Hokkaido

Hokkaido, an island located in the northernmost part of Japan, makes up 22% of its total land area making it the second largest island of Japan’s archipelago. It has a rich history and its development was very different to the rest of mainland Japan with its own indigenous people, the Ainu. Hokkaido offers a great many attractions, most notably the Sapporo Snow Festival in February during which time the central park in Sapporo is filled with snow sculptures both large and small and concerts and events take place here. This is not to mention the other draws of Hokkaido including its magnificent nature the appearance of which varies considerably season to season due to Hokkaido’s northern climate, great scenic driving routes and powder snow ski resorts. In the summer, Hokkaido becomes an excellent place for hiking and cycling. Hokkaido has a variety of local delicacies but is best known for its seafood as the cold waters surrounding Hokkaido are excellent for fish. Sapporo is also known for its lamb usually served communally on a large grill as well as its ramen and of course, its beer.