Hokkaido

New from Bradt is the first-ever, standalone English-language guide to Hokkaido, Japan s second-largest island and northernmost prefecture. Home to under 5% of the country s population, this is a land of vast, wild expanses which demands exploration at any time of year and feels a world away from Tokyo. Penned by an outdoors-loving travel writer resident in Japan, Bradt s Hokkaido delves far deeper into this frontier land than country-wide guidebooks can possibly do. Author Tom Fay provides detailed coverage of the island s history, unique wildlife, local food, the Ainu (indigenous people), outdoor activities, skiing logistics, hiking courses and the practicalities of visiting in winter, when deep snow carpets the ground and the sea turns to ice. Hokkaido s varied landscapes include remote mountain ranges, fertile lowland plains, sweeping forests and enormous wetlands home to rare birds and other wildlife. Even for the Japanese, Hokkaido has a somewhat wild and exotic aura place names have distinct Ainu origins and the capital Sapporo is closer to Russia s Vladivostok than to Tokyo; while the Siberia-influenced climate and wide open spaces are unlike anything found in the rest of Japan. Hokkaido s mild summers are ideal for sightseeing, cycling, camping and hiking. Why not climb the island s highest mountain in Daisetsuzan National Park an untouched wilderness of simmering volcanoes and stunning nature or marvel at colourful fields of flowers around Furano and Biei? In winter, you can go to snow festivals, walk on sea ice (or board an icebreaker) to explore the Sea of Okhotsk, watch flocks of sea eagles or track brown bears in Shiretoko National Park, or head to popular ski resorts such as Niseko where the huge dumps of perfect powder snow attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Throw in hot springs (and thus ryokan hot-spring inns), active volcanoes, speciality seafood and quirky foodstuffs such as chocolate-covered crisps, excellent transport links and renowned Japanese hospitality, and Hokkaido is a thrilling and varied off-the-beaten-path travel destination, to which Bradt s Hokkaido guidebook is instantly the essential companion.

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information

Geography, Geology, Climate, Natural history and conservation, Palaeontology and archaeology, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Sports

Chapter 2 Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travellers with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with children, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Entertainment and nightlife, Outdoor activities, Photography, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 3 Sapporo

History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat

and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports, Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 4 Western Hokkaidō

Otaru, Yoichi, Shakotan Peninsula, Iwanai, Niseko, Rusutsu, Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, Date, Muroran, Noboribetsu, Shiraoi, Tomakomai

Chapter 5 Southwestern Hokkaidō

Hakodate, Ōnuma Park area, Kameda Peninsula, Matsumae Peninsula, Northern Oshima Peninsula, Okushiri Island

Chapter 6 Central Hokkaidō

Western Central Region, Asahikawa, Kamikawa, Biei, Kamifurano and around, Furano, Ashibetsu, Daisetsuzan National Park, South of Daisetsuzan, Yūbari

Chapter 7 Southern Hokkaidō

History, Hidaka and the west coast, The Tokachi Plain region

Chapter 8 Eastern Hokkaidō

Kushiro, Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park, Along eastern Hokkaidō’s Pacific coast, Nemuro and the Nemuro Peninsula, Lake Fūren and north towards Shibetsu, The Shiretoko Peninsula, Akan-Mashū National Park, Rikubetsu, Kitami, Abashiri

Chapter 9 Northern Hokkaidō

The Sea of Okhotsk coast, Central areas and the far north, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island, The northwest coast

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Glossary

Appendix 3 Further Information

Index