Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, approximately 800km away from the central Japan. Some areas of Hokkaido face severe weather in winter with lots of snowfall and days on which the temperature falls to reach 0 degrees Centigrade, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as Tokyo or Osaka.
The main attraction of the island is its unspoiled nature and four distinctive seasons. Hokkaido attracts many outdoor tourists especially in the snow season. A lot of skiers and snowboarders come to ski resorts such as Niseko Area which has witnessed an overwhelming increase in number of visitors from Australia and Asian countries.
You can also see the arts and experience the culture of Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan. There are several Ainu Kotans (villages) in Hokkaido which run museums and traditional festivals.
At the moment the air is the most time-saving means of transport to reach Hokkaido. It is expected that Japan Railway (JR) will start bullet train services to Hakodate, the first high-speed train station in Hokkaido in March 2016.
For more information, see
Hokkaido Tourism Organisation
http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/hokkaido/outline/
Sapporo
As the capital of Hokkaido, city of Sapporo has grown rapidly from a village with just 7 people engaging in the work for Development Commissioner in 1857 to the home for 1.94 million residents today. 1972 Winter Olympic Games helped the name of the city become recognised worldwide. Since then Sapporo has been the host of major sport events, such as England-Argentina game in 2002 Japan-Korea Football World Cup. The city will host 2017 Asian Winter Games, and some of the matches at Rugby World Cup 2019. The attraction of the city is not just Sapporo Snow Festival in February, but people come and visit for quality seafood, ramen noodles, Mongolian style BBQ and beer as well. You can visit Beer Museum, seafood market, city-centre observation tower, zoo, botanic gardens, even ski resort areas and Olympic ski jump stadium located all within the city boundary.
For more information, see
Sapporo Tourism Official Website
http://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/?lang=en
“Sapporo Info” (tourist information app)
http://www.hbc.co.jp/rocket/sapporoinfo/pc/index_en.html
This is the first official application created by the City of Sapporo. The application offers a wide variety of contents including discount coupons. Available in English, Chinese (simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese), Korean, Thai and Japanese.
Free download. Supports iOS and Android OS.
