Surrounded in all four directions by the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, Hokkaido is home to a variety of magnificent mountains, extensive wetlands, beautiful lakes, marshes, rivers, forests and more.
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Hokkaido province comprises about one-fifth of Japan's total land area. It is characterized by a cool climate and geologically recent mountains and volcanoes along a central north-south spine. Sapporo is the province's industrial, commercial, and tourist centre. Hokkaido University, founded in 1876, is located there.
Hokkaido has had a different history from that of the rest of Japan. In sharp contrast to Japan's mainland, where a farming-based culture thrived from early on, Hokkaido maintained Jomon culture characterized by hunting and fishing until about 2,000 years ago, which was then followed by Ainu culture.
In addition to the mountains, urban areas such as Sapporo and Asahikawa are also shrouded in snow, and roads become covered with a layer of ice. January and February are the coldest months, during which the central and northern parts of Hokkaido experience heavy snowfall. Snowfall can continue until early May.
Hokkaido's mild summers provide relief from Japan's humidity, and the perfect conditions for hiking and exploring the many National Parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with natural hot springs, volcanic lakes and unforgettable experiences.
Hokkaido is renowned for the high quality and freshness of its seafood, as the cold waters surrounding Japan's northernmost prefecture are ideal for fish and sea vegetation. Within the prefecture some areas are particularly famous for a certain product, such as the uni (sea urchin) of Rishiri and Rebun.