Hokkaido Regional Tourism

Lavender fields in Furano, central Hokkaido. From mid-July to early August for approximately three weeks, approximately 150 hectares of lavender blooms in purple. Japan's largest lavender fields, internationally famous. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, becoming a symbol of Japanese summer. Known for fragrance and chromatic beauty.

A noodle dish beloved throughout Japan. Diverse soup bases from pork bone, chicken, miso and more, with regional ramen varieties unique to each area. Local ramen varieties have become specialties in Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kyoto and elsewhere. Many popular ramen shops draw continuous lines. Recognized worldwide as representative Japanese food culture.

Japan's northernmost island renowned for vast natural landscapes, snowy scenery, abundant seafood, and agricultural products. Home to multiple tourist cities including Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Hakodate, attracting approximately 50 million visitors annually. Rich in year-round tourism resources from winter skiing to summer nature tourism, autumn foliage, and spring flower viewing. Major international destination particularly for Asian tourists.

A tourism region encompassing entire Hokkaido with diverse attractions across its vast 83,000-square-kilometer expanse. Representative destinations include Furano lavender fields, Otaru Canal, Hakodate night views, and Shiretoko National Park. Winter showcases internationally famous snow festivals, particularly the Sapporo Snow Festival held in early February attracting over two million annual visitors. Summer climbing season features popular high-altitude mountaineering in the Daisetsuzan range. Hokkaido represents approximately 10% of Japan's total tourist arrivals.

One of Japan's premier mountain scenic spots at approximately 1,500m elevation in the Northern Alps. Views from Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge reflecting the Hotaka Range are sometimes called 'Japan's Switzerland.' Private car restrictions preserve the natural environment, making it a popular base for mountaineering and trekking.

Japan's largest sand dunes stretching roughly 16km east-west and 2.4km north-south along the Sea of Japan coast. Natural formations including wind ripples and sand curtains have earned the nickname 'Japan's desert.' Activities like camel riding and paragliding are also available.

Japan's northernmost Honshu prefecture, boasting diverse attractions including the Nebuta Festival, cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle, Oirase Gorge, and the Shirakami Mountains (World Heritage). A culinary treasure trove of apples and Oma tuna, Aomori offers Tohoku's nature and culture year-round.

Japan's largest inland sea surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Comprises over 1,000 islands and has been a vital maritime route since ancient times. Connected by major bridges including Seto Ohashi and Shimanami Kaido. Popular for the Setouchi International Art Festival, fishing, and island-hopping. Attracts over 10 million visitors annually. Represents Japan's landscape and culture symbolically.