Hokkaido

The most northern Island is a winter wonderland of snow and ice, a wilderness sometimes compared to the wild west, a pleasant summer retreat from the oppressive heat and humidity, and a hot-spring paradise with little public transport and fledgling foreign tourist support.
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Hokkaido summers are fairly cool and the population centered around the only major city, Sapporo, with everywhere else basically mountainous wilderness full of bears. Winters are cold, snowy and when Hokkaido comes into its element. For foreign tourists visiting Japan for the first time, travel time should be taken into consideration due to the distance from Tokyo and the relatively difficulty getting around the least populated area of Japan, by far.

Population density chart of Japan

Hokkaido is a land of few people. On the map to the left (below on mobile) red are areas with above 10,000 people per km2 (Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, etc). Hokkaido’s major city of Sapporo is 1,000 people per km2. Most of Hokkaido is less than 100 people per km2. Sapporo is the only area in Hokkaido with a rising population.

In order to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo or anywhere else further west (Osaka, etc) the only practical option is flying direct. The Shinkansen extends from Tokyo into the southern Hokkaido town of Hakodate but it takes the best part of 5 hours, and you are still 4 hours by train from Sapporo (Hakodate isn’t worth the trip alone).

Most people travel by air and use an airport closest to their final destination. Only ANA and JAL operate to the more remote airports. Low Cost Carriers will only fly to Sapporo in general. Trains between the major areas do exist however are infrequent and take time a long time.

Hokkaido is at its best in the winter due to the famous Snow Festival, the sea ice and hot spring resorts where you can enjoy bathing in the naturally heated waters surrounded by snow covered wilderness. Skiing is also a major past-time and Hokkaido has some of the best slopes in Japan. Plan carefully, don’t over travel, and during winter make sure there is a backup plan just in case the weather cancels any public transport you expected to take. If you like hiking and outdoor activities then Hokkaido is great for that in the summer; but somehow When Japan doesn’t think you came all the way to Japan to do activities that can be done in most countries.