HOKKAIDO

                   Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country. With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.

Tourist Attraction

 Furano Flower Fields 

                   Furano is well known for its lavender fields, but there are many more kinds of flowers that begin blooming in May, welcoming visitors to the area. In May there are Lupines and Tulips. In June, there are Blue Salvia and Poppies. From late June the early Lavender begins to bloom, and by mid July reaches its peak season. August brings Sunflowers and Cosmos, and from September to October Yellow Mustard and Dahlias decorate the refreshing fall season. 

The Shiraoi Ainu Museum

                   The Shiraoi Ainu Museum is one of the country's best museums about the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan. Each of the houses demonstrates different aspects of Ainu culture and lifestyle. One of the larger houses holds a free, hourly performance (starting 15 minutes after the hour) with traditional Ainu folk dances, songs and mouth harp demonstrations. One of these folk dances, which is performed to send off the spirits of dead bears, was designated a UNESCO intangible cultural property in 2009.

Otaru Canal

                    A great canal runs through Otaru city which is adorned with Victorian-style street lamps. Otaru Canal was built in 1923. In 1986, the canal area was beautifully restored with elements that are familiar to visitors today: Gaslights, a stone-paved promenade, and a roadside park. The Otaru Canal is about 5-10 mins walk straight down the main road from Otaru St.

Jigokudani or Hell Valley

                      Jigokudani or "Hell Valley" is a spectacular, appropriately named valley just above the town of Noboribetsu Onsen, which displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity. It is a main source of Noboribetsu's hot spring waters. Near a Jigokudani is a river called Oyunumagawa. Still hot, the river flows through the forest, making for an out-of-this-world sight. It is possible to follow the river for several hundred meters and enjoy a natural foot bath (ashiyu) along the way.

Niseko

                           

                       Niseko is the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for having tons of light powder snow, spectacular backcountry and a large number of foreigners - especially Australians - who in recent years have been responsible for popularizing the resort area with the skiing/snowboarding community outside of Japan. As a result, Niseko's resorts are very accessible and welcoming to foreign visitors, which they keep busy with plenty of vast, long ski runs, endless powder, and a growing number of after-ski activities.

credit: http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp