Hokkaido comprises 20% of Japans land yet is only home to 5% of its population, resulting in colossal landscapes of unpopulated greenery. Snow covered mountains, winding valleys and agriculture identify this northern island. It is an area of untamed wilderness with a temperate climate, much cooler than its southerly neighbors, with pleasant summers and cold winters providing plenty of snow for its endless ski slopes. Adventurous activities are found in abundance in the rugged landscape of Hokkaido, and after a day of exploration and sharing moments with the gracious locals, there is an extensive selection of hot springs to relax in and soothe those muscles.
The national parks of this region are high on the agenda for any traveler, revealing the true extent of this wondrous region. Daisetsuzan National Park is Japan’s largest park and situated in the center of Hokkaido. It is a mecca for hikers who want to immerse in sheer natural beauty; with options here to spend one day or a week in the park. Hokkaido delivers the pinnacle in leisure vacations – its seemingly endless wonders just waiting to be explored.
Home to 1.9 million residents and the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo is the largest city north of Tokyo. The superb ski slopes continue to attract winter vacationers and is equally famous for the Snow Festival held annually in February. In August when the rest of the country is sweltering in high temperatures and humidity, Sapporo stays pleasantly cool and is a destination of choice for many travelers. The city also has a wealth of cultural heritage as it is home to the Ainu, an indigenous ethnic tribe with animistic beliefs.
