Hokkaido

Discover Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and boasts spectacular natural beauty due to its location at the northernmost point of Japan. Wild winters bring cold, snowy conditions, perfect for winter sports, while cooler summers make the vast expanse of forests and parks attractive to hikers, cyclists, and adventurers. For some peace and quiet off the slopes, explore the tranquil settings of Lake Akan in Eastern Hokkaido. The beautiful lake is surrounded by hot springs and the surrounding areas are still steeped in Ainu culture. The Ainu people are indigenous to Japan, and you can learn more about their history and culture through performances and workshops held at the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan Cultural Center. As the capital city of Hokkaido, Sapporo is home to almost two million residents, and as the youngest major metropolitan city in Japan, the capital has a contemporary feel thanks to a bevy of restaurants, clubs, and efficient transport links. Visit nearby Jozankei hot springs before venturing on towards Otaru, a historical port town filled with local glassware studios and picturesque houses which appear to be suspended in time.  

 Throughout the autumn and winter period, Hokkaido comes into its own as a major snowsports destination. With many meters of snowfall each year, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts flock to Hokkaido to feel some adrenaline before unwinding in one of the island’s numerous high-quality hot springs. In February of each year, millions of tourists travel to Hokkaido for the Sapporo Snow Festival. The festival was founded in 1950 when some local students made sculptures out of snow, and the tradition endured. Now that the festival has expanded beyond expectation, visitors can be amazed by a wide array of enormous and complex snow sculptures which often exemplify the best of craftsmanship and a connection to nature, which is unique to Hokkaido. After marveling at snow sculptures, visitors can play on the snow slides, go rafting or warm up with delicious local food from the many stalls present at the festival. For those who shy away from the slopes, you can connect with nature on a cruise along the Shiretoko Peninsula to see brown bears hunting fish along the coast. Ice fishing and igloo building are also popular activities during the winter.  

 As famous as Hokkaido winters are, the spring and summer seasons are equally as spectacular. Ice and snow melt away, revealing lush green fields and flowers ready to emerge. In mid-May, Hokkaido celebrates its cherry blossom season, as the vivid pink trees bloom across the island. As the seasons change, so do the sports of choice. Skiis and snowboards make way for hiking boots and golf clubs. During late summer, take a trip to see the lavender blossoms in Furano and Biei, before stopping off at the mesmerising Shirogane Blue Pond, its vivid blue colours will make for the most memorable photographs. To admire Hokkaido’s natural beauty from the sky, take a helicopter over the forest town of Erimo and marvel at Lake Toyoni, a heart-shaped lake nestled in among the forest.  

 Hokkaido offers some of the best in Japanese culinary experiences. As an island with a cold climate, Hokkaido’s seafood cannot be beaten and varies from fish roe, squid, sea urchin, and scallops. They are particularly famous for their world-class crab, so try king crab, snow crab, or hairy crab in the wintertime when they are in season. Follow up with some ice cream or milk products. Thanks to the verdant green nature and lots of land area, Hokkaido produces the best dairy in Japan. Sample the unique flavors and rich, creamy taste of Hokkaido’s soft ice cream in any of the dessert shops around the island.  

The word on wine – A terrific terroir of black soil, rich and full of alluvium means Hokkaido now produces limited batches of premium wines. Wide stretches of vines cover the meadows and slopes of Yoichi Town, located between Otaru and Shakotan Peninsula.  Taste organic wines made with passion and attention to detail. Visit Niki Hills Vineyards or stop by Mongaku Valley Winery for field-blended white wines. Discover a fine Pinot Gris from Domaine Mont or a pale-coloured Pinot Noir with Umami flavours at Domaine Takahiko.