Great place to stay, just a short walk from the scenic Otaru Canal and the lively shopping streets. The rooms are clean, modern and comfortable, with thoughtful amenities and cozy decor. One of the highlights is the public bath, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The staff are friendly and helpful, making the stay even more pleasant. With a convenient location and peaceful atmosphere, it’s just great. Parking is available with a flat fee, there are other options for parking as well in surrounding area.

Nice hotel with good location closed to the canal and walking distance to Sakaimachi shopping street. There’s a paid parking ¥1500 per night at the hotel premises. The room was a little tight for 2 big luggage but we managed anyway. The hotel is clean and staff were friendly. The breakfast was good and full of variety.

Steategic location where is within walking distance. Nice facilities including public bath. Room comes with this beautiful barrel-like mini fridge that look so cool. Definitely will come here again when we visit Otaru in the future.

Tatami room. Quiet and spacious, though when you first enter the room there’s a sour-y smell, likely from the tatami. Overall a good two night stay for our Otaru trip.

Overall a great experience. Good location as well, however a few issues to note. 1. WiFi is intermittent, we came from a few other hotels, no issues, only this hotel. 4G signal not the best too. First time experiencing this in Japan. 2. Pillows are too soft, one pillow had beads below it. My hand went numb putting my hand below it (which I’m always used to when sleeping) 3. The onsen is a really small and tight space. It can get really crowded as well. Did not manage to use it since I am not used to being packed like sardines in a small pool of hot water. 4. TV had its menu purely in Japanese. Couldn’t use it at all. 5. Do note that parking is limited as well. Y1500 per day.

The hotel is close to the Otaru Canal and many souvenir shops. It’s a short walk to the JR station. We couldn’t book a twin room and had to get a king size bed instead. Although it was called a king size, the bed wasn’t very large, but it was still comfortable enough for two people. The public bath offers Sekkisei and DHC skincare products, and there is also a body composition scale available. The staff were polite and courteous.

Seriously, this 20-minute wait after a load is done is a nightmare for anyone trying to get their laundry done. It's like, the clothes are done, let me in! This waiting period is just a huge inconvenience. I really wish they'd change this policy so people can use the machines more efficiently. It's just not a practical system.

I've been here multiple times and it's always beautiful. You can walk, use the sightseeing boat, swanboats, paddle boats etc. They all cost between 1000-2000 yen per 30mins to 1 hour. Perfect place to rest with family or even alone. Though make sure to bring CASH!! All the restaurant use cash expect for 1 or 2 store. There's an ATM on the map nearby but closes at 12pm. Also all the shops closes by 1600 and 1700

Lake Shikotsu, a stop between 2 cities! Driving from Sapporo to Noboribetsu isn’t that long, about an hour and a half, or so I thought! (Read the bottom part) so we decided to make a stopover at Lake Shitose! About half way between Sapporo & Noboribetsu. What an amazing destination & a total favourite with both locals & tourists alike! They have this humongous Tourist Information Center, a whole bunch of very popular restaurants, and an activity Center, can rent canoes and all kind of other lake related stuff! My lady wanted to do the “Swan Ride” on the lake, but unfortunately closed as the water was a tad choppy! A lovely park for a nice stroll and of course a promenade, to wander along! Enjoyable for a 90 minute layover so to speak! Certainly worth it! too #googlemaps! Please make sure you update your navigation, the road to get out from there, was closed adding another 60 minute driving! Although the scenery was lovely but still! 😡 #sapporo #Japantravels #MarketAdventures #gourmettravels #selfdrivingholidays #hokkaido #noboribetsu #sapporo #lakeshikotsu

Lake Shikotsu is truly a natural wonder. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling forested mountains, the scenery feels both peaceful and vibrant. The lake itself is remarkably clean, with crystal-clear water that shimmers beautifully under the sunlight. There’s a refreshing moisture in the air that makes every breath feel crisp and pure, almost like nature’s own air spa. What makes Lake Shikotsu so amazing is its serene beauty combined with its untouched atmosphere. The calm surface of the water reflects the surrounding green hills, creating postcard-like views in every direction. Whether walking along the lakeside, taking a boat out, or simply sitting by the shore, it’s easy to feel relaxed and recharged here. Overall, Lake Shikotsu is one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful natural spots—green, clean, and full of life. A perfect escape for anyone who loves pure nature and breathtaking landscapes.

Spectacular lake view surrounded by interesting volcanoes. I suggest coming in autumn when most of the leaves are yellow and red, which will enhance the experience. You can go stand up paddle boarding and pedal boating on the lakes. On a clear day, the reflections of the clouds and mountains in the water is incredible. When you take photos of the fish, the reflection makes it look like the fish are swimming in the clouds. Perfect for any occasion, this place is a must come.

Beautiful stunning view from the mountain and the lake is so clear when seeing with the sun. And sparkling in the same time. The wind is strong but it give you the romantic good vibe

I visited Lake Shikotsu and it was a very nice experience overall. The lake is known for its beautifully clear water and stunning scenic views, and it definitely lived up to its reputation in that regard. The natural surroundings are peaceful and make for a relaxing atmosphere — great for taking a walk or just enjoying the scenery. There are a few things to see and do around the lake area — you can explore the walking paths, visit the small shops and cafés nearby, or take a sightseeing boat ride on the lake. The views of the mountains reflecting on the water are truly beautiful, especially on a clear day. That said, the area itself is relatively small, so depending on what you’re looking for, it may be more of a short visit than a full-day activity. It’s great if you want to appreciate nature and take some nice photos, but there aren’t a huge number of attractions or activities beyond the lake itself. Overall, Lake Shikotsu is worth a visit if you’re in the area and want to enjoy some beautiful natural scenery. It’s a nice, calm place to take a break from the city and soak in the views.

