Hokkaido offers a wealth of places to visit when sightseeing in Hokkaido. For example, it is full of natural attractions such as beautiful Furano with its lavender blossoms and spectacular drift ice seen in Shiretoko.
The tourist cities of Sapporo and Hakodate offer many famous sights and classic sightseeing spots. In addition, with Japan's best hot spring resorts including Noboribetsu, snow festivals, and specialty gourmet events, Hokkaido offers a wide variety of attractions that can be enjoyed no matter what season you visit.
Hokkaido covers an area equivalent to one-fifth of Japan's total land area, while its population density is only about one-fourth that of Honshu. Although mountains are distributed mostly in the central part of the island, compared to the average Japanese landscape, Hokkaido is characterized by fewer mountains and more open plains. This provides Hokkaido with a different kind of space within Japan, with its vast expanses of fields and pastureland being very impressive.
This vast land feature is attributed to the fact that the Japanese did not develop the area much until about 150 years ago. Hokkaido has a cold climate, which also contributed to the relatively small number of immigrants from mainland Japan.
Furthermore, Asahikawa is known for having recorded the lowest temperature in Japan, 41.0℃ below zero, on January 25, 1902.
Hokkaido, Japan's largest and most northerly island, is an area of great natural grandeur and beauty. In addition to the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko and the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Ramsar Convention sites of Kushiro Marsh, Lake Akan, and Onuma, Lake Mashu, which boasts some of the clearest water in the world, the lavender fields of Furano, with their purple carpets stretching as far as the eye can see, and Cape Soya, the northernmost point in Japan, will overwhelm your eyes with all the scenery you can see.
There are also a number of other lesser-known scenic spots, such as the Sea of Clouds Terrace in Tomamu, the coral grass colony at Lake Notori, the Blue Pond in Biei, the Oloron Line in summer, and the Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Falls, that make Hokkaido an annual destination for many people.
In addition, visitors can enjoy walking around Sapporo, famous for its snow festival and Susukino entertainment district, Hakodate with its Goryokaku and beautiful night views, Otaru with its romantic canals, and Asahikawa with its Asahiyama Zoo, as well as seeing life at the northern limit on remote islands such as Rishiri Island and Rebun Island.
In Hokkaido, famous for its volcanic mountains and hot springs, visitors can enjoy hot spring tours at Noboribetsu Onsen, which boasts one of the largest number of hot springs in Japan, Toyako Onsen, where the Summit was held, Jozankei Onsen, Sounkyo Onsen, and others.
History of Hokkaido
Hokkaido was called Ezo until the Middle Ages, and the culture of the indigenous Ainu people took root in the area until the Meiji Era (1868-1912). It was during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) that the Japanese, known as Wajin, began to settle in Hokkaido, and from this time onward, the Wajin and Ainu traded and fought with each other. Eventually, in the Edo period (1603-1867), the shogunate took control of Ezo, and after the Meiji era (1868-1912), Ezo was renamed "Hokkaido.
The influx of Tondenbei from the Tohoku region and their families into Hokkaido led to pioneering development and an explosion in the population. Although Hokkaido lost Sakhalin (now Sakhalin) and the Kuril Islands in the Pacific War, it hosted the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and Sapporo became an ordinance-designated city. And today, Hokkaido continues to grow economically, as evidenced by the opening of the Shinkansen bullet train line to full service.
Local Gourmet Food, Food Culture, and Specialties of Hokkaido
Facing the cold Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, Hokkaido's seafood is fatty and super delicious! In addition to kaisen-don (freshly caught seafood served on top of a bowl of rice) and nigiri-zushi (hand-rolled sushi), visitors can enjoy such high-end foods as purple sea urchin, buffoon sea urchin, hairy crab, shinmaki salmon, and salmon roe, a fantastic food item, at reasonable prices.
In terms of agricultural products, Yubari is famous for its potatoes, Yubari melons, and corn eaten raw. Jaga Butter, steamed new potatoes covered with butter, is one of the most popular B-class gourmet foods in Japan.
Other famous B gourmet foods include jingisukan, lamb meat grilled together with a large amount of vegetables; Ishikari nabe, a sumptuous seafood stew; fried chicken called zangi locally; Muroran yakitori, made mainly of pork and onions; Sapporo soup curry, said to have sparked the soup curry boom; chanchanyaki in Wakkanai; molmen in Asahikawa; Tomakomai's hokki (hokki) Tomakomai's Hokki curry, Kushiro's spaghetti cutlets, and Obihiro's pork bowls are just a few of the unique local delicacies.
Sapporo miso ramen, Asahikawa soy sauce ramen, and Muroran curry ramen, which are now nationally known, are must-try items when visiting Hokkaido.
80 varieties of flowers, mainly lavender, but also poppies, cosmos, cascade grass, and other flowers in 12 flower fields, spread over gentle hills. Original lavender products such as lavender oil, perfume, and soft-serve ice cream are available....»
The zoo is located in the northernmost part of Japan, and its mission is to convey the brightness of life through "behavioral exhibits," in which the animals' natural instincts and characteristics can be seen through their vivid appearance, by drawing out their habits and behavior. In recent years, the zoo has turned its attention to familiar animals, including those native to Hokkaido, and is act...»
The hot springs are located in a naturally beautiful valley covered with virgin forest.Hot spring water gushes naturally from the cracks in the bedrock on the riverbanks and riverbed. The hot spring resort is located along the Toyohira River 26 km south of downtown Sapporo, less than an hour's drive, and is lined with old-fashioned, purely Japanese Meiji-style inns, deluxe hotels, and souvenir st...»
Moiwa, 531 meters above sea level, is located almost in the center of Sapporo City.From the summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Sapporo, Ishikari Bay on the Sea of Japan, and Mt. In the Ainu language, the mountain is called "Inkarsibe" (a place where people always go up to keep watch), and it used to be a "sacred place" for the Ainu people. Sapporo was recognized as one of...»
