[johnElarue]

Hokkaido is totally different from Honshu. Firstly it is cold and dry. The houses are warm . Has a low population density compared to Honshu. Has more wide open spaces.

It is beautiful, but not as wild and wooly as some may think. While there are some stunning backdrops, mostly it is rolling farmland interspersed with larch forests or borders, these are dull grey in winter. Some of the smaller cities and towns are just as drab, concrete as Honshu. There are some places where the scenery is similar to the North American west, but the expanse is not. Stunning volcanic peaks rising snow covered, large beautiful lakes.

I've been chided for saying this before, but for me it is similar to New York State or Maine. Some parts look like Oregon or Washington. But then again I spent most of my time working not travelling.

The people are nice, and you may often be mistaken for a Russian. The seafood is of course fantastic. I'd move back given the chance.

What else do you need to know? More specific questions?