When you think about taking a total immersion trip in nature, Japan is the last destination that comes to mind. The Rising Sun, in fact, is the totem of urbanization that involved the entire world in the 20th century. No other country has undergone the same metamorphosis as the Far Eastern nation.
However, there is one place that is the perfect exception to this rule: the island of Hokkaido.
This place is not subject to any of the typical characteristics that can be attributed to the Japanese nation, which makes it almost a separate ecosystem. Hokkaido, in fact, is the twenty-first largest island in the world and has six natural parks and more than sixty volcanoes.
Its climate, harsh and snowy on the contrary, cool and dry in summer, makes it the perfect destination for winter sports lovers and campers from all corners of the world.
Furthermore, if you are used to traveling through typically European or American natural landscapes, Hokkaido could represent a real revolution for you. Most of the fauna is represented by seabirds that are not found in these areas.
Its coexistence with the typically mountainous environments of the island, such as waterfalls or Japanese pine parks, make Hokkaido a true natural paradise.
In addition to natural parks, it is famous. Noboribetsu, a small town surrounded by oak and bamboo forests. Here, in addition to nature trails and impressive waterways, you will also find the most famous natural spas of the Rising Sun, with nine waterways at different temperatures.
Another extremely attractive center from a tourist point of view is Niseko, the Japanese winter sports capital.
Finally, those who want to find the frenzy typical of Japanese centers can look towards Sapporo, the island's capital.
Furthermore, Hokkaido is a unique crossroads of cultures: in addition to the great Japanese colonization of the 20th century, the other main people inhabiting the island are the Ainu, direct descendants of the Mongols. Thanks to its proximity to the Asian continent, it is not difficult to meet some personalities of Russian or Korean origin.
Have you ever imagined discovering another Iceland about two thousand kilometers away? Tokyo?