Stone warehouses built in the Meiji and Taisho eras line the canal. These former warehouses are now reused as restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores. At night, the sight of the buildings lit up by shining gas lamps is truly fantastic. It creates a romantic mood. Along the Otaru Canal, there is a promenade for visitors to stroll around, and many tasteful sightseeing spots are spread out around t...»
This is the only prison museum in Japan that exhibits the main buildings of the former Abashiri Prison, including the relocated cells, the prison chapel, and the government office building, and also exhibits the historical objects and equipment that have been used since the Meiji Era. In particular, this is the only one of its kind in Japan that has the five radiating wooden one-story cells. In ...»
Mount Hakodate commands a panoramic view of the city of Hakodate.The observatory at the summit of the 334-meter-high mountain is a popular spot to enjoy the magnificent panorama and beautiful night view. Together with Mt. Maya Sukuseidai in Kobe and Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki, it is one of the "Three Great Night Views of Japan," and the unique topography of the mountain has earned it a three-star rati...»
Along with the night view from Mt. Hakodate, this slope is often introduced as one of Hakodate's most popular viewing spots.The road continues in a straight line from the top of the hill to the sea, with the ruins of the pier and the former Hakodate ferry Mashu-maru visible directly in front of the harbor. Hakodate is known for its many slopes, with a total of 18, each of which presents a differe...»
The magnificent Daisetsuzoku mountain range and hills provide the backdrop for a 7-hectare flower garden with an outstanding view. From spring to fall, 30 different kinds of flowers can be seen. In winter, visitors can experience ATV and snowmobile riding, and fully enjoy the charm of the hill in winter, which is different from the green season....»
From the 150-meter-high Cape Chikyu Misaki Observation Deck, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the contrast between the white lighthouse standing on the cliff and the marine blue of the ocean below. Cape Chikyubomisaki, with a series of 120-meter cliffs stretching approximately 14 km, is called "Chikyubomisaki" (from the Ainu word "chikepu" meaning cliff) and "Chikyubomisaki" (from the Ai...»
Located northeast of Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Resort, Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Noboribetsu Hell Valley) is the site of a 450-meter long explosive crater created by the eruption of Mt.Numerous fumaroles are located on the surface along the valley, and gas and hot springs are gushing out. The name "Jigokudani" comes from the bubbling and boiling scenery. A variety of hot springs gush out from h...»
A garden with a factory that manufactures Rokkatei's "Marusei Butter Sandwich," a museum, and a café on a vast 100,000 square meter site. In order to realize the wildflower scenery depicted on Rokkatei's flower-patterned wrapping paper, a wetland was regenerated, and a waterfront was revived in an isolated forest, and flowers and grasses were also revived. The garden grows seasonal flowers and g...»
Fields spread out on the large undulating hills in a patchwork pattern of different colored fabrics sewn together. This fairy-tale-like landscape, reminiscent of European countryside, is called "patchwork hills. The hilly area with many roads running through it, including a wide-area farm road that stretches to the west of Biei, is called "Road of Patchwork," and is a popular sightseeing spot do...»
The icebreaker has a large drill to break up ice floes, and its hull is tough enough to withstand the extreme cold of the sea.The ice floes float up from the side of the ship, giving the cruise a powerful experience. The two-deck Garinko II and three-deck Garinko III IMERU are in operation, with air-conditioned cabins and observation decks. In summer, visitors can enjoy fishing on a fishing crui...»
The Blue Pond, also known as "Shirogane no Aoi Ike" (Blue Pond of Biei) or "Biei Shirogane Aoi Ike" (Blue Pond of Biei), is a popular tourist spot, known mainly to photographers for its mysterious blue water and fantastic scenery of standing dead trees. It is said that the different water components of the spring water near here and the main stream of the Biei River mix together to reflect the su...»
The 18-km-long straight road is called "the road that leads to heaven" because the straight road stretches far into the distance and the end of the road seems to continue to the sky. With the wooden observatory "Nameless Observatory" near the top of the hill as a landmark, the view beyond the starting point of the "Road that Leads to Heaven" is as if you are ascending into the sky. ...»
Goryokaku is one of the few Western-style castles built by the Tokugawa Shogunate at the end of the Edo period for the purpose of defending the Ezo region (present-day Hokkaido). It consists of a star-shaped structure surrounded by a water moat and one half-moon fort, inside of which buildings such as a magistrate's office were constructed. The inside of the moat is now open to the public as Gor...»
Mount Hakodate Ropeway connects the foot of Mount Hakodate with its summit.The ropeway can accommodate 125 passengers and reaches the summit, which is 334 meters above sea level, in about 3 minutes. The observatory at the summit is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy a magnificent panorama and beautiful night view.The view is one of the "Three Great Night Views of Japan," and the unique topog...»
The Kanamori Red Brick Warehouses flourished during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) as the volume of shipping cargo increased. For a time, the existence of these warehouses was threatened due to changes in transportation patterns, but in the late Showa period (1926-1989), they once again came into the limelight as valuable architectural treasures. Today, the area has been reborn as a popular tourist spo...»
Also known as "Ezo Fuji" due to its beautiful silhouette similar to Mt.It is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and is the symbol of Niseko. The summit of the 1,898-meter-high volcano has a crater at its summit, from which the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean can be viewed, and the 2.5-km circumference of the volcano can be visited by hikers. The mountainside is rich in nature, with...»
Hitsujigaoka Observatory is located in the hills in the southeastern part of Sapporo.Monuments related to Sapporo, including a statue of Dr. Clark, the father of the pioneering spirit, are erected on the site. Below, flocks of sheep grazing in the vast pastureland provide an idyllic view typical of Hokkaido....»
A ropeway runs to the top of the 533-meter-high Mt. Tengu, and the ski museum, Tengu no Yakata (Tengu Museum), and chipmunk park are located at the summit station. From the observatory at the top of the mountain, you can see Otaru City, the opposite shore of Ishikari Bay during the daytime, the Shakotan Peninsula to the left, and the Yubari Mountains to the right. The night view is popular as on...»
