Why do so few people live on Hokkaido?

Hokkaido accounts for over 20% of the country's total land area but only 4% of its population, making it the least densely populated of Japan's 47 prefectures. Its large land area, cold, snowy winters, and widely scattered communities are features that make it unique in Japan.



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The region's cool climate with low humidity is hardly affected by the rainy season and typhoons that characterize the rest of Japan during the summer months. Hokkaido is located at the northern tip of Japan at latitudes similar to those of major cities in the U.S. and Europe.

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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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Languages spoken The Ainu language (spoken in Hokkaido) is critically endangered as a language, and only 15 people identified as speaking in in the late 1990s. Korean is spoken by 0.5% Population and Chinese about 0.2%. Some people may speak English in the major cities but it's not a given.

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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.

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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.

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The relaxed, cool and spacious vibe of Hokkaido contrasts so differently to the hustle and bustle of Japan's megacity capital. Hokkaido frequently tops the charts for the most attractive prefecture in Japan — scoring 73.4 in 2021 on the Regional Brand Survey — in comparison, Tokyo scored fourth, with 47.5.

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