Hokkaido represents a chance to experience wide-open spaces, sensational scenery, fresh food, clean air and crystal waters in a very friendly, safe, courteous and respectful culture.
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Hokkaido is home to some of the most peaceful and luxurious onsen (hot spring) locations in Japan. Traditionally thought to be a cure for just about every type of injury or sickness, locals and visitors alike go to the onsen to rest, recharge, and relax.
So, if you need to ask someone for directions or go to a hotel or a restaurant, you will generally have no problem only speaking English. Of course, you may go to a bar or a restaurant and get turned away because you only speak English, but don't be offended if this is ever the case.
English is in common use in Japan with Chinese and Korean also becoming more common meaning that you can certainly get around without using Japanese. This is most true in the big cities and in areas frequented by foreign visitors. But as you move outside of the cities, foreign languages will quickly dry-up.
Hokkaido daily travel costs – a summaryThis brings us to around 19,000 – 36,000 yen per day, depending on where you stay, what you decided to eat, and the activities that you may want to do each day.
According to Expatisan, the cost of living in Sapporo is significantly cheaper than in Tokyo at 18%. The main contributor to this is housing costs, which are 47% cheaper in Sapporo than in Tokyo.
Extremely cold, yet extremely beautifulLocated at the northernmost tip of Japan, Hokkaido is the coldest region in the country, with temperatures dropping below -30? (-22?) in some areas at the height of winter. The cold is so severe that anything- from towels to your eyelashes- freezes in seconds.
With its exceptional fall foliage found all around the island, autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Hokkaido. The weather stays pleasant through September, but nights start to get chilly from mid to late October. Leather, fleece, or thick denim jackets are a must during these months.
Hokkaido is underpopulated, so has huge empty spaces for walking. With mountains up to 2,100m, there is plenty of challenge. There is a huge selection of remarkable walks in Hokkaido, from demanding mountain climbs and long treks to meanders through gorgeous but gentler scenery.