Hokkaido: Exploring the Beauty and Diversity of Japan’s Northern Island
London, UK – Wednesday 31 July, 2024 – Japan’s famous cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, are well-known tourist destinations. However, there is much more to this nation than its bustling urban centers. With its snow-capped mountains and forests of black pine, the Japanese countryside offers a rugged beauty that many visitors do not have the opportunity to fully appreciate. The Hokkaido Tourism Organisation is determined to change that.
Located in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is an island surrounded by the sea. With a population of only 5.2 million, it is roughly the same size as Austria, but with a completely different atmosphere. Hokkaido is renowned for its incredible seafood, including local delicacies such as snow crab and sea urchin. The local diet also features delicious ‘Genghis Khan’-style spiced mutton and dairy.
Due to its location further north, Hokkaido experiences a more varied climate with four distinct seasons and a rich natural environment. The island boasts magnificent mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, and vast protected wetlands. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring, lavender and sunflowers in the summer, rich red autumn leaves, and world-class powder snow in the winter. The Hokkaido Tourism Organisation has curated a list of must-visit destinations on the island.
Where to Go in Hokkaido
In the far north, the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to rare and wonderful wildlife. Visitors can observe brown bears frolicking in the surf, witness killer whales cresting from the waves, and see the iconic Japanese red crane thrive in this unique ecosystem while carefully respecting protected habitats.
Hokkaido’s cool climate is ideal for growing fruit, and the island produces and enjoys wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot with great enthusiasm.
Similar to other parts of Japan, Hokkaido is volcanically active, resulting in some famously restorative hot springs at spa towns like Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Jozankei, and Lake Akan. Visitors can soothe their aches and pains in a steaming bath of gushing natural spring water.
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have just begun, and Hokkaido has a special connection to the event. The capital city of Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972, establishing an affiliation with Munich (which hosted the summer games that same year) that has lasted for over half a century. Every year in November and December, a Munich Christmas Market is held in Sapporo’s picturesque Odori Park.
Snow and winter sports play a significant role in Hokkaido, and for a good reason – the island has some of the best powder snow in the world. As the frigid winter air blows across the narrow sea from Siberia, it dries in a particular way, creating ideal snowsports conditions. The central mountains are home to incredible ski resorts, and visitors can enjoy fresh-caught seafood while luxuriating in open-air hot springs for après ski. Every year in early February, Sapporo hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the largest snow festivals in the world, attracting around 2.5 million visitors.
Get Help with Hokkaido
The Hokkaido Tourism Organisation is passionate about Hokkaido and has opened five dedicated tourist desks across Europe. The organization will start distributing various content soon, so stay tuned! For any inquiries, please contact info@hokkaidojapan.uk and specify the office you would like to handle the request.
The friendly local representatives at each office will be happy to assist with any queries.
Hokkaido Rep Head Office UK: 85-87 Bayham St, London, NW1 0AG Hokkaido Rep Office France: 16 Rue Raymond Marcheron, 92170 VanvesHokkaido Rep Office Germany: Maximilianstraße 29, 80539 München Hokkaido Rep Office Spain: Calle Gran Via 51, Planta1-B 28013 MadridHokkaido Rep Office Italy: Via Daniele Manin, 69 00185 Roma
Hokkaido to Exhibit at IFTM 2024
Representatives from Hokkaido will be present at the International & French Travel Market in Paris this September. The Hokkaido Japan stand will be open from September 17th to 19th, and the organization looks forward to welcoming visitors. More details will be announced closer to the event, but mark your calendars and come say hi!
This article was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
