Hokkaido — Travelrags

OutsideApr 30, 2026

Forget National Parks, Geoparks Are the Most Underrated Hiking Spots on Earth

While national parks often separate people from the land, UNESCO Global Geoparks celebrate the relationship between human culture and the earth’s rarest geological phenomena. Here's why these 229 sites are one of the best-kept secrets in travel.

25 things in this story

Toya-Usu UNESCO Global GeoparkSightstretch of volcanic terrain with caldera lakes
Shikotsu-Toya National ParkSightfiery centerpiece within Toya-Usu geopark
Mt. UsuSightactive stratovolcano with four eruptions in past century
Rie EgawaPlaceguided hikes with Sotoasobu Guides
Sotoasobu GuidesPlaceoffers guided hikes with Volcano Meister Rie Egawa
Mt. Usu Climbing RouteTrailshort, steep 1.8-mile climb to volcano crater rim
Mt. Usu RopewaySightwindow-walled gondola open year-round
Mt. Usu Outer Rim TrailTrail3-mile loop to Lake Toya Observation Deck
Lake Toya Observation DeckSightepic view from Mt. Usu Outer Rim Trail
Nakajima Island LoopTrail5-mile loop through native spruce and oak
Akebono ParkPlacecampsite on the edge of Lake Toya
Arutori-misaki Camp SitePlacecampsite near the base of Mt. Usu
Okishi Seaside CampsitePlacecampsite on the shoreline of Uchiura Bay
Elsewhere
Upopoy National Ainu Museum and ParkMuseumShiraoi, Japanlearn about Japan's indigenous Ainu people
Hoshino Resorts KAI PorotoHotelShiraoi, Japanweaves Ainu culture into design, luxurious onsen
Stonehammer geoparkSightSaint John, Canadaancient geology, prehistoric discoveries
Irving Nature ParkSightSaint John, Canada600-acre peninsula with Bay of Fundy coastline
Seal TrailTrailSaint John, Canada2-mile loop along fossil-laced shoreline
Heron TrailTrailSaint John, Canada1.6-mile trail linking to Seely Point Lookout
Seely Point LookoutSightSaint John, Canadasweeping views of Saints Rest Marsh
Split Rock TrailTrailSaint John, Canada5.4-mile route through exposed geology
In Step AdventuresPlaceSaint John, Canadaguided hikes in Stonehammer geopark
Inside Out Nature CenterPlaceSaint John, Canadafamily-friendly guided hikes in Stonehammer geopark
Five Fathom Hole TrailTrailSaint John, Canada
Black Beach TrailTrailSaint John, Canada

Read the full piece at Outside →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 20, 2025

What to Do in Central Hokkaido, Japan's Tranquil Northern Escape

Central Hokkaido deserves a spot on your Japan itinerary—here's where to stay, what to do, and where to eat while you're there.

26 things in this story

Hotel SoseiHotelMaximalist marvel in a former brewery building
Kai PorotoHotelLakeside retreat blending minimalism and Ainu design
ZaborinHotelLuxury ryokan hidden within a birch forest
ShiguchiHotelExclusive retreat of five restored kominka farmhouses
New Chitose AirportAirportBy both traffic and land area, it is the largest airport in Hokkaidō.
Central HokkaidoNeighborhood北海道日本ハムファイターズの新球場、エスコンフィールドHOKKAIDOを擁する北海道ボールパークFビレッジ。様々なパートナーの方々とともに、"北海道のシンボル"となる空間を目指します。…
Yukari CabinsHotelFamily-run timber-boltholes near Daisetsuzan National Park
JigokudaniSightGeothermal valley with steaming vents and hot springs
Noboribetsu OnsenMuseumAncient hot springs fed by geothermal valley
Lake ToyaSightCaldera lake circled by forest with islets
Nakajima IslandsSightIslets in Lake Toya, one has a museum and shrine
Niseko Hanazono ResortPlacePlayground for outdoorsy, nature-based activities in summer
Shiribetsu RiverSightWhitewater hot-spot for rafting in summer
Mount YoteiSightMount Yōtei is an active stratovolcano located in Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, Hokkaidō, Japan.
Hanazono ZipflightPlaceAsia's longest mega-zipline with 1,700-meter line
Domaine RaisonRestaurantDomaine Raison Location: Higashi 1-sen, Kita 4-go, Nakafurano Town, Sorachi District, Hokkaido, Japan Established...
Daisetsuzan National ParkTrailJapan's largest and wildest national park
Mount AsahiTrailSummit hikes available in Daisetsuzan National Park
Ansei crater walkTrailEasy afternoon hike with valley views
Ryounkaku bathhouseSightOnsen with hot copper-colored waters and valley views
Moch-no-RonRestaurantElevated casual haunt in Sapporo for ramen or izakaya
OtaruNeighborhoodThe city faces Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan, and has long served as the main port of the bay.
MasazushiRestaurantSushi restaurant to taste the day's catch
Genghis KhanRestaurantFamous mutton barbecue grilled on domed hot plates
Niseko Takahashi Dairy FarmRestaurantDairy farm with views of Mount Yotei
Lake Forest MuseumMuseum

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →