Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands. It is also the least urbanised, famous for the volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and snow fields that dot its landscape.

At 32,221 square miles (83,457 sq. km), representing over 20% of Japan’s total land mass, Hokkaido Island is the country’s second-largest island, while Hokkaido prefecture itself is the country’s biggest prefecture.

It is home to almost 6 million residents, and more than 1 million travelers from within Japan and around the world^[1] visit the island every year. They are drawn to the beauty of Hokkaido’s blue skies, its untouched wilderness of rolling hills, open fields and powdery snow, all of which are the perfect backdrop to savour its delectable local cuisine.

History

The indigenous people of Hokkaido are the Ainu, a race that also inhabit the Aomori region in the north of Honshu Island. The Ainu (which means ‘human’) have also been known as the Aynu, Ezo, Emishi and Ebisu.

Their roots can be traced back to the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin and Russia and it is believed that they migrated to Hokkaido and northern Honshu at a time when a frozen land mass connected the island to the Russian mainland. Their ancestry goes as far back as the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BC)^[2]. They have called the country we know today as Japan home for tens of thousands of years.

Matsumae Takahiro, a Matsumae lord of the late Edo period. (December 10, 1829 – June 9, 1866)

The first recorded economic interaction between the Ainu and the ethnic Japanese was sometime between 710 and 1185, when the natives of Hokkaido developed trade relations with Dewa Province, an outpost of the Japanese central government. However, tensions arose when larger numbers of ethnic Japanese started to migrate from Honshu to the southern part of Hokkaido.

Several revolts took place as the Japanese attempted to assimilate the Ainu into their own culture. The first of these occurred in 1456, during the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573). That year, Koshamain’s Revolt was crushed when Takeda Nobuhiro killed the Ainu leader, Koshamain. Ironically, it was Nobuhiro’s clan of descendants that were given exclusive trading rights with the Ainu by the central Japanese government.

Ainu are Hokkaido’s indigenous people

The last large scale uprising by the Ainu was Shakushain’s Revolt which lasted from 1669 to 1672. There was a smaller rebellion against Japanese influence in 1789, the Menashi-Kunashir Rebellion, but it was swiftly crushed.

Hokkaido was ‘stolen’ from the Ainu and made part of the greater Japanese empire in 1869, which marked the beginning of the Meiji period. This was characterised by extensive Japanese settlement of the island and it was then that the territory, which had historically been known by the names Ezo, Yezo, and Yeso or Yesso, was renamed Hokkaido (“North Sea Province”). (北海道) (Japanese: [hok̚kaidoː].

The Ainu are eager to retain a discrete, dignified identity

From the start of the Japanese and Ainu political and social upheaval, it took 672 years for the Japanese government to formally recognise the Ainu people as indigenous to Japan. A parliamentary declaration on June 8th, 2008 finally gave the Ainu the right to officially practise their way of life again and to halt all discriminatory acts against them.

It is estimated that there are only around 25,000 of the Ainu people left in Japan and Russia but some say there could be as many as 175,000. Regardless of that number, there are less than 10 Ainus left in the world today who still speak their native language.

The Ainu culture has been passed down from generation to generation

The unfortunate history of the Ainu people has startling parallels with that of the American Indians. They were animists who prayed to nature and believed that all things, from plants to animals and even inanimate objects, had a spirit or god within them.

Hokkaido was originally called Ezo by the native Ainu. In 1869, one year after the Meiji period began, the new government changed its name to identify Hokkaido as a Japanese controlled land mass. 30 years later, the Japanese government passed a law/act that labeled the Ainu people ‘former aborigines’. This immediately made them legal Japanese citizens but denied them the claim of being indigenous.

Location

Located at the northernmost end of the Japanese chain of islands, Hokkaido is by far Japan’s largest prefecture.

It consists of the entire island of Hokkaido and its surrounding islets.

Hokkaido is cooler than the rest of Japan, and the merciful lack of Japan’s muggy summers and rainy season makes it a very popular domestic destination.

Most of Hokkaido was settled by the Japanese within the last 100 years, compared to the thousands of years of Japanese history and pre-history. Before that it was only inhabited by the hunter-gatherer Ainu culture.

As a result, its architecture and cities are much more modern, and mostly arranged in grid layouts so common in the West.

However, Hokkaido is also the least developed of Japan’s four main islands and its untamed wilderness is home to several major national parks.

Prefectures

Hokkaido is the only Japanese island not divided into multiple prefectures. Instead, there are four circuits, which are in turn split into subprefectures.

1. Central Circuit, home to much of the mountainous interior.

Subprefectures:

• Sapporo is the capital and the largest city in Hokkaido. In 1972, Sapporo became the first Asian city to host the Winter Olympics.
• Ishikari is situated at 0 meters above sea level and is famous for its seafood.
• Shiribeshi is a subprefecture in the Central Circuit of Hokkaido.
• Sorachi is a district divided between Sorachi and Kamikawa subprefectures.
• Hidaka is a mountain range in southeastern Hokkaido.

