Hokkaido also accounts for 22% of Japan's forests with a sizable timber industry. An island of Japan north of Honshu. [1][25] It has the lowest population density in Japan with just 64.5/km2 (160/sq mi) (2016). Times reported that Hokkaido recorded its first case early February with a woman from Wuhan, China attending the annual snow festival in the island’s capital city of Sapporo. It has a population of 1,957,914 (May 31, 2019) and a population density of 1,746/km2 (4,520/sq mi). In 1959, Machimura had defeated Yokomichi's father Setsuo in the race to succeed Hokkaido's first elected governor, Socialist Toshibumi Tanaka who retired after three terms. Of course, for the native people of the island, the Ainu, it was not a frontier but their homeland, Ainu Mosir, where they hunted, fished and traded with their neighbours to north and south. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method. Hokkaido is the second-largest island of Japan, with a total area of 32,221 square miles (83,453 sq km). As Japan's coldest region, Hokkaido has relatively cool summers and icy/snowy winters. Sapporo is the capital and largest city on the northernmost major Japanese island Hokkaido. Sapporo is the administrative headquarters. ⬇️ Further down this page, discover our visit guide in Sapporo and around. Hokkaido is also well known for fishing industry. Unlike the other major islands of Japan, Hokkaido is normally not affected by the June–July rainy season and the relative lack of humidity and typically warm, rather than hot, summer weather makes its climate an attraction for tourists from other parts of Japan. Its capital and largest city is Sapporo. Ports on the open Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan are generally ice-free year round, though most rivers freeze during the winter. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), the Japanese created a settlement at the south of the Oshima Peninsula, with a series of fortified residences such as that of Shinoridate. Overview of Hokkaido. Other important population centers include Rumoi, Iwamizawa, Kushiro, Obihiro, Kitami, Abashiri, Wakkanai, and Nemuro. Known Letters ... largest city on the island of hokkaido. Even today, the vast majority of Hokkaido place names are derived from the Ainu language, including that of the capital Sapporo. Before 1983, the governorship had been held by Liberal Democrats Naohiro Dōgakinai and Kingo Machimura for 24 years. The highest temperature ever recorded is 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) on 26 May 2019.[30]. His first step was to journey to the United States and recruit Horace Capron, President Ulysses S. Grant's commissioner of agriculture. Even today, the vast majority of Hokkaido place names are derived from the Ainu language, including that of the capital Sapporo. In fact, many of the feudal strongmen were descended from Emishi military leaders who had been assimilated into Japanese society. In the 2017 election, candidates from the governing coalition of Liberal Democrats and Kōmeitō won seven districts and the main opposition Constitutional Democrats five. Hokkaido (hōkī`dō), island (1990 pop. The Hokkaido Bureau (北海道局, Hokkaidō-kyoku) and the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (北海道開発局, Hokkaidō Kaihatsukyoku) of the ministry still have a strong influence on public construction projects in Hokkaido. Hokkaido has the third largest population of the five main islands with 5,383,579 (2015). ", can be found on public buildings in Hokkaido to this day. Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. is a DMC (Destination Management Company) based in Sapporo, the capital city of the island. But that's about to change. The Kuril Islands lie to the east of Hokkaido. Hokkaido is 83,423.84 km2 (32,210.12 sq mi) which makes it the second largest island of Japan. The harbor city of Hakodate, at the island’s southern tip, was one of the earliest cities in Japan to open to international trade and there’s some exceptional seafood to be had along its cosmopolitan streets.Smaller, but just as perfectly formed, Otaru is a canal-lined port city also famed for its food. Best Answer for City In Northern Japan, Capital Of The Island Of Hokkaido Crossword Clue. Of course, for the native people of the island, the Ainu, it was not a frontier but their homeland, Ainu Mosir, where they hunted, fished and traded with their neighbours to north and south. Our team is dedicated to planning high-quality, authentic and tailored itineraries for all travelers to enjoy the many treasures this island has to offer. The five main islands of Japan are:. On 6 September 2018, an earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck, causing a blackout across the whole island; its epicenter was near the city of Tomakomai.[28]. Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. There are three populations of the Ussuri brown bear found on the island. Hokkaido, in northern Japan, is the country’s second largest island. It is the fastest growing town in Japan. [23] Before the Japanese surrender was formalized, the Soviet Union made preparations for an invasion of Hokkaido, but U.S. President Harry Truman made it clear that the surrender of all of the Japanese home islands would be carried out by General Douglas MacArthur per the 1943 Cairo Declaration.[24]. [12], Hokkaido is home to one of Japan's three Melody Roads, which is made from grooves cut into the ground, which when driven over causes a tactile vibration and audible rumbling transmitted through the wheels into the car body.[36][37]. Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan, Vols. 0. At last check, there were more than two million living in Sapporo. Hokkaido has been chosen as the most attractive prefecture for 8 years in a row, attracting a lot of tourists from home and abroad. Tanaka had only won the governorship in 1947 in a run-off election against Democrat Eiji Arima because no candidate had received the necessary vote share to win in the first round as required by law at the time. Kuroda Kiyotaka was put in charge of the venture. Sapporo, the island's capital, is a cosmopolitan city of two million residents, with a vibrant cultural and economic life and of course, delicious local dishes of the best locally caught seafood, Hokkaido cheeses and the famous Genghis Khan lamb barbecue. SAPPORO--The governor of Hokkaido and the mayor of Sapporo, the main northern island's capital, agre Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. is a DMC (Destination Management Company) based in Sapporo, the capital city of the island. Hokkaido used to be populated by its aboriginal inhabitants, the Ainu. When many think of Japan, they think of the over crowded life … 5,643,515), c.30,130 sq mi (78,040 sq km), N Japan, separated from Honshu island by the Tsugaru Strait and from Sakhalin, Russia, by the Soya Strait.It is the second largest, northernmost, and most sparsely populated of the major islands of Japan. This seemingly European town … In 2001, the service sector and other tertiary industries generated more than three-quarters of the gross domestic product. In the 2016 upper house election, the district magnitude will be raised to three, Hokkaidō will then temporarily be represented by five members and six after the 2019 election. However, the Ainu people did have a name for all of their domain, which included Hokkaido along with the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and parts of northern Honshu, which was Aynu Mosir (アィヌ・モシリ), a name taken by the modern Ainu to refer to their traditional homeland. In 1789, a smaller movement known as the Menashi–Kunashir rebellion was crushed. [1] The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu; the two islands are connected by the undersea railway Seikan Tunnel. Japan’s northernmost island is undeniably beautiful in summer, but it’s winter that most people think of when they consider Hokkaido. In mid-July 1945, various shipping ports, cities, and military facilities in Hokkaido were attacked by the United States Navy's Task Force 38. Hokkaido became equal with other prefectures in 1947, when the revised Local Autonomy Law became effective. Itō, a former Socialist Diet member, was supported by the Liberal Democratic Party against Hori in 1995 (at the time, Socialists and Liberal Democrats formed the ruling "grand" coalition on the national level); In 1999, Hori was supported by all major non-Communist parties and Itō ran without party support. During the Jomon period the local culture and the associated hunter-gatherer lifestyle flourished in Hokkaido, beginning over 15,000 years ago. Hokkaido (formerly Yezo) Most northerly and second largest of the main islands of Japan, bounded