Amazing place, visited during Autumn and the weather was great, people were nice. The view was breathtaking, the carpark have sufficient lots for self-drivers as well.

What an amazing resort! The Japow here is unbeatable—light, deep, and consistent. If you love tree skiing, this place is a dream. I was a skier-and all slopes were mine because people were mostly in the trees. The terrain is some of the best I’ve ever ridden, with uniquely designed trails that start from ridge lines and fan out across nearly 270 degrees. No matter which line you take, you end up back at the same lift. Stunning views, varied difficulty, and endless fun. Highly recommended! Important- right before sunset temperatures drop and white out is possible. We had a big one on day 2 on second mountain, we asked workers to bring like 30 of us using ski lifts in opposite direction, as we could see more than 10 meters ahead. Was nerve wrecking.

Amazing slopes, with very interesting lines inside the trees. The mountain is not so hifhyand this means that spots are accessible. Almost 0 chances of avalanche and lots of power snow to enjoy. The snow is light, no matter how deep and fresh it is. The pistes are quite good for entry and intermediate level, but that is all. If the weather is clear you can have amazing view of lake Toya and mount Yotei. Also the staff is very friendly.

The piste are interesting and great RuPow if there's a dump. Lifts are slow, and the queue is not organised when crowded. As The daylight gets longer every day, and yet the opening time is always at 915am! ByPass signs are after the turn!!! Expensive lift tickets and yet there aren't many free resting/seating places. There's no facilities at the top of gondola. Limited food services hour, they remind you to finish up quickly, chase you out the moment the counter stops selling. Food is pricey and not very tasty. Public KotoBukiNoYu Onsen charge is pricey. The KWP season pass has very limited extra benefits.

Rusutsu has two main mountains. East and West connect via gondola (very pretty to take across the buildings, open land, and theme park). West mountain is smaller, but most runs connect into the one chair lift. East mountain almost has two sides. Take Mt Isola Gondola to see the views of Lake Toya, Mt Yotei, and the Pacific Ocean. There are a few cafeterias across the mountains. Some wait times in busy periods (no more than 15 minutes). There are plenty of options for all levels (even the intermediate runs are doable for a high level beginner). Several tree run options too (you don’t even need to go back country, they are alongside groomed runs).

Great resort with a variety of terrain and many gondolas and runs! Also a large park, which had huge jumps. Would recommend going to the West Mountain on powder days to avoid the crowds.

What a cool place to go snowboarding! Wishing for a powder day and didn’t get lucky this time. But you can 100% see the potential of this place and I cannot wait to come back! I also love rollercoasters so it would be amazing to come visit in the summer as well! Looking forward to it! The infrastructure of the ski field is unreal. For the day pass paid it was 100% worth it. The building could use some work… and the convenient someone could close at the same time of the skifield. That would be ideal. I’d prefer to buy a cool sticker at the end of my day not in the middle of my day. No lockers that are good enough like Cortina in Hakuba. Hopefully the renovated soon. But definitely my top ski fields to have visited this trip.

Spent 2 weeks riding in this resort. Although it’s not a big resort, it has some fun trails. In the resort itself on the weekends they offered activities. I took the Sado class and it was such a fun experience! It also has an onsen in the hotel. It’s a great way to relax after a long day of riding!

Every snowboarders dream. Just have to hope that you get lucky and it’s not too windy so you have access to the whole mountain. It’s a great place to experience the backcountry for the first time, with amazing powder conditions and easy access back to the resort. If you’re going down from gate 3 or 4, would consider checking out some videos on YouTube for the best lines down. Would recommend going early to the lifts though as it’s always a rush for a clean line.

I love the mountain but not the middle management who run the ski resort, most of employees are very nice and doing their best. I hope owners are going to make some changes to the management. Good to see the place spinning in the summer and some facelifts to the facilities. Although would be nice to make over the toilets too but I guess it's fine as it is, maybe next year lol

Amazing views, great facilities, friendly conditions. The soft, powdery snow is great for beginners, as the falls won't be as painful and dangerous, especially for snowboard rides, which are more prone to falling.. overall a great visit for myself and friends. Would be back if I'm ever in the area again.

Great ski, resort. We came here for the last week of the off-peak season. It snowed every night and clear skies for most of the week. The snow was soft and fluffy, comparable to Utah or Colorado. Staff, very much like the rest of Japan are all about extreme politeness. A lot of tourists; heck, so am I.

Beautiful ski resort with TONS of powder. My family and I have been going every Christmas for the past 15 years (except Covid years). It does get very busy during Christmas and chairlift queues can get very very long but the snow is so worth it.

If your priority is blending maximum slope time via the main gondola with an intimate, luxury setting and the absolute best view Mt. Yotei has to offer, the Roka Chalet is a non-negotiable choice. It's an investment in a seamless Niseko adventure.

