- General Information
- Hokkaido is Japan's largest prefecture with 5.3 million inhabitants
- Formerly known as Ezo, renamed in 1869 after Meiji Restoration
- Home to Japan's native Ainu people and numerous national parks
- Climate and Seasonality
- Coldest part of Japan with no monsoon season
- Popular domestic tourism between May and August
- Winter sports are main economic focus, especially skiing
- Transportation
- Only land link to Honshu is Seikan Tunnel
- Sapporo serves as main international gateway
- Limited train network, car rental recommended for national parks
- Tourism and Activities
- Features numerous national parks, including Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko
- Known for hot springs, skiing, and seafood
- Popular for camping, especially in winter months
- Practical Information
- Most people speak Standard Japanese
- Ainu language critically endangered, only 15 elderly speakers
- Winter driving requires special precautions due to snow conditions