Japan Guide
Hokkaidō
Many Japanese see HOKKAIDŌ as an idyllic, unspoiled frontier – the perfect place to escape from industrialized Japan and connect with nature. Although this vision is rose-tinted, Hokkaidō does retain an untamed and remote quality. Over seventy percent of the island is covered by forest, and wildlife is ubiquitous, both in and out of the enormous national parks, where you'll also find snow-covered slopes, active volcanoes and bubbling onsen. This is Japan's second largest island, yet a mere five percent of the population lives here. Despite this, cities such as the stylish capital Sapporo and historically important Hakodate are just as sophisticated and packed with facilities as their southern cousins.
Highlights
1 Sapporo There's more to Hokkaidō's booming capital than beer: discover historical buildings, a park designed by Isamu Noguchi, and Susukino, the raucous, neon-drenched nightlife district.
2 Winter activities The choices are abundant: from the powder-covered slopes of Niseko and Furano to an icebreaker cruise in Abashiri or a spin in a snowmobile near Sapporo.
3 Hakodate A delightful port with engagingly rickety old trams, a gentrified harbourside district, and deservedly famous seafood and beer.
4 Shikotsu-Tōya National Park An expanse of volcanic crater lakes, heavily wooded mountains, spectacular scenery, bucolic towns and lakeside resorts.
5 Daisetsu-zan National Park Home to Asahidake, Hokkaidō's highest mountain, the spectacular Sōunkyō Gorge, and relaxing onsens.
6 Rishiri-tō and Rebun-tō These beautiful and remote far northern islands are sprinkled with wild flowers and perfect for hiking.
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