Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost prefecture and the second-largest of the country’s main islands.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost prefecture and second-largest main island, with Sapporo as its capital. It’s known for cold winters, natural scenery, and Ainu cultural heritage.

What it is

Hokkaido is a prefecture of Japan that covers the entire northernmost of the country’s four main islands. It spans about 83,423 km², making it Japan’s largest prefecture by area, and has a population of roughly 5.2 million. The island is bordered by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean.

Key details

Sapporo is the administrative capital and largest city, with most residents concentrated there. Hokkaido is a major destination for winter sports, national parks, seafood, hot springs, and Indigenous Ainu culture. Its climate and latitude are often compared with parts of Canada—Sapporo sits roughly at the same latitude as Toronto.

Why it matters

Hokkaido is a significant economic and tourism hub in Japan, drawing visitors for its ski resorts, seasonal landscapes, and cultural sites like the National Ainu Museum and Park (Upopoy). Its low population density relative to its size makes it distinct from Japan’s more crowded regions.