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Japan’s second largest and northernmost of its four main islands,
Hokkaido is more known for its harsh winter weather with below zero
temperatures and heavy snowfall during winter which has made it a
favorite among skiing and snow sport enthusiasts.
Hokkaido's 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.
Attractions in Hokkaido
1. Sapporo
Sapporo ("important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language) is
the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city. Sapporo is also
one of the nation's youngest major cities. In 1857, the city's
population stood at just seven people.
In the beginning of the Meiji Period, when the development of Hokkaido
was started on a large scale, Sapporo was chosen as the island's
administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign
specialists. Consequently, Sapporo was built based on a North American
style rectangular street system.
Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were
held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the
annual snow festival held in February.
 2.
Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort, beautifully
surrounded by forested hills. Noboribetsu's major attraction besides its
baths is the Jigokudani or "Hell Valley", where you can view (and smell)
sulfurous steam vents, streams and ponds.
 3.
Furano
Furano and Biei are two towns in the center of Hokkaido, known for their
pleasant and picturesque rural landscapes. The best time to visit is
July and August, when many lavender fields are in bloom. During winter,
the region turns into a popular downhill and cross country skiing
resort.
 4.
Daisetsuzan
Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido's largest national park. It preserves a denslely
forested, mountainous area of virtually unspoiled wilderness, which
equals more than ten times the size of Osaka City. It is a paradise for
hikers, outdoor lovers, deer and brown bears.
 5.
Shiretoko
Shiretoko National Park, located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern
Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled national parks.
No roads lead further than about three fourth up the peninsula, and the
northern tip can only be viewed from boats or be reached on multi day
trekking tours.
The peninsula is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears,
dear and foxes. In winter, the peninsula's coast along the Sea of
Okhotsk becomes one of the northern hemisphere's southernmost regions to
view floating ice.
In July 2005, Shiretoko was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites for the irreplaceable value of the peninsula's ecosystem and
biodiversity.
6. Akan
Akan National Parks is located in eastern Hokkaido. The park's main
attractions are its beautiful crater lakes, hot springs and mountains,
which are of volcanic origin.
7. Lake Toya (Toyako)
Lake Toya (Toyako) is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Besides
the beautiful lake, the area offers hiking, fishing and camping
opportunities, as well as hot springs and close up views of one of
Japan's most active volcano's, Mount Usu (Usuzan), which most recently
erupted in the year 2000.
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