Introduction to Hokkaido
Located in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is known for its vast natural environment and beautiful scenery. Geographically separated from the main island of Honshu, it is a very attractive tourist destination for foreigners visiting Japan because of its natural beauty that can be enjoyed in all four seasons. Hokkaido is known for its vast land and rich history, and the Ainu culture is deeply rooted in the area.
Geographic location
Hokkaido is located north of Honshu and occupies the northernmost part of the Japanese archipelago. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, it has a diverse natural environment.
History
Hokkaido has long been the land of the Ainu people and was first settled by the Japanese government in the Meiji era. This historical background is still felt today, and Ainu culture is respected.
Culture
Hokkaido is a land of nature and outdoor activities, with many outdoor festivals and activities. The local food culture is also notable, with an abundance of fresh seafood and dairy products.
Tourist attraction
Hokkaido has many tourist attractions that highlight its natural beauty.
Furano, Biei
It is famous for its beautiful flower fields that stretch into the hills, and the lavender fields are well worth a summer visit.
Hakodate
Hakodate is attractive for its historical townscape and beautiful nightscape. The night view from Mt. Hakodate is one of the three best night views in Japan.
Sounkyo
This beautiful natural park with its cliffs and valleys offers trekking and hot springs.
Noted hot water in Hokkaido The hotel in Sounkyo : Sounkyo Choyotei
Asahiyama Zoo
It is the only zoo in Hokkaido where visitors can enjoy the famous penguin walk.
Food culture
Hokkaido is known as one of Japan’s most gastronomic treasures, with its fresh ingredients and rich culinary culture. Below is a list of some of Hokkaido’s typical gourmet specialties and detailed information.
Cuisine with fresh seafoods
Located at the northern tip of Japan, Hokkaido is rich in fresh seafood. It is especially famous for seafood such as snow crab, king crab, scallops, hokki-gai, salmon roe, and sea urchin. Visitors can enjoy many seafood dishes such as kaisendon, sashimi, sushi, and crab hot pot.
Jingisukan
Jingisukan, which originated in Hokkaido, is a barbecue-style dish made with mutton (lamb). Thinly sliced mutton is usually grilled on a griddle and served with vegetables. It is seasoned with Genghis Khan sauce or miso sauce, and is best enjoyed with local beer.
Ramen
Sapporo ramen is famous throughout Japan, with miso ramen being particularly popular. It features a rich, thick miso-based soup with thick noodles, and toppings include corn, butter, and chashu pork.
Jagabata
Jagabata is a dish made with potatoes and butter, and is a local dish of Hokkaido. It is especially enjoyed during the season of new potatoes. Jagabata is made by slicing potatoes into thin slices, frying them in butter, and seasoning them with salt and herbs. It is a simple and delicious dish.
Soup curry
Originating in Sapporo, soup curry is a spicy curry broth filled with a variety of ingredients. Various toppings such as vegetables, meat, seafood, and fried foods are available, and the flavors of the spices can be enjoyed.
Tokachi Milk
Milk produced in the Tokachi region is famous in Japan for its fresh and creamy taste. Ice cream and dairy products made from Tokachi milk are also abundant.
Sapporo Beer
Hokkaido is a major beer brewing region in Japan, with Sapporo Beer being a prime example. You can visit a local brewery and enjoy a beer tasting tour.
Onsen Eggs from Lake Toya
The hot spring area around Lake Toya is famous for its onsen eggs boiled in sulfur spring water. The ingredients of the sulfur spring make the whites of the eggs clear and the yolks harden. You can try onsen tamago locally.
These dishes and ingredients are just some of the delicious gourmet delights you can enjoy in Hokkaido. Enjoy sightseeing in Hokkaido while exploring the local food culture.
Activities
Skiing and snowboarding
In winter, Hokkaido is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding. Famous ski resorts include Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, and Asahikawa, where visitors can enjoy powder snow.
Tour of a hot spring
Hokkaido is dotted with many hot spring resorts, offering natural hot springs and open-air baths. Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsu Onsen, and Lake Shikotsu Onsen are the most famous.
Winter Activities
In winter, in addition to skiing, there are many other activities that can be enjoyed in the snow, such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Lavender field
The beautiful lavender fields in the Furano region are worth visiting during the summer months. The view of the purple lavender is spectacular, and you can also enjoy the fragrance.
Mountaineering and hiking
Hokkaido has many mountains, which can be climbed and hiked during the summer months. Asahidake, Yotei, and Daisetsuzan are popular climbing spots.
Farm tour
In areas where agriculture is thriving, visitors can participate in farm tours to experience vegetable harvesting and milking. You can also get fresh produce and use it for cooking.
Wildlife observation
Hokkaido has a rich natural environment, and wildlife viewing is an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. In particular, brown bears, foxes, deer, and eagles can be seen.
Nature Park Visit
Hokkaido has many beautiful natural parks, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and forested areas. Sounkyo Hot Springs, Akan-Mashu National Park, and the Shiretoko Peninsula are recommended for nature lovers.
Sapporo Garden Park
The vast grounds are dotted with the Sapporo Beer Museum, Sapporo Beer Garden, Ario Sapporo, a large shopping center, and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters indoor practice field. The beer-related goods sold at the store are popular as souvenirs, making it a popular spot for tourists.
These are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Hokkaido. Plan your visit to Hokkaido to enjoy the nature and culture of the four seasons.
Seasonal Recommendations
Hokkaido offers attractive events and activities in each of the four seasons.
Spring
Flower viewing
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in Hokkaido, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in parks and along rivers.
Summer
Furano Lavender Festa
This lavender festival held in Biei-cho features beautiful fields of flowers.
Autumn
Sounkyo Autumn Leaves
The valley of Sounkyo is famous for its autumn foliage, which is spectacular in fall.
Winter
Sapporo Snow Festival
This world-famous snow festival offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the display of snow and ice sculptures.
Local Culture
Hokkaido is steeped in Ainu culture and outdoor activities, and visitors can also enjoy local festivals and crafts.
Ainu Culture
There are museums and events where visitors can experience the culture of the Ainu people.
Outdoor festival
Music festivals and outdoor events are held in the summer, and local culture can be enjoyed.
Transportation
Access to Hokkaido is diverse, including airplanes, bullet trains, and ferries.
Flying from Tokyo to Hokkaido is convenient.
Airplane
International Airport provides convenient access to Sapporo City. There are also international flights taking off and landing, so it is possible to go directly to Hokkaido.
Shinkansen
Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station is also accessible by Shinkansen from Fukushima, Sendai, and Aomori. It is also possible from Tokyo, but it takes much longer, so please check the time required from your point of departure carefully. From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, you will need to transfer to a local train. If you wish to go to Sapporo, flying is recommended.
Lastly
Hokkaido is a tourist destination with many attractions including nature, food, activities, and local culture. The beautiful seasonal scenery and fun experiences will make this an unforgettable trip for foreign visitors to Japan.