Your first foray into Hokkaido is Hakodate, where you will pick up your hire car. One of the first ports to open up to foreign visitors, Hakodate enjoys a lasting legacy of churches and European buildings. At night, the views from the top of Mount Hakodate are spectacular. Take a cable car or drive to the top and survey the stunning night time panorama, with the city lights twinkling to the very edge of the Katedama peninsula as it disappears into the sea.

With smoking Shinzan Volcano setting the scene, Toya Onsen offers the chance to relax in natural hot springs, or to get out and about on foot or by bike. Before you cross the breadth of the country, there's time to stop in the island's cosmopolitan capital, Sapporo, for the best beer in Japan and fabulous ramen noodles! With the annual snow festival in winter, beer festival in summer and plenty of sake breweries, the island's capital is a great destination at any time of year.

For centuries Hokkaido (or Ezochi as it was formerly known) was largely separate from mainland Japan providing a home to the indigenous Ainu people who had a distinct language and culture to that of the Japanese. Although much Ainu culture has been lost since the Japanese assumed direct control in the 1850's, small pockets remain. You can discover more at the Ainu Culture Centre outside of Sapporo or the Ainu Museum near Toya Onsen.

Central Hokkaido, home to the Daisetsuzan National Park, is famous for its lavender and poppy fields alongside vast farmlands. This is a great base whenever you happen to be travelling, with stunning views of Mount Asahidake enhancing the flora of summer, the brightly coloured leaves of autumn and the snow-capped peaks of winter. Conquer the 16 volcanic peaks, admire the 24-km-long precipitous Sounkyo Gorge, trek through densely forested woodland or simply enjoy the hot springs and dramatic views of Japan's largest national park.

As you head east along the gently winding open roads of the Hokkaido countryside, the population dwindles and the land stretches far, from the hot springs of Kawayu Onsen and lakes of Akan National Park to Shiretoko Peninsula and the fertile Kushiro marshlands. Here nature is in the ascendancy and you may spot bears, redcrowned cranes, whales, seals, deer, eagles and the famous Blakiston's fish owl.

Whether you choose to visit Hokkaido to experience the snowy depths of winter, or escape the muggy mainland summers, this area of Japan always has something to offer. Our Hokkaido Fly-Drive is a fabulous motoring holiday, combining natural wonders, small towns and exciting cities, to offer an alternative vision of Japan.