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