Important to know about Hokkaido

Important to know about Hokkaido – Hokkaido is the second-largest and northernmost prefecture of Japan. It is an island located in the northern part of Japan and is known for its unique culture, beautiful natural scenery, and rich history. Here are some important things to know about Hokkaido:

  1. History: Hokkaido has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, and was originally inhabited by the Ainu people. It was officially annexed by Japan in 1869, and has since become a popular destination for tourists.
  2. Climate: Hokkaido has a humid continental climate, which means that it has hot summers and cold winters. The island is known for its heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
  3. Food: Hokkaido is famous for its delicious seafood, including salmon, crab, and sea urchin. Other popular dishes include ramen noodles, dairy products such as cheese and ice cream, and locally brewed beer.
  4. Natural beauty: Hokkaido is known for its stunning natural scenery, including national parks, hot springs, and mountains. Some of the most popular attractions include the Shiretoko Peninsula, the Daisetsuzan National Park, and the Akan National Park.
  5. Culture: Hokkaido has a unique culture that is influenced by both Japanese and Ainu traditions. The Ainu people have their own language, culture, and traditions, and there are several museums and cultural centers dedicated to preserving their history and way of life.

Overall, Hokkaido is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

 

History timeline of Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second-largest island in Japan and is located in the northernmost part of the country. Here is a brief history timeline of Hokkaido:

  • 14,000 BCE: The Jomon period began, and the earliest human settlements in Hokkaido are believed to date back to this period.
  • 6th-9th centuries: The Ainu people, who are indigenous to Hokkaido, began to develop their unique culture and language.
  • 1600s: The Matsumae clan, a powerful feudal lord, established control over Hokkaido and used it as a base for trade with the Ainu people.
  • 1868: The Meiji Restoration marked the end of feudalism in Japan, and Hokkaido was incorporated into the newly formed Japanese state.
  • 1869: The government began a program of large-scale migration to Hokkaido, primarily from the main island of Honshu, in order to develop the region.
  • 1882: Hokkaido was formally established as a prefecture of Japan.
  • 1899: The Hokkaido Railway Company was founded, which played a crucial role in the development of the island’s infrastructure and economy.
  • 1945: Hokkaido was occupied by the Allied Powers following Japan’s defeat in World War II.
  • 1947: The Japanese government passed the Ainu Culture Law, recognizing the Ainu people as an indigenous group with a unique culture and language.
  • 1972: The Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration was signed, which resolved a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands and ended Japan’s post-war occupation of Hokkaido.
  • 2018: Hokkaido was hit by a powerful earthquake, causing widespread damage and disruption to the island’s infrastructure and economy.

Today, Hokkaido is a thriving region of Japan known for its natural beauty, unique cuisine, and thriving tourism industry.

What comes under Hokkaido region

The Hokkaido area is made up of the Hokkaido prefecture, which is Japan’s most northern prefecture and encompasses the whole island of Hokkaido. There are 14 different subprefectures that make up the Hokkaido prefecture. They are as follows:

  1. Sapporo
  2. Hakodate
  3. Otaru
  4. Ishikari
  5. Nemuro
  6. Rumoi
  7. Abashiri
  8. Hidaka
  9. Kamikawa
  10. Kushiro
  11. Shiribeshi
  12. Soya
  13. Tokachi
  14. Iburi

Food Cuisine of Hokkaido

Hokkaido is famous for its unique and delicious cuisine, which includes both Japanese and international influences. Here are some popular dishes and food specialties of Hokkaido:

  1. Seafood: Hokkaido is surrounded by the sea, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a staple of the local cuisine. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include grilled scallops, salmon roe, and hairy crab.
  2. Ramen: Hokkaido-style ramen is famous for its rich, creamy broth made with pork bone and miso. It’s often served with thick noodles and toppings such as sliced pork and butter.
  3. Soup Curry: This is a local specialty that features a spicy curry soup served with vegetables and meat. It’s a popular dish in Sapporo and other parts of Hokkaido.
  4. Jingisukan: This is a grilled lamb dish that’s named after Genghis Khan, the famous Mongol leader. Thinly sliced lamb is grilled on a hot plate with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce.
  5. Dairy products: Hokkaido is known for its high-quality dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter. Some popular dairy-based dishes include cream stew, milk soup, and cheesecake.
  6. Sweets: Hokkaido is also famous for its sweets and desserts, including soft-serve ice cream, strawberry shortcake, and melon bread. Hokkaido’s fresh and high-quality ingredients are often used in making these sweet treats.

What is the Best time to visit

The best time to visit Hokkaido depends on what you want to do and see. Hokkaido has distinct seasons, each with its own attractions and activities. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit for different interests:

  1. Winter (December – February): Winter is the best time to visit if you’re interested in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Hokkaido is known for its excellent powder snow, and ski resorts like Niseko and Furano attract skiers from all over the world.
  2. Spring (March – May): Spring is a great time to visit if you’re interested in seeing cherry blossoms and other flowers. The cherry blossoms usually bloom in late April, and parks like Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park in Sapporo are popular spots for viewing.
  3. Summer (June – August): Summer is the best time to visit if you want to explore Hokkaido’s nature and outdoor activities. The weather is mild, and you can enjoy hiking, biking, and water sports. The famous lavender fields in Furano are also in full bloom during this time.
  4. Autumn (September – November): Autumn is a great time to visit if you want to see the fall foliage. The leaves usually start to change color in late September, and popular spots for viewing include Daisetsuzan National Park and Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Overall, Hokkaido is a great destination to visit year-round, and each season has its own unique charm.

Frequently asked questions about Hokkaido ?

What is Hokkaido known for?
Hokkaido is known for its beautiful natural scenery, winter sports, seafood, dairy products, and unique cuisine. It's also famous for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which features massive ice sculptures.
What is the best way to reach to Hokkaido?
The easiest way to get to Hokkaido is by plane. There are several airports in Hokkaido, including New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, which is the largest airport on the island. You can also take a ferry from cities like Aomori or Hakodate on the main island of Honshu.
How is the weather in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and the island gets a lot of snowfall, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
What are the must-see attractions in Hokkaido?
Some popular attractions in Hokkaido include the Sapporo Snow Festival, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Furano's lavender fields, and the hot springs in Noboribetsu.
What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?
The best time to visit Hokkaido depends on what you want to do and see. Winter is great for winter sports, spring for cherry blossoms, summer for outdoor activities, and autumn for fall foliage. However, Hokkaido is a great destination to visit year-round.