2. Eastern Circuit, the largest and remotest part of the island.

Subprefectures:

• Abashiri
• Tokachi is famous for its wealth of natural attractions, including unique hot springs.
• Kushiro is the capital city of Kushiro subprefecture and is the most populous city in eastern Hokkaido.
• Nemuro is a port city and capital of Nemuro subprefecture. Much of the city lies on the Nemuro Peninsula.

3. Northern Circuit, which covers the northern peninsula but extends down toward the centre.

Subprefectures:

• Kamikawa is the most popular winter festival destination.
• Soya is the northernmost point of Japan and home to a number of ‘Japan’s Northernmost’ facilities like its northernmost filling station and elementary school.

4. Southern Circuit, which covers the western and central parts of Hokkaido.

Subprefectures

• Hakodate is Hokkaido’s third largest city, located at the island’s southern tip. It is a convenient gateway for Hokkaido, a laid-back kind of place with a historical heritage. The summit of Mt. Hakodate-yama offers spectacular views across the city, day or night.
• Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, a group of volcanic islands in the Philippine Sea.
• Hiyama is historically known as the first place in Hokkaido where Wajin (mainland Japanese) settled in the Heian period (794 – 1185).

Population

Hokkaido has a population of 5.5 million and Sapporo, its capital, is its only ordinance-dedicated city. Sapporo has a population of 1.91 million, making it the island’s largest city.

Climate

Hokkaido is the northernmost and, thus, the coldest region in Japan. Most of the island falls in the humid continental climate zone. The average temperature is between 6 and 10°C, and the average precipitation is around 800 to 1,500 mm per year. Its climate is marked by relatively cool summers and icy/snowy winters. With its cool climate and low humidity, Hokkaido has no rainy season and few typhoons.

The average winter temperature in Hokkaido varies from location to location but it is not uncommon to see places where the temperature dips below zero so make sure to bring warm winter clothes. Spring usually comes in early May and the colourful wild flower blossoms make the island a very popular destination for tourists from Asia.

When to Visit

Hokkaido, the second largest island of Japan, is an ever-popular holiday destination that drives tourism all year round. Much like the rest of the world, Hokkaido splits its year into four distinct seasons:

• Spring – March to May (Average Temperature: 1°C – 12°C (34°F – 54°F)
• Summer – June to August (Average Temperature: 16°C – 23°C (61°F – 73°F)
• Autumn – September to November (Average Temperature: 5°C – 16°C (41°F – 61°F)
• Winter – December to February (Average Temperature: -4°C – -1°C (25°F – 30°F)

Each offers its own pros and cons, and when you visit will depend upon what you are looking for from your holiday.

Culture & Customs

The world is a wonderful tapestry of varied cultures and customs, and each is a delight to discover in its own right. Of course, you can learn them the easy way or the hard way, but knowing the basic rules of etiquette before you leave home is perhaps the best way of making friends and making a great impression wherever in the world you might travel.

Japan has a very distinct culture and one that is greatly admired and held in high esteem across the world. The Japanese emphasis on humility, mutual respect, societal hierarchy, self-sacrifice and personal, familial and community honour have endeared it to people from very different backgrounds.

There is a great deal of decorum maintained in social interactions and there are myriad rules of etiquette that must be upheld. Here is a brief guide to some of the most important ones that will endear you to your hosts and ensure you leave a great impression of both yourself and your own culture and country.

1. Bowing

Japan’s culture of bowing is perhaps its most instantly-recognisable trait. The bow is a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese. It is also simultaneously the easiest and most important thing you can learn to blend seamlessly into any social situation. Most Japanese are well-aware that many other cultures greet by handshake and do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules.

However, the rules are simple: males bow with their hands at their sides while females do so with their hands folded in front of them; adults do not bow to children. The inclination and the duration of the bow will depend on the circumstance and the status of the individuals.

2. At Japanese-Style Inns

In Western countries, walking around hotel public areas such as lobbies or hallways in pyjamas is frowned upon. However, that does not apply to Japanese-style inns with big common bathtubs. You can walk around freely in these inns and onsen resort areas wearing Japanese-style pyjamas (‘yukata‘). In Japan, this is a popular custom and a welcome taste of tradition that adds to the atmosphere.

3. Shoes

Visitors are expected to take off their shoes at the entrance of a house, business or temple. When entering a Japanese-style inn or room, be sure to remove your shoes. It is a major taboo to step on a tatami mat with your shoes so be aware when you enter a tatami-matted room, often seen in Japanese-style eating establishments, including sushi restaurants.

4. Common Baths and Hot Springs

There are several rules you have to keep in mind when using a public bath tub or visiting a hot spring facility. Remove your shoes when you enter a changing room. Do not wear your swimsuit in the bath. You must wash and rinse before entering the hot water. Do not scrub your body or swim in the hot water. When bathing with your friends, avoid talking in a loud voice. In the sauna room, avoid twisting a wet towel or taking up too much space.

