The star-shaped castle "Goryokaku Ruins" is designated as a national special historic site. It was the scene of the Hakodate War, the last battle of the Boshin War. In spring, the area is famous for its cherry blossoms, and in winter, the moat is decorated with illuminations. The restored Hakodate Magistrate's Office is also worth seeing. (Source: Hakodate City Official Tourist Information Site Chickobura)

Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden is directly connected to JR Asahikawa Station and is located in the heart of the city, a rare location in Japan. Although the garden is located in the city center, connected to the pedestrian street "Kaimono Koen" through the west concourse of the station, the majestic Chubetsu River flows to the south and the natural beauty of Asahikawa spreads out. The park offers a healing space where one can look out over the river and the Daisetsuzan Mountains and be reminded once... Show more

I extended my trip from Sapporo to Otaru, and I was glad to see the beautiful night view of the canal. The city has a stylish atmosphere with many Western-style buildings, giving me an impression somewhat similar to Kobe. There are trains and buses from Sapporo to Otaru, and it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, so I think it's a good idea to stop by Otaru when traveling to Sapporo. I didn't have time this time, but I would like to come during the day next time.

Tokiwa Park was the first park established in Asahikawa City in March 1910 (Meiji 43). Facing the Ishikari River, the park is located in the center of Asahikawa City and has long been loved by citizens as an oasis in the city. 16 hectares of elm, doro, Abies sachalinensis, and poplar trees are planted in rows to create a northern-style landscape. The park has a large open space and two ponds, the Swan and Chidori, where visitors can enjoy rowing boats. An oasis in the city, Joban Park is always... Show more

Ueno Farm, located in the peaceful countryside of Asahikawa City, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006. Ueno Farm, which has been a rice farmer since its settlement, has a garden of about 2,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters) that was gradually created by the family and is a must-see. The garden, which is made up of a variety of native plants, is Ueno Farm's original "Hokkaido Garden," based on an English-style garden but dynamically created to suit Hokkaido's climate. Currently, over 900... Show more

A meeting place for residents built in 1910. Located directly above Motosaka, the view from the balcony is spectacular. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. After renovation work, it will reopen on April 26, 2021. (Source: Hakodate City Official Tourist Information Site Chickobura)

Matsumae Castle (No. 3 among Japan's Top 100 Castles) is a castle located in Matsumae Town, Hokkaido. Originally, it was the Fukuyama Mansion where the Matsumae clan resided during the Edo period, and it was known as the Matsumae Domain. As the Meiji era dawned and the end of the country's isolation led to the need for coastal defense against foreign vessels, the Fukuyama Mansion was renovated into a modern castle and became Matsumae Castle. Although the castle tower was designated a national tr... Show more

Muroran City is a manufacturing town that has developed as a port city for heavy and chemical industries. The city has a strong image as an industrial city, and first-time visitors to Muroran are impressed by the coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean side, with its 14-kilometer stretch of cliffs around 100 meters high, is lined with scenic spots such as Cape Earth. This area is on the route of migratory birds and is rich in nature, known as a nesting place for falcons that target... Show more

The Silo Observatory in Toyako Town is an excellent spot to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido. This observatory is a renovated former silo located on the western shore of Lake Toya. Originally used to store agricultural products, silos have a unique cylindrical structure that makes them very attractive as observatories. By repurposing the silo into an observatory, it provides visitors with magnificent views.

Mount Usu, located in Lake Toya, Hokkaido, is an active volcano, and its magnificent natural beauty and the history of volcanic activity are its charms. Mount Usu has erupted many times since about 20,000 years ago, and the large-scale eruption in 2000 is still fresh in memory. The highlight of sightseeing at Mount Usu is the Usu Ropeway. It connects the foot station to the mountaintop station in about 6 minutes, offering a panoramic view of Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Naiyan Bay from the 737-... Show more

Lake Shikotsu is a lake belonging to the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Chitose City, Hokkaido. It has the second greatest depth and volume among lakes in Japan, following Lake Tazawa and Lake Biwa, respectively. It is a caldera lake formed as a result of water accumulating in the Shikotsu Caldera created by a volcanic eruption 40,000 years ago. The lake has a low plankton count and extremely high transparency, with its vivid and beautiful water color being referred to as 'Shikotsu Blue.' At eat... Show more

Mount Hakodate is a 334-meter high mountain located in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Its night view is considered one of Japan's three best night views, alongside Inasa-yama in Nagasaki and Mount Maya in Hyogo. It's a place that I hope you will visit, as it's only a 10-15 minute bus ride from downtown Hakodate. There is a ropeway from the foot of the mountain to enjoy the changing night view all the way to the mountaintop.

