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HOKKAIDO
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Hokkaido
Hokkaidō (北海道) is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands.
Understand
Home to Japan's aboriginal Ainu race, Hokkaido continues to represent the untamed wilderness with many great national parks. For many visitors the scenery resembles northern Europe, with rice paddies and concrete warrens replaced by rolling fields and faux-German cottages.
Hokkaido is by far Japan's largest prefecture, consisting of Japan's entire northern island and its surrounding islets. Hokkaido is cooler than the rest of Japan, and the merciful lack of Japan's muggy summers and rainy season makes it a very popular domestic destination between May and August. Some of Hokkaido's inland areas have a continental climate, with large daily and yearly temperature variation.
Most of Hokkaido was settled by the Japanese within the last 100 years, compared to the thousands of years of Japanese history. As a result, its architecture and cities are much more modern, and mostly based on western-like grid layouts.
Regions
Alone among the main Japanese islands Hokkaido is not divided into multiple prefectures. Instead, there are four circuits (道 dō), which are in turn split into subprefectures (支庁 shichō).
Central Circuit, with capital Sapporo and much of the mountainous interior* Ishikari, Shiribeshi, Sorachi, Iburi and Hidaka subprefectures
Eastern Circuit, the largest and remotest part of the island* Abashiri, Tokachi, Kushiro and Nemuro subprefectures
Northern Circuit, covering the northern peninsula but poking down toward the center* Kamikawa, Rumoi and Soya subprefectures
Southern Circuit, centered on Hakodate* Oshima and Hiyama subprefectures
Cities
Abashiri - northern fishing port, home to Japan's most infamous prisonAsahikawa - the coldest city in Japan (literally)Hakodate - historical city and the capital of the short-lived Ezo RepublicOtaru - Hokkaido's largest portSapporo - the capital and by far the largest city in HokkaidoObihiro - the largest city in the Tokachi plains, one of Japan's major agricultural beltsFurano - with lavender in the summer and some of the world's best powder in winterKitami - between Saroma and Lake Akan, this city is well known for its peppermint farmsWakkanai - Japan's northernmost city, a major port with many connections to Russia
Other destinations
Niseko - trendy ski destinationNoboribetsu - Hokkaido's largest hot spring resortShizunai - thoroughbreds and beautiful cherry blossomsBiei - the land of beautiful patchwork hills
National Parks
Akan National Park - known for its mysterious lakes, including Lake Akan
Onuma Quasi-National Park - peaceful lake near Hakodate in southern Hokkaido
Shiretoko National Park - this eastern penninsula park, where bears roam in the wilderness and bathe in hot waterfalls, was recently designated as a World Heritage Site
Daisetsuzan National Park - Japan's largest national park, located right in the middle of Hokkaido, and the Holy Grail of extreme hikers
Kushiro Marshlands National Park
Shikotsu-Toya National Park - a number of volcanic hot springs, two beautiful caldera lakes with rumbling volcanoes and mossy canyons make scenic Lake Toya one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park - covering the small islands off Wakkanai at the northern tip
Get in
The Seikan Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, is the only land link that Hokkaido has to Japan's main island of Honshu....
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Nihon Sankei
The Three Views of Japan: they are Miyajima, Amanohashidate and Matsushima. Don't expect majestic scenery, for the beauty is much more subtle.
Miyajima is famous for the floating red torii gate. Of course, depending on the timeeee you visit, you might find it lodged in the mud. You get to the island by taking a ferry from Miyajima-guchi, which is on the local line from Hiroshima.
Amanohashidate is the pine tree-lined sand-spit. You are meant to see it, by bending over, and seeing it framed by your legs. The "bridge to heaven" then floats, as you try to achieve some stability. You can get there by train from Kyoto station. JR Rail Pass holders will note that there is an additional supplement for the private leg of the train journey.
Matsushima is a collection of pine laden islets, sitting on a bay. You get there by taking the local train from Sendai to Matsuhima Kaigan station.
Kyoto temples and shrines
Kyoto is full of historical temples and shrines because it was the old capital of Japan. The best way to travel around Kyoto is by foot and bus. At the main train station in Kyoto, one can easily find a map and information on the bus routes including many of the historical buildings and tourist attractions. The bus station is right outside of the train station and all that needs to be done is buy a day pass and use the bus to get around following the map. A lot of the sites are close together so it is easy to walk around from one to the other.
Kiyomizu Dera is one of the more popular temples to visit. Before you leave this temple that is on a hill, it is tradition to drink the water that comes from the mountain tops. You will notice this exiting at the bottom (different from the main entrance). It is best to go when the weather is moderately warm and the sun is out especially to see the Golden Temple.
| Nara Afternoon Tour - Todaiji, Deer Park, Kasuga Shrine |
5.5 hours |
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Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.
Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.
Tour Highlights include:
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Once of Japan's best-known temples, it enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A wonder of religious architecture.
Deer Park
Over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand. Special food is sold in the park grounds (not included).
Kasuga Shrine
The most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Mt Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto and Nara by Bullet Train (Sunrise Highlight) |
3 days / 2 nights |
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Day 1: Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Hakone - Kyoto
Deluxe motorcoach to the foot of Mt. Fuji via expressway. Then drive halfway up Japan's highest mountain to enjoy a spectacular view from a height of 2,300 meters (7545 feet). Enjoy lunch at the Hotel Highland Resort. After lunch, visit Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi and Mt.Komagatake Aerial cableway before boarding a Shinkansen train to the classical city of Kyoto.
Kyoto overnight accommodation (your choice from the following):
Tourist Class Hotel or First Class Hotel
*see Kyoto Accommodation List for details
Day 2: For both One Way Course (SH3-O) and Round Trip Course (SH3-R)
Morning sightseeing of Kyoto, visiting Golden Pavilion, Nijo castle noted for its gorgeous interiors, and Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Sat., Sun., & national holidays: visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine or Higashi Honganji Temple instead). After lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center, Proceed to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit Todaiji Temple housing a great image of Buddha, colorful Kasuga Shrine with 3,000 lanterns and Deer Park where many tame deer are freely roaming. Return to Kyoto.
Day 3: One Way Trip Course (SH3-O)
Tour concludes this morning in Kyoto.
Day 3: Round Trip Course (SH3-R)
Free at leisure before returning to Tokyo by Shinkansen in the evening. Arriving at Tokyo station around at 9:40pm.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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