[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"dest-cat-fun-things-to-do-asia-japan-hokkaido":3},{"destination":4,"experiences":76,"events":77,"places":78,"hasNextPage":79},{"areaSquareKm":5,"bestTimeToVisit":6,"callingCode":7,"capitalCity":8,"code":9,"createdAt":10,"currency":11,"deletedAt":8,"description":15,"drivingSide":16,"electricity":17,"emergencyNumbers":18,"faq":30,"flag":8,"gettingAround":46,"government":47,"hasChildren":48,"healthInfo":49,"id":50,"images":51,"internal_type":56,"isFavourite":48,"bucketLists":57,"languages":58,"localCustoms":61,"name":62,"parent":63,"population":69,"safetyInfo":70,"slug":71,"status":72,"timezone":73,"type":74,"updatedAt":75,"visaInfo":8},"83424","February for the Sapporo Snow Festival and winter sports; July to August for mild summer weather, lavender blooms in Furano, and hiking; September to October for autumn foliage (koyo) and fewer crowds. Winter (December-March) is ideal for skiing and onsens, but temperatures can drop below -10°C. Avoid late April to May (spring thaw) as landscapes can be muddy.","+81",null,"JP-12","2026-02-06T12:50:12.373Z",{"symbol":12,"name":13,"code":14},"¥","Japanese Yen","JPY","Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost and second-largest island, offers a breathtaking escape into pristine wilderness and unique cultural experiences. Unlike mainland Japan, Hokkaido is renowned for its vast, untamed landscapes—from the powder-snow paradise of Niseko and Furano's lavender fields to the volcanic caldera lakes of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the drift ice spectacle off the coast of Abashiri. The island's distinct Ainu indigenous culture adds a rich historical layer, visible in places like Shiraoi's Upopoy National Ainu Museum. Food lovers flock for its legendary seafood—fresh crab, sea urchin, and salmon—in the bustling markets of Sapporo, while the capital's annual Snow Festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland. With its cooler climate, expansive national parks like Daisetsuzan, and charming historic ports like Otaru, Hokkaido promises adventure across all seasons, whether skiing world-class slopes, hiking through flower-carpeted hills, or soaking in natural hot springs (onsen) under starry skies.","Left","Type A, B; 100V, 50Hz (eastern Hokkaido) / 60Hz (western Hokkaido)",[19,22,25,27],{"key":20,"value":21},"Police","110",{"key":23,"value":24},"Ambulance","119",{"key":26,"value":24},"Fire",{"key":28,"value":29},"Tourist Police","03-3501-0110 (Japan Tourism Agency's 24/7 hotline for English assistance)",[31,34,37,40,43],{"key":32,"value":33},"Do I need a visa to visit Hokkaido?","Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries (e.g., US, UK, EU) receive visa-free short-term stays (up to 90 days). Check Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current rules.",{"key":35,"value":36},"Is English widely spoken in Hokkaido?","English is limited outside major tourist areas like Sapporo, Niseko, and popular resorts. Learn basic Japanese phrases, use translation apps, and carry a hotel card with the address in Japanese.",{"key":38,"value":39},"What is Hokkaido's famous food?","Must-try dishes include Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), soup curry, fresh seafood (especially crab, uni, and ikura), dairy products (soft-serve ice cream), and ramen (Sapporo miso ramen).",{"key":41,"value":42},"Can I see the northern lights (aurora borealis) in Hokkaido?","It's rare but possible in northern areas like Rishiri Island during strong solar activity in winter. More commonly, you can see 'diamond dust' ice crystals glittering in cold, clear winter air.",{"key":44,"value":45},"How do I handle waste disposal in Hokkaido?","Public trash bins are scarce. Carry a small bag for your trash and dispose of it at your accommodation. Follow local recycling rules (combustible, non-combustible, bottles/cans).","The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is excellent for intercity travel (Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa). Rent a car for flexibility to explore national parks and rural areas (international license required). Local buses serve remote attractions. In Sapporo, use the subway, streetcars, and buses. Taxis are reliable but expensive. Popular apps include Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime, and Japanese railway apps (e.g., JR Hokkaido). Domestic flights connect Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) to regional airports like Kushiro and Memanbetsu.","Prefectural government with a governor and elected assembly",false,"Hokkaido has excellent medical facilities, especially in Sapporo (e.g., Sapporo Medical University Hospital). Rural areas may have fewer English-speaking doctors. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Winter visitors should be prepared for extreme cold—guard against frostbite and hypothermia. Tick-borne encephalitis is a rare risk in forested areas from spring to autumn. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Pharmacies (薬局, yakkyoku) are widely available, but bring any prescription medications with original packaging.","9bb57bf6-c811-4564-8305-04c904b9604a",[52,53,54,55],"destinations/asia/japan/hokkaido/1770382211821-0.jpg","destinations/asia/japan/hokkaido/1770382211819-1.jpg","destinations/asia/japan/hokkaido/1770382211820-2.jpg","destinations/asia/japan/hokkaido/1770382211821-3.webp","STATE",[],[59,60],"Japanese","Ainu (indigenous language, limited speakers)","Remove shoes when entering traditional inns (ryokan), homes, and some restaurants. Bathing etiquette in onsens: wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath, no swimsuits, and tie long hair up. Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude. Be punctual for tours and transport. In Ainu cultural sites, show respect by listening to guides and asking permission before photographing people. Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural communities. In winter, indoor heating can be strong—layer clothing.","Hokkaido",{"id":64,"slug":65,"name":66,"images":8,"type":67,"internal_type":68,"flag":8,"parent":8},"45a0df1d-ba30-4530-bf78-eed9639d558b","asia-japan","Japan","country","COUNTRY","5.2 million","Hokkaido is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in cities like Sapporo at night. In wilderness areas, be aware of brown bears (especially in Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko)—carry bear bells, avoid solo hiking, and properly store food. Winter driving requires extreme caution due to heavy snow and ice; use winter tires and consider guided tours for remote areas. No significant scams target tourists, but be mindful of ski resort pricing during peak season. Avalanche risk exists in backcountry skiing zones—always check forecasts and hire local guides.","asia-japan-hokkaido",true,"Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)","Prefecture","2026-05-07T15:02:33.954Z",[],[],[],{"experience":48,"event":48,"place":48}]