Hokkaido

FROM CITYSCAPES TO UNTAMED FRONTIERS

The island of Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, is not only Japan's second largest and most northern prefecture, but also its largest wild frontier. Home to sprawling national parks, Hokkaido’s abundant nature and unique wildlife make it a special region of Japan unlike any other. Pockets of untouched scenery can be found in many regions of the island with some of the most famous being the pristine Lake Akan, the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, and Kushiro National Park, to name a few. Among these, Hokkaido has only a few cities with some of the largest being Sapporo and Hakodate, with both being on the south-west side of the island. Travel to Hokkaido is most commonly made by air through Chitose Airport near to Sapporo, or by under sea railway to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station and these feats of engineering allow for travel between Tokyo and Hokkaido in just four hours.

Highlights of Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s wildlands attract adventurers undertaking activities such as hiking, canoeing, cycling and a variety of winter sports. Being Japan’s coolest region, it’s climate can be a mild escape from the hot and humid summers of the mainland, and makes it the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure.

Trek the wide array of natural spaces that Hokkaido has to offer; from the mountainous region of Daisetsuzan and the crystal clear crater lakes of Lake Mashu, to the alien landscape of Mt. Io and its rocks of yellow sulphur.

Catch a glimpse of Brown bears, Ezo squirrels and Ezo deer that can all be found roaming the island freely. As well as the endangered Red-crowned crane which migrate to Kushiro National Park annually, Hokkaido is home to its very own sub species of wildlife.

Learn about the Ainu people, who originally inhabited this region, offer a different cultural perspective to the island through the language, artwork, music, and cuisine that can all be experienced in Abashiri and Northern Hokkaido.

Get a taste of Hokkaido’s specialist range of cuisine that suits all tastes. From high quality seafood to corn, wheat and dairy products - both domestic and international travellers flock here to have a taste of what is on offer.

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Highlights of Hokkaido

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