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An Island of natural beautiful

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, Hokkaido is an island of natural beautiful. Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, is Japan's second largest island of Japan's four main islands; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectures. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel.

Hokkaido has majestic and diverse mountains, vast wetlands, natural lakes and marshes which create beautiful sceneries. 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. There are many natural parks inside of Hokkaido like Shiretoko Peninsula which was registered to Unesco's World Natural Heritage in 2005. There are areas where you will find forests and rivers in their primary state and cranes, eagles, owls, brown bears, and Ezo deer live within these forests and are protected and monitored according to species. The drift ice that can be seen between January and February are just another magnificent part of Hokkaido's winter beauty. The ice breaker cruises that move along breaking the drift ice are a popular ride. Cruises depart from Abashiri and Monbetsu.

Gourmet

Hokkaido is also referred to as “the breadbasket of Japan” since farming and fishing are major industries in the region and its fresh and quality products of Hokkaido win high popularity in Japan.

Hokkaido which is surrounded by sea on all sides is a cornucopia of fresh seafood such as crab, scallop, sea urchin, salmon roe, salmon, herring, flounder, cod, arabesque greenlings, squid, octopus, shrimp, abalone, surf clams and kelp. The crab in particular is exceptional, with an extensive range from Horsehair Crab (ケガニ kegani), Queen Crab (松葉ガニ matsubagani), and Red and Blue King Crab (タラバガニ tarabagani ). The icy waters home to these crabs help to produce there rich, sweet flavor. The mutton barbeque, a traditional Hokkaido dish is made with lamb and fresh vegetables dipped into a secret sauce and then barbequed on a helmet like hot plate, a definite favorite among tourists as well as locals. Sapporo Ramen noodles, Asahikawa Ramen and Hakodate Ramen have different flavors, and are a popular dish. Dairy is also very prominent, which explains why there are so many confectioneries, cheese factories, and there are many wineries and breweries too!

Weather

The weather here is generally mild throughout the year. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, and the merciful lack of Japan's muggy summers and rainy season makes it a very popular domestic destination between May and August. Some of Hokkaido's inland areas have a continental climate, with large daily and yearly temperature variation.

Capital

Hokkaido's largest city is the capital, Sapporo. Sapporo, the city of 1.9 million is the major spot for sightseeing in Hokkaido. Everything from gigantic shopping malls to museums, parks, art museums and restaurants, historical facilities exist for fun sightseeing. Other major cities include Hakodate in the south and Asahikawa in the central region. Other important population centers include Kushiro, Obihiro, Kitami, Abashiri, and Nemuro.

Pioneers

From 1868 to 1912, many pioneers came from various parts of Japan to Hokkaido in search of a new life. Before that Hokkaido was only inhabited by the hunter-gatherer Ainu culture. People from outside of Hokkaido learned how to survive through the severe temperatures and develop this difficult land with the help of America and other countries, by learning their techniques and receiving advice on agriculture and industry. The pioneers brought many types of folk art and qualities from their homeland to Hokkaido, which then blended with each other and formed a unique and open minded culture that is typical of Hokkaido. In order to really get a feel for the history and culture of the native Ainu, the best place to visit is the Akan Ainu Kotan, or the Shiraoi Ainu Porotokotan. There you will see mock religious ceremonies, as well as exhibitions that explain and show how the native Ainu lived daily.

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