Hokkaido

File:Hokkaido Banner Toyako lake - Lake Toya Hokkaidō (北海道)] is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. With both size and population (just above 5 million) similar to Scotland, it is the most sparsely populated part of Japan.

Hokkaido is recovering from a powerful earthquake that struck on the morning of 6 September 2018 near Atsuma, southeast of Sapporo. The earthquake registered a magnitude 6.7, or the highest level of 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has advised those in Hokkaido to exercise caution for continuing aftershocks and the possibility of more landslides. Some facilities in the prefecture may have reduced operations due to power conservation efforts.

Hokkaido Halal Travel Guide

Home to Japan's native Ainu people, Hokkaido continues to represent the untamed wilderness with many great national parks. For many visitors the scenery resembles northern Europe, with Rice paddies and concrete warrens replacing rolling fields and faux-German cottages. However and the ubquitous hotspring resorts in much of the island serve as a reminder that you are still in Japan.

Hokkaido is by far Japan's largest prefecture, consisting of Japan's entire northern island and its surrounding islets. Hokkaido is cooler than the rest of Japan, and the merciful lack of Japan's muggy summers and rainy season makes it a very popular domestic destination between May and August. Some of Hokkaido's inland areas have a continental climate, with large daily and yearly temperature variation. With a number of ski resorts, Hokkaido attracts millions of domestic and international skiers and snowboarders in winter.

Many of the largest cities in Hokkaido are found in its coastal regions. Most of Hokkaido was settled by the Japanese within the last 100 years, compared to the thousands of years of Japanese history and pre-history. As a result, its architecture and cities are much more modern, and mostly based on western-like grid layouts.

Regions of Hokkaido

Alone among the main Japanese islands Hokkaido is not divided into multiple prefectures. Instead and there are four circuits (道 dō), which are in turn split into subprefectures (支庁 shichō).

Hokkaido regions - Color-coded map

Central Circuit With capital Sapporo and much of the mountainous interior.

Eastern Circuit The largest and remotest part of the island.

Northern Circuit Covering the northern peninsula but poking down toward the center.

Southern Circuit Centered on Hakodate.

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Reference ##e868c Southern Circuit

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Cities

• Sapporo GPS 43.066667,141.35 (札幌市 Sapporo-shi) – the capital and by far the largest city in Hokkaido
• Abashiri GPS 44.016667,144.266667 (網走市 Abashiri-shi) – northern fishing port, home to Japan's most infamous prison
• Asahikawa GPS 43.766667,142.366667 (旭川市 Asahikawa-shi) – the coldest city in Japan (literally)
• Furano GPS 43.35,142.383333 (富良野市 Furano-shi) – with lavender in the summer and some of the world's best powder in winter
• Hakodate GPS 41.766667,140.733333 (函館市 Hakodate-shi) – historical city and the capital of the short-lived Ezo Republic
• Kitami GPS 43.8,143.9 (北見市 Kitami-shi) – between Saroma and Lake Akan, this city is well known for its peppermint farms
• Obihiro GPS 42.916667,143.2 (帯広市 Obihiro-shi) – the main city in the Tokachi Plain, one of Japan's major agricultural belts
• Otaru GPS 43.183333,141 (小樽市 Otaru-shi) – Hokkaido's largest port
• Wakkanai GPS 45.415667,141.673056 (稚内市 Wakkanai-shi) – Japan's northernmost city, a major port with many connections to Russia

More Destinations

• Biei GPS 43.583333,142.466667 (美瑛町 Biei-chō) – the land of beautiful patchwork hills
• Niseko GPS 42.8,140.683333 (ニセコ町 Niseko-chō) – trendy ski destination
• Noboribetsu GPS 42.416667,141.1 (登別市 Noboribetsu-shi) – Hokkaido's largest hot spring resort
• Shimukappu GPS 42.983333,142.4 (占冠村 Shimukappu-mura) – village
• Shinhidaka GPS 42.25,142.566667 (新ひだか町 Shinhidaka-chō) – thoroughbreds and beautiful cherry blossoms

National parks

140829 Ichiko of Shiretoko Goko Lakes Hokkaido Japan01s5 - Goko Five Lakes, Shiretoko National Park

• Akan National Park – known for its mysterious lakes, including Lake Akan
• Onuma Quasi-National Park – peaceful lake near Hakodate in southern Hokkaido
• Shiretoko National Park – this eastern peninsula park, where bears roam in the wilderness and bathe in hot waterfalls, was recently designated as a World Heritage Site
• Daisetsuzan National Park – Japan's largest national park, in the middle of Hokkaido, and the Holy Grail of extreme hikers and people love eating seafood
• Kushiro Wetlands National Park
• Shikotsu-Toya National Park – volcanic thermal spas (Muslim Friendly), two beautiful caldera lakes with rumbling volcanoes and mossy canyons make scenic Lake Toya one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations
• Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park – covering the small islands off Wakkanai at the northern tip

Travel to Hokkaido

The Seikan Tunnel and the world's second longest rail tunnel, is the only land link that Hokkaido has to Japan's main island of Honshu. Trains through the tunnel, ferries, and airliners are the only means of reaching Hokkaido. The only way to enter Hokkaido by vehicle is to ship it across on one of the many vehicle ferries.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hokkaido

Sapporo'sChitose Airport (IATA Flight Code: CTS) is Hokkaido's sole international gateway of significance, with Flights from Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Beijing, Honolulu, Seoul and Busan. However and there are only limited international flights and most visitors will need to transit through hubs such as Tokyo and Osaka. The route between Tokyo and Sapporo is, in terms of capacity and planes flown daily and the busiest in the world. (Note that Narita Airport (IATA Flight Code: NRT) and Haneda Airport (IATA Flight Code: HND) are quite far apart from each other, so make sure you factor in at least 3 hours travelling time between airports in Tokyo.)

In addition and there are a few international flights (mostly from Seoul and Taipei) to both Asahikawa and Hakodate.

By Rail

Hokkaido was finally linked to the national shinkansen high speed network in March 2016 with the opening of the segment between Aomori and Hakodate via the undersea Seikan Tunnel. A one-seat trip from Tokyo to Hakodate now takes just four hours using the Hayabusa service. By fiscal 2030 and the line from Hakodate to Sapporo is expected to be finished.

The terminal station in Hokkaido for the shinkansen is Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (新函館北斗). From here, travelers can take a 15-20 minutes shuttle train ride down to the center of Hakodate city, or take a limited express train up to Sapporo.

Car rental facilities are located just outside the station.

Seishun 18 Ticket

Since the Seishun 18 Ticket does not allow travel using bullet trains, users who want to go to Hokkaido from Honshu must purchase a separate option ticket for ¥2300. The special ticket allows trips in any available standard class seat on Hokkaido Shinkansen trains between Okutsugaru-Imabetsu (the last bullet train stop in Honshu) and Kikonai (the first such stop on Hokkaido). It also covers travel on the private Isaribi Line between Kikonai and Goryokaku, where the rest of the local JR network can be visited. You must be in possession of a valid Seishun 18 Ticket to purchase and use the option ticket.

By ferry

Ferries are mostly popular among people bringing their own cars to Hokkaido.

• Ferries from Hakodate link to northern ports in Tohoku, including Aomori and the Shimokita Peninsula.
• Otaru provides links to Maizuru (near Kyoto) and Seoul.
• Tomakomai connects with Akita, Niigata, Tsuruga, and sometimes Maizuru.
• Wakkanai has ferries to Russia.

How to get around in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is vast in size, so allow plenty of time to get around and don't try to do too much if your time is limited. Many Japanese maps (including the generally excellent Japan Road Atlas) show Hokkaido with a larger scale than the rest of the nation, which may make distances appear deceptively small.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hokkaido

Due to its vast size and numerous outlying islands, Hokkaido has a fairly well-developed commuter airline network. The main regional carriers are JAL subsidiary Hokkaido Air Commuter and ANA subsidiary Air Nippon (now operating in its parent's livery). Many turboprop flights operate out of the tiny Okadama Airport in central Sapporo.

By Rail

The train network in Hokkaido is (by Japanese standards) limited, although it's more than adequate for travel between major cities. However, access to many of the more interesting sites, such as Hokkaido's many national parks, will require either relying on infrequent and expensive buses, renting your own car, or trying your luck at hitchhiking.

Some convenient express trains include the Hokuto and Super Hokuto between Sapporo and Hakodate (3.5 hours, ¥8,830 each way); the Super Kamui between Sapporo and Asahikawa (1.5 hours, ¥6,810 each way); the Tokachi between Sapporo and Obihiro (3 hours, ¥7,220 each way); the Super Ōzora between Sapporo and Kushiro (4 hours, ¥9,370 each way); and the Super Soya and Sarobetsu between Sapporo and Wakkanai (5.5 hours, ¥20,450 each way).

JR offers a special ' Hokkaido Pass', separate from the Japan Railway Pass, which allows the bearer to ride all JR trains in Hokkaido, as well as most JR buses.

Travel on a Bus in Hokkaido

A cheaper if slower and less comfortable option than the train is using buses, which also cover all the areas not accessible by train. Sleeper services radiate from Sapporo to most corners of the island. Note that local bus schedules can be very sparse, so check them carefully to avoid being stranded.

By car

By far the most convenient way of getting around sparsely populated Hokkaido is by renting a car. This is especially so when visiting some of the national parks or onsen resorts. However, visitors not used to driving in snow should be careful in the winter, and note that speed limits are reduced significantly (only about 80km/h) in winter when the expressways are covered in snow. As such, give yourself more time to cover the same distance in the winter than you would in the summer.

