Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the biggest prefecture in Japan and the second-largest island after Honshu. It is the most northern prefecture and also the least developed – the shinkansen was only extended to Hakodate recently in 2016. 

In many ways Hokkaido can feel like a different world. The winters can be brutally cold, and the summers are more mild than  the rest of Japan. It has the biggest concentration of dairy farms and potato farms in the country which has led the local cuisine to include many dairy and potato products. It is also the only place where you can find communities of the local indigenous people, the Ainu. The wide open plains with  towering mountains, plus the cooler climate, are very reminiscent of Canada. However you cannot deny that this is Japan. From world-famous skiing, to numerous onsen, to delicious seafood and ramen, Hokkaido has many exciting opportunities to offer for adventure-seekers and foodies alike.