Hokkaido, Natural Treasure of Japan and Humanity

Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan, being the prefecture located at the northern end of it. It is the most “virgin” island of the four main islands of Japan, which is why it attracts many nature lovers, welcoming them with its impeccable air, blue skies, colorful flora, enchanting hills and majestic mountains.

Hokkaido experiences cooler summers than the rest of the country, with low humidity. Winter is usually more harsh, with heavy snowfall and average temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. Autumn arrives in Hokkaido faster than the rest of Japan, displaying a beautiful variety of colors in its trees, creating an exquisite tapestry. On the other hand, spring is a bit late, offering sakura flowers when it is no longer possible to find them in other parts of the country. Each season brings new and wonderful natural gems that we can enjoy and explore, from totally frozen lakes that we can walk on and snowy peaks, to multicolored fields with radiant flowers. Hokkaido residents are very proud of their nature, often comparing it to artistic paintings of dreamlike landscapes.

To the east of Hokkaido we can find the Kushiro National Park, where among the more than 2,000 varieties of animals there are, we can find the majestic and representative bird of Japan, the Tancho tsuru. In the center of Hokkaido we can find the largest national park in Japan, Daisetsuzan, with impressive mountain ranges and volcanoes, mighty rivers and a dense forest, which can be admired from the cable cars that climb the slopes of Mount Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido. And if you are looking for unparalleled landscapes that will take your breath away, in the south of Hokkaido on the slopes of the Hidaka mountain, you can admire an impressive sea of ​​clouds or “unkai”, which surround us, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Ainu, the ancestral community of Hokkaido, also significantly influence the cultural identity of the island. Its unique traditions, language, art and culture have been preserved in many ways throughout the island. There are enclosures established with the purpose of expressing the Ainu heritage, and teaching it to future generations.

Hokkaido would not be what it is today if it had not been for endless special efforts and initiatives, public and private, to preserve its natural beauty. Home to impressive natural landscapes such as Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site, with protected parks and swamp areas recognized as “Ramsar Convention Wetlands”, as well as six national parks containing unique flora and fauna, volcanic areas and pristine lakes. Hokkaido is, without a doubt, a must-see place for nature lovers.

And, for a long time, it used to go a little unnoticed due to its relative distance from areas more popular with international tourists. But now it will be much faster and more convenient to travel to Hokkaido, since this spring (2022) the bullet train line between Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto will be put into operation. And even better, there is a rail pass in Japan, where you can use the bullet train and other Japan Railways lines for the cost of a single pass lasting several weeks or months, with no limit or additional cost. This pass can be purchased from the JR PASS website , and must be reserved before traveling to Japan (pick it up at the airport or any train station with proof of purchase). Enjoying its renowned ski resorts and thermal water baths, culinary delights, unique festivals, and an ancient culture like no other (Ainu), is closer to us than ever!

Hokkaido is arguably one of Japan’s most valuable culinary secrets. Its cold and deep sea offers abundant marine fauna, crabs, clams, salmon, octopuses and more. Hokkaido sea urchins are especially prized for their soft consistency and sweet flavor.

For seafood enthusiasts, the Hakodate Morning Market is a must-see stop. More than 350 stalls offering fresh-from-the-sea fishing products, squid, salmon roe, greenfish akta and more.

Whether you’re strolling through Hakodate Market, enjoying a Sapporo craft beer, or indulging in sushi in Otaru, we recommend trying ishikari-nabe or “salmon pot,” an authentic Hokkaido dish. Served with abundant portions of salmon prepared with vegetables and tofu, mixing the flavor of the sea and the land. We also highly recommend trying the “Genghis Khan”, a dish of lamb, beans and pumpkin, served in a hot metal pot.