THE NATURAL MARVELS OF Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun shines with a wealth of natural treasures, from blossom-strewn gardens and steaming onsens to formidable volcanoes, show-stopping wildlife and more than 6,000 islands. Go beyond the glittering metropolises and immerse yourself in nature... Welcome to the wild, wild East

- JAMIE LAFFERTY, OLIVER SMITH, CHRIS THARP & CHARLOTTE WIGRAM-E VANS

Hokkaido

Call of the Wild

Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, is also its wildest. As the brown bears enter hibernation and the locals get out their overcoats, the laid-back cities and volcanic landscape are coated in a blanket of snow and ice—perfect for adventurous snowshoeing, hearty dining and, for one week in early February, visiting the legendary Sapporo Snow Festival By Chris Tharp

Everyone says the snows have come late, but as we pull out of Asahidake, Hokkaido’s second-biggest city, everywhere is coated in a glistening white. A storm has been brewing in the heavens above us and, as we drive, it unleashes millions of flakes, which pile up on the rooftops and weigh down the tree branches. The road is now a compact pancake of glossy ivory, but my guide, Ido Gabay, drives like it’s just another Monday morning.

“It’s been the worst snow season in more than 25 years,” he says, gripping the wheel. “But it looks like, finally, you’ve brought some weather with you.”

Ido, who’s rangy and gregarious, is the proprietor of Hokkaido Nature Tours, which specialises in the natural splendour of Japan’s northernmost island prefecture, Hokkaido. Today, he’s taking me into Daisetsuzan National Park—Hokkaido’s largest—to discover the mountains.