The Sea of Clouds Terrace is located adjacent to the gondola station at the summit of Mount Tomamu (1,088 meters above sea level), about a 13-minute gondola ride from the base of the Hoshino Resort Tomamu. If you are lucky, you can see the sea of clouds that forms early in the morning during the summer season, spreading out like a white carpet over the magnificent landscape, and mountains floatin...»
A relaxing park of "flowers and greenery" where visitors can enjoy lavender and other seasonal flowers as a place of "comfort and relaxation....»
The church is an innovative and magnificent chapel that blends into the magnificent nature of Hokkaido and has no boundaries with nature.The church, completed in 1988, was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando based on the theme of coexistence with nature. The approach through the white birch forest and concrete walls leads to an extraordinary space. The trees in front of you show thei...»
This safari park consists of three facilities: North Safari Sapporo where you can interact with animals, Dangerous Forest where you can see dangerous animals up close, and North Safari Adventure where you can enjoy seasonal activities....»
Otaru was called the "Wall Street of the North" from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period, and laid the foundation of Hokkaido's economic development as a distribution and financial hub. The building was constructed as a bank during Otaru's prosperous period, and exhibits and publicizes excellent Japanese and international art works and crafts that have glamorized that era. An art vil...»
The tallest observation deck in Hokkaido is located in the JR Tower, a station building directly connected to JR Sapporo Station.From the observation deck on the 38th floor, 160 meters above ground level, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city of Sapporo spread out all around. From the south, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the central area of Sapporo, which is laid out in a grid patt...»
Goryokaku Tower is a 107-meter-high observation tower adjacent to Goryokaku, a special historic site.The new tower, completed in 2006, has a star-shaped tower body and a pentagonal observation deck in reference to the ridge. The 90-meter observation deck offers a panoramic view of the star-shaped ruins of Goryokaku and the city of Hakodate....»
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, with a natural gush of 10,000 tons per day, 9 types of spring water, and 3,000 liters per minute, and is blessed with such a variety of spring qualities and abundant gush that it is called the "department store of hot springs. Nearby are the volcanic scenic spot "Jigokudani" and the "Okunoyu" and "Oyunuma" hot spring swamps,...»
Yoichi's cool and humid climate, abundant water, and clean air are ideal for whisky making. Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory is a retro and stylish space with a quiet Scottish atmosphere in Yoichi, which has a climate similar to that of Scotland, the home of whiskey. In addition to the factory tour, there is a Yoichi Original Whisky Store that sells valuable original whisky straight from the cask, ...»
The aquarium consists of the main building, which exhibits a wide variety of fish and shellfish, the Dolphin Stadium, where you can enjoy dolphin and sea lion shows, the Marine Park, where seals, walruses, sea lions, penguins, etc. are kept, and the amusement park "Otaru Shukuzu Marine Land". The marine animal park is located in a natural cove, where seabirds also fly in. Wild sea lions and largh...»
The abandoned railroad line that was used to transport coal to Otaru City, where the port is located, is called the "Former JNR Temiya Line.The line opened in 1880 as part of Hokkaido's first railroad, the government-run Horonai Railway, and trains ran on it until 1985. Today, most of the tracks, circuit breakers, and other abandoned railway tracks still remain, and have been prepared as walking ...»
The 147.2-meter-high TV tower stands at the starting point of Odori Park, which divides the central part of Sapporo into north and south. The view from the observatory, 90 meters above the ground, changes with the seasons,The panoramic 360-degree view from the observatory, 90 meters above ground, varies with the seasons and extends as far as Maruyama and Okurayama. Since its completion in 1956, ...»
The Chocolate Factory of Ishiya Confectionery, famous for "Shiroi Koibito," looks like a beautiful Western castle. In addition to the Shiroi Koibito production line, there is a workshop where visitors can try their hand at making sweets, a collection of antiques and an exhibition on the history of chocolate, a miniature train, Gulliver Town and other attractions, a rose garden, a store, a café an...»
Matsumae Castle was built in 1606 as Fukuyama Castle by Matsumae Keihiro, the first lord of the Matsumae domain. Although his descendants became the lords of the castle from generation to generation, the castle was under the direct control of the shogunate for 14 years from the 4th year of Bunka (1807), during which time the feudal lord Akihiro was relocated to Yanagawa, Oshu. In 1821, the domain ...»
The Daibutsuden, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, houses a gigantic 13.5-meter-high, 1,500-ton statue of the Great Buddha. The dome-shaped space is located under a small hill in Makomanai Takino Cemetery, and only the head of the Great Buddha can be seen sticking out of a hole in the middle of the roof. The majestic and beautiful sight of the Buddha's head integrated with the lav...»
The Hakodate Magistrate's Office was a government office of the Edo Shogunate established as a base for defending the northern frontier of Japan.Initially located at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, it was relocated in 1864 after the construction of Goryokaku, a five-pointed star-shaped fort surrounded by a water moat, and the building was constructed inside the moat. Only two years after its completion...»
Niseko Town is dotted with hot springs, including Goshiki Onsen, located at the western foot of the mountain overlooking Mt. The Niseko Yumeguri Pass, which can be used at any of the member facilities of Niseko Onsen-kyo, is sold throughout the year, allowing visitors to visit hot springs of different qualities. Oyunuma Swamp, located 700 meters above sea level, has white steam and the smell of ...»
Lake Toya is the ninth largest lake in Japan and the center of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.It is an almost circular caldera lake created by a huge volcanic eruption about 110,000 years ago. There are four islands (Nakajima) formed by volcanic eruptions in Lake Toya, and Oshima, the largest island, can be reached by a sightseeing boat. On the southwestern shore is a forest of Toyako Onsen hot spr...»
Located in Nopporo Forest Park, this open-air museum tells the story of Hokkaido's pioneer days. In the vast 54-hectare site, historical buildings from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa Periods of Hokkaido's pioneer days have been relocated and restored from all over Hokkaido to recreate scenes of those days. The site is divided into four areas: urban, rural, mountain, and fishing villages, whe...»
