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!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!