5. Izakaya: Informal Japanese Restaurants

When you are first seated in an izakaya, you will be served a small dish called ‘otoshi‘. It is served to all customers even if you don’t order. This is a Japanese custom and the otoshi is not free; it is considered an entrance fee and the cost is automatically added to your bill. The price of otoshi varies among izakaya restaurants, so check with the staff. Your bill will be placed on your table and you are expected to bring it to the cashier counter to pay.

6. Using Chopsticks

You will be given chopsticks instead of a fork, knife and spoon in most Japanese restaurants; it’s best to brush up on your chopstick-wielding skills before you leave home. There are some important points to note while using chopsticks.

• Do not use your chopsticks to pierce your food or rice.
• Do not cross your chopsticks when you place them on the chopstick rest.
• Do not wave your chopsticks around or use them to point at anything.
• Do not place them on top of your bowl after you have finished eating.

7. Mobile Phone Usage

The use of mobile phones is prohibited on trains and many other public places, including restaurants. It is also recommended that you turn off your mobile phone or switch it to silent mode in movie theatres or museums before you enter. Talking loudly on a mobile phone in front of others is considered rude so try to watch your tone of voice. Be mindful while in public places and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.

Visas

Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a passport valid for the period of stay. In order to enter Japan, visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas and authorisations of resident eligibility. Currently, citizens of 66 different countries may enter Japan without a visa, provided that the duration of their stay is less than 90 days and they do not engage in paid employment. Please check the Visa section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website for the latest information on visas and related matters. International passengers transiting through Japan do not require a visa.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html.

Food

Hokkaido is known for its variety of fresh seafood and agricultural produce, earning itself the moniker ‘The Kingdom of Food’. From a variety of popular local favourites like ramen and ice-cream, to its freshly-caught bounty of crabs, fish and sea urchins; different areas in Hokkaido offer different local specialties. However, there are a couple of dishes and products that you shouldn’t miss while visiting the island.

Hokkaido is said to offer some of the best seafood in the world. Hokkaido is also known for its garlic, potatoes and Japan’s largest grow area of corn. Hokkaido’s residents have been able to grow crops on soil said to be difficult because of volcanic activity and the huge amount of volcanic ash that is in the area.

 1. Ramen

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish, with wheat-based noodles served in soy sauce or miso flavoured broth. It is usually served with slices of pork, seaweed and bamboo shoots. Ramen is a specialty of Hokkaido, and the most popular version is the miso ramen that is mainly found in the capital of Sapporo. Kamikawa district is famous for the special Asahikawa soy sauce ramen.

There are tons of ramen shops all over Hokkaido and while every restaurant serves excellent ramen, the best ones are clustered in both the Ramen Village in Asahikawa and the Ramen Yokocho in Susukino, Sapporo.

2. Crab

The cold waters surrounding Hokkaido create the best conditions for high quality, fresh seafood and the island is known for its succulent crabs.

There are four kinds of crab found in the region – hanasaki crab, king crab, horsehair crab and snow crab. The king crab is so huge that restaurants offer just the leg on its own as a dish! Hokkaido crab meat is sweet, tender and succulent and served so fresh that the meat just falls out of the shell.

Those with bigger appetites can opt for crab buffets in Sapporo, where you can sample as much as you want of a large variety of crabs.

3. Uni and Ikura Donburi

Besides crab, the other must-try seafoods are the uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe). The best way to sample them is in a donburi (rice bowl) for breakfast. There is no better place to get a donburi than at a fish market, where there will be no shortage of small restaurants serving this dish.

Donburi is usually topped with fresh uni, ikura and salmon but there are choices of other fresh seafood like hotate (scallop), ika (squid) and even crab meat.

4. Curry Soup

Curry is very popular in Japan and the local Sapporo specialty is curry soup. This curry is an eclectic combination of sweet and spicy flavours, served with a choice of meat (chicken or pork) and Hokkaido’s fresh produce of broccoli, melon, carrots, aubergines and mushrooms with additional cheese and egg toppings. It is usually eaten over rice.

There are a few steps to follow when ordering – start with the choice of ingredients, then specify the level of spiciness, move on to the optional toppings and the size of the rice.

5. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)

Genghis Khan never made it as far as Japan but there is a dish named in his honour anyway. Pronounced ‘Jingisukan’, it is a grilled mutton (either fresh or frozen) dish prepared with vegetables and grilled over a dome-shaped metal skillet in the middle of your table. Once the meat is done, it is dipped in flavoured soy-sauce and eaten straight off the grill.

6. Soba Noodles

Soba is the Japanese name for the superfood buckwheat, but we know it as Japanese thin noodles. It is famous both in Japan and all over the world. Hokkaido is the biggest producer of buckwheat in the country and it is said that soba noodles from the northern island are the most flavoursome. Soba is usually served cold with a tsuyu (sweet soy sauce) dipping sauce topped with an egg.

