and 22.3 °C in August 1. Tokyo averages 5.4 °C in January and 26.9 °C in August 2. JNTO notes Hokkaido summers are less humid and cooler than other parts of Japan 3.
Many tropical travellers find Hokkaido summer a relief, but winter needs serious layers. Read the Hokkaido versus central Japan scenic guide for more.
How hard is transport?
Hokkaido distances are long. Flights from Tokyo to New Chitose take about 90 minutes, while the rail trip takes around eight hours 3. Sapporo to Furano takes 2 hours on the seasonal express, and a local train links Furano and Biei in 40 minutes 4.
In Kansai, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are each about an hour by train from Osaka’s hubs 5. Plan fewer places in Hokkaido and allow more time.
What about getting there from Malaysia?
Check whether flights land directly in Hokkaido or connect through Honshu. Our Hokkaido direct or via guide explains. It changes how much of your trip is travel.
If you worry about getting around, read Hokkaido first-timer fears.
How do you decide?
Answer three questions:
- Do you want scenery and space more than temples and cities?
- Are you happy with longer travel days and fewer trains?
- Does your season fit: cool summer or snow for Hokkaido?
If you answer yes, go north. If not, choose Honshu. See Sapporo only versus several bases once you decide, and the Hokkaido page for details.
If you are choosing between Hokkaido and Honshu for a first trip, send us your dates and who is travelling. We compare distance, season and effort and tell you which fits.
Keep planning
Is Hokkaido too hard for a first trip
You love the idea of Hokkaido but worry about long distances and not speaking Japanese.
Hokkaido, planned around your family
You picture cool air and open land, and want it to be easy for everyone.
Hokkaido or central Japan for scenery
You want mountains, fields and fresh air, and cannot decide between the far north and the Alps.
Sapporo only or several Hokkaido bases
Hokkaido is huge, and you do not want to spend the trip on trains or in hotel lobbies.
Spring or autumn for a first Japan trip
Both seasons look lovely in photos, and you must book before the flowers or leaves are known.
Questions travellers ask
Is Hokkaido a good first trip to Japan?
It can be, if you want space, seafood and cool summers or snow, and are happy to accept longer distances and fewer train links. Honshu suits you better if you want temples, big cities and dense rail. We compare both against your dates.
How cold is Hokkaido compared with Honshu?
Sapporo averages -3.2 °C in January against 5.4 °C in Tokyo, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. In August Sapporo averages 22.3 °C and Tokyo 26.9 °C. Hokkaido summer feels milder, and winter needs serious layers.
Is transport harder in Hokkaido?
Distances are longer and services thinner. For example, Sapporo to Furano takes 2 hours on the seasonal express. In Kansai, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are each about an hour from Osaka. Plan fewer places in Hokkaido and allow more time.
Can I do both Hokkaido and Honshu?
Yes, with enough days. Flights from Tokyo to New Chitose take about 90 minutes. For a first trip, though, we suggest one region and a smaller number of bases so the days stay calm.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- Japan Meteorological Agency, Tables of Climatological Normalsaccessed 2026-10-20
- Japan Meteorological Agency, Tables of Climatological Normalsaccessed 2026-10-20
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Hokkaidoaccessed 2026-10-20
- JR Hokkaido, Recommended Routesaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Osakaaccessed 2026-10-20
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.