HOKKAIDO

Home to the remnants of Japan’s aboriginal people, the Ainu, Hokkaido has
been romanticized even by the Japanese themselves as the last vestige of
wild, untamed old Japan. The northernmost and least densely-populated of
Japan’s islands, connected to the main island of Honshu by a 58-kilometer
long underwater tunnel, Hokkaido is perhaps best-known for the
breathtaking powder-snow landscapes there in winter. It is a must-visit on the itinerary of any self-respecting skier or snow-boarder during that time, but has the reputation of being simply gorgeous in any season, with its spectacular mountain ridges and valleys, and abundance of flora and lakes. Nature sights are, however, arguably best viewed and explored in spring or summer when everything is in bloom. Examples of such sights include the Akan National Park, with its tranquil lakes, the Shiretoko National Park, where visitors can see bears wandering about in the wilderness or bathing in the sprays of a warm waterfall, Daisetsuzan National Park, an option only for those trekkers who seek a challenge, and Shikotsu-toya National Park, where one can enjoy beautiful caldera lakes,
steaming hot springs and even regard a magnificent range of volcanos (from a safe distance, of course). In the wintertime, the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place. Hundreds and hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, ranging from life-sized to as tall as 40 meters, are built and showcased to an international press. Even some festival booths are made of ice!

With coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of
Okhotsk, Hokkaido is renowned also for its large variety of fresh seafood.
These should definitely be sampled with a dash of Sapporo beer from the
local brewery, and perhaps followed up with a toasty bowl of famous
Sapporo ramen noodles.