When it comes to soft-serve ice cream in Japan – known locally as soft-cream – Hokkaido holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals. With its rich agricultural heritage and countless dairy farms, Hokkaido is known for producing the highest quality milk in Japan. That milk doesn’t just go into cheese and yogurt – it’s also the reason why soft-cream here is so famously smooth, rich, and flavourful.

We know that Japan is made up of four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. There is a lifetime of travel between the four islands, from the snowy slopes of Hokkaido to the volcanoes of Kyushu. However, did you know that the total number of islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago total to more than 14,000 islands? With so many islands comprising Japan, there are so many magical places that are worth traveling to and discovering even more of the beauty and charm that Japan has to offer. So let’s take a look at some of the other islands of Japan!

On your way up into Hokkaido from Tokyo by bullet train, you'll stumble across this unassuming port town with oodles of history and culture on offer. A star-shaped fortress, squid fishing, a Michelin-starred night view, onsens, and fantastic food - all this and more is on offer in Hakodate.

Akita Prefecture is located in the Tohoku Region, the northern area of the main island of Honshu. Bordered by Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures, and also facing the Sea of Japan, Akita is the 6th largest prefecture of Japan, with slightly over 900,000 residents. Historically a part of Dewa Province and receiving high amounts of snow during the winter, Akita is a great spot to experience a wealth of snowy adventures. Steeped in history, and full of culture, the prefecture has a multitude of seasonal activities, and stunning beauty throughout the year.

Visited by less than 1% of overseas tourists (0.8% to be exact), Mie Prefecture lies on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula and is steeped deeply in Japan’s mythology and legends. Easily accessible from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Wakayama, Mie is a great reason to extend one’s trip through the Kinki/Kansai region and learn more intimately of Japan’s people and folklore.