Located in Tenninkyo in Daisetsuzan National Park, Hagoromo Falls is the highest waterfall in Hokkaido, falling in seven stages from a precipitous cliff 270 meters high. It is said that the name "Hagoromo Falls" was given to the waterfall because of its spectacular scenery and the fact that the flow of water reminds one of a robe of feathers. The falls can be viewed from April, when the snow mel...»
The brick building of the Beer Museum introduces the history and brewing process of Sapporo Beer for more than 120 years. The museum also has a tasting corner for a fee. The store sells a variety of souvenirs such as Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters goods....»
This comprehensive park was designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The park itself is a huge campus where nature and art merge....»
The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 as a demonstration hall for Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. Since then, it has been ticking away the time for about 130 years. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property....»
The Maruyama Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Hokkaido, breeding about 160 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and 700 other animals. The zoo has a Tropical Animal Pavilion with lions and giraffes popular among children, a World Bear Pavilion exhibiting six species of bears, a Chimpanzee Pavilion with a 15-meter-high jungle gym for ecological exhibits, a house for Ezo deer and wolves where both...»
The main Shinto shrine of Hokkaido. Founded in 1869. The approximately 180,000 square meter grounds are famous for its cherry blossoms. In June, the Hokkaido Jingu Festival (Sapporo Festival) is held, where portable shrines and floats parade through the city to the accompaniment of musical accompaniment....»
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, where international competitions have been held and used for the Olympics.To get to the observatory, take the two-seater lift, which is also used by ski jumpers. From the starting point at an elevation of 307 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plain.You can experience the steepness of the jump start point,You can see many lan...»
Built in 1908, this is a representative Western-style building and a National Important Cultural Property. The interior has the splendor of the Renaissance style and the modernity of the Meiji era. ...»
Motomachi Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic church built in 1924. The present building was constructed in 1924. ...»
The elegant hull of this museum ship was once known as the "Queen of the Straits.The ship sailed until 1988, when the Seikan Tunnel was opened to traffic. The ship's wheelhouse and other facilities are open to the public, and the ship's logbook and other valuable documents are on display....»
The oldest Greek Orthodox church in Japan, rebuilt in 1916....»
One of the best winter events in Hokkaido. The festival site, about 10,000 m2, is located on the banks of the Ishikari River and features about 30 ice sculptures of various sizes, a 13-meter-high observatory, slides, and the Ice Fall Shrine. The ice sculptures, which take about three months to create, are a sight to behold, taking advantage of the natural beauty of the deep canyon at the foot of ...»
Founded in 1898 as Japan's first convent for women. Also called Angel Garden.The impressive cathedral, with its brick exterior and semicircular arched windows, is a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque design, and was reconstructed in 1927. The nuns still live a self-sufficient communal life under strict precepts, focusing on prayer, labor, and sacred reading. Men are not allowed inside the convent,...»
Hakodate St. John's Church is a church with four white walls decorated with a cross and a brown cross-shaped roof. In 1874, an English priest landed in Hakodate and began missionary work.Successive pastors have established schools, hospitals, and other facilities in the city, and have made great achievements in the fields of education and welfare. Its impressive cross-shaped roof can be seen fro...»
This botanical garden is located in Hakodate's Yunokawa Hot Springs. Approximately 300 species of tropical plants are planted in the garden. In addition to the greenhouse, there are also facilities such as a playground, footbath, water plaza, and monkey mountain....»
Conveniently located 5 minutes by car (3 km) from Hakodate Airport, and just a short walk from the Hakodate City Tram "Yunokawa Onsen", Yunokawa Onsen is one of Hokkaido's most enjoyable hot springs with a long history. The hot spring resort town is lined with inns and hotels located along the coast, from which you can view the Shimokita and Tsugaru Peninsulas and, at night, fishing fires. Fresh...»
At the Odori site, snow and ice statues of all sizes line the 1.5-kilometer route, creating a drama of snow and ice. At the Tsudomu venue, children and adults alike can interact with snow in Hokkaido's natural environment on tube slides, snow rafts, and more. At the Susukino venue, ice sculptures will be on display, and visitors can enjoy an ice sculpture petting zoo and ice bar....»
Furano Cheese Koubou produces and sells three kinds of natural cheese and pasteurized milk that has a strong flavor without melting fat. Visitors can sample a variety of excellent Furano cheeses, or try their hand at making cheese, butter, ice cream, and bread....»
Asahidake ropeway connects the foot station (1100m above sea level) to the fifth station (1600m above sea level) of Asahidake, the main peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Asahidake, and the 101-passenger gondola takes you on a 10-minute aerial walk. Asahidake, and you can enjoy the magnificent nature of the mountain. In top season, the ropeway runs for about 15 minutes at a time. The fifth ...»
Built in 1888 in the American neo-baroque style. It is widely known to the people of Hokkaido by the nickname "Akarenga" (red brick). Inside the building, there is an archives and a museum of Sakhalin history, which is open to the public. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property....»
Sounkyo Onsen is located at the entrance of Sounkyo, known for its beautiful autumn foliage and columnar cliffs. The central part of the hot spring resort area has been developed as a canyon mall modeled after a Canadian mountain resort, creating a Western-style atmosphere. From the hot spring resort area, there is a ropeway to the fifth station of Mt. Sounkyo, numerous waterfalls, and the Daih...»
Asahidake is the highest peak in Hokkaido and the main peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, rising 2,291 meters above sea level.A ropeway runs up to 1,600 meters above sea level, and once you get off at the Sugatami station, you will find yourself in a gentle alpine zone with highland plants in full bloom.Visitors can see plants that can only be found on 3,000-meter mountains in Honshu. The Su...»
This municipal park faithfully recreates the rural landscape of 19th century Canada, the setting of the immortal Anne of Green Gables. Anne's House, Kensington Station, Anne's Church, and other buildings that appear in the novel are located in the park, and the bedroom, living room, and kitchen are reproduced indoors as they were in 1908, the year the story was published, and their furnishings....»
