Hokkaido's superior snow quality makes it perfect for snow sports (Photo: Visit Japan)
Located in the northern-most part of Japan’s four main islands, Hokkaido is an interesting city and one of the top destinations in Japan. With its untainted natural sights, intriguing festivals, coastline villages, fresh seafood along with a bunch of thrilling activities, the island is sure to impress even the most experienced traveller.
To bring an insight into this unique destination, India Outbound curates a bucket list of some of the most interesting activities and attractions of the region.
Diving during winters
Sea lions are one of the highlights to see in Shakotan Peninsula during Winters (Photo: Samuel Scrimsha/Unsplash)
If you are in Hokkaido, you should definitely try the unique experience of diving during the winters. Due to the freezing temperature it is quite understandable if one is unwilling to enter the water during the period, but do try to turn a blind eye to the cold, for once when you are under the cold water, you will witness the spectacular view of the endless aqua kingdom inside.
There are a number of diving sites scattered along the coast in the region, but perhaps the most popular one during the winter is the Shakotan Peninsula, which is also popular for being the only one to offer boat diving during the period. Amongst the vast number of sea creatures that you will get to view, the stellar sealion and giant octopus are sure to win your hearts.
Sea cuisines
Urchin rice bowl is a dynamic highlight amongst Hokkaido’s sea cuisines (Photo: Ryan Kwok Jkgb/Unsplash)
Being in such proximity to the sea along with the addition of the popular activity to sea dive, it comes as no surprise to find that Hokkaido is a hub brimming with varieties of sea cuisines.
Offering a bountiful of fresh sea food fished right out of the sea, sea food lovers for sure will be delighted. And yes, if you love ‘sushi’, you know without a doubt that Hokkaido will definitely not disappoint you with its array of hundreds of seafood restaurants. The region is also popular for harvesting a type of sea kelp called ‘kombu’ which is used to produce ‘dashi’ a fundamental ingredient of traditional Japanese cuisines.
Do try the sea urchin rice bowl or the live squid sashimi which are some of the dynamic and highlights of Hokkaido’s sea cuisines.
Akan Ainu Kotan
Nature walking is a traditional Ainu activity (Photo: Visit Japan)
Situated near lake Akan, one of the most beautiful lakes in Eastern Hokkaido, ‘Lake Akan Ainu Kotan’ is a village of arts and crafts that is home to the Ainu natives of Japan.
Pay a visit to this village to get an insight of their culture and tradition. The beautiful handicraft shops and restaurants lined up along the road is sure to mesmerise you.
For those looking for some local guides to guide them through the village, “Anytime, Ainutime!” a tour operator in the region is perfect as it offers guided tour programs led by local Ainu guides. These local guide will lead you through the traditional activities such as nature walking or crafting traditional handicraft.
Watersports in Otaru
One should definitely try sea Kayaking in Hokkaido’s Otaru (Photo: Visit Japan)
During the summers, one should definitely head to Otaru, a port city on Hokkaido’s South western coast. The pristine clear and blue waters of the region’s sea will surely invite you to try kayaking here.
As you paddle out onto the open waters of the sea, the pleasant sea breeze along with the strangely formed rocks and sheer cliffs are sure to enchant you.
If you want to take in the view from a slightly elevated viewpoint, you should opt for the stand-up paddle-boarding.
Sapporo snow festival
A snow Sculpture of a horse and a rider (Photo: Sapporo Snow festival Facebook)
If you are in Hokkaido during the winter, you should definitely join in on the famous festival of the site called Sapporo snow festival.
During the festival, arrays of varieties of snow sculptures of all sizes lines across the Odori Park, which is the main event site. The snow sculptures range from replicating castles to anime characters that are brought to life at night with colourful lights leaving one in an awe.
Ski & Snow boarding
Hokkaido is a dream destination for Skiers and Snow boarders (Photo: Visit Japan)
Having been the host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the mountains in Hokkaido offer the best ski condition in the world making it the dream destination for skiers and snow boarders.
The snow in the region is famous for its superior quality without any water along with a smooth silky texture that allows to gain speed and easy to turn for snow barding and skiing. It’s no wonder that many snow sports enthusiast names it as one of the most sought out destinations globally.
