Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, was settled by Japanese pioneers in the 1800s, and before this time it was home to the aboriginal Ainu people. The resulting demographic fosters a unique blend of indigenous sensibilities and mainstream Japanese culture. Cast in a volcanic landscape that is blanketed in snow during the winter, Hokkaido hosts a number of resort communities that capitalise on the region's hot springs and snow-swept mountains.

Those arriving on Hokkaido by air will be routed through Chitose International Airport in the capital city, Sapporo. All Nippon Airways, Skymark Airlines, Japan Airlines and Air Do provide domestic service to important regional cities across the Japanese archipelago. Meanwhile, Air China, EVA Air, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Continental Airlines (along with several other carriers) maintain international routes to several important cities across Asia.

Banks: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday; some open on Saturday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; some open later
Government Offices: 10.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; 10.00 to 12.00, Saturday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 18.00, Monday to Sunday; some closed either Wednesday or Thursday