Hokkaido
Hokkaido (Hokkai-dÅ, åæµ·é) is the second largest island in Japan, accounting for almost 22% of the country's total landmass, with a land area of 83,000 square kilometers. It is also the northernmost island and the least developed, as well as the largest single prefecture. The only major designated city on the island is Sapporo, the 5th largest city in Japan.
Shiretoko, in northeastern Hokkaido, was newly inscribed to the World Natural Heritage List.
Due to its location in the high latitudes, Hokkaido suffers from harsh winters, with sub-zero temperatures, snow-fall and frozen seas. Summer temperatures are lower that the rest of the country, with significantly lower humidity levels.
This, combined with the large tracts of unspoilt nature, makes it a popular holiday destination, offering hot springs, skiing and hiking and camping for enthusiasts.[1]
In 1972, the Olympic Winter Games were held in Sapporo.
The other three principal Japanese islands are Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku.