The first outdoor activity that comes to mind for those in Hokkaido is skiing, and the Sapporo region is home to numerous winter sports resorts that host tourists from November until early spring. Snowmobiles access the countryside in the winter, while most of the back country (especially that in the national parks) is accessible to hikers after the first thaw. Meanwhile, families with children will find plenty to do in the resort community of Noboribetsu, where Edo Wonderland and the Nixe Castle Marine Park continue to delight Hokkaido's youngest visitors.

Edo Wonderland
This historical recreation of an ancient Japanese city (found in the resort town of Noboribetsu) is especially well-suited for younger visitors. The attractions here range from recreated period buildings to mock battles starring elusive ninjas. The re-enactments are flagrant but believable, and children relish the opportunity to try on their own period costumes and pose together for a family portrait. 
Phone: +81 14 383 3311.

Hiking
The abundance of national parks on Hokkaido makes outdoor activities such as hiking especially popular with visitors. Trails cut through mountainous forests and circumvent incredibly clear-watered lakes formed in antiquity by volcanic activity. Japan's elusive brown bear is found is relatively easy to find here, especially in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shiretoko National Park.

Hot Springs
Hokkaido has several hot springs, many of which are found on national parkland (such as Shikotsu-Toya National Park). A number of resorts have been built up around these natural features, offering tourists the opportunity to pamper themselves in keeping with local traditions. Noboribetsu is the most prominent hot springs resort on the island, and the Dai-ichi Takimotokan hotel here is widely considered to be the largest spa complex on the entire continent.

Marine Park
Also located in Noboribetsu, this themed aqua park takes its cues from Denmark. The onsite Nixe Castle resembles a Danish fortress and houses an impressive aquarium. King crabs, sea turtles, manta rays and a variety of fish (including sharks) are all on display here, and children enjoy the animal shows starring penguins, dolphins and sea lions. 
Phone: +81 14 383 3800.

Skiing
Winter sports are an important part of Hokkaido's stake in the tourist market. Most of the ski resorts are accessible from Sapporo, and the season stretches from November until early May. Mt Moiwa is an important landmark in Hokkaido, and it hosts a number of active ski runs during the winter. Restaurants and observation platforms from the top of the mountain here enjoy an excellent view over Sapporo.

Snowmobiling
Snowmobile tours are another popular winter sport on Hokkaido. Tours of the back country are available in varying lengths, with package tours following set courses that take in many of the region's best sites. This high-octane activity is a memorable way to enjoy the world-class powder, and first-time sledders can take advantage of the comprehensive orientation that precedes these guided tours.

Many of Hokkaido's best cultural attractions centre on the indigenous culture of the Ainu people. The Historical Village in Nopporo Forest Park looks at the period of Japanese expansion, when pioneers from southern islands arrived and began interacting with the Ainu people. The Historical Museum digs further into the past, exploring the ancient culture and traditions of the Ainu with exhibits that chronicle life on the island in the 1200s. History lovers will enjoy the city of Hakodate, with its 19th-century architecture born out of increased contact with Western civilisations.

Hakodate
Once capital of the Republic of Ezo, the city of Hakodate is a historical Hokkaido city. The city's historic quarter is called Motomachi, and it hosts several 19th- and 20th-century buildings (including churches and the town hall) that were built when Japan opened its borders after the fall of the Yokugawa Shogunate. Fort Goryokaku is architecturally reminiscent of Europe and North America and is best viewed from the observation deck of the adjoining tower.

Historical Museum
Found in Sapporo, the Historical Museum effectively chronicles the development of Japan's northernmost island. Hokkaido was known as 'Ezochi' in the 13th century, and the 'Age of Ezo' exhibit explores the evolution of the island's identity in the following centuries. Japanese from neighbouring islands colonised Hokkaido in the 1800s, displacing the indigenous Ainu people; many of the other displays explore the traditional customs of the Ainu as well as history of their ultimate assimilation. 
Phone: +81 11 898 0456.

Museum of Modern Art
Hokkaido’s modern art museum, located in Sapporo, features an eclectic collection of contemporary art work with an emphasis on creations by local artists. The facility is especially well known for its glasswork, most of which was contributed by the Ecole de Paris. A trip to the museum also warrants a stroll through the landscaped gardens decorated with sculptures. 
Phone: +81 11 644 6881.

Pioneer Village
This collection of historic buildings (both original and recreated) is found outside of Hokkaido’s capital in Nopporo Forest Park. The buildings here reflect life in the 1800 and 1900s and are divided into the following sectors: Farm Village, Fishing Village and Mountain Village. Entertainment is staged here throughout the year, and the village is accessed by horse-drawn carts (snow sleighs in the winter). 
Phone: +81 11 898 2692.

Pottery Museum
This facility is found in the city of Ebetsu, an important centre of ceramics production. Kiln-fired ceramics are relatively recent in Hokkaido, though bricks have traditionally been fired here for even longer. The museum explores this evolving industry as well as the more prominent tradition of ceramics that originated nearby in China. 
Phone: +81 11 385 1004.

The highest concentration of restaurants on Hokkaido is found in capital city, Sapporo. Ramen noodle shops are especially popular for a fast bite to eat; tourists will find a long string of these shops along Ramen Yokocho, a street in Sapporo that is particularly well-known for its noodle houses. Sapporo also brews one of the favourite beers in Japan, and the beer garden (adjacent to the beer museum) is the best place to sample the local brew.

Seafood gets top billing on Hokkaido menus, and delicacies such as oysters, sea urchins and hairy crab (kegani) are all featured in popular dishes. Agriculture is a major industry here, and with so many fresh, local ingredients, local cooking is a straightforward affair. Be sure to sample the salmon hotpot (ishikari-nabe) seasoned with red miso paste, daikon radish and leeks. Another favourite dish is Sapporo-style ramen, a miso noodle soup that incorporates butter. The milk in this and other local dishes points to the unexpectedly strong dairy industry found on Hokkaido.

Sapporo is also the epicentre of Hokkaido shopping, with a broad district of fashion boutiques, sporting shops, handicraft outlets and souvenir shops on hand. Above- and below-ground shopping malls are situated across the city centre. Ainu wood carvings are the most popular handicraft in the area, and these can be found in a number of local gift shops. Speciality ramen noodle gift packets and Hokkaido confectionery are also popular take-home items.

A marketplace convenes every morning in the city of Hakodate. This marketplace is particularly well known for its selection of food products (mostly seafood) which can be purchased here either prepared or ready to be taken home and cooked.