A Hymn To Hokkaido Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

Azure skies
Extensive land
Nature’s paradise
Mountains, highlands
Rivers, lakes, sea, outdoor
Still abounds in natural splendor

Verdant nature
Extensive array
Hot air ballooning
Woodland trekking
White water rafting
Dolphin, whale watching

Lake Toya
Circular caldera
Grace center
Nakanoshima Islands
Thickly wooded islets
Magnificently highlight

Lake Shikotsu
Beautiful caldera
Soaring cliffs
Deep blue water
Never freezes over
Excellently highlight

Kushiro
Pristine nature, crystalline lakes
Kushiro River, spectacular weaves
Kushiro Marshlands
Wildlife sanctuary
A lifelong memory

Hakodate
Port town
Splendid night
Goryokaku fortress
The star shaped
Mount Hakodate, scenic beauty

Principal attractions
Well worth
Morning market
Buyers, onlookers
360 small shops, stals
Fresh fishes, vegetables

Furano
Lavender fields
Vast undulating expanse
Exquisite flowery belts
Of cosmos, lavender, narcissi
Unforgettable experience

Sapporo
Aerial gateway
Checkerboard-like streets
Odori Park
Flower ark-adorned
Sapporo Snow Festival

Clock Tower Building
Historical monument
A museum exhibiting
The city’s history
Jozankei Spa
Popular hot spring resort