Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō) is the second largest, northern most and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country.
With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.
Hokkaido is big, charming, and has lots of lovely places. It is quite difficult to come up with just a few must-visit places there.
Niseko
For those skiing lovers, Niseko is the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for having tons of light powder snow, which has vast areas for backcountry skiing and long, wide runs. The ski areas in Niseko that have become popular among Japanese and foreigners include Hirafu, Higashiyama, Annupuri, Hanazono, Moiwa, and Weiss.
Furano & Biei
Furano is a town where rolling fields bloom with lovely lavenders in the month of July. It has rural landscapes that become spots for world-class skiing in the winter season. Furano (富良野) and Biei (美瑛) are towns in the center of Hokkaido, known for their pleasant and picturesque rural landscapes. The best time to visit is July, when the lavender fields are in bloom. During winter, Furano turns into a popular downhill and cross country skiing resort.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido's largest national park. It preserves a densely forested, mountainous area of virtually unspoiled wilderness, which is larger than some of Japan's smaller prefectures. It is a paradise for hikers, outdoor lovers, deer and brown bears.
No trip to Hokkaido would be complete without tasting the delicious culinary treats that it offers. Being at the northernmost tip of Japan, Hokkaido is blessed with a rich feast of delicacies from both the fertile land and abundant sea.
- Fresh seafood is found all over it. The island’s cold waters support large populations of uni or sea urchin, ikura or salmon roe, ika or squid, and many more.
- Garden-fresh fruits and vegetables are commonly found in the island, which spans a large area that can aid extensive farming. Melons, potatoes, and corns are some of Hokkaido’s popular produce.
- Milk and milk products that are from Hokkaido are priced relatively higher than those from other prefectures in Japan for a good reason. In Japan, milk is freshest in Hokkaido, which has a vast countryside that can support a large-scale dairy industry.
- Hokkaido’s ramen and beer are also very popular among locals and visitors to the island.
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Nature in its many wonderful forms, however, is the biggest draw of the island.
- Mountains in Hokkaido have striking shapes and are often capped with snow. Their slopes are homes to rare plants and animals.
- Bodies of water in the island are transparent, letting one somehow see through the bottom and the animals swimming below the surface. Ice usually forms and floats in lakes, marshes, and rivers.
- Hokkaido has many waterfalls hidden in forests and flowing down from rocks. As waterfalls cascade, they form interesting shapes like that of a staircase.
- Foxes, bears, seals, deer, and so many other kinds of animals have Hokkaido as their homeland. They are not usually found in zoos but rather in their natural surroundings in the mountains and protected national parks.
This is the wonderful and the most natural color of Hokkaido.