7. Yubari Melon

Hokkaido’s green produce is as synonymous with Hokkaido as its dairy products. With extensive farmland, quality soil and a favourable climate, the region is known to grow the freshest wheat, corn, potatoes and asparagus. Hokkaido melons are some of the sweetest melons found anywhere in the world.

8. Sapporo Beer

Beer is popular in Japan and the birthplace of Japan’s beer is Hokkaido. Sapporo Beer is the oldest and most popular beer brand in the country, first introduced and brewed during the Meiji period in 1877.

Head to the Sapporo Beer Museum for an introduction to the history of Japanese beer and the brewing process, as well as a taste of Sapporo beer straight from the tap. At the end of the museum tour, visitors can sample the three kinds of Sapporo beer – Kairakushi, Black Label and Classic.

9. Ice-Cream

Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products so do not miss an opportunity to sample fresh locally-produced milk, yogurt, cheese, and especially the soft serve ice creams. They are smooth and creamy, and made from raw milk and pure fresh cream. Ice cream stalls can be found almost everywhere on the island, and is popularly served on top of half a yubari melon.

10. Hokkaido Snacks

Hokkaido’s popular agricultural and marine products have also been made into delicious confectioneries and snacks. Make sure you get your hands on the local Shiroi Koibito, white chocolate cookies, Royce chocolates, Jaga Pokkuru potato chips, Yakitokibi corn crackers, as well as yubari melon-flavored jellies and snacks. They make for excellent snacking and are the best souvenirs to bring home for family and friends.

10 Great Places to Visit in Hokkaido

1. Daisetsuzan

Ten times as big as the bustling Japanese city of Osaka, Daisetsuzan National Park is Hokkaido’s biggest protected park with an area of over 2,000 square kilometres. It is a haven for nature lovers and animals alike, with brown bears and deer sharing the landscape with hikers. Daisetsuzan’s lush forests, three volcanic mountain groups, and wilderness that is home to rare species of flora and fauna have been unmoved by Japan’s march to modernisation.

It is one of the few places where you can find stratovolcanoes – volcanoes piled one on top of the other. 16 peaks here each tower above 2,000 metres. Hikers and adventure-seekers in Daisetzusan National Park can also find soothing respite in the park’s stunning hot springs.

How to Get There

By Train
Take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Noboribetsu Station (2.5 hours). The entire one-way trip costs around 26,000 yen and takes around seven hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. Note that seat reservations are mandatory on Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Please check with the rail station for the latest information.

Accommodation

Daisetsuzan is a popular tourist destination and a variety of accommodation choices to suit a range of budgets is available in its vicinity. Below are two examples:

1. Hotel La Vista Daisetsuzan
Overlooking Asahidake mountain and surrounded by forest, this rustic-chic hot spring hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Asahidake Ropeway aerial lift line, and 39 km from Asahikawa Airport.

Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture 071-1472

Phone: +81 166-97-2323

Fax: +81 166-97-2345

Website: http://www.japan-ryokan.net/lavistadaisetsuzan/

2. Asahidake Manseikaku Hotel Bearmonte
Just a three-minute walk to Asahidake Ropeway and 47 km from central Asahikawa, it is one of the most famous spots in this area. The hot spring offers special relaxation, especially after outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, or skiing. It is located near public transit and the train station.

Address: Asahidake-onsen, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture 071-1472

Phone: +81 166-97-2321

Fax: +81 166-97-2324

Website:  http://www.hamano-hotels.co.jp/lang/hotel_bear_monte/en/

2. Shiretoko

Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was granted that status in 2005 for its importance in sustaining the biodiversity of the regional ecosystem.

This park is one of the most remote parts of Japan. This isolation is part of the reason it has become home to Japan’s largest population of brown bears, as well as a natural sanctuary for foxes and deer. In the wintertime, large blocks of drift ice drift gently past the park’s coastline, making it the southernmost point of the northern hemisphere that is witness to this phenomenon.

How to Get There

By Air and Bus
The domestic airport closest to Shiretoko National Park is Memanbetsu Airport, which hosts direct flights to and from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Sapporo. The airport is about 100 kilometres west of the national park.

There are a small number of direct bus services between the airport and Utoro throughout the year. The Japanese public transport system is quite efficient but bus services in this area are infrequent, particularly in winter, so rental cars are the most convenient means of transportation by far.

There are bus services between Shiretoko Shari Station and Utoro all year round. In summer, infrequent services connect Utoro with the Shiretoko Five Lakes and with Rausu via Shiretoko Pass. During the peak summer period, the unpaved access road to the Kamuiwakkayu Falls is closed to private traffic and shuttle buses operate instead. The Shiretoko Peninsula receives a lot of snow during winter, and many of the park’s roads are closed from late November to late April, including the road over Shiretoko Pass and to the Shiretoko Five Lakes and the Kamuiwakkayu Falls.

