Hokkaido

Also known as Hokkaido Island, Jesso, Yeso, Eso, Jesse, Jeso, Yesso, Ieso

is the second-largest and northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Together with its surrounding islands, it comprises the largest and northernmost prefecture, making up its own region. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu. The two islands are connected by railway via the Seikan Tunnel.

AI overview

Hokkaido is Japan's second-largest and northernmost main island, forming the country's largest prefecture along with its surrounding islands. It is separated from the main island of Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait but connected to it by the Seikan Tunnel railway.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Settlement.parts_type: Subdivisions
Settlement.parts_style: para
Settlement.p1: Districts: 74
Settlement.p2: Municipalities: 179
Settlement.governing_body: Hokkaido Legislative Assembly
Settlement.leader_title: Governor
Settlement.leader_name: Naomichi Suzuki
Settlement.area_total_km2: 83,423.84
Settlement.area_water_percent: 6.4
Settlement.area_rank: 1st
Settlement.population_total: 4,991,369
Settlement.population_as_of: January 31, 2026
Settlement.name: Hokkaido
Settlement.settlement_type: Prefecture and region
Settlement.translit_lang1: Japanese
Settlement.translit_lang1_type: Kanji
Settlement.translit_lang1_type1: Rōmaji
Settlement.translit_lang2: Ainu

via Wikipedia infobox

Official website

北海道のホームページ

pref.hokkaido.lg.jp →

Link to the official site · 10,472 chars · not written by Vinony

Wikidata facts

Demonym: 北海道人
Population: 5383579
Area: 77984.49
Elevation: 2290
Official website: www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp
Image: 140829 Ichiko of Shiretoko Goko Lakes Hokkaido Japan04s3.jpg

Show 6 more facts

Commons category: Hokkaido
Commons gallery: 北海道
native label: 北海道
Wikidata usage instructions: 本項用以指代北海道島，對於都道府縣的北海道，請改用Q1037393。
P12749: Battle of Custoza
transliteration or transcription: Hokkaido

Sources (9)

via Wikidata · CC0

~68 min read

Article

42 sections

Contents

Names
History
Early history
Feudal Japan
Meiji era
Colonization of Hokkaido
World War II
Present
Geography
Flora and fauna
Geologic activity
Parks
Climate
Temperature comparison
Administrative divisions
Subprefectures
Municipalities
Cities
Towns and villages
Major cities and towns
Gallery
Population
Economy
Transportation
Education
Senior high schools
Colleges and universities
Culture
Sports
Sumo
Winter festivals
Politics
Governor
Assembly
National representation
International relations
See also
Notes
Citations
Explanatory notes
General references
External links

The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city. Sakhalin lies about to the north of Hokkaido. To the east and northeast are the Kuril Islands, which are administered by Russia. The four most southerly are claimed by Japan. Hokkaido's position on the northern end of the Japanese archipelago results in a colder climate, with the island seeing significant snowfall each winter. Despite the harsher climate, it serves as an agricultural breadbasket for many crops.