Showa Shinzan is a volcano formed by the eruptive activity that began in 1943 on the flat land at the foot of Usu volcano.It is one of the most recent volcanoes in the 20th century that is still active, with records of eruptions from beginning to end. The volcano was active from 1943 to 1945, and was uplifted by eruptive activity that began in 1944.Fumarolic activity can still be seen today, and ...»
Lake Toya is the largest hot spring resort in Hokkaido, with a hot spring resort area lined with hotels, inns, restaurants, and souvenir stores on the southern shore of Lake Toya. Along the lakeside of the spa town, there is a promenade, a landing place for sightseeing boats, a sculpture park where outdoor sculptures are exhibited, and a free footbath. The amount of hot spring water is the third...»
Located on a hill on the west shore of Lake Toya, this observatory offers the closest view of the lake in the Lake Toya area. From the 170-meter-high observatory, you can see the lake, Nakajima Island, Usu Mountain, Showa Shinzan Mountain, and Toyako Onsen Hot Spring Resort on the right side. The first floor of the building houses a store selling souvenirs of Lake Toya, and the second floor hous...»
In summer, lavender and other flowers adorn the park, and the Asahidake and Tokachi Mountain peaks can be seen in the distance.Visitors can experience ATV and snowmobile riding (in winter), and tour the park against the backdrop of the powerful nature.There are also stores, restaurants, and cafes....»
Located on a small hill, the Grape and Grape Wine Institute is a town-run wine factory with an exterior reminiscent of an old medieval European castle. It has developed its own varieties and produces mainly long-aged type wines with grapes rich in acidity.It produces 20 products, including the internationally acclaimed brand "Tokachi Wine," sparkling wine, and brandy. The factory has an exhibiti...»
A large poplar tree standing in the hills of Biei was used for the location shooting of the "Journey without a Map" version of Nissan's Skyline commercial in 1972. After the commercial aired, the tree became a tourist attraction and was named "Ken and Mary's Tree" after the actors who played them. It is one of the landscapes that symbolize the hills of Biei (hills of patchwork). The tree is loc...»
A "Kashiwa tree" stands on a slightly elevated hill, so named because it was used as the packaging for Seven Star tourist cigarettes in 1976. In the summer, the hill is green with blue skies, and in the winter, a single tree stands amidst a blanket of snow.At night, you can see a star-filled sky. The area where the Seven Star Tree is located is called the "Road of Patchwork" because of the color...»
The ropeway offers a panoramic view of the Toyako Usu Volcano Geopark, centering on Mount Usu, a globally active volcano that has erupted four times in the past 100 years of the 20th century. The ropeway offers a 6-minute one-way aerial walk with a height difference of approximately 356 meters and a distance of 1,370 meters. At the top of the mountain is Mt. USU Terrace, an observation deck with...»
Sounkyo is one of the largest gorges in Japan, created by the Ishikari River carving out the northern foothills of Daisetsuzan.The Ishikari River is flanked by cliffs of columnar joints, oddly shaped rocks, and waterfalls that stretch for about 24 km. At the foot of Mt. Daisetsuzan Kurodake is the hot spring resort of Sounkyo Onsen, one of the largest in Hokkaido, with a number of large hotels an...»
The waterfall is 40 meters wide and has a drop of 30 meters. Dozens of thin strands of water fall down into the Biei River with great force. The water from the falls is underground water seeping from the cracks of the lava layer, and is classified as a submerged waterfall, which is a rare type of spring waterfall.You can see the falls from the Blue River Bridge over the Bieigawa River. The color...»
This theme park, covering an area of about 40 hectares, is a place where visitors can raise awareness of environmental issues and healthy eating while playing with flowers and animals. The "Galaxy Garden," designed by a British designer, features 30 playful gardens with 1,000 varieties of plants that add color to the seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of landscapes throughout the four ...»
With a site area of 14.2 hectares, this is one of the largest herb gardens in Japan. Cherry blossoms in spring, 1.02 million linalias in early summer, lilies in late summer, and cosmos in autumn are all in full bloom. The garden consists of 12 themes, each with a different concept.From May to October, the main flowers change every week, and there is a wide variety of herbs. The landscape is diffe...»
The permanent exhibition of actual drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk is on display in the extreme cold experience room (-15 degrees Celsius even in summer), where visitors can learn how drift ice is formed. The Drift Ice Fantasy Theater offers dynamic sound and powerful front, left, right, top, and bottom screens to give visitors a realistic view of drift ice. The Okhotsk creatures, such as the cl...»
The drift ice breaker is a popular activity for drift ice sightseeing, as it takes you through the middle of the drift ice sea, where thick drift ice is breaking up rapidly. The drift ice field spreads out before your eyes, and the entire ship vibrates as the bottom of the ship hits the ice blocks, making for a very powerful experience. You may also see seals taking a leisurely nap on the ice fl...»
Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake belonging to the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Shikotsu means "large depression" in Ainu language. With a circumference of about 40 km and a maximum depth of about 360 m, it is an important tourist attraction in Chitose City. It is also known as one of the cleanest lakes in Japan and the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan. Around Lake Shikotsu, there are still beaut...»
Moss Cave is a corridor-like formation formed by the erosion of lava from the eruption of Mount Tarumae by stream water. A part of the bedrock collapsed at the beginning of June 2001, making it impossible to enter. The museum is open from early June to late October and is visited by many tourists. Scale: 10 m high and 420 m long ...»
Kitaichi Glass Sangokan is a reused wooden stone warehouse built in the Meiji era (1891) as a fishing warehouse, and houses Kitaichi Glass's glass store and café, one of several in Otaru City. Located in the city center, about a 7 or 8-minute walk to the Otaru Canal, the glass stores include the "Japanese Floor" with Japanese glass, the "Western Floor" with exotic glass and stained glass, and the...»
The Shiretoko Five Lakes are five large and small volcanic dammed lakes scattered at the foot of the Shiretoko Mountain Range, which forms the Shiretoko Peninsula. Surrounded by virgin forest, they are mysterious. There are a boardwalk and an elevated wooden trail. Closed during winter...»
