Not sure when you can make it out to Hokkaido? Here are twelve events worth checking out, one for each month of the year.

Each February, Sapporo's Snow Festival is a favorite among snow-loving tourists. But while enjoying the snow sculptures is a must, there are many things to do that you shouldn't miss while in Sapporo.

My journey to northern Japan led to an immersion in the rich culture and hospitality of the residents and regions of Hachinohe, Aomori.

Even if you missed the cherry blossoms, you can still catch the powdered blue fields of Hitachi Seaside in Ibaraki.

Join our writer Nick as he travels with the JNTO to capture a glimpse of some of northern Japan's beautiful cherry blossom scenery.

While there are plenty of spots to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, they tend to get crowded, making finding those hidden gems a key springtime objective. Intrepid 'hanami' hunters should head east of Myogadani Station on the Marunouchi line for Harima Zaka!

If you couldn't make it in time for the sakura cherry blossoms, the Wisteria Festival in Tochigi is just as magical.

Hokkaido offers good snow, great resorts, and fantastic scenery—not to mention superb après-ski, with hot springs and local delicacies to enjoy. Here's our run-down of 14 hot spots to hit on Japan's northern island!