| Hokkaido is one of Japan's 4 main islands and | | | | |
| is located northern most part of Japan and | | | | If you are into adventure tourism, then the |
| when translated, Hokkaido literally means | | | | Shikotsu Toya National Park must be included |
| "Road of the North Sea". The island is a very | | | | in your holiday vacation itinerary. You will |
| popular destination for tourists on vacation | | | | find many magnificent volcanoes and |
| holiday in Japan because of its natural | | | | breathtaking scenic lakes in this national |
| beauty, especially during winter. | | | | park and if you are tired after your |
| | | | sightseeing trips, go pamper yourself with |
| The island of Hokkaido is actually a huge | | | | natural spa treatments at the many hot |
| land mass and is about twenty three percent | | | | springs such as in Noboribetsu, Jouzankei and |
| of Japan's entire land mass. Even if you | | | | Sohunkyo. |
| visit Hokkaido in summer, the weather can be | | | | |
| very pleasant because of its low humidity. | | | | If you are in Hokkaido during winter, then |
| | | | you must make a beeline to Sapporo, which is |
| Before the mainstream Japanese considered the | | | | Hokkaido's vibrant capital city which is |
| island as suitable for human habitation after | | | | famous for its pulsating nightlife and the |
| the Meiji Restoration, the island was home | | | | extraordinary Snow Festival every February. |
| only to a few exile samurais and the native | | | | Sapporo, with a population of about 1.8 |
| Ainu people who are the aboriginal tribesmen. | | | | million people is a city of fine restaurants |
| The Ainu people are the last of Japan's | | | | and luxurious hotels. If you enjoy winter |
| indigenous people most of whom are still | | | | skiing, you may like to check into some |
| dwelling in Hokkaido. | | | | winter ski resorts. |
| | | | |
| In the past, the island's inhabitants are | | | | This outback island is sometimes referred to |
| very concerned about their survival and | | | | as Japan's 'Wild West' and still retains a |
| thought that the island is spooked with the | | | | distinct pioneer feel. This is the reason why |
| restless spirits of Ainu gods who often belch | | | | the island is really the land of the |
| fire from the mountains (volcanic eruptions) | | | | backpackers. |
| and trampled the earth in anger | | | | |
| (earthquakes). | | | | Adventure tourists can enjoy exploring the |
| | | | vast wilderness, go winter skiing, even be a |
| There are many natural tourist attractions | | | | trout fisherman or go trekking in countless |
| since the island is well endowed by the | | | | trails along rugged coastline, through |
| beauty of nature. For instance, you can | | | | wildflower fields or up the summits of |
| travel to Mount Daisetsu National Park, which | | | | snowcapped mountains. |
| is sometimes called The Roof of Hokkaido and | | | | |
| gaze in amazement the snow peaked mountain | | | | So if you are going to Japan for your holiday |
| ranges or visit the Kushiro marshland which | | | | vacation, do make sure you do not miss the |
| is home to many adorable marsh dwelling | | | | beauty of Japan's Wild Wild West, the island |
| animals including the sacred crane. | | | | of Hokkaido. |