Accommodation

As with all popular Japanese tourist destinations, you are spoiled for choice in terms of accommodation in the Shiretoko area. The hotels here are all relatively clean and a little research will throw up a range of choices perfect for your budget and requirements. Here are two popular options:

1. Hotel Kifuuclub Shiretoko
Set across the Shiretoko National Highway from the Sea of Okhotsk, this secluded, casual hot spring hotel is 14 km from the Mount Rausu volcano, which is in Shiretoko National Park.

Address: 318 Utoro Higashi Shari-cho, Shari District, Hokkaido

Phone : +81-152-24-3541

Fax : +81-152-24-3550

Website : http://www.ryokan.or.jp/english/yado/main/91318

2. Utoro Onsen Hotel Shiretoko
In a building with a redbrick entryway, this modest hot spring hotel is 9 km from the Oshinkoshin Waterfall and 17 km from the summit of Mount Rausu.

Address: 37 Utoro-kagawa Shari-cho, Shari District, Hokkaido

Phone : +81-152-24-2131

Fax : +81-152-24-206

Website:  https://travel.rakuten.com/hotel/Japan-Hokkaido-Shari-Utoro_Onsen_Hotel_Shiretoko/31099/

3. Rishiri and Rebun

Forming the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, these two islands which dot the northern tip of Hokkaido are home to peaceful fishing villages. Each features distinct but equally breathtaking scenery.

They are popular hiking destinations with wildflowers and the slow-paced life close to nature is the primary draw. Rishiri Island is dominated by its namesake mountain, which locals describe as “shy” by way of its refusal to emerge from the clouds and mist. Rebun is longer and flatter than Rishiri and most famous for its wealth of alpine flowers found at sea level due to the harsh climate.

How to Get There

By Ferry from Wakkanai, Hokkaido
Heart Land Ferry (formerly known as Higashi Nihonkai Ferry) operates the following ferry routes:

• Wakkanai – Rishiri (Oshidomari Port),: 100 minutes, about 2100 yen, 2-3 round trips per day
• Wakkanai – Rebun (Kafuka Port): 115 minutes, about 2300 yen, 2-4 round trips per day
• Rishiri (Oshidomari Port) – Rebun (Kafuka Port): 40 minutes, about 800 yen, 1-2 round trips per day
• Rishiri (Kutsugata Port) – Rebun (Kafuka Port): 40 minutes, about 800 yen, 1 round trip per day (in summer only)

Rental car reservations should be made at least one day in advance. Exact fares vary depending on the fuel surcharge.

You can travel from Sapporo to Wakkanai by train in 5.5 hours, by air in 1 hour, or by bus in 6 hours. It is also accessible from Tokyo via a 2-hour direct flight. Wakkanai Airport is a 35-minute bus ride from the city centre.

Accommodation

There are many clean and beautiful hotels in the vicinity of the National Park, ranging from the basic to the luxurious. Here are two examples:

1. Rishiri Fureai Onsen
From Oshidomari Port: Take the Soya Bus B Route bound for Kutsugata and get off at Kutsugata Bus Stop (approx. 40 min). The hotel is about seven minutes on foot from there. It commands an unfettered view of Mt. Rishiri, as well as the spectacular vistas of the sunset over the Sea of Japan and the fires lit on fishermen’s boats to lure fish. Guests can look forward to enjoying the large onsen as well as traditional kaiseki course meals prepared with delicious local seafood.

Address: 90 Aza-Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401

Phone: +81 163-84-2001

Website: www. Hotel Rishiri.com

2. Mitsui Kanko Hotel
From Kafuka-ko Port: About 10 minutes on foot, or 2 minutes by taxi. Located within the seaside park, this hotel offers magnificent views of the lake. Guests are invited to enjoy freshly caught seafood such as sea urchin and various types of fish and shellfish.

Address: 277-2 Kafuka-mura, Rebun-cho, Rebun-gun, Hokkaido

Phone: +81 163-86-1717

Fax: +81 163-86-2035

4. Noborbetsu

Noboribetsu is a hot spring resort town that is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The town’s 11 kinds of thermal waters are considered the most soothing and healing in the whole country. Many of the hot springs in Noboribetsu are in ryokan (Japanese-style inns) appointed with traditional amenities and services.

How to Get There

By Train
Take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Noboribetsu Station (2.5 hours). The entire one-way trip costs around 26,000 yen and takes around seven hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. Note that seat reservations are mandatory on Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

JR Noboribetsu Station is located in the city’s urban centre close to the coast, while the hot spring town and Jigokudani are a 15-minute car, taxi or bus ride from the station into the hills. A taxi ride costs around 2000-2500 yen, while a bus ride costs 340 yen one way.

Accommodation

Both luxurious 5-star hotels and more economical options abound in the area around Noboribetsu. The two hotels listed below are within walking distance to the Noboribetsu Bear Park and Hot Spring area. However, you may want to do your own research to find the best accommodation for your needs.

1. Hotel Yumoto Noboribetsu
A 14-minute walk from Noboribetsu Hot Spring, this casual inn is 2 km from the steam vents and sulphur pools at Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and 6 km from Lake Kuttara.

