Hokkaido

Hokkaido is seen as unspoilt and the perfect place to escape from the main areas of Japan and get back in touch with nature. There is something remote and wild about the country's northernmost main island, Hokkaido can feel miles from the rest of the country. Forests still mostly cover the island of Hakkaido, within these forests there are many national parks, snowfields, volcanoes and coastline. Hakkaido is the second largest island in Japan yet it only accounts for five percent of the countries population.

Only colonised in the last 150 years, Hokkaido does not have the sites of other regions, like ancient temples, shrines and historical monuments. What it does have is an intriguing cultural history, defined by its slowly decreasing Ainu population. This native group of people almost lost their race when Japan opened up to the West in 1868 and large-scale immigration to Hokkaido started. Today the best way to explore their ancient traditions is to visit an Ainu museum or spend time in some rather touristy, recreated villages.

When in Japan there are a few things to remember to avoid upsetting the local people.
1) When meeting someone for the first time for business it is important to bow and exchange business cards.
2) Remove your shoes before entering the home or a Tamami room.
3) When sitting on the floor keep your legs under you at all times and if you have to stretch do so with out pointing your feet at anyone.
4) When you meet Japanese people it is important to bow. When bowing it is a rule that the person who has a higher status bows shallower than the other persons.
5) The exchanging of gifts is an important part of Japanese culture and there for if you are invited into someone’s home you should give a small gift. Preferably from your own country. When money is being given it is best for it to be in an envelope.
6) Blowing your nose in public is seen as rude and is frowned upon.
7) Bathing follows strict guidelines and it is important to follow them, washing is done before entering the bath.
8) Japanese do not eat in the streets unless seats are provided. (Ice cream is an exception.)

Japanese are very tolerant of foreigners and there is little chance of offending them once they understand. It is important however to follow these guidelines to avoid any altercations.

Japan has a very complex climate as a whole country because the northern climate is very different to the southern Island climate. The climates also differ in the different seasons. The climates are obviously warmer in the summer months and cooler in the winter months for all regions. In the north the climate is generally cold with snow in the winter months where down in the south the climate is sub-tropical. In Japan the seasons bring a high degree of weather variation. The winter brings snow falls to Japans western side and cooler weather to the eastern side. The summer months bring warm weather with high humidity and is generally the time of year it rains. The autumn and spring months are generally mild with low rainfall and mostly clear days.