Hokkaidō

Hokkaido is the northernmost and second-largest of Japan's main islands, and also a prefecture, known for its vast wilderness, cold snowy winters and fresh cuisine. Its capital is Sapporo. With wide-open landscapes unlike the rest of Japan, it is a paradise for skiing, nature and seafood.

Hokkaido is a large island of volcanic mountains, national parks, lakes and extensive farmland, with a cooler subarctic and humid continental climate. It receives heavy snowfall, making it Japan's premier winter-sports region. It is sparsely populated relative to its size.

Hokkaido has a distinct frontier character and is the homeland of the Indigenous Ainu people. It is famous for its dairy, seafood, ramen and beer, the Sapporo Snow Festival, and world-class powder skiing in resorts like Niseko.

Long home to the Ainu, Hokkaido was systematically settled and developed by Japan only from the late 19th century. Sapporo grew into a major city and hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.