Hokkaido is home to epic landscapes, diverse ecology, indigenous Ainu culture, and culinary delights enriched by fertile farmlands and abundant seafood.
But how did it become the island we know today?
The answers to this question and more await at three captivating destinations easily accessible from both downtown Sapporo and New Chitose Airport.
Scenic walking trails, comprehensive exhibits, and reconstructions of real-life buildings are a doorway to the story behind Hokkaido’s history, culture, and natural environment. Discover how the island’s unique position as a crossroads of Northeast Asia shaped its myriad wonders.
Nopporo Forest Park & Visitor’s Center
At the Nopporo Forest Park and Visitor’s Center, immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s natural heritage, witnessing its distinctive flora and fauna firsthand in lowland forests spanning more than 2,000 hectares.
The network of walking trails is ideal for all ages and outdoor experience levels, while the Visitor’s Center offers up-to-date information about the park’s rich biodiversity with knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.
The park’s natural beauty transforms with the weather, the time of day, and the season, offering something new to see with each visit.
Hokkaido Museum
Hokkaido Museum takes you on a journey through 1.2 million years of history and traces the development of Hokkaido’s unique identity, shaped through its role as a crossroads, connecting Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and Honshu. For countless years, people, animals, and goods have travelled through this region, making it a meeting point of cultures and nature in Northeast Asia.
Get a new perspective on Hokkaido’s position in relation to its neighbouring regions and its unique ecosystems before embarking on an exploration of five themes spanning from the island’s prehistoric beginnings to the present day.
Learn about Hokkaido’s distinctive ecosystems and heritage through comprehensive exhibits that explore topics, including the culture and history of the indigenous Ainu, the island’s transformation into a part of modern Japan, the experiences of migrants from Honshu and other parts of Japan, and the interconnectedness between its people and the natural environment.
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Step back in time and experience the lifestyles and ingenuity of the people who settled in Hokkaido from 1869, when the island was officially named and waves of migration from other parts of Japan began.
In the late 19th century, the Japanese government established a Commission tasked with powering the development of a new frontier, including by driving migration from across the country and introducing new technologies and ideas from abroad to. Explore this rich history through 52 restored and reproduced buildings dating from the late 1860s to the 1920s, offering an immersive look at life during this transformative period.
With a variety of hands-on activities throughout the year, you will feel as though you have been transported back in time. In summer, take a ride on the horse-drawn tram, which transforms into a horse-drawn sleigh in winter, to explore the historical buildings that line the streets of the village.
Hokkaido’s natural environment, and culture have been shaped by its unique blend of geography, climate, and history.
Accessible from downtown Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, Nopporo Forest Park and Visitor’s Center, Hokkaido Museum, and the Historical Village of Hokkaido, provide a deep dive into the island’s diverse, distinctive heritage. Make the most of your visit by uncovering the story behind Hokkaido’s remarkable evolution.