© istock/thanyarat07
© istock/thanyarat07

Hokkaido


Hokkaido is the second biggest island in Japan but also the largest of all prefectures. The capital city of Japan’s northernmost prefecture is Sapporo. Hokkaido is also the least densely populated part of Japan....

Located on the top north of the country, Hokkaido Prefecture borders with Russia and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean. The island of Hokkaido is connected with the island of Honshu by the Seikan Tunnel. The island’s unspoiled wilderness steals the hearts of all nature lovers, as every season brings its uniqueness. From stunning primeval forests to volcanic plateaus and tropical-blue caldera lakes to bubbling hot springs and world-class slopes – Hokkaido offers endless outdoor adventure activities. One of the most popular destinations in Japan is Shikotsu-Toya National Park with its volcanoes, beautiful caldera lakes and volcanic hot springs. If you are into wetlands tracking, Kushiro Plain, the largest swamp in Japan, is the right destination to discover. For scenic lavender valleys, head to Furano. In winter, Hokkaido transforms into a powder paradise for skiers and snowboarders thanks to its world-class ski resorts, such as Niseko and Rusutsu.