Spots in Hokkaido Area

  • Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima
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    3.5
    378 Reviews
    Shopping
    Hokkaido Kitahiroshimashi Omagarisaiwaichou 3-7-6
    This is a large indoor outlet mall in Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido. The facility has over 180 shops, selling not only fashion and household goods, but also local Hokkaido specialty souvenirs. There's also an enormous food court. The Elfin Court also hosts flea markets and other events, making it quite popular for family trips.

    It was part of our tour, hence we were dropped off for about 4 hours. We did our homework and knew which stores we want to visit. Coming for South East Asia, we shopped for brands :- Japan...

  • Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
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    3.5
    596 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Toyohira-ku Hitsujigaoka 1
    Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is one of Hokkaido's best tourist attractions. Sheep are kept on the rolling hills where the lush greenery dazzles the eyes, and the heart is warmed by the idyllic countryside scenery. A statue of Dr. William Smith Clark who served as the first vice-principal at Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University) can be seen on the observation deck. It’s a popular place to come and have your photograph taken. At the Hitsujigaoka Rest House you can have some Mongolian-style mutton barbecue food.

    The observation deck offers a great view of Sapporo Dome and the city, with snowy mountains in the back drop in a clear day. But at its core, it represents the original sprit that drove the...

  • Takino Suzuran Hillside Governmental Park
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    4.5
    434 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Minami-ku Takino 247
    Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the only state-owned park in Hokkaido, with a size of about 400 hectares. The park is divided into four zones. In the central zone you can enjoy the beautiful country garden where flowers bloom throughout the seasons; in the mountain stream zone relax by the waterfalls and rivers; and in the Takino forest zones (east and west) you can take long forest walks and make use of the play equipment. Ashiribetsu Waterfall was chosen as one of the 100 must-see waterfalls in Japan. In winter it’s also possible to have a go at some tube sledding.

    We drove from the city centre and it took about 35 minutes. Note there are few different entrances and sections to this very large park. We parked at the Higashi Guchi Gate, which was nearest to the...

  • Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
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    4.0
    551 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 11-13
    The Old Public Hall was completed in 1910 and constructed at a total cost of 58,000 yen, 50,000 yen of which was donated by Mr. Teppei Soma, a leading Hokkaido businessman. The building is impressive with its blue and yellow coloring and symmetrical colonial style. It is also famous for being the dormitory of Emperor Taisho when he was the Crown Prince. In 1974 it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. It is a seven-minute walk from the “Suehiro-cho” tram stop.

    It looks so beautiful in photographs and was so disappointed to see the building under wraps and closed for construction.

  • Jozankei hot spring
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    4.0
    225 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Minami-ku Jouzankei Hot spring
    This valley is in Sapporo's Minami Ward. In addition to Jozankei hot springs there are also tourist attractions like Hoheikyo Onsen, Jozankei Dam, and Hoheikyo Dam. It's also a great place to enjoy the fresh green of spring and autumn leaves. Many visitors come for walks on the walking paths along the valley.

    Jozankei is a must-see if you like onsens and nature. This small town is easily accessible by bus. Several bus companies will reach it in an hour - excluding traffic jam - and you can also ride the...

  • Ban’ei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse)
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    4.0
    488 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Obihiroshi Nishijusanjouminami 9
    This racecourse in Obihiro City, Hokkaido is the only racecourse in the world where regular ban’ei races are held. Ban’ei horse racing is a race where horses compete against each other by pulling heavy weighted iron sleds. Horses are raced along a 200 meter long track over two slopes with the jockey riding on top of the sled while controlling the power and direction of the horse. At the racecourse you can find shops, a museum about horses, and a petting zoo where you can meet some of the animals. It’s a nice place to bring the children. They also conduct tours around the stables and other areas at extra charge.

    Drawn to this from some of the guide book reviews. We are not big horse racing fans or even regular betters but this was a brilliant event to visit. We even broke our journey Sapporo to Kushiro...

  • Trappistine Monastery Tenshien Shop
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    4.0
    567 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Kamiyunokawachou 346
    A 10-minute walk from the Trappistine Convent bus stop. This Trappist monastery is situated on a hill sandwiched between Mt. Hakodate and the city. The monastery was the first one erected for women in Japan when it was built in 1898. The site was originally used by an orphanage before it was destroyed in a storm. The monastery rebuilt on the site was also later lost in a fire. The current monastery was rebuilt in 1927 and is notable for its brick walls and semicircular windows. The monastery is adjoined by a museum, shop, and garden; the shop's French Madeleines cakes are popular souvenirs.

    A catholic convent with beautiful grounds to stroll upon. Located on a hill in the eastern part of Hakodate. Bought some famous Trappist cookies from the souvenir shop. Worth a short visit.

