Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture of Japan and consists of the island of Hokkaido and surrounding areas. The capital and largest city is Sapporo. The prefecture covers about 83,000 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 5.3 million, resulting in a relatively low population density compared with other parts of Japan.

Geography and climate: Located north of Honshu and separated by the Tsugaru Strait, the region features a broad southern plain and a rugged interior with mountain ranges, including the Daisetsuzan. The climate is cold, with long winters and heavy snowfall in many areas, which supports winter tourism and related industries.

History and people: The area has long been inhabited by the Ainu people. It was gradually integrated into Japan during the Meiji period through settlement programs and development efforts, and became a separate prefecture in the late 19th century.

Economy and land use: Hokkaido has a diversified economy anchored in agriculture, dairy farming, fisheries, and forestry. Key products include potatoes, wheat, corn, dairy products, and seafood. Tourism is an important sector, centered on winter sports, hot springs, national parks, and regional cuisine.

Transportation and notable features: The prefecture is served by New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. Rail transit includes the Hokkaido Shinkansen, which connects Honshu to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, with plans to extend toward Sapporo. Notable attractions include Shiretoko National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Daisetsuzan National Park, the Sapporo Snow Festival, and Niseko’s ski resorts.