Sapporo - Japan's fifth largest city Map of the Hokkaido region Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city. With a population of 1.85 million it is Hokkaido's political, economic, cultural and transportation center. During the Meiji period, the Japanese government, eager to fortify its northern defenses, established the Kaitakushi (Development Commission) to aid in developing the region. The result was a beautiful town with streets crossing at 90 degrees that less than 130 years later finds itself a major Japanese metropolis. Today, Sapporo is the jewel of Northern Japan with tourists particularly interested in landmark buildings from the pioneering age; the Clock Tower, the old red brick buildings as well as the charm of nature found lining the streets in the shape of famous poplar, elm and acacia trees. Combined with the region's pure air, abundant greenery and culinary treasures, Sapporo is a truly unique city.

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Hakodate Christmas Fantasy - Hakodate Harbor, Hakodate City, Hokkaido - December 1st (Mon)-25th (Thur), 2008 A huge and imposing fir tree 20 meters in height and presented by Halifax in Canada, the twin city of Hakodate, will be displayed in the bay area of Hakodate until Christmas Day. Surrounded by brickyards first constructed in the Meiji era, the area will be enhanced by planned illuminations and fireworks aimed at furthering the "Hakodate in Winter" atmosphere. http://www.hakodatexmas.com/ (Japanese version only)

The 28th Sapporo White Illumination - Sapporo City, Hokkaido - November 28th (Fri), 2008-January 4th (Sun), 2009 The Sapporo White Illumination event was initially held in 1981, and it was the first illumination event anywhere in Japan. Roadside trees and artworks in Odori Park are decorated with illuminations to amuse people. http://www.sweb.co.jp/kanko/white/ (Japanese version only)

Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo - 2, Odorikoen, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - November 28th (Fri)-December 24th (Wed), 2008 The 'Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo' represents the Christmas Market in Sapporo's twin city of Munich. Visitors can enjoy German wine, beer, sausages and other specialties from Germany. http://www.city.sapporo.jp/christmas-market/ (Japanese version only)

Zoo in the Snow - The Winter Opening of Asahiyama Zoo - Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido - November 11th (Tue), 2008-April 7th (Tue), 2009 Asahiyama Dobutsuen, the northernmost zoo in Japan, has been a popular attraction with its cute animals and exciting exhibits that allow visitors to experience the animals moving, swimming, and flying up close. After snow lies thick on the ground in Asahikawa, its most famous event, the "Penguin Walk," begins, and takes place twice a day at 11am and 2:30pm. http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

Iomante Fire Ceremony - Special site at Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, Kushiro City, Hokkaido - October 11th (Sat)-November 30th (Sun), 2008 Visitors will be attracted by the mysterious atmosphere incorporating fire, dancing and singing in the special site of this festival. This is the demonstration event of the traditional dancing of the Ainu tribe held every autumn, in which the brave epic depicting Ainu culture will be performed under the night sky. http://www.marimo.or.jp/~akanainu/ (Japanese version only)

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