Search results
Hokkaidō has the third-largest population of Japan's five main islands, with 5,111,691 people as of 2023. It has the lowest population-density in Japan with just 61 inhabitants per square kilometre (160/sq mi) (2023). Hokkaidō ranks 21st in population among the world's islands.
- Ainu People
The history of the island of Hokkaidō and of the Ainu people...
- Talk
Japan portal; This article is within the scope of...
- Hokkaido (Dog)
The Hokkaido (北海道犬, Hokkaidō-inu or Hokkaidō-ken) is a breed...
- View History
We would like to show you a description here but the site...
- Circuit
A circuit (Chinese: 道; pinyin: dào or Chinese: 路; pinyin:...
- Geography
The island of Hokkaidō is located in the north of Japan,...
- Ainu People
Hokkaidō (北海道, Hokkaidō), also known as Ezo and Yezo, is a volcanic island in Japan. It is the northernmost of Japan 's four main islands. [1] Hokkaidō Prefecture covers the entire island. [2] About 5,224,614 people live on the island. [3] It is north of Honshu. It is the second largest Japanese island. [4]
- Understand
- Regions
- Cities
- Other Destinations
- Talk
- Get in
- Get Around
- See
- Do
- Eat
Home to Japan's native Ainu people, Hokkaido continues to represent the untamed wilderness with many great national parks. Hokkaido is by far Japan's largest prefecture, consisting of Japan's entire northern island and its surrounding islets. For many visitors the scenery resembles a mix of northern Europe and the American West, with rolling fields...
Alone among the main Japanese islands, Hokkaido is not divided into multiple prefectures. Instead, there are 14 subprefectures (支庁 shichō, or officially 振興局 shinkōkyokufrom 2008), which are generally grouped into four regions:
43.066667141.351 Sapporo– the capital and by far the largest city in Hokkaido44.016667144.2666672 Abashiri– northern fishing port, home to Japan's most infamous prison43.766667142.3666673 Asahikawa– the coldest city in Japan (literally)43.35142.3833334 Furano– with lavender in the summer and some of the world's best powder in winter43.583333142.4666671 Biei– the land of beautiful patchwork hills42.8140.6833332 Niseko– trendy ski destination42.416667141.13 Noboribetsu– Hokkaido's largest hot spring resort42.983333142.44 Shimukappu– villageMost people speak Standard Japanese. There is little regional dialect variation as most people are fairly recent immigrants from all over Japan. However, most of the early immigrants to Hokkaido, whose descendants are found primarily in the fishing villages along the coast, speak Tohoku dialects, which are difficult for people who know only Standar...
The Seikan Tunnel, the world's second longest rail tunnel, is the only land link that Hokkaido has to Japan's main island of Honshu. Trains through the tunnel, ferries, and airliners are the only means of reaching Hokkaido. The only way to enter Hokkaido by car is to ship it across on one of the many car ferries.
Hokkaido is vast, so allow plenty of time to get around and don't try to do too much if your time is limited. Many Japanese maps show Hokkaido with a larger scale than the rest of the country, which may make distances appear deceptively small.
Castles
Hokkaido did not become a part of Japan until late in the nation's history, so in spit of its size, it never had the number of castles that other prefectures had. Matsumae Castle in Matsumae is Hokkaido's only Japanese-style castle with a donjon. Other castle sites are more akin to forts, such as Hakodate's Goryokaku. The Ainu people had their own forts, as well, known as Chashi. None of the structures of any chashi remain, but Nemurohas the highest concentration of chashi ruins.
Gardens
Hokkaido is known for its gardens and even has a group of 7 gardens known as the Garden Kaido (Garden Path) stretching 200km. The gardens from north to south are Ueno Farm (Asahikawa), Windy Garden (Furano), Tokachi Millenium Forest (Shimizu), Manabe Garden (Obihiro), Tokachi Hills (Makubetsu), Shichiku Garden (Obihiro), and Rokka no Mori (Nakasatunai). There is a ¥2000 one day combination ticket to visit all the gardens.
Nature
For many visitors Hokkaido's numerous National Parks are number one on the agenda, offering near-unlimited hikingopportunities.
Hiking
Hokkaido has countless hiking opportunities, ranging from challenging multi-day treks across Daisetsuzan National Park to casual strolls in Shiretoko National Park.
Skiing
Hokkaido has some of the best powder in the world and skiing has really taken off, with resorts like Niseko and Furanodrawing visitors from far and wide.
Hot springs
Hokkaido is volcanically active and has countless hot springs, with Noboribetsuparticularly famous.
Much of Hokkaido's population lives by the sea, and consequently seafood figures heavily in Hokkaido fare. Check out the hairy crabs (毛蟹 kegani), king crabs (タラバ taraba) and the delicious sushi. Akkeshi's oysters, Saroma's scallops, and the northwest coast's sea urchin (うに uni) are considered to be among Japan's very best seafood. More unexpectedly...
Apr 5, 2024 · Important Japanese historical sites. Hokkaido province comprises about one-fifth of Japan’s total land area. It is characterized by a cool climate and geologically recent mountains and volcanoes along a central north-south spine. Sapporo is the province’s industrial, commercial, and tourist centre.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
People also ask
Where is Hokkaido located?
Is Hokkaido a volcanic island?
What is Hokkaido famous for?
When did Hokkaido get its name?
Oct 3, 2023 · Rebecca Milner. Oct 3, 2023 • 8 min read. Plan your perfect trip to Hokkaidō with this guide for first-time visitors © Jeremy Woodhouse / Getty Images. Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō, is best known globally as a ski and snowboard destination – thanks to its legendary powder snow.
Hokkaido ( Japanese: 北海道, Hepburn: Hokkaidō, pronounced [ hokkaꜜidoː] ⓘ, lit. 'Northern Sea Circuit ') is the second-largest island of Japan and comprises the largest and northernmost prefecture, making up its own region. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaidō from Honshu; the two islands are connected by the undersea railway Seikan Tunnel.
