Discover Hokkaido: Japan's Northern Wonder

Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second largest island, known for its breathtaking scenery, pristine nature and unique culture. This region offers travelers an amazing combination of adventure and tranquility, modernity and tradition, gastronomic delights and historical treasures.

Hokkaido is famous for its natural attractions. There are several national parks here, each of which is unique in its own way. Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unforgettable wildlife and stunning landscapes. Its remote location adds a special charm, allowing visitors to enjoy nature in its original form.

In winter, Hokkaido turns into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Sapporo, the island's capital, is famous for its annual Snow Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists to see huge snow sculptures and enjoy winter activities. Ski resorts such as Niseko offer world-class powder snow runs that are considered some of the best in the world.

Gastronomy of Hokkaido is a separate chapter in the culture of the island. With abundant marine resources such as the freshest seafood, including crabs and sea urchins, the region's culinary traditions attract gourmets from all over the world. Local products such as dairy products and asparagus are also very popular and highly valued for their quality and freshness.

Hokkaido's cultural heritage is unique and diverse, reflecting both the history of the island itself and the history of its indigenous peoples, in particular the Ainu.

The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, as well as parts of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands islands. Their culture, traditions and language are very different from the rest of Japan. For centuries, the Ainu lived in harmony with nature, which is reflected in their religion, art and way of life. Hokkaido has many museums and cultural centers dedicated to Ainu history and culture, such as the National Ainu Museum in Shiraochi and the Ainu Cultural Park in Sapporo.

These institutions showcase traditional Ainu crafts, including the making of patterned clothing, sculptures made of wood and exquisite products made from tree bark. Here you can also experience Ainu music, including their traditional dancing and singing, which is often accompanied by playing the mukiri (a wooden clicking instrument) and the tonkori (a string instrument).

Hokkaido is also a hub for vibrant festivals and events that showcase the island's cultural richness. One of the most famous events is the Otaru Snow Lantern Festival, where the city's canals are lit up with thousands of glowing lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. This festival is held annually in February and attracts tourists who want to see one of the most beautiful winter spectacles in Japan.

In the summer, residents and visitors of the island can enjoy the Furano Lavender Festival. At this time of year, the hills of Furano are covered in a bright purple carpet of flowers and the scent of lavender fills the air. The festival is an excellent opportunity to have a picnic among the flowering fields and photograph the magnificent landscapes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hokkaido offers many opportunities. Canoeing and river rafting, mountain biking, hiking trails through national parks and mountain peaks are all available to explore in this diverse region. In the summer, you can hike through the Daisetsuzan tundra or explore the lakes and volcanoes of Akan National Park.

Don’t forget about the thermal resorts of Hokkaido. The island is famous for its onsen - hot springs that offer relaxation and wellness. Noboribetsu, one of the most popular thermal resorts, is famous for its “Hell Valleys,” where sulfur vapors rise from the ground, creating a truly otherworldly landscape. Here you can take a bath in natural hot springs, surrounded by picturesque forests and mountains.

Traveling around Hokkaido is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity and the warm hospitality of its people. This island not only delights the eye with its landscapes, but also allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Japan. Once you discover Hokkaido, you will find a place you will want to return to again and again.