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Hokkaidô Japan

INTRODUCTION

Hokkaido, Japan is the northern most of Japan’s archipelago of more than 3,000 islands. Comprised of one large island and several smaller ones, Hokkaido is separated from Japan’s largest island of Honshu by way of the Tsugaru Straight, but are connected through the Seikan Tunnel, a massive underground tunnel similar to the Channel Tunnel connecting the United Kingdom with France.

HISTORY

Hokkaido was first mentioned by name in the Nihon Shoki, the Chronicles of Japan. The island was first inhabited by the Ainu, Mishihase and Emishi tribes, who opposed rule by the Japanese Emperors.

In the mid 600s, inhabitants were defeated by the Imperial army and became subject to Japanese rule. By the turn of the 8th century, the Japanese established a base at Ideha in the southern arm, providing the closest access to the Island of Honshu and the site of present day Akita. The settlements were frequently attacked, but any uprising was quickly put down. With the coming of peace, the island came to be known as Ezo.

Live on the island revolved primarily around hunting and fishing, but over the coming centuries, strong trade relations were established through the province of Dewa on Honshu’s West coast. Rice and iron became prominent imports.

During Japan’s many years of civil war, countless residents of Honshu moved to the island, seeking peace. A settlement was founded in the southern most peninsula of Oshima. The result was renewed tension as Japanese settlers began to encroach on Ezo territory.

This tension culminated in the Ainu Revolt, which ended in the defeat of the Ainu by legendary samurai Takeda Nobuhiro. Takeda founded a settlement in the area of Matsumae, Hokkaido, from which he and his descendants would govern the island until the middle of the 19th century.

The Matsumae clan strengthened trade with the defeated tribes of Ezo, and prospered financially. In 1606 the clan built Matsumae castle as a defensive measure. The castle now maintains defenses built in the mid 1850s.

In the late 1700s, Russian merchants began to show interest in trade with the island. Policy held that foreign trade was only allowed through Nagasaki, on the main island, and the Russian merchants were turned away. Before they left, however, an earthquake cause a massive tsunami to lift the Russian vessel out of the sea, dropping it on Ezo far from the shores.

During the Meiji Restoration of the 1860s, Ezo became known as the Republic of Ezo, as several samurai loyal to the shogun fled the main island under Admiral Enomoto. The republic was defeated by Imperial forces and in 1869, the Republic of Ezo became the prefecture of Hokkaido.

In 1866, the village of Saporo was founded. The village quickly grew into a city, and became the capital of the island. Modern Sapporo is best known for the inexpensive and globally popular instant noodle dish Sapporo Ichiban, first sold in 1966.

In 1869, the Sapporo Shrine was built by order of Emperor Meiji. The soul of Emperor Meiji is said to be enshrined here.

The Sapporo Clock Tower was completed in 1878, and is now one of the oldest buildings on the island.

In the early 20th century, industry began to change the way of life in Hokkaido. The development of the Sapporo Street Car replaced the Horsecar Railway, and the Hokkaido Imperial University was officially opened.

TV Tower opened in 1957, designed after the now famous Tokyo Tower.

The Capital city was selected as the site of the 1940 Winter Olympics, but the games were postponed due to the Second World War. The city would finally host the games in 1972. A few years later, the connection between the island and the mainland grea exponentially with the opening of the Japan Rail Tozai Line.

By the end of the 20th century, the city opened the Sapporo Municipal Subway, and the innovative, 43,000 seat Sapporo Dome to host football and baseball games. The brilliantly designed stadium features indoor skiing on home made snow and a one of a kind retractable field. Baseball is played on a permanent turf, while football, interestingly enough, is played on a sliding grass pitch.

In 1997, the Sapporo Concert Hall opened, and is now the home of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra and a massive imported pipe organ (with 5,000 pipes).

Modern Hokkaido contains eight territories, called sub-prefectures. The island has become the nation’s agricultural leader, producing more rice and vegetables than any other prefecture. A growing interest in travel has led to a blossoming tourism industry, based primarily on cooler summers and a wealth of hot springs that attract campers, and for winter sport enthusiasts. The island is becoming better known for huge snowfalls and some of the best powder snow available.

Rebun Island: Off the coast of Hokkaido lies an island laiden with over 300 species of flowers. In just two hours (by ferry) travelers can transport to a fantasy world situated in the Sea of Japan. The best time to see the flowers bloom is June through August.

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park: Take a slow train ride through this national park to absorb all the natural beauty the area has to offer. Kushiro is a large marsh that provides a home for thousands of different species, including red-crested white cranes and deer.

Hinode Park, Kami Furano: Upon arrival you may be wondering if you are in Japan or France! In early summer your senses will be overwhelmed with the unbelievably vivid expanse of lavender. As a site that is popular for weddings, the lavender inspires couples, as well as photographers.

Sapporo Beer Garden: Originally built for government purposes, this red-brick building with emerald colored ivy scaling the walls could not give you a friendlier, warmer welcome. A large fireplace, a comfortable atmosphere and great food are some of the attractions to look forward to. Stop in to try the beer and taste some barbecue from Hokkaido.

The Hakodate Morning Market: If you want to detach yourself from your own culture and really understand the Japanese, visiting the market provides a perfect opportunity. Surrounded by natives, travelers can immerse themselves in the cuisine, language, and pace of the lifestyle common to Hokkaido residents. At about 5 am every morning, stalls stretching as long as four city blocks open up and offer the best and freshest products.