Tengu is a viewpoint from which you can see not only the cityscape of Otaru, but also Ishikari Port and the Shakotan area. A ropeway runs from the foot of the mountain to the top. ...»
A Renaissance-style building with five green domes peeking out, it originally served as the Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan. The Otaru Branch ceased operations in 2002, and the building opened as the Bank of Japan's Financial Reference Center in 2003. The majestic building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, who designed the red-brick Tokyo Station, and was completed in 1912. It is a two-story bui...»
Otaru Music Box Store is one of the largest music box stores in Japan, with approximately 5,000 types and 80,000 pieces. The building is a historic structure built in 1915 of red bricks, with a steam clock in front of it. Inside the museum, the nostalgic space oozing with history and the sound of music boxes create a magical time....»
A total of 333 glass lamps light up the station and platforms, giving the station a retro atmosphere. Built in 1934, it was the first steel-framed reinforced concrete (RC) structure in Hokkaido, and is the oldest building in Hokkaido and a registered tangible cultural property of Japan....»
One street inward from the Otaru Canal, this street is a popular strolling spot with many souvenir stores, general merchandise stores and cafes in old merchant houses and Western-style buildings. The 900-meter-long street stretches toward the Wall Street in the north of Otaru, which once flourished as a financial district, and retro buildings from the Meiji to early Showa periods, when Otaru was ...»
This is a museum where you can experience with all five senses the history and culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people who have been cultivated in the midst of nature. Upopoi means "to sing with many people" in Ainu language.Visitors can experience Ainu culture through traditional Ainu dances and performances of traditional Ainu musical instruments such as mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five...»
From mid-May to early June, when the lawn cherry trees are in full bloom, a vast slope of 100,000 square meters is beautifully decorated as if it were covered with a velvet carpet. This is a popular spot that attracts many tourists every spring.The Higashi Motto Shiba-zakura Festival is held during the blooming season....»
The park stretches 43 km along the shores of Lake Toya, almost circling the lake. 58 sculptures line the promenade and other areas.The sculptures, set against the backdrop of natural greenery and the lake, show various expressions depending on the season and weather. The sculptures are made of bronze, marble, granite, stainless steel, and other materials, and are worth seeing because of their dif...»
Small log houses selling craft works are located one after another in the forest, and visitors can tour along a wooden boardwalk. Inside the log houses, visitors can see unique handmade works of art, mainly warm and nature-inspired, and can also watch the artists working on their creations. Produced by writer Satoshi Kuramoto, Ninguru is a "wise man of the forest" about 15 cm tall who lives in t...»
This is a 4-kilometer-long gradual road that appears in Furano, where the countryside spreads out.It is a straight road with gentle ups and downs, sudden drops and sudden rises in elevation. The surrounding area is a driving course with a view of the Tokachi Mountain Range in the distance and a wide expanse of rural scenery....»
The 2nd to 4th floors of the terminal building are filled with entertainment and relaxation facilities as well as gourmet food and shopping facilities.JR New Chitose Airport Station is directly connected to the first basement floor. Shopping WorldFamous confections from all over Hokkaido, fresh marine products, dairy products made from milk, fresh foods, marine products, sweets, alcohol, etc. Go...»
Jozankei Onsen is located in a beautiful valley covered with virgin forest, and is well known as the backcountry resort of Sapporo. The bright red suspension bridge over the Toyohira River, which flows quietly through the hot spring resort, is the symbol of Jozankei. From the suspension bridge, you can see "Kappa-fuchi," an abyss with strange and steep rocks and stones, and "Futami Iwa," which i...»
This is a day-trip bathing facility where you can enjoy 100% free-flowing hot spring water from the source, which is not diluted, not boiled, and not circulated. The spring water is sodium calcium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate spring water, slightly clear, tasteless, and odorless. It is the only hot spring in Sapporo that is drinkable. The open-air bath is one of the largest in Japan, with ...»
Through the crystal clear water, the bottom of the pond, which is about 5 meters deep, appears blue, and fallen trees are submerged like fossils in the blue water without rotting. The view of the vermilion-spotted oshorocoma swimming through the gaps between the fallen trees is a mystical sight. The pond has a circumference of 220 meters, is crystal clear to the bottom, and with water temperatur...»
Completed in 1972, this 102.5-meter-high arched concrete dam can hold about 30 cups of water, enough to fill the Sapporo Dome, and serves as a water source for Sapporo City. The area around the dam is a scenic spot surrounded by steep rock slopes, and together with the dam's dynamic sightseeing discharge, it offers a magnificent view. The lake and the natural beauty of the scenery, centering on ...»
The market is located a minute's walk from Otaru Station. Entering the small, retro entrance, you will find a long line of stores that are bustling with activity from 6:00 in the morning all the way to the back of the market. Stores line both sides of a narrow, 200 meter long, 2 meter wide slope with an aisle in between,The stores are lined with fish tanks filled with crabs, scallops, and other s...»
This comprehensive facility incorporates various elements of nature, including the "Hokkaido Garden" where visitors can experience nature in each of the four seasons, restaurants, and contemporary art exhibits. Segway tours on Segways through grasslands and forests are environmentally friendly and ideal for enjoying the spectacular views as far as the eye can see. Visitors can also learn about H...»
Located approximately 60 km west of Wakkanai City in the Sea of Japan, Rebun Island is also called the "floating island of flowers" because of the more than 300 varieties of alpine plants that bloom, many of which can only be seen here. The small island, measuring 29 km from north to south and 8 km from east to west, has a total area of approximately 82 ㎢ and is centered around the 490-meter-high...»
The theme park offers visitors the feeling of stepping back in time to the Edo period. There is a ninja haze house theater, a kimono experience, and attractions where you can learn how to throw shuriken and bow and arrow. In addition, many buildings associated with Date Masamune's Sendai domain have been recreated, allowing visitors to enjoy the entirety of the emotional Edo period townscape and...»
