My name is MAKO
Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido | Born and raised in Obihiro, Hokkaido | Lover of Sapporo Classic beer and fresh sashimi | Passionate about road trips and camping | Always chasing beautiful scenery
Hi, I’m Mako, the creator of Why Hokkaido.
Thank you for visiting my website.
I created Why Hokkaido to help travelers discover that Hokkaido is more than just beautiful scenery, delicious food, and famous tourist attractions.
Behind every place, tradition, landscape, and local dish, there is a story.
And very often, that story begins with one simple question:
Why?
Why I Created Why Hokkaido
Many travel websites tell you where to go, what to eat, and what to see.
Those things are important, of course.
But I wanted to create something a little different.
Why is Hokkaido so cold?
Why does drift ice reach the Sea of Okhotsk?
Why was Sapporo designed in a grid pattern?
Why is Otaru famous for fried half chicken?
Why are there sheep at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill?
When you know the reason behind a place, the experience of visiting it becomes much more interesting.
A landscape is no longer just a beautiful view.
A local dish is no longer just something delicious to eat.
A building, river, mountain, or tradition becomes part of a larger story.
That is the idea behind Why Hokkaido.
Every Place Has a Story
The concept of this website is simple:
Every place has a story. Every story begins with a “Why?”
Through Why Hokkaido, I introduce the history, culture, nature, food, and local traditions that make Hokkaido unique.
My goal is to help international travelers understand Hokkaido before they visit.
I hope that learning these stories will make your journey more memorable and help you notice things that you might otherwise walk past without realizing their significance.
What You Can Find on Why Hokkaido
On this website, you will find stories about many different sides of Hokkaido, including:
- Nature and landscapes
- Local food and regional specialties
- History and culture
- Cities and sightseeing spots
- Wildlife
- Seasonal attractions
- Local traditions
- Useful travel information
Whenever possible, I also include practical information such as access, location, recommended seasons, and nearby attractions.
The aim is not only to answer “Why?”, but also to help you enjoy the place when you actually visit Hokkaido.
How I Create the Articles
I research each topic using reliable sources such as official tourism websites, local governments, museums, public organizations, historical information, and other relevant references.
Because travel information can change, I also try to review and update articles when necessary.
However, opening hours, admission fees, transportation schedules, seasonal conditions, and other travel information may change.
Before visiting a destination, I recommend checking the latest information on the official website.
Discover Hokkaido Through Its Stories
Hokkaido is a huge island filled with extraordinary landscapes, unique food, fascinating history, and distinctive local culture.
But sometimes, the most interesting part of traveling is not simply seeing something beautiful.
It is understanding why it is there.
I hope Why Hokkaido helps you discover those stories and makes your journey through Hokkaido a little more meaningful.
Thank you for visiting.
I hope you enjoy exploring Hokkaido — one “Why?” at a time.