This ski resort deserves the world wide fame it gets, snow is amazing, views are amazing and the terrain is amazing. It is on the expensive side compared to other Japanese resorts but it’s the most famous so they charge what they want. The little villages at the base are amazing but it’s way more expensive, food and drinks are double what you will pay in other places. First day we were stuck in just HIrafu as the wind had the top of the mountain in hold. Night riding was an incredible experience and it started snowing just as the sun went down. Second day was 5-10cm of fresh snow and the riding was incredible. Hiked to the summit pf the resort and ride fresh lines on the return. We can’t wait to come back to Niseko.

Hell Valley is a unique experience. A day trip from Sapporo, beautiful scenery and a visit to an active volcano area. Steam rises out of the cracks and holes. You can see the water boiling! I had limited time here but well worth the experience! There’s a lot more to do and see in this area and will return for more adventures! The smell of sulfur is strong in some areas but there was a nice breeze that kept it from being too intense. Parking was not an issue as I visited off peak time. Several lots are available though for a fee.

The volcanic landscape feels otherworldly — steam rising from the earth, sulfur smells in the air, and colorful rock formations everywhere. It’s a truly unique experience and easy to explore on foot. A must-visit spot in Hokkaido for nature and photography lovers!

This is a great opportunity to see volcano crater up close. The paths around the crater were very easy to walk on. Not only do you get to see the craters up close, the view was stunning with the autumn leaves in the background. The walk down to the natural foot bath was a bit more demanding. We saw many people struggling up the steep path afterwards. Just a tip that you can actually avoid that by just following the path out to the main road, which loops back to the start and is a much easier and more gentle walk up. While there wasn’t a proper pavement for pedestrians, the cars were considerate and we never felt unsafe walking on the road.

I visited Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley for the first time at the beginning of winter around 5 p.m. There were still many travelers. The weather was very cold, and the strong smell of natural gas filled the air. The scenery was stunning — a true wonder of nature with steam rising from the ground. The sunset made the atmosphere even more magical. Parking costs 500 yen for a personal car. Toilets are available, but no Wi-Fi service here.

We visited Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani) as part of an organized bus tour, and it was a great stop. Around 30–60 minutes is enough to walk the wooden paths, take photos, and enjoy the unique volcanic scenery. The view of the steaming rocks and colourful ground is truly impressive and gives a good sense of Hokkaido’s geothermal nature. As the name suggests, there’s a strong sulfur smell in the air, it’s natural and part of the experience, but some people might find it a bit intense. Visiting with a tour is very convenient since parking can be limited and the area fits well as a short stop between other sights. Definitely worth seeing once. It feels like standing on another planet or in one of the old Power Rangers Sets.

Jigoku Dani (Hell Valley) is the place to visit to get up close to an active volcano with sulphuric acid permeating the air. The area is an easy hike across the colourful autumn forest. Our family thoroughly enjoyed this one day visit to see an active volcano!

So surreal to see this in real life! We were very lucky to see this beautiful scenery in the peak of autumn, where all the trees are in the nice muted shades of red, orange and yellow! 🍁 super pretty! My friends who saw my pictures thought it was AI because of how surreal it looks 😂

The view is breathtaking, we able to see the lake and mountain view at once. To travel from City to The Lake and Usu spent about 2 hours so its recommend to visit this place earlier and check the cable car closing time.

Mt Usu was probably one of the highlights of our trip. It was a very cold day but we were lucky it was also sunny so the view was just stunning. This was our 2nd ropeway during our Hokkaido road trip and as compared to Daisetsuzan, Usuzan is way better. It was newer, faster and felt smaller so we weren’t so squeezed. The views at the top were just amazing anywhere you looked. We decided to go on the crater walk. It was pretty steep at parts but the paths themselves were easy to walk on. We did wish the signs were clearer - we weren’t sure if it was a loop or you had to go back. Turns out it was not a loop. After the strenuous climb back to the ropeway, we stopped at the Cafe to get a Perilla soft serve, which we enjoyed on sofa seats overlooking the stunning lake view.

We arrived about 3pm and we're able to buy tickets immediately. A short wait and we were inside the cable car. It was a short and smooth ride. From the station, turn left to go to the crater lookout. Quite a steep climb up with many steps. It was super windy and cold (3 November); about 7° but with the wind, it was likely 4°. Love the smoking craters clearly seen from the observation deck. Hubby walked about 20min to get to the scenic shot spot. It was a very hilly hike. The observation deck on the right side of the station was a short walk only. The view was of the town and Lake Toya. Very pretty too. We spent about an hour and enjoyed the view and took many pictures. I didn't know the station had long puffy (orange) jackets which visitors can borrow before exiting the station. Very practical and useful. If you haven't layered enough, do borrow the jackets.

Tickets are cheaper on klook but have to book a day in advance. We went 10+ on Sunday/Nov2 and had no wait. There is the terrance side and crater side. Both were beautiful. On the crater side, you do need to climb. It was cold with the wind but the view make up for it. Recommended!

A must do on a visit to Lake Toya with absolutely stunning views from the summit of Lake Toya and surrounds. In the warmer months there's a trail also that would be open closer to the crater and back towards town.

Breaking after a long sloppy walk of 30min up the slopes. But it was very worth the walk.. just tiring. Spent a good 40min enjoying the view and fighting for places to take photos.

Scenic ride! 🚡 Usuzan Ropeway offers breathtaking views of Lake Toya and the surrounding mountains. A relaxing way to experience Sobetsu Disttic naturally Lanscape 😊

A beautiful park with a huge lake and surroundings park with lush greenery during the summer. Some of the photo spots along the track have stunning views of the lake and the mountains in the background. There was a recommended track where you can cover all the bridges surrounding the lake in under 2 hours.