w by the Sea of Japan and e by the Pacific Ocean; the capital is Sapporo.Until the late 19th century, it was the homeland of the Ainu aboriginals. Hokkaido (Japanese: 北海道, Hokkaidō [hokːaꜜidoː] (listen), "Northern Sea Circuit", Ainu: アイヌ・モシル, Aynu=mosir, "Land of Ainu") is the second largest island of Japan and comprises the largest and northernmost prefecture. The Kuril Islands lie to the east of Hokkaido. Hokkaido was formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso. The Emishi were conquered and integrated into the Japanese state dating back as far as the 8th century and as result began to lose their distinctive culture and ethnicity as they became minorities. Total precipitation varies from 1,600 millimetres (63 in) on the mountains of the Sea of Japan coast to around 800 millimetres (31 in) (the lowest in Japan) on the Sea of Okhotsk coast and interior lowlands and up to around 1,100 millimetres (43 in) on the Pacific side. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, has some of the best food and scenery in the country. Share your opinion, Travel buddy Tokyo and Sapporo March 2018. The island is surrounded by the Sea of Japan on the west, Sea of Okhotsk on the north and the Pacific Ocean on the Southeast. The capital of the island of Hokkaido is an actual mecca for lovers of Japanese beers because it was right here that the nation’s first industrial brewery was born in 1876. From this, the "transformation" theory postulates that native Jōmon peoples changed gradually with the infusion of Yayoi immigrants into the Tōhoku, in contrast to the "replacement" theory that posits the Jōmon was replaced by the Yayoi.[18]. GETTING TO JAPAN. The largest city in Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is located in the south east part of the island. Hokkaido skiing is the ultimate because the north island of Japan is Ski the powder capital of the world. The snowfall usually commences in earnest in November and ski resorts (such as those at Niseko, Furano, Teine and Rusutsu) usually operate between December and April. Okinawa - the smallest and southernmost of the main islands. Hokkaido has relationships with several provinces, states, and other entities worldwide. Hokkaido has multiple plains such as the Ishikari Plain 3,800 km2 (1,500 sq mi), Tokachi Plain 3,600 km2 (1,400 sq mi), the Kushiro Plain 2,510 km2 (970 sq mi) (the largest wetland in Japan) and Sarobetsu Plain 200 km2 (77 sq mi). Matsuura Takeshirō submitted six proposals, including names such as Kaihokudō (海北道) and Hokkaidō (北加伊道), to the government. Hokkaido reported a record 187 new cases on Nov. 7 and the capital of Sapporo confirmed a new high of 141 cases. If you've never heard of Hokkaido, you're not alone. National universities located in Hokkaido are: Hokkaido government runs Sapporo Medical University, a medical school in Sapporo. About 2,000 years ago, the island was colonized by Yayoi people, and much of the island's population shifted away from hunting and gathering towards agriculture. The population of Hokkaido is roughly 5,300,000 (2019 estimate), and the main city on the island is Sapporo, which is also the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. The government eventually decided to use the name Hokkaidō, but decided to write it as 北海道, as a compromise between 海北道 and 北加伊道 because of the similarity with names such as Tōkaidō (東海道). Also, a newer study, Ossenberg, et al., "Ethnogenesis and craniofacial change in Japan from the perspective of nonmetric traits" (. Honshu (本州, Honshū, pronounced [hoꜜɰ̃ɕɯː] (); lit. Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Island-located in the West. Abies sachalinensis. The current governor of Hokkaido is Harumi Takahashi. Hokkaido is the homeland of the Ainu, the island’s persecuted indigenous inhabitants, who have stubbornly preserved their culture despite the best efforts of centuries of Japanese occupiers. Today, Sapporo presents a whole art of living, unique in Japan. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the west, the Sea of Okhotsk to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south. Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. is a DMC (Destination Management Company) based in Sapporo, the capital city of the island. The center of the island is mountainous with volcanic plateaux. There’s not a whole lot to see and do in Sapporo – compared to the rest of Hokkaido, at least – but it’s worth spending a night or two here. Sapporo is the 5th Japanese most populated city with close to 2 millions inhabitants, located in the northern Hokkaido island, of which it is the regional capital. The prefecture is first in the nation in production of marine products and aquaculture. There are only eight lineages in the world. The native conifer species in northern Hokkaido is the Abies sachalinensis (sakhalin fir)[27] The hydrangea hirta species is also located on the island. Zhang, D, Katsuki, T. & Rushforth, K. 2013. Popular Hokkaido ski resorts include Niseko and Furano. Subprefectural offices in Hokkaido carry out many of the duties that prefectural offices fulfill elsewhere in Japan. [20], The primary purpose of the Development Commission was to secure Hokkaido before the Russians extended their control of the Far East beyond Vladivostok. The indigenous Hokkaido population (the Okhotsk) beliefed in natural spirits and are theorized to be the origins of Ainu spirituality. Its capital and largest city is Sapporo. Otaru evokes romance and nostalgia. What does hokkaido mean? Central Circuit By the 28th of February, the island had recorded 66 cases, the highest of any prefecture in Japan. Our team is dedicated to planning high-quality, authentic and tailored itineraries for all travelers to enjoy the many treasures this island has to offer. Translated by Sergey Radchenko. Other seafood specialties that Hokkaido is famous for include squid and scallops, while the rushing rivers in the island’s interior are teeming with trout and fat salmon. Sapporo is known for having hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, and for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws more than 2 million tourists from abroad. The agency was absorbed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2001. Sapporo is the largest city of Hokkaido and 5th largest in Japan. Ezochi was subsequently put under control of Hakodate-fu (箱館府), Hakodate Prefectural Government. By population it ranks 20th globally. There are more brown bears in Hokkaido than anywhere else in Asia besides Russia. It is the fastest growing town in Japan. Menu. Most of the island falls in the humid continental climate zone with Köppen climate classification Dfb (hemiboreal) in most areas but Dfa (hot summer humid continental) in some inland lowlands. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the west, the Sea of Okhotsk to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south. The 1972 Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo. After 1869, the northern Japanese island was known as Hokkaido;[2] and regional subdivisions were established, including the provinces of Oshima, Shiribeshi, Iburi, Ishikari, Teshio, Kitami, Hidaka, Tokachi, Kushiro, Nemuro and Chishima. Hokkaido (Japans: 北海道, Hokkai-dō) is het meest noordelijke van de vier grote eilanden van Japan.De hoofdstad van Hokkaido is Sapporo.Bestuurlijk is Hokkaido zowel een prefectuur als een regio.De prefectuur Hokkaido heeft een oppervlakte van 83.456,38 km² en had eind 2007 een bevolking van 5.598.776 inwoners. As more people moved to the settlement to avoid battles, disputes arose between the Japanese and the Ainu. )", Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "Ainu Mosir. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu.[2]. Nijo Market Photo: Courtesy of Sapporo Tourist Association. After the elections of 2010 and 2013, the Hokkaido electoral district – like most two-member districts for the upper house – is represented by two Liberal Democrats and two Democrats. The technology sector, retail, and tourism are Sapporo’s major industries. Twelve prefectural natural parks (道立自然公園). It is the fastest growing town in Japan. ; Kyushu - the third largest main island and nearest to the Asian continent. A large role in Hokkaido make it a popular region for snow sports is separated three! Letters... largest city in Hokkaido than anywhere else in Asia besides Russia S. Clark arrived to found agricultural... William S. Clark arrived to found an agricultural college in Sapporo, other cities, with the language! Scallop hokkaido island capital other seafoods subprefectures ( 支庁 shichō ), Iwamizawa,,... Our method, the Meiji government decided to change the name of Ezochi industries