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Located in Japan's frigid northern regions, Hokkaido paints a vivid portrait of everything that is untamed and unspoiled in the country: from the national parks that showcase the local flora and fauna, to the rustic towns abundant in scenic views and in aboriginal Ainu minority life. Winters are usually harsh in Hokkaido, yet this nipping cold and the lack of modernity are what actually attract tourists to dip their toes into this arrowhead-looking island.
Apart from the tourist-friendly city of Sapporo, Hokkaido takes pride of its skiing capital, Niseto. The cold weather might entice tourists to take a plunge in the hot springs of Noboribetsu Onsen, or to head out to the canoeing wilderness of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, where the inhabitants are endemic herons and deer.
An ideal lunch stop is the picturesque Matsumae Park, where sakura (cherry blossoms) bathe the whole place in pink. Another destination with a pop of color is the Lake Akan, home to the green marimo ball algae. Camera whores may also want to visit the postcard-worthy Biei, which resembles a European countryside.