nationalgeographic.com
12.01.2024 / 09:20
Hokkaido on four wheels: How to explore Japan’s wild north
With intriguing historical landmarks, charming coastal villages and some of the best seafood in the country, Hokkaido — Japan’s second-largest, northernmost island — has earned its reputation as one of the most desirable destinations in the country. A rugged rise of rock, peppered with pine forests, smoldering volcanoes and jagged coastline, Hokkaido has been the native homeland of the Indigenous Ainu people for centuries. On the other hand, 150-plus years of fast-tracked development have added a contemporary character to the island and motorways have sprung up across the expansive prefecture, facilitating convenient travel between formerly far-flung towns and cities. From the buzzing neon lights of Sapporo to the sacred settlement on the shores of Lake Akan, here’s four of the best destinations to visit across Japan’s second-largest island.