Living in Hokkaido

About Hokkaido

Compared to other parts of Japan, the island of Hokkaido is particularly blessed by nature. In addition to having a World Heritage Site within it, Hokkaido also has six national parks, a Global Geopark, five Quasi-National parks, and 12 nature parks. The total area of these parks is approximately 870 thousand hectares, making up approximately 11% of the entire area of Hokkaido (excluding the Northern Territories). Hokkaido also boasts a total of 12 wetlands attracting a vast array of wildlife. Forests cover approximately 70% of Hokkaido’s surface area, which accounts for roughly one quarter of the national total. These rich forests are representative of Japan’s natural beauty and plethora of wooded areas.

Beginning with the Ainu people, who value harmony with nature, Hokkaido’s has a rich history and culture. Hokkaido is blessed with a superb natural environment abundant in fresh air, pure water, vast green spaces and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.

As Japan’s largest agricultural producer, the land in Hokkaido is utilized for its abundant resources. Hokkaido is also the heart for large scale agricultural projects, particularly concerning rice and dairy farming. These developments make the most of Hokkaido’s cool climate and low rainfall, and promotes clean agriculture, minimizing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Aside from these acclaimed agricultural products, which are grown on Hokkaido’s vast lands, Hokkaido is also home to a number of premium marine products made possible by its rich seas. The available of fresh ingredients allows the preparation of fresh cuisine and sweets, and offers visitors a variety of tempting culinary delights during all four seasons throughout the year.

About Sapporo City

Consistently voted in the top three most desirable places to live in Japan, Sapporo, meaning ‘great dry river’ in the Ainu language, is the capital of Hokkaido and Japans’ fifth largest city. Sapporo is also one of Japans’ youngest cities, and is unique in its urban block-style city layout.

Sapporo is known for its amazing food, unique history, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan character. With its fashionable restaurants, cafe culture, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s often rated as one of the most desirable places to live in Japan. Sapporo offers a high quality lifestyle with its perfect blend of bustling city life and the natural peace of the great outdoors.

About Hakodate City

Picturesque Hakodate is located in the center of a peninsula in southern Hokkaido. This enchanting city is overlooked by Mount Hakodate, a craggy forested mountain whose summit can be reached by hiking trail, cable car, or car. The breathtaking view from the summit is renowned in Japan as one of the best in the country and is particularly beautiful at night.

Hokkaido Climate (average daily temperatures)

Spring

Pleasant temperatures with an abundance of colors

April 6ºC / 43ºF

May 11ºC / 52ºF

June 16ºC / 61ºF

Summer

Warm days full of sunshine with temperate mornings and evenings

July 20ºC / 68ºF

August 22ºC / 72ºF

September 17ºC / 63ºF

Autumn

All the beautiful colors of Autumn

October 10ºC / 50ºF

November 4ºC / 39ºF

Winter

Refreshing and invigorating day with sun and powdery snow

December -3ºC / 27ºF

January -6ºC / 21ºF

February -5ºC / 23ºF

March -1ºC / 30 ºF