Hokkaido

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Hokkaido (??? Hokkaid?, literal meaning: "North Sea Route", Ainu: Mosir), formerly known as Ezo, is the second largest island of Japan. The Tsugaru Strait separates it from Honshu, although it is connected to Honshu by the underwater Seikan Tunnel. The largest city on Hokkaid? is the prefectural capital, Sapporo.

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The Nihon-shoki is often said to be the first mention of Hokkaido in recorded history. According to the text, Abe no Hirafu lead a large navy and army to northern areas from 658 to 660 and came into contact with the Mishihase and Emishi. One of the places Hirafu went to was called Watarishima, which is often believed to be present-day Hokkaido. However, many theories exist in relation to the details of this event, including the location of Watarishima and the common belief that the Emishi in Watarishima were the ancestors of the present-day Ainu.

Route: Route may refer to:...

Ainu: Ainu (or Aino) may refer to:...

Ezo: Ezo (??) can refer to:...

Hokkaido related Images and Photos (experimental)

Foggy Morning Shikotsu Lake Hokkaido Japan 2004

Bike on Snowy Trail in Hokkaido University Forest

Landscape with Red and Green Autumn Colours in the Daisetsuan National Park on Hokkaido Japan