Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost prefecture, an island surrounded by three oceans: the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Sea of Okhotsk. There are spacious farmlands, and agriculture and dairy farming are thriving. Blessed with magnificent and beautiful nature, many tourists visit Hokkaido in the summer and skiers in the winter to enjoy its charms.
Characteristics
Charm of the Northern Land
Specialty
Hokkaido, a treasure trove of food
Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood and marine products! Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk, there is a wide variety of fish that can be landed. You can buy the freshest seafood and eat it on the spot. Dairy farming is thriving here, with factories and workshops producing milk, butter, and cheese, where visitors can sample and try their hand at making their own. The rich dairy products are very popular as souvenirs or for ordering.
History
Hokkaido: The History of Pioneering Hokkaido
In 1869, the Meiji government established the Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Office) and named the Ezo region "Hokkaido. From this point, the development of Hokkaido begins with the aim of developing resources for the modernization of Japan. Hokkaido's industries develop as roads, ports, and railroads are built, mines are developed, and government-owned factories are established. Sapporo Agricultural College opened during this period, where Inazo Nitobe and Kanzo Uchimura, among others, studied.
Traditional
Culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, there are facilities for sightseeing related to the Ainu people. One of the best examples is Upopoi (symbolic space for coexistence of ethnic groups) in Shiraoi. At the Ainu National Museum, visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Ainu people, experience traditional dances and folk instruments, and enjoy the culture nurtured by the Ainu people.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't have a car, is it inconvenient without one?
Buses and JR trains are sometimes used, but many people use cars. In areas far from urban areas such as Sapporo, JR trains sometimes run only once every few hours. Having a car will definitely give you a wider range of activities. On the other hand, if you decide not to have a car and decide where to live based on that assumption, there are places where you will have no trouble living. In urban areas, it is not inconvenient to live without a car, but in areas away from urban areas, it is inconvenient to live without a car.
I've never shoveled snow before, is that ok?
Don't worry, it's not difficult! You can find a variety of useful snow shoveling tools at Home Depot. You can also ask your neighbors or look it up on the Internet to learn how to shovel snow and get by. Some people call it "snow shoveling exercise" and enjoy it positively. However, if it is dangerous, such as removing snow from a roof, many people ask a contractor to do it for them. You may also need to consider buying a snowblower or not living in a single-family house in the first place. Also, depending on the area and where you live, you may be able to live in Hokkaido without having to shovel snow even once.
