Konnichiwa! Let’s journey to the great north, to Japan’s final frontier: the vast and wild island of Hokkaido. A world away from the bustling cities of the mainland, Hokkaido is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and food enthusiasts. It’s a land of epic winters, sprawling national parks, stunning summer flower fields, and some of the freshest, most delicious food in all of Japan. Its capital, Sapporo, is famous for its incredible snow festival and its hearty ramen, a perfect symbol of the island’s unique character defined by its 大自然 (だいしぜん, daishizen), or great nature.

This guide will introduce you to Hokkaido’s pioneering history, its culture deeply connected to the seasons, its breathtaking sights, and its world-class cuisine, all while helping you practice essential Japanese. Let’s explore Japan’s magnificent northern island!

 
 

A Glimpse into Hokkaido’s History

Hokkaido’s history is markedly different from the rest of Japan. For centuries, it was known as Ezo, a vast, untamed land inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people, who have their own unique language and culture centered on a deep respect for nature. It wasn’t until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century that the Japanese government began a full-scale settlement and development of the island, renaming it Hokkaido. This “pioneer” era shaped the island’s character, leading to the development of grid-patterned cities like Sapporo and the establishment of industries like farming and fishing, which remain the backbone of its economy. This recent history gives Hokkaido a distinct “frontier” feel, with a culture and landscape that stand apart from the ancient traditions of mainland Japan.

 
 

Hokkaido’s Culture

The culture of Hokkaido is intrinsically linked to its powerful seasons and wide-open spaces. Life here is lived in harmony with the natural world, from embracing the meters of powder snow in winter for skiing and snowboarding to celebrating the explosion of color in the summer flower fields. There’s an open, hearty, and resilient spirit among the people, born from the challenges of settling a harsh but beautiful land. This is very different from the more formal, densely populated culture of Honshu.

In recent years, there has been a significant and welcome revival of interest in the indigenous Ainu culture. The opening of facilities like the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park has provided a vital platform for the Ainu people to share their traditions, language, and worldview, enriching the cultural tapestry of Hokkaido and Japan as a whole.

Hokkaido’s culture is perhaps best experienced through its spectacular festivals, which celebrate the seasons with gusto. The most famous is the さっぽろ雪まつり (さっぽろゆきまつり, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri), the Sapporo Snow Festival, where massive, intricate sculptures made of snow and ice transform the city into a winter wonderland. It is a breathtaking display of artistry and community spirit that attracts millions of visitors, perfectly embodying Hokkaido’s celebration of its formidable winter.

 
 

Must-See Sights in Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s sheer size means its attractions are spread out, but here are some unmissable highlights:

  • Sapporo (札幌): The island’s vibrant capital. Explore Odori Park, the site of the Snow Festival, visit the historic Sapporo Beer Museum, and get lost in the lively entertainment district of Susukino.
  • Hakodate (函館): A charming port city in the south. Famous for the spectacular “million-dollar” night view from Mount Hakodate and the unique star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.
  • Furano and Biei (富良野・美瑛): In summer, this area is a breathtaking patchwork of rolling hills and colorful flower fields, most famously the vibrant purple lavender fields of Farm Tomita.
  • Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園): A remote and pristine UNESCO World Heritage site. This is one of the best places in Japan to see wildlife, including brown bears, deer, foxes, and various sea life.
  • Noboribetsu (登別): Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort. Its main attraction is the otherworldly Jigokudani or “Hell Valley,” a steaming, volcanic crater you can walk through.
 

Unique Experiences & Things to Do

Embrace the wild spirit of Hokkaido with these incredible activities:

  • Ski or Snowboard World-Class Powder Snow: Head to Niseko, Rusutsu, or Furano to experience the legendary light and dry “Japow” (Japan powder) that makes Hokkaido a global winter sports destination.
  • Visit a Drift Ice Festival: In winter, the sea off the coast of Abashiri freezes over. You can take an icebreaker cruise to get up close to the incredible drift ice (流氷, りゅうひょう, ryūhyō).
  • See the Blue Pond in Biei: Visit the mystical “Aoiike” or Blue Pond, whose waters are an unreal, vibrant blue color due to natural minerals. It’s a photographer’s dream destination.
  • Learn about Ainu Culture at Upopoy: Visit the National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi for an immersive look into the traditions, crafts, and performing arts of Japan’s indigenous people.
 
 

Hokkaido’s Food Scene

Thanks to its fertile lands and cold, rich seas, Hokkaido is often called the breadbasket (and seafood chest) of Japan:

  • Kaisendon (海鮮丼): The ultimate seafood rice bowl. A bowl of fresh rice topped with a generous assortment of Hokkaido’s incredible seafood, such as sea urchin (ウニ, uni), crab (カニ, kani), scallops (ホタテ, hotate), and salmon roe (イクラ, ikura).
  • Sapporo Miso Ramen (札幌味噌ラーメン): Hokkaido’s signature ramen. It features a rich, savory miso-based broth, often topped with sweet corn, a pat of butter, and stir-fried vegetables for a hearty, warming meal.
  • Soup Curry (スープカレー): A unique Sapporo invention. It’s a light, spicy, curry-flavored soup packed with large, often bone-in, pieces of chicken or pork and colorful, chunky vegetables.
  • Genghis Khan (ジンギスカン): Named after the Mongol leader, this is a popular dish of grilled mutton and lamb with vegetables, cooked on a special domed skillet at your table.
  • Dairy Products (乳製品): Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality milk. Be sure to try the rich soft-serve ice cream (ソフトクリーム, sofutokuriimu), cheese, and butter.

— Useful Phrase in Hokkaido —
これはうまい！
これはうまい！
Kore wa umai!
This is delicious!

これ (kore) = This
は (wa) = topic marker
うまい (umai) = delicious (a casual and common expression of satisfaction, especially for hearty food)

— Language Corner Hokkaido —
大自然 (だいしぜん, daishizen) – Great nature
雪 (ゆき, yuki) – Snow
熊 (くま, kuma) – Bear
海鮮 (かいせん, kaisen) – Seafood

 

Japanese for Your Hokkaido Adventures

— At a Seafood Market (市場にて) —
いくら (ikura) – Salmon roe
うに (uni) – Sea urchin
かに (kani) – Crab

Useful phrase
おすすめの海鮮丼はどれですか。
おすすめのかいせんどんはどれですか。
Osusume no kaisendon wa dore desu ka?
Which seafood bowl do you recommend?

— Ordering Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメンを注文) —
バター (batā) – Butter
コーン (kōn) – Corn
トッピング (toppingu) – Topping

Useful phrase
バターとコーントッピングをお願いします。
ばたーとこーんとっぴんぐをおねがいします。
Batā to kōn toppingu o onegai shimasu.
Butter and corn toppings, please.

— In Nature (自然の中) —
国立公園 (こくりつこうえん, kokuritsu kōen) – National Park
温泉 (おんせん, onsen) – Hot spring
熊に注意 (くまにちゅうい, kuma ni chūi) – Beware of bears

Useful phrase
一番きれいな景色はどこですか。
いちばんきれいなけしきはどこですか。
Ichiban kirei na keshiki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the most beautiful scenery?

 

Read More: