Hokkaido is divided into several cities and regions, with its capital being Sapporo, which is also the largest city in the region, and is further subdivided into 14 subprefectures that serve as the main administrative divisions.
Quick Facts
How Hokkaido Is Divided
Hokkaido is the second-largest island of Japan and is divided into 14 subprefectures, which serve as the main administrative divisions. These subprefectures are further divided into cities, towns, and villages, each with its own local government. The subprefectures are responsible for providing various public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, to the residents of Hokkaido.
The 14 subprefectures of Hokkaido are: Sorachi, Sapporo, Ishikari, Shiribeshi, Iburi, Hidaka, Hiyama, Kamikawa, Rumoi, Sōya, Okhotsk, Abashiri, Tokachi, and Kushiro. Each subprefecture has its own unique characteristics, such as natural resources, cultural heritage, and economic activities, which contribute to the overall diversity and richness of Hokkaido.
Major Cities
Sapporo (1,973,000)
Role: capital, economic hub, cultural center
Known For: Sapporo is known for its snowy winters, delicious seafood, and vibrant cultural events, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival. The city is also home to many universities and research institutions, making it a hub for education and innovation.
Best For: Sapporo is ideal for visitors who enjoy winter sports, cultural events, and trying local cuisine.
Asahikawa (354,000)
Role: economic hub, cultural center
Known For: Asahikawa is known for its cold winters, beautiful natural scenery, and traditional crafts, such as woodcarving and pottery. The city is also home to the Asahikawa Museum of Art, which features a collection of modern and contemporary Japanese art.
Best For: Asahikawa is suitable for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing, and are interested in traditional crafts and culture.
Hakodate (276,000)
Role: port city, economic hub
Known For: Hakodate is known for its beautiful harbor, delicious seafood, and historic architecture, such as the Hakodate Magistrate's Office and the Goryokaku Fort. The city is also famous for its night view, which is considered one of the three best in Japan.
Best For: Hakodate is ideal for visitors who enjoy trying local seafood, exploring historic sites, and taking in the city's scenic views.
Otaru (130,000)
Role: port city, cultural center
Known For: Otaru is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, beautiful canals, and traditional music boxes. The city is also famous for its glasswork and handicrafts, such as woodworking and pottery.
Best For: Otaru is suitable for visitors who enjoy exploring historic sites, trying local crafts, and taking romantic strolls along the canals.
Kushiro (174,000)
Role: economic hub, cultural center
Known For: Kushiro is known for its natural scenery, including the Kushiro Marshland National Park, and its traditional cuisine, such as Kushiro crab and scallops. The city is also home to the Kushiro City Museum, which features a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the city's history and culture.
Best For: Kushiro is ideal for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and birdwatching, and are interested in trying local cuisine and learning about the city's history and culture.
Key Regions
| Region | Character | Known For | Major City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Hokkaido | mountainous, scenic | skiing, hiking, hot springs | Sapporo |
| Southern Hokkaido | coastal, scenic | seafood, beaches, historic sites | Hakodate |
| Eastern Hokkaido | rural, natural | wildlife, national parks, outdoor activities | Kushiro |
| Northern Hokkaido | rural, natural | wildlife, national parks, outdoor activities | Asahikawa |
| Tokachi Region | rural, agricultural | farming, livestock, scenic countryside | Obihiro |
| Okhotsk Region | coastal, scenic | seafood, beaches, scenic views | Abashiri |
| Hidaka Region | mountainous, scenic | hiking, skiing, hot springs | Urakawa |
| Shiribeshi Region | coastal, scenic | seafood, beaches, historic sites | Otaru |
Regional Differences
- The climate varies across Hokkaido, with the northern and eastern regions being colder and snowier than the southern and western regions.
- The economy of Hokkaido is diverse, with major industries including agriculture, fishing, and tourism, and each region has its own unique economic characteristics.
- The culture of Hokkaido is influenced by its indigenous people, the Ainu, and its history as a frontier region, with each region having its own unique cultural heritage and traditions.
- The language spoken in Hokkaido is primarily Japanese, but there are also some dialects and regional variations, particularly in the rural areas.
Getting Around
Hokkaido has a well-developed transportation network, with several domestic airports, including New Chitose Airport, which is the main gateway to the region. The island is also connected to the rest of Japan by rail, with the Hokkaido Shinkansen line linking Sapporo to Tokyo. In addition, there are many bus routes and highways that connect the major cities and towns, making it easy to get around by car or public transportation. The scenic routes, such as the Furano Valley and the Nikko National Park, are popular among tourists and offer breathtaking views of the natural scenery.
The transportation network in Hokkaido is well-developed, but it can be affected by the weather, particularly in the winter months when heavy snowfall and icy roads can make driving conditions hazardous. However, the region is well-equipped to handle these conditions, with many roads and highways being cleared and maintained regularly to ensure safe passage. Visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses and trains, which are reliable and frequent, to get around the region.