The Japanese Island You're Not Visiting (But Should Be)

"Tokyo and Kyoto are no secret, and the mountains and onsens of Hakone are well detailed, but the Japanese keep some of the most beautiful parts of the country quiet. Like Hokkaido. If you're a ski obsessive, you may have heard of it, but this is also where to go for summertime adventure, incredible design - both traditional and contemporary - wilderness trails, road trips, hot springs, ultimate levels of luxury, and a landscape defined by a volcano that serves up Fuji-like panoramic drama without the tourist congestion."

"The northernmost prefecture of Japan - with 20 percent of the country's land mass but less than five percent of the population - is changing. By the time the first bullet train arrives, it will have undergone a radical transformation."

"Go today and it's just a 90-minute flight from Tokyo's very handy Haneda to Sapporo and the surrounding wilderness. The Aman group had announced plans for a 2030 resort in Niseko, a new investor had taken over the construction of what was originally going to be the Rosewood La Plume, and an InterContinental had just opened in Sapporo - the first international five-star hotel to come to town."

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, remains relatively undiscovered despite offering exceptional natural beauty, world-class dining, rich history, and adventure opportunities. Covering 20 percent of Japan's land with less than five percent of the population, the region features volcanic landscapes rivaling Mount Fuji without tourist congestion, premium skiing, summer wilderness trails, hot springs, and both traditional and contemporary design. Currently accessible by 90-minute flight from Tokyo to Sapporo, Hokkaido is experiencing significant development with luxury hotel openings including Aman resorts, InterContinental properties, and exclusive villa accommodations featuring private onsens. The region is undergoing radical transformation ahead of the delayed Shinkansen bullet train extension, originally planned for 2031 but now expected in 2039 or later.

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