September 09, 2024
Hokkaido is rich in nature, food and wine
In Hokkaido, nature untouched by humans is preserved. An example is the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, which has many rare and endemic species. In June, the Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park was officially designated, bringing the number of national parks in Hokkaido to seven. Biodiversity is maintained in these parks. The prefecture has many regions that are important in terms of their landscape and geological features, including Mount Usu and Mount Apoi, which are designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks. Adding to Hokkaido’s attractions are magnificent views that change with the seasons, including autumn leaves and snowy landscapes.
Hokkaido’s natural environment enables a variety of sports. In winter, many foreigners visit to ski its famed powder snow. In summer, trekking, cycling and rafting are great options, Last September, the Adventure Travel World Summit was held in Hokkaido, a first in Asia, and tourism insiders from around the world praised the island.
Another attractive feature is the rich variety of its foods. Wide-ranging agricultural and dairy products, including rice, vegetables and cheeses, are produced on its fertile land. In addition, fresh seafood is the residents’ pride and joy. Hokkaido also has attractive sake brands brewed using high-quality water from its vast mountain forests and locally grown rice.
Wine production is a thriving industry. The Hokkaido government trains wine brewers through a “wine academy” program. The number of wineries in Hokkaido has nearly tripled over the last decade. The town of Yoichi, host of the upcoming social event for satoyama practitioners, is one of the top wine-producing regions in Hokkaido.
Furthermore, wines made from Hokkaido-grown grapes, including Yamasachi, an original grape variety of Hokkaido registered in the list of vine varieties of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, have won prestigious prizes in international competitions and are attracting increased attention overseas.
Hokkaido has unique cultures that have been passed on from ancient times. Jomon prehistoric sites registered on the World Heritage list give us glimpses into the spiritual culture of people in the 10,000-year-long Jomon Period. In addition, one can have a glimpse into the culture of the indigenous Ainu people at facilities in various locations, including the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi.
I hope many people will visit Hokkaido, which has a variety of attractive features, including nature, food and culture, to have the kinds of experiences that one can only have here. I am looking forward to your visiting Hokkaido.
Finally, I would like to say a word of thanks to residents of various regions for supporting Hokkaido’s tourism.
Hokkaido tourism gets great support from the efforts of residents who have preserved and refined the attractions of their regions. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to them.
The Hokkaido government aims to work with you all to make Hokkaido a destination chosen by tourists from around the world. For this, I ask for your continued help.
北海道では手付かずの自然が守られてきました。６月には日高山脈襟裳十勝国立公園が誕生し、道内の国立公園７か所で生物の多様性が保たれています。季節ごとの絶景も魅力で多様なアクティビティも楽しめます。昨年９月には「アドベンチャートラベル・ワールドサミット」がアジアで初開催されました。
豊かな食も北海道観光の魅力の一つ。お米や野菜、和牛、農畜産物、魚介類も自慢です。広大な山林が育む良質な水と北海道の酒米を使い、魅力的な日本酒も作られています。さらに、ワイン生産も盛んです。北海道庁ではワインアカデミーで醸造家を育成し、この10年でワイナリーが約３倍に増加しており、今回「Satoyama実践者交流会」の開催地である余市町も北海道有数の産地です。道産のブドウから醸造されたワインは、国際的なコンクールで最高賞を受賞するなど、海外でも注目が高まっています。
北海道には独自の文化も受け継がれています。世界文化遺産に登録された縄文遺跡群は、１万年に及ぶ縄文時代の人々の精神文化を今に伝えています。また、先住民族であるアイヌの人々の固有の文化が、白老町にある民族共生象徴空間「ウポポイ」など、道内各地のスポットで体感できます。
ぜひ多くの皆様に北海道でしか体験できない時間を過ごしにお越しいただきたいと思います。
