Hokkaido Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo TV Tower, JR Sapporo station, Susukino at night (February 2024) Sapporo (札幌, "important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language) is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city . In the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912), when the development of Hokkaido started on a large scale, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign specialists. Sapporo became

Hokkaido "Washo market" is the oldest market in Kushiro, established in 1954. It's one of Hokkaido's three major markets, alongside Hakodate Morning Market and Sapporo Nijo Market. Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station, it boasts excellent accessibility. About 50 shops line its aisles, including fresh seafood stores, dried and salted goods shops, delicatessens, greengrocers, and butcher shops, continuing to be a beloved "kitchen" for the locals. https://www.was

Hokkaido The Akanko Ainu Kotan is one of the largest Ainu kotan (settlements) in Hokkaido, inhabited by about 120 people. It is a place where Ainu culture is shared through the experience of interacting, making, eating, inheriting, unleashing and living with nature, based on the Ainu belief that souls reside in all things.

Hokkaido The main attraction of Akan in winter is the fantastical scenery of frost flowers blooming on the lake's surface, along with activities such as smelt fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. The frozen Lake Akan is colorfully decorated with smelt fishing tents.

Hokkaido Sunayu, located on the eastern shore of Lake Kussharo, is a unique open-air hot spring experience. The area around Sunayu is a year-round attraction. In summer, visitors can swim in the lake and go camping, while in winter, a whooper swan colony comes to Lake Kussharo from Siberia, attracted by the geothermal activity. Sunayu is a popular spot for photographers to capture shots of whooper swans against backdrops of fresh snow and frozen water. There are shops, toilet

Hokkaido Mt. Io (Sulfur Mountain) is called Atosa-nupuri (Bare Mountain) in the Ainu language because of its barren, rocky face. Mt. Io is a 508m volcano that was formed sometime between 500 and 2,000 years ago. Hot steam escapes from the earth through 1,500 “fumaroles” (small vents) of various sizes. The air is heavy with the distinct odor of sulfur, and the bright yellow vents create an otherworldly sight. Volcanic gases have affected vegetation in the surrounding area.

Hokkaido Lake Mashū is an endorheic crater lake formed in the caldera of a potentially active volcano. It is located in Akan Mashu National Park on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. It has been called the clearest lake in the world. You are lucky if you have a clear view of the lake, since it is often not possible due to the fog.

Hokkaido, Kushiro Kushiro Marshland (Kushiro-shitsugen) in Eastern Hokkaido, Japan, is the country's largest wetland, famous for its vast reedbeds, meandering Kushiro River, and as the vital habitat for the iconic, endangered Japanese red-crowned crane (Tancho) . Designated as a National Park, it offers year-round nature experiences like canoeing, snowshoeing, and birdwatching, showcasing diverse wildlife and stunning seasonal landscapes from lush green to snowy silver.