East-South Hokkaido
What's Around?
Sapporo
Japan’s fifth-largest city, and the prefectural capital of Hokkaidō, Sapporo is a dynamic urban centre that offers everything you’d want from a Japanese city: a thriving food scene, stylish cafes, neon-lit nightlife, shopping galore and some more. Snow festival in February is popular despite freezing weather.
Hakodate
Built on a narrow strip of land, Hakodate is the southern gateway to the island of Hokkaidō. From 1854, the city had been one of the first ports to open up to international trade. That influence can still be seen in the Motomachi district, a steep hillside that’s sprinkled with European buildings and churches; the waterfront lined with red-brick warehouses; and in the nostalgic streetcar that still makes the rounds of the city.
Aomori
In summer, the beaches around Towada-ko are a lovely surprise too. Meanwhile, Hirosaki, the former capital, is a stylish little town with cool clothing stores and a rather fine park. Aomori’s most famous draw is its Nebuta festival, in August
Morioka
The bountiful nature of Iwate’s mountains and sea coast has formed the basis of a rich regional culture since the early days – from unique nature worship, numerous seasonal festivals, folk dances and indigenous stories passed down by the ancestors to the farm produce and seafood from the harsh natural environment.
Yamagata
Yamagata is a large prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast in the southern Tohoku religion. The prefectural capital is Yamagata City. The prefecture is known for its agricultural products, especially cherries, hot spring, rural flair and natural beauty.
Akita
Among Akita’s main attractions are its natural beauty of mountains and the sea, hot springs and the town of Kakunodate, which preserves one of Japan’s most interesting samurai districts.
Nikko
Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries. Nikko National Park continues to offer scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.Nikko and the Okunikko area around Lake Chuzenji, in particular, are well known for their beautiful autumn colors (koyo).
Nagano
Nagano has both a high and steep mountain region, as well as a more moderate stretch of highlands. In summer it becomes a flower paradise with blooming alpine plants of various kinds. The natural beauty there is both grand and fragile. In the winter, ski resorts open in various locations throughout the prefecture, attracting many skiers.
Yokohama
Yokohama, is the first harbor city introduced to the world as the entrance to Japan. Since the time its port was opened, Yokohama has been vigorously acquiring new cultures and information from foreign countries and introducing to Japan our country’s first-time-ever things from food to a wide range of cultures.
Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis.Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens.
