Page 287 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

JAP AN REGION B Y REGION  285

HOKKAIDO

Japan’s northernmost island is on the Pacific “ring of fire” at the southern edge
of the Sea of Okhotsk. Russia lies to the north, west, and east, while the Tsugaru
Strait to the south separates Hokkaido from Honshu. With both sea-ice and active
volcanoes, it is truly a land of fire and ice. Dramatic peaks, gorges, and lakes all
contribute to making Hokkaido the part of Japan where nature is at its most vivid.

First settled 20,000 years ago, this remote Sapporo, the capital, is a lively,
northern island became the homeland growing city, home to spectacular
of the indigenous Ainu peo ple after festivals. Out side Sapporo, the lifestyle
the 12th century. The Japanese made of the Ainu is one of the few points of
early forays to Yezo, as the island was cultural and historical interest for the
called, in ancient times, but it was visi tor. By contrast, many natio nal parks
perceived as remote, inhospitable, and offer boundless oppor tunities for outdoor
cold. For centuries only the persecuted enthusiasts, including camping, hiking,
Ainu, refugee warriors, and banished and hot-spring bathing. Exten sive forests,
criminals lived there. In the late 1860s, broad mountain ranges, numerous lakes
however, the new Meiji government and wetlands, and a long coastline
decided officially to develop the island. support a wealth of plant, animal,
Thereafter it became known as Hokkaido, and birdlife.
or “north sea road.” The prevailing winter winds blow
Since then, the population has risen in from Siberia, resulting in an almost
to just under 6 million. The few Ainu arctic winter climate, with temperatures
left number somewhere between 24,000 sometimes dropping to -30°C (-22°F).
and 60,000. Fishing, farming, forestry, This results in perfect powder snow for
and mining are the main industries, skiers. Between May and September
but tourism draws several million temper atures rise well above 20° C
people north each year. (70° F).

Shoppers stroll through a mall in Susukino, the entertainment district of Hokkaido’s modern capital, Sapporo
The picturesque gorge at the onsen resort town of Sounkyo, Daisetsu-zan National Park

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