In the quiet corners of Hokkaido, lies a hidden world unknown to many!
Hokkaido is like a playground for outdoor lovers, foodies, and history buffs. You've got your mountains, forests, and lakes to explore, plus a unique culture that's like nowhere else in Japan. And the food? Amazing! They've got their own special delicacies that you won't find anywhere else. Also, the people are super friendly and welcoming. You'll feel like you're part of the crew in no time! So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive in and see what Hokkaido has in store!
Did you know that Hokkaido has a really cool history? For a long time, it wasn't even part of Japan! Back in 1869, the Meiji government took over the island, which used to be called Ezo. Before Japan came along, Hokkaido was mostly home to the Ainu people—they were expert gatherers with their own language and beliefs that go way back in time. The Ainu didn't farm like we do today. Instead, they lived off the land by gathering food and trading with their neighbors. When Japan took over, they brought in a lot of changes, like building new towns and focusing more on farming.
Today, Hokkaido has lots of modern towns and cities, and Japanese is the main language spoken. But guess what? People are working really hard to bring back and celebrate Ainu culture and language, which is really exciting for Hokkaido's native heritage!
Nestled in Japan's far north, reaching it used to mean a scenic 4-hour ferry ride from Honshu. Today, thanks to the impressive Seikan Tunnel and high-speed bullet trains, it's a quicker journey connecting Hokkaido with the rest of Japan. Hokkaido isn't just Japan's largest prefecture—it's also the second-largest island, boasting a vast 83,424 square kilometers of diverse landscapes. That's about the size of Austria! Despite its expansive beauty and ideal conditions for agriculture, Hokkaido is home to just 5.2 million people, giving it a tranquil, spacious feel that's perfect for nature lovers.
Being in the far north of Japan gives Hokkaido a cool and dry climate, quite different from the rest of the country. Summers are refreshingly mild with low humidity and less rainfall, making it a favourite escape from Japan's hot, sticky weather and typhoon season. Hokkaido really shines in the winter, drawing skiing enthusiasts with its top-notch powder snow. Of course, winters here can be tough and long, which might explain why Hokkaido's population has seen a decline.
Discover Hokkaido's natural wonders! With 15 active volcanoes, the island boasts stunning crater lakes and relaxing hot springs (onsen) beloved by tourists. Beyond bustling cities, Hokkaido offers vast farmland and pristine wilderness, including dense forests covering 22% of Japan's forested area. These diverse forests, home to both deciduous and evergreen trees, thrive in Hokkaido's unique climate. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot the revered Ussuri brown bear, significant in Ainu culture. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk, Hokkaido is also famed for its local cuisines, dairy products, and agricultural bounty.
If you're heading to Japan, make sure Hokkaido is on your itinerary! Nature lovers will be in awe of the untouched forests, soothing hot springs, and stunning mountains like those in Shiretoko Peninsula and Daisetsuzan National Park.
For a magical winter experience, time your visit to catch the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February. And of course, don't leave without trying some delicious Sapporo ramen and taking a relaxing stroll through Odori Park. If skiing is your thing, Niseko's world-class resorts and powdery snow are a dream come true. And for a taste of Hokkaido's rural beauty, don't miss the sweeping Tokachi Plains or a rejuvenating onsen experience near Obihiro. Lastly, explore Hakodate for its rich history and the unique Matsumae Castle, marking the northernmost point of Japan's Shinkansen bullet train network.
Hokkaido has its own special charm that's unlike anywhere else in Japan. It's stunning, and waiting for you to come and experience all it has to offer!
