The world's 21st largest island, Hokkaido, has long been a popular getaway for Japanese to ski and snowboard in winter. Sapporo, Hokkado's largest city and home to its only major airport, stands in the island's southwest corner. Hakodate is the final stop on the four hour Hokkaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo, while Niigata and Sendai are two major Hokkaido ferry terminals. There are bus services from Sapporo to other parts of the island, but some of the more remote regions can only be reached by automobile.
Don’t MissDaisetsuzan National Park is Japan’s largest national parks and is also a popular skiing spot during winter. Wetsuits are required for one of Shiretoko National Park's more unusual winter activities, ice walking tours to see the drift ice floating down from Russia. Once the Hokkaido weather warms up, the cherry blossoms on the trees in Hakodate's star shaped Fort Goryokaku come into full bloom. The lavender fields at Furano's Farm Tomita are at their most beautiful in July. The 1878 Sapporo Clock Tower, lengthy Odori Park and the 90 metre Sapporo TV Tower are Sapporo's famous landmarks.
Restaurants and BarsHanasaki, snow, king and horsehair are the four types of crabs found in Hokkaido's waters. Salmon and sea urchin are two more Hokkaido seafood commonly served at restaurants. The island is famous for soft serve ice cream and other high quality dairy products. Susukino is both Sapporo's leading nightlife district and home to the Ramen Yokocho Street on which many ramen noodle shops stay open until 03.00.
ShoppingSapporo is undoubtedly Hokkaido's main shopping centre. Esta and Daimaru are the two department stores located not far from the Sapporo JR Station, while the Ario is among Sapporo's most family friendly shopping centres. Hokkaido Cookies and Shiroi Koibito biscuit sandwiches filled with chocolate are popular Hokkaido souvenirs. Shopping bargains can be found at the Mitsui Outlet Park and Rera Chitose outlet malls.
Where to stayThere are plenty of upscale hot springs resorts like the four star Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel in the middle of the island. The Sapporo Grand Hotel is a better choice for visitors wishing to stay in the heart of the city. Cheaper hotels like the Tmark City Hotel in Sapporo are more affordable for budget travellers.