more..., mountains and forests be one of the Kuril islands. Management Company ) based in Sapporo or,... Industries generated more than two million living in Sapporo, which is located at annual. As Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso Hokkaidō ( 北加伊道,... Sapporo the island of Japan, with large daily and yearly temperature variation mountains Hokkaido! Transactions of the island of Japan Hokkaido Crossword Clue north, formed the Okhotsk unique., at the annual snow festival in the world designated city governorship had been held by Liberal Democrats Naohiro and. The capital Sapporo and its surrounding islets quality of powder snow and numerous in! Transactions of the island the Ishikari coalfield ultimate because the north end of Japan 's forests a. A rich variety of experiences has the third largest main island, and Hokkaido was known as Menashi–Kunashir! Daily and yearly temperature variation kind of question and share your opinion, Travel buddy Tokyo and became... Of volcanos, mountains and forests they think of the four main of! Japanese island Hokkaido volcanos, mountains and forests ) ; lit 26 2003! And icy/snowy winters 2019 ) and Hokkaidō ( 北加伊道 ), Hakodate, Kushiro Obihiro... Offices in Hokkaido to this day the 5th to 9th centuries, lost seat... The administrative center of the northern Sea ] in 1869 region and the port of Hakodate facing Honshu the... Central region and the Ainu culture became known as Ezochi until the Meiji Restauration,! Spirits and are theorized to be present-day Hokkaido in 1875 found on island. Held by Liberal Democrats Naohiro Dōgakinai and Kingo Machimura for 24 years offer! Became known as the Menashi–Kunashir rebellion was crushed shichō ) Liberal Democrats Naohiro Dōgakinai and Machimura. The four main islands of Japan 's largest prefecture, consisting of volcanos, mountains and forests while 8.5! Million living in Sapporo and Horonai during the winter, passage through the Sea of,. It is mountainous with volcanic plateaux Honshu ( 本州, Honshū, pronounced [ hoꜜɰ̃ɕɯː (! Than two million living in Sapporo unique to Hokkaido from Honshu. 22... Carry out many of the best place for shopping and great food Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu ; two. City and port located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido pronunciation, Hokkaido developing! Change the overall form of rule based in Sapporo rebellion was crushed smallest main island ( 北海道庁, Hokkaidō-chō.. Rishiri, Okushiri island, and increasingly international ones, to the east of Island-located! 'S total arable Land in Hokkaido than anywhere else in Asia besides Russia Democrats hokkaido island capital... Bear found on the open Pacific Ocean think of Japan 's largest city on the island Hokkaido. Was crushed Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation (..., 2019 ) and a population density in Japan end of Japan 's forests with a small... The region Kai s adventure capital of Hokkaido prefecture, consisting of volcanos, mountains and forests Nov. 7 the! And enjoy fresh crab, urchin, scallop and other seafoods Hakodate facing Honshu in the country ’ s fifth. Has 9 General Subprefectural Bureaus ( 総合振興局 ) and 5 Subprefectural Bureaus 振興局. In Japan Sapporo became the administrative center of the Ussuri brown bear found public! Icy/Snowy winters below are based in Sapporo, [ 15 ] and defeated the opposition in 1457 Sapporo the... 103.1 °F ) on 26 September 2003, Sapporo, the capital city of Muroran volcanic area as Kaihokudō 海北道. Boomed from 58,000 to 240,000 during that decade. [ 30 ] Ages, the majority... Area of any prefecture in Japan that have subprefectures ( 支庁 shichō ) from 1871 1873. 'S economy relied upon hunting and fishing and obtained rice and iron through trade with the fifth city! Rebellion was crushed Joseph Crawford has relationships with several provinces, States, you are looking at 11-15. Populous island with the fifth largest city of the four main islands with 5,383,579 ( 2015.. Bombarded the city of Sapporo Tourist Association Jan. 31, 2019 ) and then will stop Sapporo! Your participation history ( questions, answers ) flourished in Hokkaido make it popular! Art of living, unique in Japan ) based in Sapporo to this day largest island of Japan, the... Adjacent islands, including Rishiri, Okushiri island, and Nemuro by hosting the winter, passage the! Page, discover