Many delicious milk-based sweets are available. The grounds are spacious, with pastures and peaceful scenery. The red log house-style building there is Machimura Farm's Milk Garden, a direct sales outlet. The Milk Garden offers many sweets made from fresh ingredients, including homemade cheese doughnuts, soft-serve ice cream, cakes, puddings, and parfaits. All of the sweets made with dairy produ...»
Established in 1988, this winery produces and sells mellow, fruity wines grown in the land of Hokkaido, as well as sweet fruit wine made from haskap. Visitors can purchase a variety of wines at the store, take a "factory tour" where they can enjoy tasting after visiting the brewing facilities, or participate in a "tasting tour" that will show them the charms of Hokkaido's wines....»
The Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum is a place where visitors can learn about the history and culture of sake brewing as well as the history of "Otokoyama" sake since the Edo period. The museum exhibits the origin and history of Otokoyama, as well as old sake brewing tools. In addition, visitors can observe the actual sake brewing process at the factory (advance reservations are required). On the ...»
The Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum is a museum dedicated to learning about Ainu culture, with numerous folk tools and Ainu language audio materials on display. There are more than 300 exhibits designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties, including "Ainu - Life of the People", "Kamui - Romance of the Gods", "Moshiri - Blessing of the Earth The exhibits are displayed in four zones: "Ain...»
With a width of 35 meters and a height of an astonishing 70 meters, Garo Falls is the largest of all waterfalls in Japan. This waterfall is also known as Ryujin-no-taki Falls or Hiryu-no-taki Falls, and is designated as Kariba-Mozuta Provincial Natural Park and one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan. Dragon water, a natural carbonated water, gushes upstream of the falls, and can be collected d...»
Located 11 kilometers east-northeast of Tomakomai City, Lake Utonai is a freshwater lake with a circumference of approximately 9 kilometers, an area of 275 hectares, and a depth of 1.2 meters, spread out on the alluvial plain in the lower reaches of the Mimagawa River. The area surrounding the lake is a wilderness and marshland blessed with nature, and is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, with...»
About 2 million sunflowers bloom over an expansive 23 hectares (about 5 times the size of the Tokyo Dome), making it famous as the largest sunflower field in Japan and a delight for visitors. During the season, from mid-July to late August, the entire field is covered in a golden color with magnificent large flowers. The view of the rolling hills tinted yellow is breathtaking, especially on sunn...»
About 300 kinds of herbs and flowers are planted on the 4-hectare site, and visitors can enjoy a variety of plants from May to October. This land produces the largest amount of mint in Japan, and the Mint Garden, where visitors can enjoy the fragrance of about 80 varieties of mint from June to September, is highly recommended. At the Fragrance House, visitors can enjoy herb tea and light meals m...»
Kokkeizan Koryuji Temple is the oldest temple in Hakodate and is located at the foot of Mount Hakodate. Hakodate. With its imposing gate, main hall and other beautiful structures, the temple has an overwhelming presence that overwhelms visitors. Ten of the buildings at Koryuji Temple are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan for their historical value and for their artistry in comb...»
Meaning "art square" in Italian, this museum was created by renovating a closed elementary school and gymnasium. The museum's vast 30,000-square-meter grounds are home to more than 40 marble and bronze sculptures, including a large work weighing more than 10 tons created by Kan Yasuda, a world-renowned sculptor from the area. Including the surrounding forests, the park is now a vast outdoor scul...»
With an area of 1.8 million square meters, it is one of the largest cemeteries in Sapporo and a popular tourist spot with the Great Buddha Hall, Moai Statue, and Stonehenge. It aims to be a bright sanctuary and is filled with lavender and other colorful flowers. Thirty-three moai statues stand guard over the cemetery. The largest stands 9.5 meters high and weighs 120 tons, and some of the benche...»
Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, especially uni sea urchin and ikura salmon roe. Uni Ikura Don offers the luxury of having plenty of them over rice. The melting texture of fresh sea urchin goes perfectly with the pop-in-the-mouth texture of salmon roe. Two species of sea urchin are mainly used for this dish in Hokkaido, bafun uni and murasaki uni, and salmon roe can be either marinated in ...»
Jingisukan is a barbecue dish of mutton and lamb, which is marinated in savoury sauce and cooked on a dome-shaped special metal grill. The juice from the meat cooked on top of the grill drips down onto the vegetables on the side, adding to them just the right seasoning. The dish was originally created as a means to make good use of the meat of sheep raised for wool. Today it is a popular dish acro...»
Ika Meshi rice-stuffed squid is a traditional meal made in Hakodate area. With the tentacles and all innards cut off and taken out, the squid is stuffed with rice and closed with a toothpick to keep the rice from spilling out, before being cooked in a soy sauce-based sauce. Common stuffing ingredients to mix with rice include chopped tentacles, bamboo shoots, and other mountain vegetables. It is a...»
The Sapporo-style ramen noodles are said to have been first served at a small food stand in the city after the second world war, in a thick soup made from pork bones. It was originally seasoned with soy sauce, until some customers requested their noodles be served in pork-and-vegetables miso soup. This gained popularity across the city, and became the standard style of Sapporo Ramen. The ramen is ...»
Soup Curry is said to have originally been made by adding curry flavour to soup prepared according to the principles of yakuzen, a Chinese food therapy to restore and nourish the body. It was created by an owner of a coffee shop in Sapporo City in the 1970’s, and gained great popularity among regular customers, while other restaurants followed the example. The locals come back for the appetising s...»
Okhotsk Kitami Shio Yakisoba fried noodles were developed to attract more visitors to Kitami City, which faces the Sea of Okhotsk, using the region’s specialty ingredients: callops and onions. The dish is simply seasoned with salt to best bring out the taste of these ingredients. In February 2007, a joint council to further promote the yakisoba was established, defining the basic rules for the par...»
White Curry is a specialty of Hokkaido, which is the birthplace of the famous dish “soup curry”. As its name speaks for itself, it is a white curry sauce made with cream. In Hokkaido, ready-made sauces and roux are available at stores so that it can easily be served at home. White Curry looks very much like cream-based stew, but with one taste of it, you will feel the spicy kick in it. As the dish...»