Asahiyama Zoo is a popular zoo located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, and was opened in 1967. Its distinctive feature is the "behavioral exhibition" that shows the natural behaviors of animals, allowing visitors to observe penguins swimming underwater and polar bears swimming up close. In winter, the penguin walk is famous. It is easily accessible by public transportation and also focuses on educational activities. The photo shows penguins. It has a great atmosphere in winter.

Asahiyama Zoo is a popular zoo located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, and was opened in 1967. Its feature is the "behavioral exhibition" that shows the natural behaviors of animals, allowing visitors to observe penguins swimming underwater and polar bears swimming up close. In winter, the penguin walk is famous. It is easily accessible by public transportation and places a strong emphasis on educational activities. The photo is of a goat? The atmosphere is more charming in winter.

About an hour drive from Sapporo City, this ski resort boasts some of the best powder snow and vast slopes in Hokkaido. It is open from mid-November to early May every year, which is the longest operating period among ski resorts in the suburbs of Sapporo. There are seven courses for beginner to advanced skiers, and a snow park for sledding and tubing. The 3.6-kilometer long "Forest to Fairy Tale Course" for beginner skiers is a challenging course. For moguls, the downhill course with a maximum... Show more

Maruyama Zoo opened in 1951 as the first zoo in Hokkaido. The zoo's origins can be traced back to a mobile zoo held in Sapporo by Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, which was well received; the Polar Bear Pavilion opened in March 2018, the Elephant Pavilion in March 2019, and new facilities are being established one after the other. (Source: Welcome Sapporo)

Asahikawa is one of the leading rice-producing regions in Hokkaido. The delicious rice grown in the climate of the Kamikawa Basin, surrounded by magnificent mountains and blessed with abundant water from the Daisetsuzan Mountains, is one of Asahikawa's most famous products. Taniguchi Farm offers agricultural experiences throughout the year in which visitors can harvest a variety of crops. (Source: Asahikawa Tourism Information)

Autumn in Jozankei was truly breathtaking! The combination of hot springs and fall foliage is wonderful. There are also free foot baths nearby, making it easily accessible for everyone to enjoy. During the autumn foliage season, there are frequent express buses from Sapporo city, so when planning a trip to Sapporo in the fall, why not consider incorporating Jozankei into your travel itinerary?

The Borderless exhibition is a must-do in Japan! The whole experience felt wonderfully trippy, with rooms going on seemingly into infinity! It's also a great spot for taking pictures and making memories with friends.

Laying in a field of artificial flowers!

A child bouncing around with his father in a sea of light and colours

Asahikawa's cherry harvest season is around early July. The harvesting experience, where visitors can pick and eat the delicious fruit from the trees, is very popular. (Source: Asahikawa Tourist Information)

During this short trip to Hokkaido, I really wanted to have seafood bowl at least once, and I was satisfied to be able to have it before returning. It was beautifully presented with vibrant colors. While not right near Otaru Station, I highly recommend stopping by when you visit Otaru.

Winery brewed at the foot of "Hakkenzan", one of the 100 most famous mountains in Hokkaido, and also involved in environmental conservation. This winery was established in 2011 at the foot of Mt. The bright red brewery stands out against the dazzling green landscape and vineyards. Under the motto "Wine is made in the vineyard, and grapes want to become wine," the winery currently produces six varieties of wine, and is also making efforts to preserve the satoyama by planting trees on the property... Show more

I had miso cheese ramen and gyoza at 'Sapporo Ramen Yu' in the original Sapporo Ramen Yokocho. It was delicious with a creative and rich flavor. It somehow reminded me of the basil & cheese ramen at Ramen Nagi. It warmed me up.

A stately red brick structure built in 1911 as the Hakodate Post Office. It was privatized as a commercial facility in 1983 and is currently used as a shopping mall. Part of the bay area where visitors can enjoy strolling and shopping at the same time, the Hakodate Meiji-kan is one of the most popular spots that always appear on the sightseeing course. One of its trademark features is the ivy that crawls along the exterior walls. In spring and summer, the green leaves and red bricks create a un... Show more