Hokkaido Island
Highlighting destinations beyond popular cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched a new, integrated media campaign in the GCC aimed at encouraging repeat visits to Japan. This initiative focuses on promoting new areas of Japan that are less well-known to travelers from the GCC, as part of diversifying tourism experiences. With interest in Japan growing across the GCC, JNTO's efforts come at a time of record visitor numbers. In 2024, the number of GCC visitors to Japan reached 44,661, a 34.5% increase compared to the previous year. In the first half of 2025, arrivals continued at a stronger pace, with a 20.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting Japan's growing popularity in the Middle East.
New areas such as Hokkaido
While first-time visitors typically focus on exploring cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, this campaign targets seasoned travelers, encouraging them to explore new regions like Hokkaido, which boasts mild summer weather, diverse outdoor experiences, and luxurious accommodations ideal for sophisticated travelers. The island also offers a natural richness reflected in distinctive culinary experiences, featuring seafood, dairy products, and fresh local vegetables. Hokkaido also offers an opportunity to learn about the traditions of the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Japan. As the first step in this campaign, two Emirati influencers were invited to visit Hokkaido this month and explore the region's charm. Promotional activities will be implemented online and through other channels in phases to highlight the destination's appeal to travelers from the Gulf countries. Commenting on the announcement, Kobayashi Daisuke, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization Office in Dubai, said: “With the continued growth in visitor numbers, we believe it is time to take our promotional efforts in the GCC market to the next level. Hokkaido represents an ideal summer destination for travelers from this region, combining cool weather, rich nature, fine cuisine, and upscale accommodations that provide the perfect escape from the summer heat.
Hokkaido, Japan
Kobayashi added: “Although both influencers had visited Japan before, this trip was truly their first experience of Hokkaido. They expressed their admiration for the mild summer temperatures, the picturesque lavender fields, the tranquil forests, and the fresh local cuisine they enjoyed surrounded by nature. They were also amazed by the amazing harmony between the tourism experiences and the surrounding natural environment. Their positive feedback highlighted the great potential of Hokkaido as a preferred destination for travelers from the GCC, including families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers.” Japan comprises 47 prefectures, each with its own unique charm. Under the slogan “Japan. Endless Discovery,” the Japan National Tourism Organization continues its commitment to introducing travelers from the GCC to the rich diversity of Japan, encouraging them to visit again and explore more regions.
Top Tourist Attractions in Hokkaido
The Japan National Tourism Organization remains committed to promoting Japan as a leading travel destination in collaboration with local stakeholders across the GCC.
For more information about travel to Japan and the latest travel updates from the destination, please visit the following website: https://www.japan.travel/ar/
Biei is a small town surrounded by beautiful nature all around. Meanwhile, Blue Pond is an artificial lake which was formed after a dam was built in 1988 to prevent the flow of the Bieigawa River. While the apparent blue color is claimed to be caused by the presence of aluminum hydroxide, the water itself is not blue in color but only the effect of other factors.
The Sapporo Beer Museum is a private beer museum. Germany introduced beer to Japan in 1860 and it has since become the most popular and preferred alcoholic beverage ever since. The museum offers guided tours of 30 minutes of tasting for a small fee.
Sapporo is the fourth largest city in Japan located on the island of Hokkaido. If you are looking for winter fun, this is the place to go during the winter. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major winter event in Japan, attracting visitors from both inside and outside Japan. Artists present amazing snow sculptures. This festival takes place over seven days in February. During February, at around the same time every year, the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place. The Otaru Snow Light Path takes place in the city, decorated with sparkling lanterns and small snow statues that light up from 5 pm to 9 pm daily.
Mount Asahi is approximately 2,290.9 m (7,516 ft) high and is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. However, it is easy to climb for hiking and is a popular destination in the summer. In the winter, it is a popular spot for skiers.
Thousands of visitors flock to Shibazakura Park to see the vibrant pink moss between May and June, when the fields below the mountainous area are covered in a beautiful, colorful carpet of blooming flowers.
There are six huge national parks on Hokkaido Island that feature impressive natural surroundings from lakes to mountains and volcanoes, from waterfalls and forests to fields that bloom in spring and summer and at any time of the year one will find a sight like this.
The ski resort is very popular with skiers for the exceptionally soft snow, however in the summer the fields covering the vast areas are famous as thousands of visitors come to see the colorful flower festival.
Hakodate is considered Japan's first historic port city due to its openness to international trade. Due to its diverse culture and architecture, Hakodate is considered one of the most scenic places in Japan. [1] One of the major cities in northern Japan, Hakodate is famous for its Western-style buildings, fresh seafood, and salt, among other things. Dubbed the City of Gourmet Food, Hakodate is bursting with a variety of crabs, tuna, squid, and more due to the surrounding area. One of the most famous dishes is Kaisen-don, which usually includes various types of sashimi in a single bowl. For a unique experience, try the sea urchin dish at Unimurakami. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, the former British Consulate, or the city's morning market where you can buy fresh produce. You can also take an aerial gondola ride to the top of Mt. Hakodate, where you will be treated to panoramic views of the city.
Furano and Base are cities in central Hokkaido. These cities are among the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido with stunning natural scenery. If you visit the city between April and October, you will see the Shikisai-no-Oka hills covered in multi-colored flowers or the lavender fields at Tomita Farm in Furano. You can explore the Shikisai-no-Oka hills with the buggies that live on the farm during the winter season. The farm also transforms into a place where visitors can ride snowmobiles.
Otaru is a small harbor city about 30 minutes by train northwest of Sapporo, making it a great day trip from Hokkaido's capital. Otaru has operated as a major trading and fishing port up to the present day. The city is also known for its beautifully preserved canal area and old buildings where former warehouses and office buildings were once in use by shipping and trading companies.
Located southwest of Sapporo, Niseko is Japan's most popular ski resort due to its tons of snow. It snows best in January and February when the snow is heaviest. During this time, more than half of the visitors are from abroad. Niseko offers kilometers of ski slopes along with other winter adventures such as off-piste skiing with guided tours and helicopter tours. There are also major resorts in Niseko such as Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Hanazono and Annupuri that join together at the top of the mountain, making skiing between them easy.
