Hokkaido calling

Voted Japan’s most attractive region for 17 years, Hokkaido blends food, nature and seasons like nowhere else

- Anita Aikara

There are reasons why Hokkaido has been named Japan's most attractive prefecture 17 years in a row.

The Hokkaido Culinary Reception, which was held at the Consul-General of Japan's residence in Mumbai, offered guests a taste of the brilliant flavours of Hokkaido — from its impressive seafood offerings (scallop, salmon, oyster, salmon roe, sea urchin and snow crab meat), to its creamy cheesecake, rich pudding, mini cream puffs, sweet corn and Nanatsuboshi (their most popular rice that pairs well with bento lunches, sushi, rice bowls and even Indian curries). The menu also featured Chan-chan yaki, a local dish in which salmon is topped with vegetables and butter, seasoned with miso, sugar, mirin, and sake, and then steamed and grilled. There were dishes prepared using ramen, Hokkaido soba noodles, corn, and ikura (salmon roe).

Not many are aware that Hokkaido is the northernmost and largest region in Japan, and is also the country’s leading producer of agricultural and livestock products. In an interview with FPJ, Koji Yagi, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, and Takayuki Kano, Vice Governor of Hokkaido, explain why it’s time Hokkaido features in your travel list for 2026.

Magical seasons

Want to experience a magical snowfall in Japan? Vice Governor of Hokkaido, Takayuki Kano suggests you head to Hokkaido during January, February and March. "Right now, it’s snowing there. It’s the best season to visit Hokkaido if you enjoy snow," he says. "But one must be aware that the temperature can drop to minus degrees as well.”