The historic village of Hokkaido

Near Sapporo, there’s a reconstructed village that can easily be reached by bus. The journey takes around thirty minutes and visitors find themselves in the mountains, immersed in Hokkaido’s past. I chose to visit on foot, but a horse-drawn sleigh ride is also worthwhile and adds to the immersion.

The period buildings have been relocated and restored to bring the village to life and honor the daily lives of the early pioneers. Hokkaido and Okinawa, to the south, are another facet of Japan. Before they became part of Japanese territory, other peoples had established their cultures there.

The snow and cold create a hushed atmosphere, conducive to a return to a past that no longer seems so distant. It takes a good half-day to visit the village, and you can enter sone buildings without taking off your shoes. You can also eat on site.