A land of broad mountains, pristine forests and wild coastlines, Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands and is famed for its delicious food and dazzling powder snow and winter scenery, with much of the island snow-covered for at least a third of the year. But Eastern Hokkaido in particular is a place where nature abounds and where the people – both indigenous Ainu and native Japanese – live in harmony with their surroundings.  Far from the bustle of Sapporo, the island’s principle city, eastern Hokkaido is home to some of the country’s most impressive animal life and landscapes. The wild and remote Shiretoko Peninsula is a refuge for brown bears and other animals, while over in Akan-Mashu National Park you can marvel at vast lakes and active volcanoes, and the nearby town of Teshikaga is a great base for exploring all that this unique region has to offer.