About Hokkaido
Hokkaido is one of Japan's
4 main islands and is located at the far flung northern most part of Japan.
That is why when translated from Japanese, Hokkaido
means "road of the north sea".
The island is a large land mass and occupies about twenty three percent of Japan's
entire land mass. Because of its low humidity, summers in Hokkaido
can be very pleasant. Hokkaido
is very well known not only in Japan,
but around the world for its natural beauty.
It was barely a century since the Meiji Restoration when mainstream Japanese
first considered Hokkaido
habitable by human beings. Before that time, the island was
home only to a few outcast samurai warriors and Ainu people who are the
aboriginal tribesmen. The Ainu people are the last of Japan's
indigenous people who are still living in Hokkaido.
In the past, the inhabitants of Hokkaido
are very concerned about their survival and thinks that the island is riffed
with the restless spirits of Ainu gods who often belch volcanic fire (volcanic
eruptions) and rumble the earth in anger (earthquakes).
Tourist attractions in Hokkaido
There are many natural tourist attractions in Hokkaido
since the island is well endowed by the beauty of nature. For instance, you
can travel to Mt.Daisetsu
National Park, which is sometimes called The Roof of Hokkaido and
revere the snow peaked mountain ranges or visit the Kushiro
marsh which is the home to many beautiful marsh dwelling animals including the
sacred crane.
If you are the more adventurous type of tourist, then the Shikotsu
Toya
National Park must be
included in your sight seeing itinerary. You will find many magnificent
volcanoes and breathtaking scenic lakes this national park.
If you are tired after your sightseeing trips, go pamper
yourself natural spa treatments at the many hot
springs such as in
Noboribetsu, Jouzankei and Sohunkyo.
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If you are in Hokkaido
during winter season then you must visit Sapporo,
Hokkaido's vibrant capital city which is
famous or infamous for its electic nightlife partying and the extraordinary
Snow Festival every February. Sapporo
has population of about 1.8 million people is a city of fine restaurants and
luxuriant hotels. If you enjoy winter skiing, then Hokkaido have a couple of
winter ski resorts for your skiing pleasure.
Hokkaido is sometimes still referred to as Japan's
'Wild West' and still retains a distinct pioneer feel. This is the reason why,
the island is really the land of the backpacker. Adventure tourists can enjoy
exploring the vast wilderness, go winter skiing, even be a trout fisherman or
go trekking in countless trails along rugged coastline, through wildflower
fields or up the summits of snowcapped mountains.
Vacation Holiday in Hokkaido?
Any takers?