Address: 29 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551

Phone: +81 143-84-2277

Fax: +81 143-84-3988

Website:  http://www.yumoto-noboribetu.com/

2. Hotel Oyado Kiyomizuya
A 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu Hot Spring, this understated hotel is 3 km from Lake Kuttara and 8 km from the Noboribetsu train station. It is wonderfully located for both shopping and sightseeing, and is easily accessible by car.

Address: 173 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551

Phone: +81 143-84-2145

Fax: +81 143-84-2146Website:  https://www.kiyomizuya.co.jp/english/

5. Furano

Furano is known for its pleasant and picturesque rural landscapes. The best time to visit is July, when the lavender fields are in bloom. During winter, Furano turns into a popular downhill and cross country skiing resort.

How to Get There

By Train
The journey from Tokyo to Furano by trains involves transfers at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, Sapporo and Takikawa, takes about 10 hours, costs around 29,000 yen one-way, and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Because attractions are spread over the entire region and public transportation is rather poor, a rental car is the recommended means for getting around. There are several rental car outlets around Furano Station.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options to choose from, ranging from simple hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are just two examples, and we recommend you do further research to find the right accommodation for you.

1. Resort Inn North Country
Located 1.5 km from Kitanomine Gondola Terminal, this hotel is about 3 km from JR Furano Train Station, and a bus from the station stops at the hotel. Furano Cheese Factory is a 10-minute drive away while Asahigaoka Park and Garden of the Wind are about 1.5 km away.

Address: Shimogoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0017

Phone: +81 167-23-6565

Fax: +81 167-23-6009

Website: http://www.northcountryinnfurano.com/index.htm

2. Hotel Sunfuraton
A 5-minute walk from Furano Station, this unassuming redbrick hotel on a relaxed street is 5 km from Torinuma Park and 6 km from Furano Ski Area. Hotel Sunfuraton is the perfect place to experience Furano/Biei and its surroundings. Easily accessible.

Address: 1-1 Wakamatsucho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0032

Phone: +81 167-22-5155

Fax: +81 167-22-3988

Website: www.sunfuraton.com/

6. Asahikawa

Asahikawa is the second largest city in Hokkaido. Its most popular attraction is Asahiyama Zoo, famous for the ingenious construction of its animal enclosures that give visitors unique perspectives of the wildlife. See eye-to-eye with a wolf in the middle of its habitat or marvel as a seal whooshes through a vertical glass passageway. Asahikawa is also known for its scrumptious ramen, aptly named Asahikawa Ramen – a soy sauce-based ramen that is quite sinful, very tasty and very oily.

How to Get There

By Air or Train
Domestic flights are available into Asahikawa from Tokyo Haneda (1.5 hours), Nagoya or Sapporo. Fly into Sapporo or get a train from Honshu up to Sapporo, and then a train to Asahikawa.

From Sapporo City, JR trains depart every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 80 minutes. The journey from the New Chitose Airport to Asahikawa takes approximately 2.5 hours by train.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation choices, ranging from simple hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are just two examples, and we recommend you do further research to find the right accommodation for you.

1. Hotel Asahidake Manseikaku Hotel Deer Valley
Located in Daisetsuzan National Park near the slopes of Hokkaido’s tallest peak, Asahidake, this hotel is conveniently located within 1 mile (1.6 km) of the Asahidake Ropeway. Tenninkyo Gorges is 12.1 miles (19.5 km) away.

Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1472

Phone: +81 166-97-2321

Fax: +81 166-97-2332

Website:  http://www.hamano-hotels.co.jp/lang/hotel_deer_valley/en/

2. Sounkyo Kankou Hotel
Located in Sounkyo, this ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, is within 1 mile (1.6 km) of both the Daisetsuzankurodake Ski Area and Sounkyo Hot Spring. Ginga no Taki Falls is 2 miles (3.2 km) away. Surrounded by forested mountains along Highway 39, it is a laid-back establishment with open-plan architecture.

Address: Sounkyo Hot Spring Resort, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1797

Phone: +81 1658-5-3145

Fax: +81 1658-5-3362

Website: en.sounkyo-kankou.co.jp/

7. Niseko

Niseko is a ski resort town world-famous for its powdery snow, vast areas for backcountry skiing and long, wide runs. The ski areas in Niseko that have become popular among Japanese and foreigners include Hirafu, Higashiyama, Annupuri, Hanazono, Moiwa, and Weiss.

How to Get There

There are various options to travel to Niseko, including buses and private transfers to/from the Sapporo New Chitose Airport, transport to/from Sapporo City (including a Sapporo to Niseko bus), and trains.

By train: If you want to get to Niseko as early as possible in the day, stay in Sapporo and board the first train for Niseko, which departs at 06:51 a.m.

By car: Two to three hours’ drive from New Chitose, Hokkaido’s only international airport.

By bus: This is the most convenient and economical way to get from Sapporo Airport to Niseko. The bus takes about 2.5-3 hours, depending on road conditions and your drop off point.

