Sapporo - Japan's fifth largest city Map of the Hokkaido region Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city. With a population of 1.85 million it is Hokkaido's political, economic, cultural and transportation center. During the Meiji period, the Japanese government, eager to fortify its northern defenses, established the Kaitakushi (Development Commission) to aid in developing the region. The result was a beautiful town with streets crossing at 90 degrees that less than 130 years later finds itself a major Japanese metropolis. Today, Sapporo is the jewel of Northern Japan with tourists particularly interested in landmark buildings from the pioneering age; the Clock Tower, the old red brick buildings as well as the charm of nature found lining the streets in the shape of famous poplar, elm and acacia trees. Combined with the region's pure air, abundant greenery and culinary treasures, Sapporo is a truly unique city.

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Sakura Matsuri (Cherry blossom festival) - Hakodate Park / Goryokaku Park, Hakodate City, Hokkaido - Late April-mid May, 2010 (exact dates will depend on the cherry blossom forecast) Some 600 cherry blossoms in Hakodate Park, as well as 1,600 in Goryokaku Park, will start blooming towards the end of April and will eventually cover the parks in a seasonal pink blanket. Goryokaku, once being the venue of the Battle of Hakodate that occurred at the end of Edo period (1603-1867) and before the Meiji Restoration, will inevitably become crowded with many visitors. http://www.hakodate-kankou.com/f/index_e.html

Icebreaker Aurora - Abashiri Port, Abashiri City, Hokkaido - January 20th (Wed)-March 31st (Wed), 2010 Aurora, an icebreaker built as the world's first one for tourism, cuts powerfully through ice up to one meter thick in places as passengers scour the Sea of Okhotsk to glimpse resident seals and the sky above to look for eagles. Experience the powerful nature of the northern sea on the Icebreaker Aurora. http://www.ms-aurora.com/e_index.html

Wakasagi (surf smelt) fishing at Lake Abashiri - Lake Abashiri, Yobito, and other places in Abashiri City, Hokkaido - Late December, 2009-March, 2010 In winter, many locals and tourists enjoy smelt fishing, cutting holes in the ice that is more than 50 cm thick, at Lake Abashiri. Rental tackle and bait are available and anyone can easily try their hand. This is one of the most popular leisure activities around Abashiri in wintertime. http://www.abakanko.jp/seen/event.html

The Winter Opening of Asahiyama Zoo - Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido - November 3rd (Tue & holiday), 2009-April 7th (Wed), 2010 Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, has been a popular attraction with its cute animals and exciting exhibits that allow visitors to experience the animals moving, swimming, and flying up close. After a thick layer of snow blankets the ground in Asahikawa, its most famous event, the "Penguin Walk," begins, and takes place twice daily. http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

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