Translation guide
The Arctic is the region around the North Pole. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 北極 (ほっきょく), but the way you express it depends on whether you mean the geographic point, the region, or the ocean.
北極
the Arctic
Referring to the area around the North Pole, including land and sea.
The most common and general term for the Arctic. Can refer to the North Pole itself or the surrounding region.
北極は地球の最北端にあります。
The Arctic is at the northernmost part of the Earth.
北極の氷が溶けています。
The Arctic ice is melting.
Specifically means 'the Arctic region' or 'Arctic area', emphasizing the geographical zone.
北極地方には先住民族が住んでいます。
Indigenous peoples live in the Arctic region.
Means 'the Arctic Circle'. Used when referring to the area within the Arctic Circle.
北極圏では夏に白夜が見られます。
In the Arctic Circle, you can see the midnight sun in summer.
Referring specifically to the ocean around the North Pole.
The standard term for the Arctic Ocean.
北極海の航路が開かれつつあります。
Shipping routes in the Arctic Ocean are opening up.
Referring to the exact point at 90°N latitude.
Specifically means 'the North Pole' as a geographic point. Use this when precision is needed.
彼は北極点に到達した最初の探検家です。
He was the first explorer to reach the North Pole.
Can also mean the North Pole point, but context usually makes it clear. Less precise than 北極点.
北極 (ほっきょく) is the Arctic/North Pole, while 南極 (なんきょく) is the Antarctic/South Pole. They are distinct and not interchangeable.
サンタクロースは北極に住んでいると言われています。
Santa Claus is said to live at the North Pole.