Beyond Tokyo: Discover Hokkaido and Tohoku in every season

Japan — we know it for its major cities like Osaka and Tokyo, and for being the birthplace of anime and video games. But beyond the city, there is something more to be discovered.

Hokkaido prefecture, known as the place where the Filipino hit film Kita-Kita was filmed in Sapporo, is famous for its winter activities and snowy landscapes. But what tourists may not know is that it’s equally beautiful even in the summer, especially from late June to early July when lavender fields in Furano are in full bloom.

Meanwhile, Tohoku, a popular summer destination, houses so many activities in the winter that some may not know about.

And this is what the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) wanted to highlight yesterday at their “Travel Across Seasons” event at Hotel Okura in Newport City, aiming to showcase the hidden beauty of these popular prefectures in Japan.

Partnering with Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), they took guests to Japan right from their seats, showcasing the wondrous activities to do in both locations.

Who would have thought that Hokkaido in the summer was equally pretty, with blossoming flowers and lavender fields that look like something straight out of a postcard?

Travelers can also take the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train for a scenic view and a feel of the cool, fresh breeze. They can also go glamping in Tokachi, where sustainable dairy farming is part of the experience.

There is also Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a famous volcanic valley and hot spring resort area, where they have the “Path of Demon Fire” (Onibi no Michi), a candle-lit path.

In Tohoku, there are the famous Snow Monsters, or Juhyo (meaning frost-covered trees) — trees covered in snow that look like mystical creatures. They form in the months from late December to early January, with mid-February being the peak time to see them before they melt in mid-March.

There are also various hot springs to relax in and ski resorts to enjoy fun winter activities at.

And their partner airlines can bring you to these destinations. ANA offers an itinerary where you can fly to Tokyo, stay a few days, and then fly to any prefecture at no extra cost.

JAL offers connecting flights to any part of Japan’s provinces, so wherever you want to go, you can fly to any prefecture your heart desires.