Accommodation

Whether you are looking for a simple hostel or a luxurious hotel, Niseko has the perfect choice waiting for you. Here are just two examples, but we recommend you do further research to find the right accommodation for your needs.

1. Hotel Niseko Alpen
Located in the heart of the Niseko mountain range, surrounded by gorgeous mountain views, the Niseko Alpen is just 5 km from the Hirafu train station and 9 km from the Niseko Village Golf Course.

Address: 204 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081Phone: +81 136-22-1105

Website: http://www.hotel-nisekoalpen.jp/en/

2. Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort
Set amidst forested mountains, this upscale ski resort is 30 km from the Sasson Golf Club and 26 km from the shores of the Ishikari Bay.

Address: 650 Tokiwa Akaigawa, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0593

Phone: +81 135-34-7111

Website: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/

8. Akan National Park

Designated a protected park in 1934, Akan National Park is famous for its three crystal-clear lakes – Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu. Fog often hangs above the surface of these lakes, particularly on Lake Mashu, giving them an air of mystery and tranquility.

How to Get There

Public transport in this region is infrequent and a rental car is the most convenient way to access and explore Akan National Park. The park can be reached by car within 1-2 hours from Bihoro, Kushiro or Abashiri. Car rental outlets are available at the airports, in Kushiro and in Abashiri.

Accommodation

A variety of people visit Akan National Park and the hotels in the area range from the luxurious to basic. Here are two examples but we recommend that you explore the range of other options available, also.

1. Hotel Gozensui
This hotel is located in Kushiro, near Country Site Akanko Ski Resort Utara and Lake Mashu. It is about 80 minutes by car from Kushiro Station and 60 minutes from Kushiro Airport.

Address: 4-5-1, Akankoonsen, Akan-Cho, Kushiro-Shi, Hokkaido, 085-0467

Phone: +81 154-67-2031

Website: http://www.ryokan.or.jp/english/yado/main/00910

2. Hotel Akankoso
Overlooking Lake Akan, this modern hot spring hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Akanko Hot Spring and 17 km from Mount Meakan.

Address: 1-5-10 Akankoonsen, Akancho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0467

Phone: +81 154-67-2231

Fax: +81 154-67-2593

Website: http://www.ryokan.or.jp/english/yado/main/00940

9. Lake Toya

Lake Toya or Toyako is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Its mesmerising scenery was the backdrop for the 2008 G8 Summit. The lake itself is picturesque but when combined with the nearby hot springs and the active volcano Mt. Usu, it becomes even more beautiful. Visitors can go kayaking, fishing, trekking, and camping. When its time to relax, the park’s several hot springs are the perfect getaway.

How to Get There

Lake Toyako Onsen is accessible by bus or train from Sapporo. If you want to travel on your own schedule, there is a public bus option from Sapporo to Toyako Onsen that takes 2 hours.

Accommodation

The range of accommodation available is as diverse as the people who visit, and you will find simple hostels, luxurious hotels and everything in between here. Here are two examples, but feel free to do your own research to find the best one for your needs.

1. Hotel Grand Toya
Overlooking Lake Toya, this straightforward hotel is a 7-minute walk from downtown Toyako and 14 km from Mount Usu national park.

Address: 144 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721

Phone: +81 142-75-2288

Website: http://www.japanican.com/en/hotel/detail/1570007/

2. Toyako Onsen Hokkai Hotel
Situated in Abuta, this laid-back hotel is within 2 miles (3 km) of Usuzanfunka Memorial Park, Lake Toyako, and Toyako Forest Museum. Showa-shinzan and Showashinzan Ropeway are also within 6 miles (10 km). Set across the promenade from the scenic volcanic caldera Lake Tōya, it is a short 12-minute walk from the Toyako Hot Spring.

Address: 147 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721

Phone: +81 142-75-2325

Website: http://www.ryokan.or.jp/english/yado/main/03320

10. Onuma Park

To fully appreciate the majesty and wonder of Onuma Park, you have to explore it on foot or by bicycle. It is a relatively small park with a dormant volcano called Mt. Komagatake.

Its proximity to the cities of Hakodate and Sapporo make it the perfect weekend getaway for the many residents of Hokkaido. Boating and canoeing are the preferred ways of exploring the lakes in the park, which is dotted with islets and peninsulas. It also has vast forests filled with birch and maple trees.

How to Get There

By train: From Hakodate, the Ltd Express Super Hokuto train takes 19 minutes to reach Onuma Koen station while the regular JR Hakodtate train takes about 50 minutes. These trains leave approximately every hour. Be sure to check the return schedule because trains are not as frequent in the evening and don’t run very late.

By bus: Buses to Hakodate take approximately an hour to complete the journey.

Tourist offices near JR Onuma Koen or any rail station can help you with maps and other information for a great trip.

