Hokkaido is the northern island of Japan and one of the 43 prefectures. Here are 3 aspects of Hokkaido that make it a unique place to visit!
1. Colder Climate
It’s no secret that Hokkaido is the coldest region of Japan. In fact, when I was there in the summer of 2023, I still needed to wear a jacket outside! This aspect of the prefecture makes it truly unique from the other prefectures which often experience strong heatwaves and humidity during summer.
2. Exclusive Convenience Stores
Another unique aspect of Hokkaido is its exclusive convenience store Seicomart. Unlike FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson (which also exist in Hokkaido), Seicomart offers unique brands and products that you can’t get outside the prefecture. Whether it’s the fresher, creamier Hokkaido milk or the ready-to-eat Hot Chef lunch packs, there are plenty of cool things to explore at Seicomart!
3. Unique Natural Landscapes
While mountainous backgrounds can be enjoyed everywhere in Japan, Hokkaido has a few extra features that make things quite interesting. For instance, you’ll often see snow-capped mountains as a result of the colder climate. It’s also quite common to see fields of flowers due to the ideal conditions for gardening and farming. There’s a reason Hokkaido is a huge exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!