A Filipino family achieved the remarkable feat of visiting every single municipality in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture. Their journey, fueled by a love for exploration and cultural immersion, involved navigating language barriers, inclement weather, and family commitments.
We’re the first Filipino family to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido —and here’s how we did it. In between giving birth, language barriers, and harsh snow, how we ticked off this item off their bucket list.
To stay true to this goal, we’ve established a few personal rules: visit the local roadside station (Michi no Eki) and collect its unique stamp as a keepsake; pay our respects at the main shrine of each municipality; photograph its distinct manhole cover; and explore at least one local tourist spot, be it a museum, café, library, park, monument, or scenic landscape. After months of meticulous planning and numerous adventures, we’ve achieved an extraordinary feat—we have visited and explored all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido making us the first Filipino family to do so! As Japan’s northernmost and largest prefecture, Hokkaido captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and ever-changing seasons. It has been named “The Most Attractive Prefecture” for 16 consecutive years—and for good reason. From snow-draped peaks and vibrant lavender fields to charming fishing villages and lively urban centers, every part of Hokkaido holds its unique tale. Being accepted as an Assistant Language Teacher under the JET Programme and assigned to Rumoi City in Hokkaido Prefecture meant that I had only three to five years to work and experience life in this beautiful region. Luckily, I was able to bring my family along, and I was determined to make our every weekend unforgettable. We started exploring nearby towns by car—many of which we had never heard of before. That’s when we discovered that each municipality had its own charm: scenic tourist spots, a main shrine, and even a uniquely designed manhole cover. Some towns also have roadside stations and special Pokémon-themed manhole covers, sparking our curiosity to see more. What began as a simple weekend routine soon evolved into a full-fledged mission to discover every corner of Hokkaido
Hokkaido Japan Travel Adventure Filipino Family
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