Download - Audley Travel

Northern Japan
N
orthern Japan is known for its natural
and scenic beauty, abundant hot
spring bathing, countless local festivals and
in the winter months, excellent wintersports
opportunities. The climate here is cooler than
in the rest of Japan, offering an escape from
the sweltering summer days on mainland
and southern Japan and a breath of fresh air
in the numerous national parks. The far
northern region of Honshu is known as
Tohoku, an area that the Japanese equate
with a slower, more traditional way of life.
Amongst Tohoku’s highlights are numerous
scenic lakes best seen against the spectacular
backdrop of the changing autumn leaves, hot
spring resorts, vibrant summer festivals and
remote Buddhist temples. Hokkaido, Japan’s
northernmost island, has the country’s
highest concentration of national parks and
wide roads ideal for self-drive itineraries.
Summer in Hokkaido brings with it ample
opportunity for walking and the chance to
take in some of the spectacular flora of the
island. In winter some of the world’s best
powder snow can be experienced at the resorts
of Niseko and Furano, and rare birdlife
spotted along coastlines and in the wetlands.
22