Rabat-Salé-Zemmour Zaer

Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaër (Arabic: الرباط سلا زمور زعير) was one of the sixteen regions of Morocco from 1997 to 2015. 

Location: Northwest Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. 

Capital: Rabat (also the capital of all of Morocco). 

Main cities: Rabat, Salé, Skhirat-Témara, and Khémisset. 

The region encompassed the urban agglomeration around Rabat and Salé (on both sides of the Bou Regreg river), plus surrounding countryside and plateaus (including Zaer). 

It had a rich history, from Phoenician and Roman settlements (such as Chellah) to its modern role as a capital city. 

In 2015, the region was merged with Gharb-Chrarda-Béni Hssen to form the current region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. 

In short: a compact, dynamic region featuring the political and administrative capital of Morocco, a mix of urban life, coast, and countryside.

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Tangier-Tetouan

Tangier-Tetouan (or in full Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma) is the northernmost region of Morocco.

Location: Situated on the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea (and partly the Atlantic Ocean). 

It is the “gateway” from Africa to Europe, with a strategic location opposite Spain. 

The region borders the Rif Mountains. 

Capital: Tangier. 

Main cities: Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceïma, Chefchaouen, Larache, and Asilah. 

It is a densely populated and dynamic region.

Highlights: Tangier: Cosmopolitan port city with a lively medina, beaches, and the large Tangier-Med port (one of the largest in Africa). 

It was formerly an international free port. 

Tetouan: Known as “the white city”. 

The medina is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has a strong Andalusian (Spanish) influence – it was the capital of the Spanish protectorate. 

Narrow streets, traditional crafts, and a quieter atmosphere than in other Moroccan cities. 

Other attractions: Chefchaouen (the blue city), beautiful Mediterranean beaches, the Rif Mountains for nature and hiking, and Al Hoceïma. 

The region combines beaches, mountains, history, and an economy (port, industry, tourism, and agriculture). 

It is a mix of Moroccan, Berber, Andalusian, and European influences. 

In short: a vibrant, strategically located northern part of Morocco featuring both modern development (Tangier) and authentic cultural gems (Tetouan and Chefchaouen). 

Ideal for a short trip from Europe.

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Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate

Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate was a former region in northern Morocco (1997–2015). 

Capital: Al Hoceima (on the Mediterranean Sea). 

Provinces: including Taza, Al Hoceima, Taounate, and Guercif. 

The region was situated in the Rif Mountains and along the Mediterranean coast, with a mix of mountainous terrain, coastal areas, and agricultural regions. 

Economically, agriculture (olives, grains, livestock) and fishing were important.

In 2015, the region was merged with Tangier-Tétouan to form the current Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region. 

The area is known for its natural beauty, national parks, and beaches, but experienced a declining population (the only region in Morocco to do so). 

In short: a northern, mountainous, and coastal former administrative region of Morocco with Al Hoceima as its center.

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Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost and largest prefecture of Japan. 

It consists of the island of the same name (the second largest in Japan) plus surrounding islands and forms its own region. 

Capital: Sapporo (largest city, known for Sapporo beer, ramen, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival). Location and nature: Hokkaido is located in the north, near Russia, with coastlines on the Sea of ​​Japan, the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. 

It has a cool climate with harsh, snowy winters and milder summers (less humid than the rest of Japan). Characteristic features include mountains, volcanoes, national parks, vast plains, and beautiful nature. Economy and culture: It is an important region for agriculture (potatoes, dairy, rice, beans) and fishing (fresh seafood). 

Tourism flourishes thanks to: Winter sports — World-class powder snow in resorts such as Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. 

Summer — Hiking, lavender fields (Furano), and onsen (natural hot springs). 

Other highlights — Night views from Mount Hakodate, historic port cities such as Hakodate and Otaru. Indigenous Ainu culture is still present here (the original inhabitants of the island before Japanese colonization in the 19th century). 

In short: Hokkaido is Japan’s “wild north” — ideal for nature lovers, winter sports, and good food, with a relaxed, spacious atmosphere compared to busy Honshu. Perfect for an escape in any season!

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Aomori

Aomori Prefecture (青森県, Aomori-ken) is the northernmost prefecture of the Japanese main island of Honshu, in the Tōhoku region. 

The capital is the city of Aomori. 

Location: It borders the Pacific Ocean (east) and the Sea of ​​Japan (west), and lies opposite Hokkaido via the Tsugaru Strait. 

The area is mountainous, with forests (almost 70% of the surface) and coastlines. 

Economy and specialties: Aomori is best known as the apple kingdom of Japan: it produces approximately 60% of all Japanese apples. 

Other assets include seafood, garlic (largest producer of black garlic), and agriculture. 

Tourism is growing thanks to nature and festivals. 

Nature and Heritage: World Heritage Site Shirakami-Sanchi (primeval forests), Jōmon Prehistoric Sites (such as Sannai Maruyama), Lake Towada (caldera lake with autumn colors), Hakkoda Mountains, and Hirosaki Castle (known for cherry blossoms). 

Culture: The famous Nebuta Matsuri (summer festival with large illuminated floats). 

Harsh winters with heavy snow, but also hot springs (onsen). 

History: Inhabited for at least 15,000 years; Japan's oldest pottery found here. 

In short: a quiet, nature-rich region with a strong seasonal experience (spring blossoms, summer festival, autumn colors, winter snow), with apples and fresh fish as local pride. 

Ideal for those who want to get off the beaten tourist track.

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