UPDATE | May 01, 2022
Speaking of Hokkaido, the image of "snow" is probably the first thing to imagine. Of course, Hokkaido in winter is also full of charm, but you can fully enjoy it even if you visit in other seasons. Especially in summer, it is cool and easy to spend, so many people visit. This time, we will introduce recommended sightseeing cities and sightseeing spots as well as the geography and climate of Hokkaido.
INDEX
Hokkaido is located at the northernmost tip of Japan, just because it is called the "michi" of the "sea" of the "north".
The area is about 83,457 square kilometers, which is about 38 times that of Tokyo. It is the largest prefecture in Japan, accounting for about 22% of the total in Japan. On the contrary, the population density is the lowest, 66 people per square kilometer. (Tokyo has 5,996 people per square kilometer, which is about 91 times that of Hokkaido.)
In the central part of Hokkaido, there is a mountainous area called Daisetsuzan, which is about 15 km east-west and 10 km north-south. It is called "the roof of Hokkaido".
Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu, Lake Akan, and other caldera lakes that have become lakes due to the accumulation of water in the crater after the eruption of volcanoes long ago are famous.
About 70% of the area of Hokkaido is forest, and there are 36 areas subject to nature conservation such as national parks and prefectural natural parks.
The abundant nature is attractive, and many tourists from all over Japan and all over the world come to see the spectacular scenery created by nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping.
[PR]
Since almost the entire area of Hokkaido belongs to the subarctic climate, the temperature is low throughout the year, and the average temperature in Sapporo, the largest city, is about 8.9 degrees Celsius.
It is less affected by the rainy season and typhoons, and it is a snowy season for about half a year. In the coldest city, it can reach -30 degrees Celsius, so it seems to be difficult for people who are not accustomed to the cold. On the contrary, it is easy to spend in summer because it is dry and dry.
A wide variety of alpine plants suitable for the climate of Hokkaido bloom beautifully from June to August. The most famous are the lavender fields in Furano and the sunflower fields in Hokuryu-cho, which are in full bloom in July.
Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk, Hokkaido is attractive for enjoying fresh seafood no matter where you visit. There are many chain stores where you can easily eat high-class foods such as crabs and salmon roe, and you can enjoy gorgeous seafood bowls and sushi at reasonable prices. If you go to the market, you can enjoy original seafood bowls where you can choose your own ingredients and a hearty grilled fish set meal.
Also, when it comes to Hokkaido gourmet, you can't miss "ramen". Not only the standard miso ramen, but also evolutionary ramen such as miso butter ramen and miso butter corn ramen are recommended.
My favorite is "soup curry," which is said to have originated in Sapporo. It is a dish with plenty of meat and vegetables in a smooth soup-like curry. There is also a chain store in Kansai where I live, but the taste that you eat at home is the best.
Also, the only dish that can be enjoyed in Hokkaido is "Genghis Khan". It is a dish of lamb such as mutton and lamb baked on an iron plate, and has long been popular as a home-cooked dish in Hokkaido. There are also many Genghis Khan specialty stores, which are crowded with locals.
And what is indispensable for Hokkaido sweets is cow milk raised in the rich environment of Hokkaido's ranch. Freshly picked milk is delicious to drink as it is, and soft serve ice cream, yogurt, butter products and cheesecake are also excellent.
There are so many kinds of souvenirs, so it's understandable that many people just buy too much.
Finally, I would like to introduce some of the most popular sightseeing spots in Hokkaido.
First of all, the clock tower in "Sapporo", the largest city. It is a nationally designated important cultural property with a history of more than 130 years. The Sapporo Agricultural College was opened in 1876 (Meiji 9) for the purpose of training leaders in the development of Hokkaido, and the clock tower was built in 1878 (Meiji 11) at the suggestion of Dr. Clark.
Dr. Clark has been handed down to the people of Hokkaido as an expert who brought advanced scholarship and techniques to Hokkaido. You can also see the inside of the clock tower, and you can see the same type of clock exhibition and the history of the clock tower from various angles.
The Sapporo Beer Museum, also located in Sapporo, is also popular. It is the only beer museum in Japan, and the exterior and interior of the retro building are also worth seeing.
Also, don't miss the Maruyama Zoo, which has many animals such as polar bears and sika deer that can only be seen in Hokkaido.
You can get a panoramic view of Sapporo from Mt. Moiwa, which has been selected as one of Japan's three major night views. It's so beautiful that it can't be expressed in words, so be sure to visit with your loved ones.
Speaking of night views, "Hakodate" at the southern tip of Hokkaido is also popular. It is easy to access from the Tohoku region by Shinkansen, so it seems that many people come to Tohoku while visiting.
In recent years, Niseko has been rapidly increasing in popularity with overseas tourists. Traffic access is not very convenient, but every year skiers and snowboarders from all over the world gather in Niseko in search of powder snow. There are many lodging facilities with hot springs, so there are many long-term guests. Also, in the summer, you can enjoy sunflower fields and river rafting, so it is gaining popularity as a summer resort.
If you can drive a car, it is recommended to rent a car and go around Hokkaido from south to north. You may be able to stop at a national park, drive around the lake, or, if you're lucky, see a red fox while driving.
How was it? Did you want to go to Hokkaido? I hope everyone can feel the charm of Hokkaido.
If you use LCC etc., you can go from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka to Hokkaido at a low price. When you visit Japan, be sure to visit Hokkaido, which is full of the charm of nature.
A freelance Japanese teacher and local guide from Osaka. I fell in love with Kyoto in 2020 and moved to 2021. Currently, while teaching Japanese mainly in private lessons, he plans and manages writing, Chinese-Japanese translation proofreading, and online experiences.
[PR]
[PR]
