Jomon Period, Ancient
Hokkaido has been inhabited for approximately 20,000 years.
Settlement and agriculture developed during the Jomon Period, and traces of Jomon people who came from Honshu have been found living in southern Hokkaido (around Hakodate).
Medieval and Early Modern Periods
During the Middle Ages, the Ainu people, with their own unique culture, lived throughout Hokkaido.
Around the 13th century, Japanese (immigrants from Honshu) began to expand into the southern region of Hokkaido, engaging in commerce and trade.
Around this time, the Matsumae clan established a base in southern Hokkaido and began to expand its territory while trading with the Ainu.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the shogunate monopolized trade with the Ainu, and at the same time had a great influence on Ainu culture and lifestyle.
Meiji Era
After the Meiji Restoration, the Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Office) was established and full-scale development of Hokkaido began.
During this period, tondenhei (farmers who pioneer the area under a soldier-noble system) and immigrants entered Hokkaido,
and agricultural and mining development progressed.
The Kaitakushi established the city of Sapporo, which remains the administrative and cultural center of Hokkaido to this day.
Postwar and Contemporary
After World War II, Hokkaido developed an economy based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing.
The Sapporo Olympics (1972) and its development as an international tourist destination attracted more attention from both Japan and abroad.
The Ainu culture was also reevaluated, and in 1997 the “Ainu Culture Promotion Law” was enacted,
and in 2008 the Ainu people were officially recognized as an indigenous people of Japan.
While Hokkaido today attracts many tourists with its seasonal nature,
hot springs, and beautiful scenery, it also emphasizes Ainu culture and history, and is making progress in regional development aimed at coexistence with the Ainu people.
Hokkaido's famous gourmet
If you are going to Hokkaido, you absolutely cannot miss out on the delicious gourmet food.
Surrounded by abundant nature, you can enjoy fresh seafood and mountain delicacies in this region, where new tastes await you every time you visit.
In this issue, we will introduce five exquisite gourmet foods that you must try when you visit Hokkaido.
Genghis Khan BBQ
This mutton dish is unique to Hokkaido and especially popular in Sapporo and Asahikawa.
It is served with a special savory sauce made for Jingisukan.Seafood bowl
Kaisendon, a bowl of rice topped with plenty of fresh salmon roe, scallops, sea urchin, and salmon, is a staple in Hakodate and Otaru.Ramen(Sapporo Miso-Ramen)
Sapporo ramen is characterized by its rich miso soup.
It is best enjoyed with butter and corn as toppings.Soup curry
Spicy soup curry is rich in ingredients and hearty. It originated in Sapporo, and there are many specialty restaurants.Yubari melon
Yubari melons are famous for their sweetness and juiciness. During the summer season, many tourists seek out this sweet treat.
Recommended sightseeing spots in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a vast land that reflects the changing seasons.
Lavender fields spreading far and wide, sparkling night views, good old townscapes, and the fantastic Blue Pond …….
Because it is a natural landscape, new discoveries await you every time you visit.
1. Hakodate（はこだて）
Hakodate is most famous for the beautiful night view from Mount Hakodate.
Hakodate is one of the world’s three most famous nightscapes and is a magnet for tourists.
The exotic Motomachi area and historic Goryokaku are also popular spots.
Take a stroll through the city of Hakodate, which can be enjoyed both day and night.
2. Furano(ふらの）
Furano is famous for its beautiful scenery of lavender fields in summer.
The scenery, which is colored purple, is truly a spectacular sight that can only be seen in Hokkaido.
In addition to lavender, Furano also boasts a variety of colorful flowers throughout the four seasons, offering different scenery depending on the season you visit.
In winter, the area is also popular as a ski resort, with beautiful snowy scenery.
3. Otaru（おたる）
Gaslights and brick warehouses lining the canal create a romantic atmosphere in Otaru. At night, the canal is beautifully illuminated, making it a popular photo spot.
There are also many glass studios, and you can enjoy looking for souvenirs on the streets lined with many handmade glass products. Fresh seafood is also an attraction, and there are many sushi restaurants where you can enjoy gourmet food.
4. Biei（びえい）
Biei is home to the Aoi Ike Pond and beautiful hills. In particular, the fantastic scenery of “Aoi Ike” has been talked about both in Japan and abroad, and is a popular spot for many tourists.
In addition, the hilly area where colorful flowers bloom from summer to autumn looks like a painting, and you cannot help but admire the scenery.
