Japan North & Hokkaido | ITMB 2024

Japan is a larger country than most people realize. While the country map remains the most popular version for this destination, Japan divides quite nicely into two halves – west of Tokyo and north of Tokyo. The northern area itself further divides into two parts: the main island with fascinating cities to explore, and the island of Hokkaido, with its capital of Sapporo.

Key Features of the Map:

• Focus on Northern Edo:
  This map highlights the northern portion of Edo, the main island forming Japan. It includes the Shinkansen train lines, shown separately from the regular train lines.

  • Most visitors use the excellent JBC rail pass to explore the country.
  • Cities like Nagano or Nigata are just a few hours from Tokyo.
  • Further north, Aomori serves as a junction for trains to the relatively remote west coast and the new Shinkansen line that travels under the Tsugaru Strait to Hokkaido. This route features the longest undersea tunnel in the world.

• Detailed Mapping of Hokkaido:
  The second side of the map focuses on Hokkaido, a large and remote island in Japanese geography that offers a unique experience:

  • Sapporo, the capital, has a distinctively 'American' feel, influenced by early modernization efforts in Japan.
  • Hakodate, located at the southern end, features an American fortress dating back to the US Civil War era.
  • The eastern part of the island lies close to the Kuril Islands, which were seized by Soviet Russia at the end of WW2 and have never been returned to Japan.
  • The Kotan area is known for its hot springs, while the island boasts numerous ski resorts during the winter months.

Altogether, this map provides an excellent guide to an interesting and less populous part of Japan, offering insights into its unique geography, history, and attractions.