Hokkaido

Winter festivals of snow and ice held across Japan, led by the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Featuring massive snow and ice sculptures enhanced with modern technologies like projection mapping, they have become signature winter tourism attractions.

Centered on Farm Tomita in Furano, Hokkaido, vast lavender fields reach their peak in July. The rolling hills carpeted in purple have become synonymous with Hokkaido tourism, creating a spectacular summer landscape alongside surrounding flower fields.

Hokkaido's largest hot spring resort in Noboribetsu. Nine different spring types emerging from Jigokudani (Hell Valley) earn the nickname 'department store of hot springs.' The sulfurous walking trail through Hell Valley is dramatic, complemented by nearby attractions including a bear park and Hiyoriyama Observatory.

One of the world's largest snow and ice festivals held annually in February centered on Sapporo's Odori Park. Approximately 200 works including giant snow sculptures, projection mapping, and ice carvings attract about 2 million visitors. It began in 1950 when local students built six snow sculptures.

A ski resort centered on Niseko, Hokkaido, known for world-class powder snow. International visitors from Australia and Southeast Asia create a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Real estate development has brought luxury condominiums and restaurants. Niseko symbolizes the internationalization of Japanese ski resorts.

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage island home to ancient Yakusugi cedars thousands of years old. The Jomon Cedar trek and Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine are known as inspirations for the forests in Miyazaki's 'Princess Mononoke.' Its vertical vegetation zones from subtropical to subarctic earn it the nickname 'Alps of the Ocean.'

A world-famous tourist spot in Nagano known for Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. The image of monkeys soaking in onsen amid snow, known as 'Snow Monkeys,' is frequently featured in international media, symbolizing the coexistence of nature and animals in Japan.

An international ski resort renowned for the world's finest powder snow. Attracting skiers from abroad — especially Australia — it continues to develop as a cosmopolitan resort town.

A ski resort centered on Niseko, Hokkaido, known for world-class powder snow. International visitors from Australia and Southeast Asia create a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Real estate development has brought luxury condominiums and restaurants. Niseko symbolizes the internationalization of Japanese ski resorts.

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.

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.