Hokkaido, a big island in the northernmost of Japan
Though more than 5 million people live in Hokkaido at this moment, its population density is much lower than the other regions in Japan. While Japanese government started the development extensively in the region in the 19th century, the population at the beginning of the 20th century was just over 1 million.
So in Hokkaido, a rich natural environment enables tourists to enjoy beautiful scenery and to see wild animals. Needless to say, the region provides tourists with lots of tasty foods as well. In the region, the following places would be worth visiting.
Shiretoko
Shiretoko Peninsula, located in the east of Hokkaido, is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While the population density of the peninsula is extremely low, there live lots of wild animals such as killer whales ( right ), brown bears, deers, foxes, seals, sea eagles and so on. Especially as for killer whales and brown bears, this area is so important.
Rishiri-To ( Island )
Rishiri-To is an island located about 20km northwest of Hokkaido. The island has a coastline of 63km. There is Mount Rishiri on the island as well as some lakes. Visitors would enjoy walking around the island. Rental bicycles could help visitors.
Kushiro Shitsugen ( Kushiro Wetland )
In the east of Hokkaido, Japan, there is the Kushiro Shitsugen, which is one of the Ramsar Wetlands. In Kushiro Wetland, there live many animals. Especially Tancho-Zuru ( Red Crowned Cranes ==> photo to the right ) are so beautiful.
In addition, around the wetland, there used to be many villages where lived people who could be ancesters of Ainu ( An indigenous people ). Tourists could see excavated goods and a restored village.
Akan-Ko ( Lake Akan )
Akan-Ko is located in north of Kushiro city. The lake is beautiful and one of the highlights of Akan Mashu National Park. Near Akan-Ko, there is an Ainu Kotan where live Ainu people, an indigenous people. Tourists could see their culture including their dancing ( photo to the right ). There are hot springs around Akan-Ko as well.
Hakodate city
After a few centuries of the national seclusion, Tokugawa Shogunate opened two ports, Hakodate ( right ) and Shimoda to foreign ships in A.D.1855. Since then on, foreign countries had built consulates and churches in Hakodate city, where remain the Former British Consulate, the Russian Orthodox Church and some more. They are so popular among tourists.
So many visit the site of Goryo-kaku, one of a few Wester-style forts built in Japan in the 19th century. Hakodate Asa-ichi ( Morning Market ), another one of popular tourist spots, is surrounded by hundreds of stalls, stores and restaurants serving various kinds of fresh seafood dishes such as squid, sea urchin, crabs and many more. Also many tourists enjoy the night view from Mount Hakodate, which is one of the three greatest night views in Japan.
Eating in Kushiro city
Kushico city has a big port which is significant for commercial fishing. So in the city tourists could enjoy eating various seafood dishes including Katte-Don. Also there are many restaurants which offer Zangi and Kushiro Ramen.
Tourists coukd enjoy staying in the center of Kushiro city on the way from/to Kushiro Shitsugen and / or Akan-Ko.
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