We went to the park on a rainy Saturday. When we reached there, there was still a light rain but there were still people visiting the park. The park had nice easy paths to walk on so despite the rain, we were still able to continue with our visit. All in all, a good place to stop on our way from Niseko to Hakodate.

Visited on 2Nov 2025. Beautiful autumn foliage. Did the long walking trail followed by cycling round the lake. The cycling was taxing for me, as the manual bike i rented was not quite powerful and midway the cycling path seems to merge into the road with cars speeding along. However, the scenery was stunning!

My family and I (as tourists from Singapore and Australia) visited this very beautiful national park in Hokkaido today. While this national park is famous for its lake and the islands therein, its bridges linking these islands and the view from here of the iconic Mount Komagatake, I personally found the national park to be a very good place to look at the many types of mushrooms, which can be found here - in short, this was another good reason to visit this national park if mushrooms are "your thing."

stayed in a lakeside hotel and took some pics at the 渡湖橋 before it rains, missed the best of red foliage but managed to see the snow capped peak . In november , even the toilets are closed! but there are far fewer cars and tourists

Maple leaves are so beautiful, it was snow in top of the mountain. I felt fresh air. Free admission!

A beautiful display of autumn foliage greeted us in late October. The scenery, it seems, would be picture perfect in all seasons as the backdrop colors change behind small islands and the poetic bridges which link them. Our boat tide beyond our hiking was also a wonderful experience.

Pretty neat experience. It is a great view from the top but I’m not sure I’d wait longer than a half hour to see it. The line was long when I arrived so I walked through the park first and thankfully the line had died down when I returned. It was nearly closing time so I got right in. Some good information at the top in English as well as Japanese. I’d say worth it overall if you’re in the area!

We visited Goryokaku Tower on Sunday morning. We reached around 8.40 so had a walk around the park area before heading over to the tower, which opens at 9. The park was huge but was well maintained and worth a walk around. You can visit the magistrate’s building for a fee and have your photos taken in traditional outfits just outside. There was a queue for the tickets by the time we got there at 9 but the queue moved quickly and soon we got into the lifts to take us to the observation deck. It gave a great view of the fort and the rest of Hakodate. There was also an explanation of the history of the fort, in Japanese, English and Mandarin, which was much appreciated for us non-Japanese speakers. We spent about 30 mins there before descending to have a melon soft serve at the ground floor cafe and to shop at their souvenir shop. The shop turned out to be quite a highlight for us. We found more items to buy there than at Kanemori warehouse; quality items at reasonable prices so do check it out. I think there were quite a few local visitors so perhaps that’s why the prices were reasonable.

Definitely worth a visit to see Goryokaku Fortress from above. There are special admission rates for children and students. The history is also explained in detail. There are restaurants and shops inside the tour. I would love to see the park in the Spring with the numerous cherry blossoms.

Great viewpoint of the star fort. We visited on our way to the airport and 1 hour was enough time for the observation deck but we ran out of time to explore the park proper. There is a convenient taxi rank outside the tower exit. I could not find a way to purchase tickets online via the official site. The queue to purchase was quite long. We visited at 9.10am on a weekday (10 minutes after opening) and there were large groups of schoolchildren and tour buses. The elevator going up is packed full like sardines but thankfully only about 1 minute long. It was quieter by 10.00am so would recommend arriving later if possible.

Goryokaku Tower – Hakodate, Hokkaido A great place to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Hakodate city. From the top, you can clearly see the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and the surrounding cityscape. Well worth a visit for the panoramic view and a glimpse of Hokkaido’s unique history. 🌆⭐️

It was a cool experience. Going up the tower is only 1200 and you get a nice panorama of the whole city. The free well around the fort below were even better with the fall colored leaves. I would definitely check this place out of you have a couple hours to spare.

Goryōkaku Tower – The best panoramic view of Hakodate’s star-shaped fortress Goryōkaku Tower is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Hakodate. The tower gives you a stunning, full panoramic view of Goryōkaku Park, Japan’s famous star-shaped fort. Seeing the entire star outline from above is impressive and truly unique — especially on a clear day. The observation deck is bright, spacious, and well-organised, with plenty of information about Hakodate’s history, the Shinsengumi, and the construction of the fort. The glass windows give a 360-degree view of the city, mountains, and the coastline. The area around the tower is lovely for walking, especially during cherry blossom season or autumn. There are also cafés, shops, and places to rest, making it easy to enjoy the whole site at a relaxed pace. A great spot for photos, history lovers, and anyone wanting to appreciate Hakodate from above. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.

Hakodate eki mae trem station. So minimum protection from wind, rain and others. But it's still fine to wait for a couple minutes.👍👍

History and convenient

(Translated by Google) I used it for sightseeing. Conveniently located near JR Hakodate Station. It's good because you can use the transportation IC. (Original) 観光で利用しました。JR函館駅からも近く便利です。交通系ICが使えるので良いですね。

(Translated by Google) I bought a one-day ticket on my smartphone and boarded the train. It's a bit troublesome to operate. The driver gave us a lecture. (Original) スマートフォンで一日券を購入して乗車しました。操作がちょとめんどくさい。運転手さんにレクチャーしていただきました。

(Translated by Google) We used it many times during this trip. It was a great way for the kids to practice riding the train, and I think it left a strong impression on them. It's also convenient that you can use Suica. (Original) 今回の旅で何度も利用しました。子供達にとって乗り方の練習にもなったし、とても印象に残ったと思います。 Suica使えて便利ですね。

(Translated by Google) August 1, 2024 I tried holding up my JR Suica to get on the Hakodate streetcar, but I was disappointed that it wouldn't work and I got a minus 2. However, for a limited time only during the Hakodate Port Festival, the fare is 200 yen, which is an added bonus. (Original) 2024年8月1日 函館市電に乗ろうと、JRのSuicaかざしたが、使えずガッカリでマイナス2。 しかし、函館港祭りの期間限定で200円均一乗車料金になっててプラス１。

(Translated by Google) It's very convenient because you can use transportation IC cards that can be used nationwide! Transfers will be automatically calculated. (Original) 全国相互利用できる交通系ICカードが使えるのでとても便利！ 乗り継ぎも自動計算してくれる。

Mount Hakodate offers one of the most stunning views in Hokkaido. The sunset is absolutely breathtaking, and once night falls, the sparkling lights create a magical panorama that’s unforgettable. It’s a must-visit spot, especially for photographers and couples. However, be prepared for strong, chilly winds at the top even in warmer months. Also, it can get quite crowded during peak hours, so arriving early is a good idea if you want the best viewing spot. The frequency of ropeway will increase to every 5 mins during prime time so it’s still fast to get up to and down from top.

You purchase the ticket because you expect to see the beautiful view, maybe during the sunset, and have a good time... The truth is that the place is overcrowded, and many view points are blocked by construction site materials, or by paid services to have your picture taken with the best view. Things are not well organized and you basically pay a ticket for the sakes of paying a ticket to ride the ropeway 🤷🏻‍♀️ Super disapointing experience, honestly.

We went there before 4 pm and after 9 pm because we can drive our car top of the mountain with free. Only taxi and bus can be up there between 4-9pm. It was amazing. I was told this place is one of 3 best night view in Japan.

This is a must visit, if you are in Hakodate. Take the cable car up and you will be treated with a wonderful view. We timed our visit to see the sunset.

Mount Hakodate’s night view really deserves its reputation. I went up in the evening and the moment I stepped out and saw the city lights spreading out in a double-bay shape, it honestly took my breath away. The contrast between the bright city and the dark sea on both sides is something you don’t quite understand until you see it with your own eyes. It can get a bit windy and chilly at the top, but it’s absolutely worth it – just bring a jacket and take your time enjoying the view from different angles. I stayed up there for a while just watching the colours of the sky change and the city gradually light up. If you come to Hakodate, this is definitely one of those “must-do once in your life” spots.

We came here for the sunset view and the night city scape. There are 3 ways of getting to the summit (350m): ropeway- 3 min, car- 5-10 min (before 17:00) and walk - 45-60 min. We chose to walk up and ride the ropeway down. The trail was well marked and maintained. Many old and big trees pave the way. As we approach, we were treated with nice views of the bay. It took us about 50 min without any rest stop. We highly recommend this short hike, if you have the time.

Mt Hakodate ranks high with those at Nagasaki and Sapporo, or overseas like Victoria peak in HKG, there're regular announcements done for crowd management and I appreciate that, it was a cool 19C up there with a light breeze,

A must visit if you’re in Aomori. They showcase the history with film showings. You can also participate in playing the drums and other musical instruments when there’s a singer. The paper lanterns are stunning to look at. There’s a gift store selling food products and souvenirs.

The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse is the definitive cultural hub for Aomori Prefecture. The stunning exterior architecture is a must-see, and inside, the museum offers a fascinating deep dive into Nebuta history and the intricate float construction process. The exhibition of authentic, full-sized floats is fabulous and truly stunning. For a phenomenal experience, be sure to check the schedule for their live performances! Attending a show offers the unique opportunity to join the dancers and play the festival instruments, making it a highly interactive and memorable visit.

Loved this place. It is only a few minutes from Aomori Station and it feels like Aomori’s culture hub. I came for the Nebuta Festival and stopped here to learn the story behind it. Inside the hall the floats glow like giant lanterns. Up close you can see the paper, paint, and wire details. There is a short film that explains the history and how the artists build each float. Sometimes there is a drum and haneto dance demo, so check the schedule at the entrance. I spent about an hour taking photos and reading the signs. Staff were kind. The English info is clear. I left inspired and even more excited for the festival. The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a famous summer festival held in early August every year. Enormous illuminated paper floats that depict legendary warriors and mythical scenes are paraded through the city at night. They move to the beat of taiko drums and flutes while thousands of haneto dancers jump and shout “Rassera.” On the final night there are fireworks and a waterfront celebration. WA RASSE displays award-winning floats from recent years and explains how they are made.

Aomori is worldwide known for its Nebuta festival happening in August. If you want to get a taste of it you have to visit this museum and learn more about it. The entrance is not expensive at all. Less than 5 dollars. The museum has 2 floors. On the first you will learn all about its origins and on the lower one is the nebuta hall, where you will see these incredible works of art. These fully-sized Nebuta have participated in the festivals. The museum also have a shop where you can find several kinds of souvenirs.

