Thanks for the replies!

I went to Hokkaido two years ago in summer and it was indeed very nice, e.g. lavender fields in Furano. However, perhaps it wasn't that easy for myself to get around using public transport only.

Kanazawa when I went was also great - one of the places which I left feeling that I'd like to return one day. I guess perhaps I should go whilst it's still slightly off the beaten track until the Shinkansen line there opens later.