Accommodation

The popularity of Onuma Park with both Japanese and international travellers means that there is no shortage of accommodation options; they range from simple hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are just two examples:

1. Hotel Granvillage Onuma
Located in Okushiri and about 5 minutes by car from Onumakoen Station, this quaint facility is near Hakodate Morning Market. A complimentary shuttle service can be booked.

Address: 104-3 Kamiikusagawa, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido 041-1353

Phone: +81 138-84-8333

Fax: +81 138-83-5944

Website: http://www.japanican.com/en/hotel/detail/1605A03/

2. Hotel Wing International Tomakomai
This elegant hotel is set in a bustling neighbourhood, and is just a 3-minute walk from Tomakomai train station, 2 km from Minato Park and 3 km from Tarumaezan Shrine.

Address: 2-2-10 Chiyoda-chou, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido

Phone: +81 144-33-0333

Fax: +81 144-33-0222

Website: http://www.hotelwing.co.jp/tomakomai/en/

Travel Books on Hokkaido

A little bit of research and planning can go a long way in making your Hokkaido trip easier and more enjoyable. We recommend these two Hokkaido travel guides because they capture the essence of the Hokkaido spirit in the range of activities and adventures that they explore, and the depths into which their research has gone.

Lonely Planet has been the most popular and trusted producer of travel guidebooks for just about every travel destination in the world. With constant updates from a vibrant travellers’ community, The Lonely Planet Japan guidebook contains detailed itineraries and highlighted destinations, reviews on hotels, and colour maps for locations.

The Lonely Planet Guide to Japan

Authors: Rebecca Milner, Ray Bartlett, Andrew Bender, Craig McLachlan, Kate Morgan, Simon Richmond, Tom Spurling, Phillip Tang, Benedict Walker, Wendy Yanagihara

Hokkaidō is the Japan of wide-open spaces, with primeval forests, lakes, fields of alpine wildflowers and bubbling hot springs. In winter, Hokkaidō has earned a reputation as a paradise for skiers and snowboarders; there are international-level resorts here, but also remote back-country opportunities. An informative travel guide to the Hokkaido region, this book contains information and maps about the region’s worldly attractions.

Highlights:

• Colour maps and images throughout.
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests.
• Honest reviews for all budgets – eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss.
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience – history, festivals, hiking, onsen, cuisine, architecture, sport, traditional accommodation, geisha, visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, environment, cinema.

Lonely Planet – Discover Japan

Authors: Chris Rowthorn, Ray Bartlett, Andrew Bender, Laura Crawford, Craig McLachlan, Rebecca Milner, Simon Richmond, Benedict Walker, Wendy Yanagihara

Discover Japan is our collection of the country’s top sights and most authentic experiences. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t need accommodation listings, it’s packed with expert knowledge, local secrets and carefully crafted itineraries, as well as the most relevant and up-to-date advice, to help you create an unforgettable trip. Uncover the delights of Japanese cuisine, bask in the awesome gaze of the country’s best temples and lower yourself into the tub in a classic Japanese onsen; all with your trusted travel companion. Discover the best of Japan and begin your journey now!

Highlights:

• Full-colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Honest reviews for all budgets – eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience – including history, art, architecture, onsen, ryokan

 
Footnotes
^[1] Bureau of Tourism, Department of Economic Affairs, Japan. October 14, 2014. Status of Hokkaido Tourism. Available at: http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/kz/kkd/eigohokkaidokankougenkyou.pdf

^[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Dmon_period

 
Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkaido#Naming_of_Hokkaido
2. http://wikitravel.org/en/Hokkaido
3. https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/10-Best-Places-to-Visit-When-Travelling-in-Hokkaido-Japan
4. http://nihonscope.com/japan-geography/hokkaido-japan-culture-history-sightseeing/
5. http: //nihonscope.com/history-in-japan/the-ainu-people-of-japan-revealed-who-are-they /
6. http://www.sogouniversal.com/web/meisho/hokkaido/hokkaido.html
7. https://www.city-cost.com/city/hokkaido
8. http://www.holiday-weather.com/hokkaido/averages/
9. http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/abouthokkaido/history/
10. https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/10-Best-Places-to-Visit-When-Travelling-in-Hokkaido-Japan
11. https://shewalkstheworld.com/2015/10/08/mynns-top-10-food-to-eat-in-hokkaido/
12. http://www.powderhounds.com/Japan/Hokkaido/Niseko/Getting-There.aspx
13. http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/japan/discover-japan-travel-guide-3/
14. http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/kz/kkd/eigohokkaidokankougenkyou.pdf
15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Dmon_period

 
For more interesting information:

• Wonderful Japan – Shikoku
• Wonderful Japan – Honshu
• Wonderful Japan – Kyoto and Nara
• Wonderful Japan – Kansai
• Wonderful Japan – Kyushu
• Wonderful Korea – Gyeongsang
• Wonderful Korea – Seoul
• Wonderful Bhutan
• Wonderful Nepal
• Wonderful Vietnam
• Wonderful Laos
• Wonderful Myanmar
• Wonderful Sri Lanka

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