Beautiful museum, both inside and outside. The architecture is great, but the festival floats of the Nebuta are greater. They hold some incredibly beautiful and impressive pieces, a must in case you visit the city outside if the dates of the festival itself. The museum shop also offers a pretty wide range of souvenirs such as t-shirts, magnets, cards, and other trinkets.

A unique and interesting exhibition about the Nebuta Festival held in August in Aomori. A 10 minute movie, posters and several of the large colourful "floats" used in the parades are on display. A big souvenir and gift shop on the way out. Recommended.

Informative, friendly and a great place to come all seasons. Craft and celebration of the past. Learn and be amazed. Do check on live performance times. For us the 11.10, (13.10, 12.30, 14.00 & 15.30) performance on the stage just about to start. Yay!

End Oct 2025. Nice surroundings and near the start of Oirase river where u can see two rivers merging. The shop itself is small and limited seats for in-house snacks. I walked to the bridge where I can see two rivers merging. Free parking and spacious.

This location conveniently serves as both a Tourist Information Center and a fascinating small museum. The museum section is excellent for curious minds, particularly children, offering detailed illustrations on nature—from basic microscope use to in-depth visuals of plants and animals. It's a highly educational and practical stop for visitors.

The staff is really nice and helpful to provide travel information in English. The exhibition in the center is also interesting. There’s a coffee shop to take a break and toilet to use.

Stopped by this cafe/souvenir shop on our way to Lake Towada. Our family and friends loved the souvenirs and must try apple ice cream!

When I drive to Lake Towada, I always stop here! There is a gift shop, limited menu snack bar. Soft serve ice cream with chocolate glaze and covered in Matcha green tea! Awesome! Please stop in. A local artist, wooden bowls, cups, utensils! Naturally I buy! Lol

I always love vising the museum! There are a lot of fun activities such as moss ball and terrarium making classes, information about local wildlife and history of the gorge. There is also an A La Ringo store to stock up on yummy apple goodies and treats!

Came here to start my Oirase gorge walk. Dropped my luggage in the coin locker (it was empty). The cafe sells apple pies, which is just okay for me because it’s very tart and the crust is very thin. Toilets are clean and modern with bidet. Ample parking. Took the JR bus from Aomori to get here and then back to Towada city. There’s some apple souvenirs sold inside as well.

Like a small Central Park of the city. There is a botanical garden around the castle. Also, Civic Center is nearby. Definitely pay a visit if you stay more than 24 hours here in this city.

The park surrounding the castle is absolutely beautiful, and especially in the spring or fall. The story of the castle is fascinating, not the least in modern history, as it has veen uprooted and moved in 2015 and now prepared for another move. The inside is very nice and the area around it is very spacious and pretty.

I walked into the park and felt that little lift you get when a place is even prettier than the photos. The trees were glowing in every shade of autumn, yellow and orange and bright red with a few soft pink leaves catching the light. The castle peeked through the branches like a postcard come to life. The moat worked like a mirror and doubled the colors so well that I kept stopping just to stare. What I loved most was the mood. Cool air, the quiet crunch of leaves, couples moving slowly, and kids chasing tiny piles of red maple. I took too many photos, then put my phone away and just stood there. It felt good to be small in a big beautiful scene. Tips from my visit. Come early for calm paths and kind light. Walk the full loop around the moat, cross a few bridges, sit for ten minutes and watch the reflections ripple. Wear comfy shoes. Bring a spare battery if you are a photo person. I left with cold fingers and a very warm heart. I would come back in a heartbeat.

To fully tour the whole area which includes the botanical garden, Fujitsu memorial garden, and the castle, you would need a good 2-3 hours with plenty of walking but it's worth it. To go to Fujita memorial garden, you would need to walk out of the Hirosaki park. Too bad we were several weeks too early for the fall foliage festival at the park. The castle is rather small but the park grounds are quite massive.

Absolutely beautiful gardens. The autumn colours are gorgeous and you get a great mountain in-the-distance view as well. Worth the visit and cater for about 2 hours. Admission is ¥320 per adult. Visited on 1st Nov, 2025.

Went here in the last week of April this year, my first spring trip in Japan. When they say spring, Hirosaki Park and Castle definitely is a must..and was speechless by the beauty which welcomed us. Cherry blossoms and petals wherever you go, pruned differently to represent how apples are pruned in the area. Despite the large area, food stalls are available at designated sections of the park as well.

Date of enjoyment: 17/4/25 Came here first day of the matsuri festival 2025, it was early in terms of blossom perhaps 5 days early. Nonetheless you can tell by the way the trees and how they are grown Hirosaki cherry blossom so special. Imagine it lit up at night will also be stunning, we were fortunate to come on a sunny day and Mt. Iwate in the background really is a stunning image of Japan, castle, cherry blossom and a mountain in the background does not getting anymore Japan. There’s so much to see here from the castle to the view of the mountain and a walk around the castle with so much cherry blossom, do allow 2hrs here. I can appreciate why this is one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.

Date of enjoyment: 15/4/25 Came down here on a rainy Tuesday, there weren’t many tourist/visitors. The car park is free and massive, upon entry you will find a vast land that is reminiscent country setting in the western world. We went straight for the buggy and it was tough work. There were also museums for shelter from the rain and cold, we spent most of our time in the souvenir shop as there are diary products that is as good as Hokkaido, we tried theit butter cake and yes it is delicious. They also have a soft serve which is very strong diary flavour and trust me you don’t need any other toppings just straight up goodness. The viewing to the milking cows require a separate ticket and a walk outside of the park of which visitors will find that the scenery is not as magical in spring when spring blossom have yet to bloom. There’s also ramen and pizzas restaurant for a taste Koiwai Farm. Allow roughly 2hrs of time for a single visit.