  • Furano Ski Resort
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    4.5
    371 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Furanoshi Nakagoryou
    Furano Ski Resort is a ski resort in Furano owned by New Furano Prince Hotel. There are two areas with a total of 24 courses can be enjoyed by advanced through to beginner skiers; the Kitanomine zone has good quality snow and a diverse array of courses while the Furano zone mainly has long run courses. In January to February you can ski on a surface of dry powder snow. Snowboarding is available on all courses. There is also a kids experience program which is perfect for first-time skiers and playing in the snow.

    Spent 4 days here at the end of Niseko trip and ticked a lot of the boxes. Need more time here and will be back definitely. Good resort and town that isnt as chaotic as Niseko but more options and...

  • Hakodate Orthodox Church
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    4.0
    475 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 3-13
    With the beautiful contrast between its green roof and white walls, Hakodate Orthodox Church was Japan’s first Russian Orthodox church. It is located at the top of Daimi-saka going up from Benten Suehiro-dori Street. The current church was built in 1916 to replace the original church that was burnt down in the great fire in Hakodate in the Meiji period, and it was subsequently designated as an Important Cultural Property. In 1996, the sound of the bell in the tower was chosen as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

    It is only a small church but has been recently renovated, It has retained its traditional interior fittings

  • Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
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    4.0
    277 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Minami-ku Jouzankei 937 ahead
    This ski resort is in Sapporo's Minami Ward. The expansive resort has seven slopes for everyone from beginners to experts. There are also snowboard courses and children's slopes so snowboarders and family groups are also welcome. They also offer clothing and other rentals as well as ski-related goods for sale.

    With only two ski resorts open around Kokusai is very crowded, and overwhelmed. More than 2 hours queuing to hire skis. Staff has done nothing to improve service. People have to cross the queue again...

  • Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
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    4.0
    348 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Noboribetsushi Nakanoboribetsuchou 53-1
    This theme park is in Noboribetsu. This village lets you experience Edo period culture and scenery yourself, as well as letting you dress up as a ninja, samurai, princess and more for a photo shoot. There are also attractions like legend-based plays, ninja houses, classes in shuriken throwing and Japanese archery, and more to make this a place to truly see, play, and learn.

    Themed park about ancient cutural life of japan in Edo period, it needs at least 3 hours for exploring all its entertainmdnt available there, including Ochiran, Geisha comedy performance Samurai...

  • Noshappu Cape
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    4.0
    360 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Wakkanai City No Shap 2 chome
    This cape takes its name from Ainu-language phrases meaning “the cape that juts out like a jaw” and “the place where waves are broken up.” There are views of Mt. Rishiri and Rebunto Island, and the island of Sakhalin is just visible in the distance; the sight of the sun setting below the horizon is especially beautiful. Visitors can also look round Noshappu Aquarium, where they can view a variety of fish that live in the seas of Hokkaido, including the mysterious Sakhalin Taimen.

    We reached Wakkanai just in time to see the sunset at Cape Noshappu. At this time of the year, there wasnt too many people. Fortunately for us, the weather was fantastic.

  • Daisetsuzan Sounkyo-Kurodake Ropeway
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    4.0
    349 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kamikawa-gun Kamikawacho Sounkyo
    "This ropeway joining the Sounkyo Hot Spring with Mt. Kurodake sits as the front entrance to Daisetsuzan National Park. The large-scale gondola fits 101 people, and takes you up to the fifth station of Mt. Kurodake. If you continue on by taking the lift, you can get up to the seventh station at an elevation of 1520 meters. It is used by both casual tourists, and mountain climbers headed for the peak. It takes seven minutes one-way, and comes at 20-minute intervals. On days with good weather, you can get above the ""cloud sea"" and see the Mt. Daisetsuzan Mountain Range."

    This famous ropeway in the Sounkyo Hot Spring area facilitate travel up Mt. Kurodake. It is at the front entrance to Daisetsuzan National Park region. The large-scale gondola fits 101 people and...

  • Kamaei (factory direct shop)
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    4.0
    430 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Otarushi Sakaimachi 3-7
    Kamaei is a long-standing kamaboko seasoned fish paste company founded in 1905. In addition to conventional kamaboko served on a wooden plank, Kamaei offers a wide variety of kamaboko products, including Shiokaze kamaboko formed by steaming it in a plastic film to shape it; kamaboko steamed with crab and other seafood on top; and Noshi Kamaboko, a terrine-like dish made by combining layers of kamaboko. The Kamaei plant offers factory tours as well as selling kamaboko direct to customers. There's also a cafe space where you can enjoy fresh-cooked kamaboko and unusual kamaboko dishes served no place else.

