Experience Hokkaido’s Summer Splendor: JAL and HAC Release “FLY Deep Hokkaido – Summer Edition” Promotional Video
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd. (HAC), a JAL Group airline, have unveiled an inspiring new promotional video titled “FLY Deep Hokkaido – Summer Edition.” The release marks a major step in showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Eastern Hokkaido to a global audience. Available now on both the official HAC website and the airline’s YouTube channel, the video highlights not only the region’s world-renowned landscapes but also its thriving local communities, culinary treasures, and hospitality.
The new campaign is part of a broader effort by JAL and HAC to enhance international awareness of Hokkaido as a travel destination. With travel demand steadily rebounding, the airlines are positioning Eastern Hokkaido as a must-visit region for global tourists eager to experience Japan beyond its major cities.
A Cinematic Journey Through Eastern Hokkaido
The “FLY Deep Hokkaido – Summer Edition” video serves as both a visual travel guide and a cultural showcase. It captures sweeping aerial footage, intimate wildlife scenes, and tranquil cultural experiences that collectively bring Hokkaido’s summer landscape to life. In particular, the film focuses on three of the most treasured national parks in Eastern Hokkaido:
- Shiretoko National Park – Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Shiretoko is one of the most unspoiled wilderness areas in Japan. Known for its volcanic terrain, dramatic coastlines, and drift ice in winter, the summer season offers equally striking views of lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The video highlights encounters with killer whales along the coast, brown bears roaming the forests, and raptors such as sea eagles soaring across the skies. From Mt. Rausu, one can take in panoramic views of the Shiretoko mountain range, a reminder of the raw power of nature that defines the area.
- Akan Mashu National Park – This park is celebrated for its volcanic landscapes and three iconic lakes—Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. Each lake has its own distinct character: Lake Akan is famous for its marimo (a rare type of green algae that forms into spherical shapes), Lake Mashu is renowned for its clarity, often referred to as one of the clearest lakes in the world, and Lake Kussharo boasts expansive hot springs by its shores. The video conveys the grandeur of Japan’s largest caldera, where volcanic peaks and dense forests converge, offering a natural spectacle that feels both ancient and alive.
- Kushiro Marsh National Park – A unique wetland ecosystem, Kushiro Marsh is home to Japan’s iconic red-crowned cranes, revered as a symbol of longevity and fidelity. The summer season transforms the marsh into a vibrant, green expanse teeming with life. The video highlights the diversity of bird species, as well as the serene waterways winding through the marshes. For nature enthusiasts, this destination provides opportunities to observe ecosystems that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries.
The cinematic storytelling of the video does more than present scenic images—it encourages viewers to imagine themselves walking along the trails, tasting local delicacies, and experiencing moments of quiet wonder in Hokkaido’s wild landscapes.
Beyond Nature: Culture, Cuisine, and City Life
While natural beauty is the focal point, the video also highlights the human dimension of Eastern Hokkaido. Local establishments—ranging from traditional inns and hot spring resorts to modern hotels—are featured to give travelers a sense of the hospitality that awaits them. The inclusion of local eateries, seafood markets, and ramen shops emphasizes Hokkaido’s reputation as one of Japan’s culinary centers.
In addition, cultural experiences such as visits to shrines, traditional festivals, and aquariums in Sapporo are woven into the narrative. This blend of natural and cultural content reflects HAC’s intention to present a holistic view of Hokkaido: not merely as a landscape to admire, but as a living, breathing region where nature and culture exist in harmony.
Strategic Placement for Maximum Engagement
The “FLY Deep Hokkaido – Summer Edition” video is prominently positioned on the HAC official website’s homepage, as well as on individual destination pages. This placement ensures that potential travelers can transition seamlessly from watching the video to gathering detailed information about the highlighted destinations.
For example, after being captivated by aerial views of Shiretoko, viewers can click through to find specifics on transportation options, accommodation choices, and recommended local experiences. This integrated approach bridges inspiration and action, making it easier for travelers to convert interest into concrete travel plans.
Enhancing the Online Experience for International Travelers
In addition to launching the video, HAC has made significant updates to its website to cater to the growing number of international visitors. Recognizing that travel planning often begins online, the airline has redesigned its booking system to be more intuitive and accessible for overseas customers.
Simplified Ticket Reservations
One of the most notable updates is the integration of a user-friendly reservation module. With just one click from the homepage, international travelers can access the Japan Explorer Pass (JEP) booking page. This fare, offered by JAL, is designed specifically for foreign tourists, making domestic air travel in Japan affordable and straightforward.
The Japan Explorer Pass allows travelers to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network, including routes operated by HAC. For those wishing to explore Hokkaido’s more remote regions, this option removes cost and accessibility barriers, enabling smoother travel experiences.
Comprehensive Destination Information
Each destination featured in the video now has a dedicated web page providing additional details about attractions, activities, and lodging. These pages are structured for clarity, ensuring that visitors unfamiliar with Hokkaido can quickly understand what each region has to offer. Whether a traveler is seeking a luxury hot spring retreat or a family-friendly wildlife tour, the enhanced website functions as a practical planning guide.
Accessibility and Connectivity
HAC’s operational routes make Eastern Hokkaido surprisingly accessible. Flights from Sapporo to Memanbetsu Airport bring visitors within reach of Shiretoko National Park, while direct flights from Sapporo to Nakashibetsu Airport offer the most convenient gateway to Akan Mashu National Park. These short flights—often under an hour—dramatically reduce travel time, allowing international visitors to experience remote wilderness areas without the need for long, complex journeys.
By spotlighting this convenience in the video and on the website, HAC and JAL are emphasizing that Hokkaido’s pristine nature is not only worth visiting but also easy to reach.
A Call to Explore Hokkaido’s Summer
Through this campaign, JAL and HAC aim to reframe Hokkaido as more than a winter destination known for skiing and snow festivals. The summer season offers an entirely different palette of experiences: lush green forests, vibrant wildlife, open-air hot springs, and festivals that celebrate local traditions.
The “FLY Deep Hokkaido – Summer Edition” video is both an invitation and a promise—that travelers who choose to journey into Eastern Hokkaido will discover landscapes and cultural encounters that linger long after their trip has ended. By coupling cinematic storytelling with practical booking enhancements, the airlines are effectively bridging the gap between dream and reality.
As international travel continues to expand, JAL and HAC’s initiative reflects a broader trend in Japanese tourism: encouraging visitors to explore regional areas beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. By directing attention to Hokkaido’s eastern landscapes, the airlines are contributing not only to tourism growth but also to regional revitalization. Increased visitor numbers bring economic opportunities to local communities, helping preserve cultural traditions and sustain natural environments through responsible tourism.
For global travelers, the message is clear: Hokkaido is waiting. With its awe-inspiring national parks, rich wildlife, warm hospitality, and easy accessibility, the region promises a travel experience unlike any other.
In summary, the launch of the “FLY Deep Hokkaido – Summer Edition” promotional video represents more than just a marketing campaign. It is a comprehensive effort to showcase the richness of Hokkaido’s landscapes and culture while simultaneously removing barriers to travel planning. By combining stunning visuals with improved online accessibility, JAL and HAC are setting a new benchmark in how destinations are presented to international audiences.
This summer, travelers have the opportunity to experience the wonders of Hokkaido—not only on screen, but in person, where the air is fresh, the landscapes are boundless, and every journey is a step into nature’s masterpiece.