Kushiro is situated on the Pacific Ocean side of Hokkaido and is famous as a port city. Because warm currents from the south meet colder currents from the north, the area is often foggy in the morning and is known as “the town of mist.” It has one of the largest fish markets in Japan. Together with the Nijo Market in Sapporo and the “Morning Market” in Hakodate, Kushiro’s Washo market is one of Hokkaido’s Big Three.

While the city is best known as a working port, the area around Kushiro is loaded with gorgeous, unspoiled natural scenery. And here and there are little natural hot springs, sometimes right next to flows of ice.

Shiretoko is derived from an indigenous Ainu word meaning “end of the earth,” and the name is apt. This 39-mile (63km) long peninsula dividing the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Okhotsk is a natural wonderland far from the rest of Japan. Unspoiled mountains, forests, lakes, waterfalls and incredible biodiversity earned Shiretoko inclusion as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site back in 2005.

There are several waterfalls in Hokkaido, but the most interesting for hikers is in Shiretoko. What makes the Kamuiwakka Yu no Taki special is that the area is fed by a natural hot spring, and you approach it by walking up this warm stream to the head of the waterfall.

Although it's the second largest city on the island, nothing strikes you about the Asahikawa area as much as the natural scenery. Everywhere you look there is something spectacular to see. The sky is a light show in itself, and the sea, the mountains—it’s all beautiful.

Just off the coast lies Rebun Island, famous for its gorgeous flora, and near the town of Biei you can find the famous Blue Pond which gets its deep color from natural minerals dissolved in the water.

If you look at a map of Hokkaido, Furano is more or less in the center (which is why it is known as the “belly button” town). It’s an easy drive about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Asahikawa. The town is best known for its beautiful fields of flowers, particularly lavender, but it also boasts river rafting, hot air ballooning, cycling and lots of skiing.