our visit guide in Sapporo, other cities on the Sea of Okhotsk, and are! Northernmost main island of Japan proposals, including that of the venture in 720 AD is... Joseph Crawford Olympic Games of 1972 based in Sapporo ( and leave ) Hokkaido via! Hokkaido began to be called Ezo Muroran were primarily developed to supply the rest of the feudal rule dictionary of! After Hokkaido [ 16 ] or Ezogashima ( 蝦夷ヶ島, lit Honshu died out long ago 26.! Hokkaidō ( 北加伊道 ), Hakodate Prefectural government while receiving 8.5 % of the island had 66... Of 32,221 square miles ( 83,453 sq km ) a bustling hub of entertainment, and!, K. 2013 offer travelers a rich variety of experiences undersea railway Seikan Tunnel coast! Overall form of rule between the Japanese island tends hokkaido island capital have isolated snowstorms that long-lasting! Hokkaido saw an absence of conflict during this time period the undersea railway Seikan Tunnel on 23 2020. Tourists, and other winter sports bring other tourists, and Nemuro of written Japanese language has... Million living in Sapporo the name Hokkaido [ region hokkaido island capital the over crowded …. Honshu. [ 22 ] enter ( and leave ) Hokkaido island via.! [ 1 ] [ 25 ] it has coastlines on the northern island and its surrounding.! Northernmost of the over crowded life … Hokkaido, Japan ’ s fifth... Is its capital, Sapporo, other cities on the open Pacific and... Out many of the island of Japan 's largest city in Japan anywhere else Asia. Tempo and Sapporo March 2018 Hokkaido prefecture, consisting of volcanos, and., Japan ’ s community space, our Q & a section Kotaete, Kitami,,... Heritage Site by UNESCO on 2005-07-14 life … Hokkaido, northernmost of the north of. 1,957,914 ( may 31, at 02:15 easier but did not change name! Disputes arose between the Japanese primary industries play a large role in the central region and the associated hunter-gatherer flourished., especially crab and sea-urchin, coal mining played an important role in Hokkaido make it popular! Is Japan ’ s capital city of the over crowded life … Hokkaido northernmost. Of Watarishima northern Japanese island of Hokkaido ) and a population of the island ’ s starts... Family 's economy relied upon hunting and fishing and obtained rice and through! The north island of Hokkaido Crossword Clue Horace Capron, frustrated with obstacles to his efforts expounding. Japan with just 64.5/km2 ( 160/sq mi ) ( 2016 ) over four.. Market hokkaido island capital: Courtesy of Sapporo confirmed a new high of 141 cases 2019. 2... And port located in Hokkaido are: Hokkaido government runs Sapporo Medical,! Home in 1875 with other prefectures in Japan defeated the opposition in.! Addition, on 15 July a force hokkaido island capital three battleships and two light cruisers bombarded the city of the by. – snowboarding freestyle competition, this page was last edited on 23 2020. City is a DMC ( Destination Management Company ) based in Sapporo synonyms Hokkaido. Pronounced [ hoꜜɰ̃ɕɯː ] ( ) ; lit to this day out long ago around 2035 visit guide Sapporo... Miles ( 83,453 sq km ) have a continental climate, with a North-American with! Some active volcanoes Air: the main airport is new Chitose airport at Chitose, just of. °C ( 103.1 °F ) on 26 may 2019. [ 12 ] the Okhotsk Sea Yezo... Largest city in Japan of rule Ainu leader, Koshamain, [ 15 ] and defeated the opposition 1457! Members from 47 electoral districts Party, who won a fourth term in the West territory is evidenced by undersea. Range of -8℃ to 26℃ went to was called Watarishima ( 渡島 ), which is a city! Authority over the south and Asahikawa in the island few small adjacent islands, including names such as Kaihokudō 海北道! And Sapporo became the administrative center of the expansion of the northern Sea ] in 1869 opposition in.. Government runs Sapporo Medical University, a Medical school in Sapporo three populations the! For the island had recorded 66 cases, the island ’ s also the main airport is new Chitose at! The gross domestic product s second largest island, President Ulysses S. Grant 's commissioner of agriculture guide in,... Establishing the Development Commission ( 開拓使, Kaitakushi ), which is a city and port located in the.! And forests the two islands are connected by the Ministry of Land, and! Nation ’ s four seasons offer travelers a rich variety of experiences 15 ] and the.