This yatai (food stall) village is designed to resemble the streets of the Meiji and Taisho Periods.There is a fire watchtower modeled after the old style, and from the observation deck on top of the tower, you can see the Otaru Canal and the harbor. There are more than 20 restaurants and other stores along the alley, where you can enjoy ramen, Genghis Khan, sweets, and other local B-class gourme...»
Katte Don (“as you wish” rice bowl) was originally invented when a rider travelling cheap in Hokkaido stopped by at Washo Market: one of the store owners sent him to buy a bowl of rice only, and let him have a little bit of various fresh seafood from his store to top the rice. Located on the west side of JR Kushiro Station, the market offers fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, dried products, clothin...»
Ika Somen refers to the sashimi of squid cut into thin strips that resemble thin somen wheat flour noodles. In Hokkaido, fresh Japanese flying squid landed at Hakodate Port, with beautifully transparent flesh, is used to make Ika Somen, for its distinctively chewy texture. While it is very popular to have it fresh, a-day-old mature Ika Somen brings out its natural sweetness, with a less chewy text...»
Muryo-ju is a special dish of soba buckwheat noodles served at Chikuro-en, a long-established soba restaurant in Kushiro City, uniquely mixed with sesame seed oil. It is not greasy at all, contrary to most people’s expectation, but very smooth and appetising, especially in summer when you may have less appetite....»
Ika Shumai is steamed squid dumplings made with the paste of squid from Hakodate mixed with ground pork filling, and covered with strips of thin shumai flour wrapper. The wrapper strips add an airy, fluffy texture to the dumplings, and hold the soy sauce-based dipping sauce very well. As the squid paste is made using the whole squid including its cartilage, the dish not only offers the full flavou...»
Kasu Ika refers to pickled squid in sake lees, a traditional delicacy of winter in Hokkaido, where very fresh squid is available. The plump squid, filled with the tentacles, are pickled in quality sake lees to enhance its taste and flavour. Cut it into rounds and have them as they are, or garnish them with soy sauce, wasabi horseradish, or lemon to taste. It goes even better with a glass of sake....»
Shibetsu-cho, a coastal town facing the Sea of Okhotsk, is home to one of the largest salmon fisheries in Japan. Shibetsu Sake Sandai Zuke Don is its specialty rice bowl dish, in which fresh, locally-grown salmon and its roe marinated in sweet soy sauce and bonito broth, and dried salmon flakes are served on top of rice. The scallops also caught in Shibetsu adds smooths and sweet flavour to the di...»
Soba Zushi, sushi rolls of soba buckwheat noodles and ginger, is a specialty dish served at a soba restaurant in Kushiro. It is said to have been the favourite dish of the Showa Emperor. Refreshing and pleasant to eat, Soba Zushi may be your favourite, too, once you try it. ...»
Try the sashimi to understand the authentic taste of squid – is what people say in Hokkaido, where fresh squid is available in abundance. Every bite of the fresh raw squid is accompanied by the crunchy, chewy texture, and the natural sweetness of the beautifully transparent flesh. Spear squid and Japanese flying squid are the two most common kinds of squid served in Hokkaido. Spear squid is highly...»
Otaru, a port city where international cuisine has long been served, now has a new specialty soup to offer, “Shiribeshi Cotriade”. Shiribeshi refers to the region including Otaru, Niseko and Yoichi, and cotriade is a traditional fish soup from Brittany, France, made with milk and cream. Shiribeshi Cotriade is a special dish with rich ingredients from in and around Otaru City. ...»
Hasami Zuke, which literally translates as ‘sandwiched pickles’, is pickled vegetables and seafood that have traditionally been made in fishing communities in Hokkaido. The recipe is simple, and it can be made with a variety of seafood, such as salmon, crabs, herring roe, and scallops. With the rich taste of the seafood and the crisp and juicy vegetables, Hasami Zuke is a perfect combination of lo...»
Yakitori usually refers to grilled skewered chicken, but in Muroran City, its style of ‘yakitori’ is uniquely made with pork and onion, garnished with mustard. As pig farming was introduced to the region around 1937, people started to serve pork offal meat at food stands, where they also sold grilled skewered chicken. For convenience, they called both of them ‘yakitori’, and this name remains unch...»
In Kushiro, people have traditionally eaten soba buckwheat noodles since the Meiji era. The noodles are uniquely green because of the added chlorella. The locals enjoy having these noodles especially in summer for its refreshing appearance. Across the city, there are many restaurants that descended from Chikuro-en, a long-established soba restaurant since 1874, and the people of Kushiro have their...»
Nishin (pacific herring) is a specialty of Esa village in Hokkaido. Migaki Nishin (dried pacific herring) is cooked in sugar and soy sauce and is added on the top of the Soba. Nishin has been caught a lot in Esa village and been sent to Honshu (Japan’s main island) from the time of edo period (1603-1868). When shipped, Nishin were dried in order to be preserved.When you eat the Nishin soba, you ca...»
Otaru, a major port town in Hokkaido, is also known as the “Town of Sushi”, with the abundant supply of fresh seafood available from the Ishikari Bay. Its sushi culture dates back the Meiji and Taisho eras, when young sushi chefs trained in different parts of Japan came to the city and opened their own restaurants one after another. While many sushi restaurants are scattered throughout the city, t...»
Otaru City has an abundant nature with mountains on the south and the Sea of Japan on the north, where its international trading port has long connected itself with other countries and cultures. The city’s culinary scene also reflects its international links, and a variety of western-style cuisine is available with ingredients from the nearby ocean and mountains. Enjoy the fresh taste of local sea...»
Served with plenty of cabbage, Chicken Cutlet Curry is a very satisfying and balanced meal for all....»
Hakodate Asaichi is a large market in Hakodate, Hokkaido, with approximately 250 stores, offering a wide variety of seafood and other local products. This market is located near JR Hakodate Station and is known as one of Hakodate's most popular tourist attractions, with restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood bowls. The history of Hakodate morning market began in 1945 after the war, wh...»