Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island and a prefecture noted for its large areas of wilderness and cold climate. It is the second-largest island of Japan and a major destination for outdoor recreation.

Tourism highlights include winter sports and snow festivals in cities like Sapporo, spring and summer hiking in alpine areas, and coastal wildlife viewing. The island contains multiple national parks and volcanic plateaus, with mountain peaks exceeding 2,000 metres in places.

Outdoor infrastructure includes ski resorts, well-marked hiking trails and hot-spring (onsen) facilities that support year-round tourism. Coastal regions offer fishing, whale and bird watching, while interior uplands are used for agriculture and forestry.

Historically the island was home to the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese settlement in the 19th century. It was formally integrated into Japan during the Meiji period when the prefectural system and development policies were applied.

Hokkaido lies north of Honshu, separated by the Tsugaru Strait, and is bounded by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific to the east. The island’s landscape ranges from coastal plains to high central mountains.

• Winter conditions: Colder climate and heavy winter snowfall make it a major destination for skiing and winter festivals between December and March.
• Protected areas: Has extensive protected natural areas and national parks that cover large parts of the island, protecting wildlife and volcanic landscapes.

What to See #

• Sapporo: The prefectural capital and Hokkaido's largest city, known for the annual snow festival and as a commercial and cultural hub.
• Daisetsuzan National Park: A large national park in central Hokkaido featuring alpine terrain, volcanic peaks and extensive hiking areas; includes peaks above 2,000 metres.
• Shiretoko Peninsula: A remote northeastern peninsula noted for its sea-ice, coastal wilderness and significant populations of marine wildlife; listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.