Yokoso! Japan

(Romantic northern lands colored by a magnificent natural grandeur)

Japan’s northern island Hokkaido, is a new region fully opened up only 140 years ago. Located in the cool-temperature zone, its climate is harsh, with sub-zero temperature in winter. But such a severe environment has left many undeveloped natural areas, allowing the traveler to experience a liberating feelign of open space unique to Hokkaido. Fertile soil surrounded by seas produces various foodstuffs, giving Hokkaido th nickname of “Treasure Houe of Food”. Main cities include traffic-laden Sapporo, the center of politics, economy and culture, Otaru and Hakodate, the port towns that erved as base centers for pioneers, Tokachi, Japan’s greatest diary land and breadbasket, and Furano, which is famous for its beautiful scenery, such as its close proximity to the magnificent Taisetsuzan mountainslocated near the center of Hokkaido. In the eastern and northern Hokkaido regions are Kushiro, which is renowned for wetlands and surrounding lakes and Abashiri, noted for its views of the Sea of Okhotsk.

• Sapporo
  This is Hokkaido 's central city, home to about 1,800,000 people. The city spreads north and south from its center, Odori Park , where the TV tower is located. Highlights include the "Susukino" entertainment district, which contains about 4,000 eating and drinking establishments, and symbols of the pioneer days such as the clock tower, and the old Hokkaido government office.
  
• Otaru/Hakodate
  Otaru is a port town that flourished as a mercantile city from the late 19 th to the early 20 th century. The largest ski slopes in the area, the Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort, is also located in central Hokkaido . Hakodate became Japan 's first trade port following the Treaty of Peace and Amity signed between America and Japan in 1854. Together with Naples and Hong Kong , this exotic town's nightscape is included as one of the three most beautiful nightscapes in the world.
  
• Taisetsu/Furano
  The magnificent sights of the Tokachi Mountain Range and Mt. Daisetsu , which are over 2,000 m in height, can be viewed up close from the farming, dairy and sightseeing center of Furano, which is located near the center of Hokkaido . This area is noted for lavender, which blooms prolifically form late June to late July. Sounkyo is a hot spring resort located at the foot of Mt. Taisetsu . The great canyon, surrounded by cliffs on both sides, is also a sight a worth seeing.
  
• Eastern and Northern Hokkaido
  Kushiro is active in the fishing industry and is the major urban center of eastern Hokkaido . The Kushiro Wetland is and extensive national park of 26,861ha and is inhabited by many species of animal including the protected Japanese crane. Beautiful lakes, such as Lake Kussharo , Lake Mashu and Lake Akan , are spread around the outskirts of Kushiro . Abashiri is a town facing the Sea of Okhotsk and is the only place in Japan where ice drifts can be observed. Nearby is Japan 's largest coastal grasslands, “Wakka Natural Flower Garden”. Shiretoko is known for the wild beauty of tis unspoilt natural environment.