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HOKKAIDO
[ Central ]
[ Southern ]
[ Eastern ]
[ Norhern ] |
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| OUTLINES OF HOKKAIDO |
| [ Some Facts about Hokkaido... ] |
Hokkaido's
area is about one-fifth of the total area of Japan (83,408km).
It is located in the northernmost part of the country and
is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and
the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of about 5.7 million.
Cities elsewhere in the world which are located above 41oN
include such centers of culture, industry and commerce as
London, Paris, Rome and Chicago.
Hokkaido has six national parks, five quasi-national parks
and 12 prefectural natural parks and is blessed with natural
grandeur. Hokkaido also has four distinct seasons: spring,
which is filled with awakening greenery after the snow melts,
the crisp, refreshing summer, when natural flowers bloom,
autumn, when fruits and crops are harvested, and winter, when
the entire island is covered with snow and people enjoy skiing
and snow festivals. Hokkaido is also Japan's preeminent resort
spot and attracts many visitors.
Hokkaido has eight airports which are connected to major cities
in the rest of Japan. International service began in 1989,
with a route to Seoul from New Chitose Airport, and destinations
now include Guam, Saipan, Hong Kong, Honolulu and Cairns.
The internationalization of Hokkaido is well under way and
in fact, there are now six regular internatinal routes. |
| [ Climate ] |
| The annual
mean temperature ranges between 7 and 10 oC. The climate is
cooler and less humid throughout the year than the rest of
Japan and can be said to be similar to that of Europe. There
are four distinct seasons, each of which boasts its own charms.
The cool, crisp summer, though, is the best. There is no rainy
season. In winter, however, special winter footwear with no-skid
soles is strongly advised to cope with the icy, slippery streets
and sidewalks. |
| Monthly Mean Temperature (Sapporo) |
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Hakodate
Hakodate, a convenient gateway for Hokkaido, is a laid-back kind
of place with something of an historical herritage. The summit of
Mt. Hakodate-yama offers fine views across the views across the
city, day or night. |
Morning Market
Asa-ichi(Morning market)is open from 5 a.m. to noon; closed on Sunday.
Most of the real action is over by 7 a.m.;from then on it's mostly
aimed at torists. |
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Goryokaku
This is an interesting fort, the only one in Japan built in a European
style. A small museam inside the walls has relics of the battle,
and a small tower allows a view over the area. |
Ryuhyo
Drift ice from the sea of Okhotsk.
Cruise ship plies from end of January to beginning of April. Sunset
Cruise only in Feburary and March. |
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