Drove about an hour from Akita—not too far, but just enough to feel like a proper escape. Koiwai Farm lives up to its reputation as a peaceful, working dairy farm set in a stunning natural landscape. The highlight was wandering through the animal barns. We visited the cows (where the famous milk comes from), watched the sheep grazing, and even saw a few horses. It’s hands-on without being overcrowded, and the animals are clearly well cared for. A great experience, especially for families or anyone who enjoys a slower, rural pace. Of course, the real star is the Koiwai milk—fresh, creamy, and genuinely delicious. You can taste the quality the moment it hits your tongue. Worth the trip alone. We also tried the on-site pizza made with their own cheese, and it was outstanding: rich, melty, and perfectly baked. Paired with a rainy afternoon, the cozy place felt like a warm shelter with sweeping views of the misty fields outside. Service was friendly and efficient, and the whole place has a relaxed, authentic charm. No over-the-top tourist gimmicks—just good food, fresh air, and a real farm experience. Conclusion: Highly recommend. If you’re in Akita, getting back to Sendai and looking for a scenic, tasty, and low-key outing, Koiwai Farm is a gem.

It is a very enjoyable farm even though there were only 5 horses when we visited in April. It was a clear sunny day when we visited, the green pasture against the clear blue sky was incredible. All was worth while. It was tranquillizing to walk around the premise and enjoy the milk, yogurt, beef skewers, baked potatoes and soft cream. It probably will be more exciting in summer should there be more animals around.

A pleasant family activity, but pretty pricey. Everything inside the farm, except visiting the “other side”, where the cows are, is additional charge. We joined the 40-minute tractor tour “around the farm”, but it turned out to be a snail-slow forest tour, probably no longer than 2km, with a Japanese language only narrator. The food at the farm is okay, but pricey. The homemade milk products are tasty. We found the farm side more worthwhile and more charming.

A very chill place. The farm is very big divided into two sections, good for couples date and the best for family trip either way young kids. I like the archery, it’s pretty cool. Remember to traste both the milk and milk ice cream, very rich and delicious. Lucky to see some Sakura blossoming. 2025 Spring

Not worth the trip. No sheep or horse to see today. Most activities close for the day. All experience is addition cost and not included in the entrance’s fee. Entrance’s fee ¥800 but nothing much to see. You can’t bring back the milk and must consume in the park.Quite disappointing

Came late afternoon, did not visit the farm as several activities were not in operation. Went to the shop instead and enjoyed the dairy products. Yoghurt was superb.

It was chilly in the evening but had a great view of the SkyTree tower at night.

A park located in the center city of Akita. This site is the former castle of SATAKE family, who was the Lord of Akita. There is a reconstructed gate, a museum imitated the original exterior of castle, and a shrine honoring the SATAKE family.

One of the historical public parks in Akita. It had been the castle, now it belongs to Akita city. Very beautiful red leaves in a Japanese style garden. There are fountain with carp fishes, lotus pond, Japanese shrines and others. Free to visit. It's very nice and relaxing for us.

This park is a wonderful place to enjoy yourself together with the Akita community, It is a beautiful place that is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom festivals

I came here during the summer. Experiences: There was a street market festival/bazaar going on at the time of visit, where there are many interesting food and crafts for sale around the entrance to the park. There is also a bridge surrounded by large orchids which is the photo-ops place to go. There are a few landmarks in the park, such as the castle ruins, where you can learn some history about the region. There is a also a akita inu experience next to the cafe, which lets you encounter the large sized akita doggo without touching. Price: admission and akita dog experience is free. Duration: About 2-3 hours excluding time spent on the bazaar. Overall, I enjoyed the park as a short excursion while in Akita.

After a last minute change of plans, we found ourselves in Akita for a few hours longer on a drizzly Friday morning in June than expected. We were hanging around to see the Akita inu at "Akita Dog Station" that didn't open until 11AM and stumbled across this park nearby while walking around earlier that morning. I honestly wish I had known about this park earlier. It was the quintessential Japanese park with little shrines, a mini waterfall, garden, woods, bamboo and even a small eatery and gift shop. We didn't have time to do any eating or shopping, nor did we have time to go into the small museum located in a restored building. Instead we spent it just walking around the garden areas and enjoying being outside of the city. If you're in Akita, do yourself a favor and block out a few hours to give this park and surrounding areas some of your time, you won't regret it.

Visited on January 8th. There was a light amount of snow and it was a fantastic atmosphere. There were hardly any tourists so I was able to sightsee comfortably.

It is an interesting aquarium but when we visited it, it was quite busy. If you like jelly fish, you would love this place, as they have good educational display as well, showing the jellyfish at different stages of life. I found the admission fee of ¥1,500 to be slightly on the steep side considering the size of the place.

This aquarium is really beautiful, and I enjoyed the many kinds of jellyfish I could look at. The only downside was that a lot of people were taking videos and would stand for a long time in front of the aquariums. I guess I’m too old to appreciate that! We went to the restaurant and had an amazing delicious and very reasonably priced lunch. If you are a seafood lover, I know it’s funny to eat seafood at an aquarium, but still, it was amazing!