    Big range of fish cakes from sweet, spicy and savoury. And it stayed fresh overnight too as we bought some to eat in our hotel room the next day and it was still delicious. There is also a souvenir...

  • Kitaichi Glass Sangokan (Emporium No. 3)
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    4.0
    351 Reviews
    Shopping
    Hokkaido Otarushi Sakaimachi 7-26
    Kitaichi Glass Sangokan (Emporium No. 3) located a little south of the canal is a popular tourist attraction even in Otaru and is well known as a glassware store. It also contains retailers of original glass products such as colorful glasses and lamps as well as cafe bars where stained glass spreads across the ceiling. One of the popular shops is Kitaishi Hall which is lit by 167 oil lamps. Because you can order meals and confectionary in the shop, it is recommended as a place to have a break from sightseeing. This fantasy space that is just like entering the world of the movies is worth a visit.

    Many shops in Otaru selling glass items but this is one of the biggest we went which has a wide range of items and designs. I wanted to buy a sake set which I found here - good quality and pretty...

  • Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
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    4.0
    395 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Abashirishi Tentozan 244-3
    Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, which is located on Tentozan in Abashiri City, is a tourist facility based on drift ice and the creatures who live in the Sea of Okhotsk. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum has the biggest projection mapping in Hokkaido and displays the mysterious creatures such as the clione which live in the Sea of Okhotsk. The high-definition five-screen theater which includes a 300-inch screen is also impressive. One very popular experience is freezing a wet towel when touching the ice directly on the drift ice simulation terrace. At the highest observation terrace, 360-degree panoramic views are an amazing sight and have been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty since 1938.

    Amazing place to learn more about the drift ice. We just arrived here from shiretoko where we saw all the drift ice coming in a few days ago. Its very informative to learn about this. The...

  • Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
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    4.0
    271 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Noboribetsushi Noboribetsuhigashichou 1-22
    This aquarium is in Noboribetsu. Built on the theme of Northern European Romance and Marine Fantasies, the symbol of the park is its castle modeled on Denmark's Egeskov Castle. In addition to the dolphin and seal show pools, the penguin hall and the king penguin walking route in front of the castle are popular. There's also a petting pool where visitors can touch skates and horseshoe crabs, a Ferris wheel, merry go round and other attractions throughout the park.

    Small place so it does not take long to cover this place. The highlight is definitely the penguin walk in the center square. Food and drinks are available, you can also sip a cold beer during the...

  • Wakkanai Port Northern Breakwater Dome
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    3.5
    356 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Wakkanaishi Kaiun 1
    This is a semi-arched dome acting as a breakwater in Wakkanai port. It was built over a period of five years beginning in 1931. The long archway, reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, has a total length of 427 meters and 70 columns. As a seawall it is a unique looking structure and has been selected as a Hokkaido heritage site.

    The breakwater structure is massive in size and strength. You can climb the stairs next to it to look out over the sea. There are also dome artforms nearby to examine.

  • Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora and Aurora 2
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    4.5
    256 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Abashirishi Minamisanjouhigashi 4-5-1 Road Station Ice Rink Road Abashiri
    The icebreaking ship Aurora/Aurora 2 are large sightseeing vessels that in seasonal service break the drift ice of Okhotsk. In addition to enjoying the sound and impact of breaking ice from the observation deck, you might also be able to catch sight of wild animals such as seals if you are lucky. You can also watch and relax from the first or second floor where there is good heating. The ships’ schedule is decided depending on the drift ice so it is recommended that you check the official site before you go. Shuttle buses are available from Memanbetsu Airport and JR Abashiri Station.

    Took this trip when the ice flows were prevalent in February. We fully expected to see an intriguing panorama of ice, but what surprised us most was just how many bird species there were out on the...

  • Cape Erimo
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    4.0
    217 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Horoizumigunerimochou Erimomisaki
    Cape Erimo is a cape at the southernmost point in Hokkaido, where the Hidaka Mountains gradually fall in elevation as they approach the Pacific Ocean. It is renowned as one of the windiest places in Japan, with wind-speeds that often exceed 30 meters per second. At the Erimo Wind Museum, visitors can experience Erimo’s strong winds for themselves, and both adults and children will enjoy viewing wild Harbor Seals from the Museum’s observation deck. In 2010, Cape Erimo was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty under its Ainu-language name Pirika Noka (meaning “beautiful shape”), in recognition of its spiritual importance to the Ainu people as a sacred place.

    It takes about 4 hours from Sapporo to Cape Erimo by car through the highway. Usually, the wind is very strong there, and this cape is often misty. Please take care of the weather. Scenery surrounded...

Hokkaido Areas

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Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.

Hokkaido Photo Album

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