Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso - the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and ski areas. 

Hokkaido continues to represent the untamed wilderness with many great national parks. For many visitors the scenery resembles northern Europe, with rice paddies and concrete warrens typical of the rest of Japan replaced by rolling fields and faux-German cottages. However, the ubiquitous hotspring resorts in much of the island serve as a reminder that you are still in Japan.