Attractions in Hokkaido

The northernmost of Japan's four major islands, covers 30,144 square miles (78,073 square kilometres). It is the country's second largest island but has only about 5 percent of Japan’s total population. Much of the island consists of forested mountains and hills. A hilly, curved peninsula extends from southwestern Hokkaido. Northeast of this peninsula is the Ishikari Plain, Hokkaido's largest lowland and chief agricultural region. Smaller plains border the island's east coast. The economy of Hokkaido depends mainly on dairy farming, fishing, and forestry. The island is also a popular recreational area. Long winters and heavy snowfall make Hokkaido ideal for winter sports.

• Shiretoko National Park — hot spring waterfalls, bears and rugged scenery at the end of Japan