Hokkaido is the second largest island of Japan but is the largest prefecture with 83,000km2 compared to second largest Iwate of 15,000km2. This vast space is dotted with cities and villages but is most known for its abundance of nature which makes it a good destination for people who love the outdoors. It is the most northern part of Japan and thanks to this also is home to many popular ski resorts.
Agriculture is also very prevalent in this prefecture, it is Japan’s largest producer of many crops such as potatoes, corn, soybeans, raw milk, wheat and many more.
It became annexed as part of Japan during the late 1800s and is home to the Ainu indigenous people, whose culture and history is on display in local museums and festivals.
In Hokkaido you can enjoy unique cuisine and customs not found in other places in Japan.
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Population
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5.2 million (Prefecture)
1.9 million (Sapporo city)
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Prefectural Capital
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Sapporo
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Popular Sightseeing places
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Sapporo city
Otaru city canals
Sapporo Open Air Museum
Sapporo TV Tower
Hakodate Castle
Noboribetsu Onsen & Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
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Outdoor Sightseeing / Trekking
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Farm Tomita (Flower Fields)
Shiretoko Peninsula
Mt. Asahi
Lake Toya
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Ski resorts
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Rusutsu Resort
Niseko Area (4 resorts in total)
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Local specialty food
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“Genghis Khan” - lamb barbecue, “Ishikari Nabe” - Salmon Hot Pot
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Event & Festivals
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Sapporo Snow festival (12days in February)
Asahikawa Snow Festival (February)
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan Festival
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Access
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Shinkansen
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Tokyo - Hakodate (4hr 30min)
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Train
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Hakodate - Sapporo (3hr 50min)
Chitose (Airport) - Sapporo (40min)
Sapporo – Noboribetsu Onsen (1hr 30min)
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Flights
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Haneda – Chitose(Sapporo) (1hr 30min)
Narita – Chitose (1hr 30min)
Itami (Osaka) – Chitose (1hr 50min)
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