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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Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri - Noboribetsu-onsen, Noberibetsu City, Hokkaido - August 30th (Sat)-31st (Sun), 2008 The 45th Noboribetsu Jigoku (Hell) Matsuri festival will be held in the town of Noboribetsu-onsen in late August. Yama (King of Hell) shaped floats and huge ogre shaped portable shrines parade around the town as ogres dance in groups and local forms of folk entertainment is performed for the crowds. http://noboribetsuspa.dip.jp/nobo/

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