By bike

Hokkaido is a cycling paradise from April to September. There are many bike paths and most primary streets have very wide sidewalks. Also there are many beautiful back roads to get you where you want to go. Information in English is very limited and the best way is to buy a good map and plan by yourself.

By thumb

Hitchhiking is a viable option in Hokkaido, and due to the limitations of the public transport network it's not unheard of to see Japanese with their thumb out (a very rare sight in the rest of the nation). The major caveats are that even private vehicle traffic can be minimal on some roads, and for half the year the weather is colder than the rest of the nation.

See also: Hitchhiking in Japan

See and do

Goryokaku - Goryukaku Fort in Hakodate

For many visitors Hokkaido's numerous National Parks|National Parks are number one on the agenda, offering near-unlimited hiking opportunities.

Hokkaido's other major attractions are flower gardens, high-quality agriculture and seafood and thermal spas (Muslim Friendly), and powder skiing.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Much of Hokkaido's population lives by the sea, and consequently seafood figures heavily in Hokkaido fare. Check out the hairy crabs (毛蟹 kegani), king crabs (タラバ taraba) and the delicious sushi. Akkeshi's oysters, Saroma's scallops, and the northwest coast's sea urchin (うに uni) are considered to be among Japan's very best seafood.

More unexpectedly, Hokkaido produces most of Japan'sdairy products and particularly in the east you will run into many creative uses for them. Ever had cream Cheese in your Curries, or butter in your Noodles soup (bata-kon ramen)? How about asparagus, corn, or squid ink ice cream? In Hokkaido, you will.

Hokkaido is home to some of Japan's finest sake and the most famous of the bunch being Asahikawa's Otokoyama (男山). Beer is also big in Hokkaido and the most famous brand being Sapporo Beer (naturally from Sapporo), but the many microbrews found in nearly every town are also worth sampling.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hokkaido

Hokkaido - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hokkaido, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hokkaido. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hokkaido and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hokkaido. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hokkaido. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hokkaido: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hokkaido.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hokkaido: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hokkaido, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hokkaido.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hokkaido, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hokkaido, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hokkaido and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hokkaido, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hokkaido, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hokkaido without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hokkaido is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hokkaido.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hokkaido is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hokkaido, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hokkaido Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hokkaido

eHalal Group Hokkaido is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hokkaido. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hokkaido.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hokkaido ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hokkaido. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hokkaido is one of Japan's best places for camping, but beware of the nighttime chill - even in the summer months you'll need a good sleeping bag. In particular and the southwest coast can be surprisingly cold, due to the ocean currents.

Many of Hokkaido's cheaper lodgings slap on an extra fee for winter heating (冬期暖房 tōki danbō), as Japanese houses even in the north are notoriously poorly insulated and chew up vast quantities of fuel when the temperatures fall. This shouldn't be more than ¥700 or so.

If you are coming for the mountains, be sure to stay in one of the many mountain huts (山小屋 yamagoya) in Hokkaido. Most are free, and they're both a affordable sleep and a good cultural experience. You'll be sure to make Japanese friends as well.

Stay Safe

Hokkaido has the worst fatality rate for traffic accidents in Japan. Hokkaido is one of Japan's most spread-out areas, well-known for its wide-open roads. Locals drive at least 20 km/h over the posted limits in many areas. It's not unusual to see cars traveling at over 100 km/h on regular highways (the posted limit is 60 km/h). Head-on collisions at these speeds, especially with minicars, are catastrophic.

Hokkaido has many country farm roads which are narrow, poorly marked, and arrow-straight. These often run parallel to highways and tend to be much less crowded. It's not unusual for local residents to exceed 100 km/h on these roads. Missing a stop sign can be fatal, and signs may be hard to spot. Be careful of farm vehicles backing out of sheds with no warning, and especially careful of bicycles in the summer, as there are no shoulders.

Winter driving in Hokkaido is not for the faint of heart. Very little sand or salt is used on the roads, and the heavy sin many areas means that the roadways turn into packed snow and then solid ice. This also means that the road markings will be totally invisible. Look for overhanging center line (中央線 chūosen) signs above the roads at intersections. Highways have arrow signs pointing downward at the shoulders of the road, which will also be invisible. Winter tires are mandatory. Chains are recommended for mountain driving. Because speeds are lower and there are less fatalities, but there are more accidents in the winter. If you have never driven in the winter, do not attempt to learn here.

The Hokkaido fox carries the echinococcus parasite, which can be fatal in humans. Because this parasite can be spread through water, do not drink any unboiled river or lake water in Hokkaido. Approaching or feeding foxes is also not recommended. (Feeding wildlife is also illegal.)

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