Hokkaido Holiday Trivia Quiz

Answer: Fuji

Often referred to as the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido," Yōtei is an active stratovolcano in one of Hokkaido's six national parks, Shikotsu Toya National Park. Although it is "active," the last eruption was over 3000 years ago (in 1050 BC). Just like Mt. Fuji, it is often shrouded by clouds so this clear view was quite a treat. It is 1898 meters above sea level (6161 feet).

Answer: Ainu

The last remaining native Ainu speaking people live on Hokkaido and Kamchatka. Although Japanese settlers expanded to Hokkaido as early as the 1600s, and clashed with the native Ainu, in the mid-1800s there was a concerted effort as part of the Meiji restoration to claim the island for Japan to prevent incursions by Japan's enemies.

The importation of disease and direct hostilities led to a large drop in the Ainu population, and many more were assimilated into Japanese society. As in North America, a rising pride in the heritage of the indigenous peoples is leading to some resurgence of traditions. Small museums and cultural centers can be found throughout Hokkaido.

Answer: Shinto

The Hokkaido Jingu in Maruyama Park in Sapporo enshrines the soul of the Emperor Meiji, during whose reign Hokkaido was annexed to Japan. It was first built in 1871, but a 1974 fire destroyed the original building which was restored in 1978. In Japan, approximately 80% of the population follows at least some Shinto beliefs and practices, which are often combined with Buddhist traditions.

The pathway to the shrine in Sapporo is lined with cherry trees, so it is a popular place to visit in the spring.

Answer: Beer

Sapporo beer is one of the four major brands of lager produced and exported from Japan; the company proudly states that it is the number one Asian beer import in the United States. This building now houses a beer museum that outlines the history of beer production on Hokkaido, and a small beer garden adorns the grounds. Nakagawa left Japan at age 17 at a time when contact with the outside world was forbidden, but his training as a brewmaster was invaluable when he returned. Beer production at Sapporo used American barley but local hops.

Answer: Less than 100 years ago

The Showa period is the era when Hirohito was Emperor of Japan. Shinzan means "new mountain." The lava dome erupted between 1943 and 1945 - it was considered a bad omen for the war, so it was kept secret from the outside world. The dome is still steaming and hissing.

It is currently 398 meters (1306 feet) tall. It can be easily viewed in the park, and the Mt. Usu ropeway provides excellent views of the dome.

Answer: Asahikawa

The population of Sapporo is approximately 2 million, whereas Asahikawa has approximately 330,000 inhabitants. In comparison, greater Tokyo boasts 37 million people in a smaller area of land compared to Hokkaido. The other choices are also cities on Hokkaido; Hakodate is close at 260,000 population but the others are quite a bit smaller. Asahikawa holds the record for coldest temperature measured in a Japanese city, at -41 C.

Answer: Rice

Hokkaido prefecture is the second largest rice producer in Japan in terms of hectares planted and weight of the harvest. In addition to rice, Hokkaido is the source of the majority of dairy products in Japan, with 50% of all milk at 90% of all cheese. The island accounts for 25% of all cultivated land in the country. 60% of Japan's wheat is grown on Hokkaido.

Answer: Location of edge of road in snow conditions

Hokkaido gets a lot of snow. Sapporo recorded annual snowfall ranging from 331-628 centimeters (130-247 inches) over a ten year period. This photo is from further north; Asahikawa stays below freezing most of the winter, and annual snowfall often exceeds 7 meters.

The positive result of this is that Hokkaido has fabulous skiing - the winter Olympics were based in Sapporo in 1972, and the ski resorts of Niseko and Furano are popular. In addition to arrows that indicate the side of the road for motorists venturing forth in snowy conditions, there are fences on the sides of the road to catch snow tumbling down hilly terrain.

Answer: Coal

Otaru is a short, pleasant train ride away from Sapporo with lovely views of Ishikari Bay. Driving between the cities takes less than a half hour, so it is becoming a bedroom community for Sapporo workers. The streets near the canals still contain many older buildings that have been converted into tourist shops, especially selling glassworks.

The fishing industry is still strong in this region, so local seafood is offered at many restaurants. The population is rebounding from the period of decline after coal became less sought after.

Answer: Sulfur

Asahi-dake is in Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido, fairly close to the city of Asahikawa. Asahi-dake last erupted in the 1700s, but active fumaroles spew forth sulfurous jets. A popular site for hiking and for visiting hot springs, this area is the first to show autumn colors and receive snow each year.