In North America, the pioneers went west in search of opportunities – in Japan, they went north to Hokkaidō – and at about the same time, from the late 1860s and ‘70s.

Hokkaidō was barely even thought of as part of Japan until the Meiji period (from 1868) - largely left as an inhospitable wilderness to its indigenous people, the Ainu, until then.

These days, it’s still viewed as a somewhat wild land of opportunity, boasting 20% of Japan’s land area (far and away the largest of Japan’s 47 prefectures) but only 5% of its population.

Things to do

Foreign snow sports enthusiasts are attracted by some of the best powder snow on the planet, particularly around Niseko and Furano.

Outdoor adventurers and hikers will love its national parks - I recommend Daisetsuzan NP, Shiretoko NP, Akan Mashu NP and a trip to Rishiri Island.