A cruise ship stop in Sakata gave us the chance to visit the Kamo Aquarium. The jellyfish room where they hold concerts is otherworldly and unique, but my favorite was the tank of baby salmon. Ive attached those photos first. Nice T-shirts in the gift shop, good ice cream and a cold drink machine with my favorite Mets Lemon Squash. A perfect day.

It is an aquarium, but has an extensive jellyfish exhibit. We were able to see dozens of different species of jellyfish. There were glowing jellyfish, and the display of jellyfish in a huge tank was breathtaking.

The jellyfish are incredible! So amazing to see so many different types in one place

Coming from a country with much stricter animal rights rules and regulations, going to this aquarium was extremely upsetting. The tanks were hugely overcrowded with little to no natural vegetation. There is no natural terrain in the jellyfish tanks whatsoever, whilst aesthetically pleasing this cannot be in the animals best interest. Worst of all was the seals. There were six or seven of them in one tiny swimming pool, going round and round in laps. There were two seals in isolation in the smallest pools imaginable, one was swimming in tight circles desperate for stimulation whilst the other was barking in distress. I have attached photos of their horrendous conditions. I left with my heart in my throat, deeply upset to have given this organisation my money.

The main attraction here is the jellyfish collection and lecture. I wasn't expecting much at first, but I was simply fascinated by the collection. They also have a restaurant where you can eat jellyfish and puffer fish if you're up for it. My only complaint is that the seals should have a much bigger space to live in than they have.

I visited Tsuruga Castle early in the morning, and it was a wonderful experience. With the soft morning light shining from the front, the castle looked especially striking and made for beautiful photos without harsh shadows. The entire park area around the castle is very well maintained, with clean paths and lush greenery that make walking around pleasant and relaxing. There is a calm atmosphere at that time of day, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without crowds. It’s not only a historic landmark but also a peaceful place to start the day. Highly recommended for photography and a quiet stroll.

I heard this is the place that must be visited, so I did. The entrance fee is $520 including the entry to both the castle tower and the tea room. The view was great from the top floor of the castle. If you are a Japanese history buff, this should be interesting. There're well detailed documents about not only a tragedy about the youth squad who fought against the new Meiji government army but also the history of this area in general. They were quite educational. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great when I visited it...

We visited Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu and it was one of the highlights of our time in the Aizu region. Although the castle is a reconstruction of a 14th century fortress, it is very well done and gives a strong sense of the history and importance of the site. Tsuruga Castle played a key role in the Boshin War and was once known as “The Impregnable Castle” after withstanding a month-long siege, which makes walking through its grounds even more meaningful. The interior has been converted into a museum with exhibits on samurai culture, the Boshin War, and the local history of Aizu. The displays are well presented and give good context, even for visitors who may not be familiar with Japanese history. At the top of the castle keep, there is an observation deck with panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills. We even managed to spot our hotel, Onyado Toho, in the distance, which was a fun surprise. I also recommend buying a ticket that includes matcha at the historic tea house within the grounds. It is a peaceful way to enjoy the setting and take in the atmosphere. Overall, Tsuruga Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese castles, history, or simply beautiful views.

It’s a rebuilt castle that only looks and feels like a castle from the outside. Inside it’s basically a museum that explains the history of the castle and of the region. Although the museum is very well done they could do much more in terms of having more English available on the walls. When we visited in the summer heat we did appreciate the air conditioning inside. If you’re looking for the authentic Japanese castle experience- this isn’t the one:

Most of the original castle no longer stands, but a lot of work has been done to restore it for visitors. The main keep is more of a museum about feudal life and the historical events around the Meiji Restoration. There is an outer tower that's part of the original castle and the ticket (Y520) also gives admission to the tea house/garden (you can pay extra to have tea and a snack there). The surrounding grounds are well maintained and it wasn't too crowded.

Wonderful morning out. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the castle. If you’re into history I would highly recommend. Even if you’re not it is still beautiful to visit.

Tsurugajo Castle is beautiful and sits right in the middle of Aizuwakamatsu with a cute little park around it. We didn’t go inside as we’d heard the interior wasn’t as impressive as the outside. Compared to other castles like Osaka Castle, it’s a bit less striking, but still definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

On the way from Tokyo to Niigata to take the ferry to Sado Island, I really wanted to stop by a historic shrine. As expected, it was a magnificent shrine. It happened to be during a special bonsai exhibition, so I was able to admire a number of exquisite bonsai trees within the shrine grounds. I would definitely like to bring our guests here when we organize tours to Sado Island.

On July 31, 2025, my wife and I hired a car in Niigata and we drove here, as guided by our younger daughter. Unlike my wife and our younger daughter, I didn’t pray as my Japanese was good enough. Driving here was quite tiring and I believe those who came here without would be underwhelmed by the sights here.

A beautiful shrine in a quiet place, looks to hold local festivals or ceremonies of sorts too. Was a lovely place to visit, paid respects and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

There was a flower exhibition when I visited. So there was a whole bunch of flowers on display. The shrine itself is decently large and even had an animal pen with deers in there! The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery and exudes calm and soothing peacefulness. It is however quite out of the way to visit as it requires a few train changes and limited ways of leaving. Making the trip a day commitment. But it was well worth it for me!

It's a beautiful shrine near the mountains, and the grounds are pretty big. It was a bit out of the way to get to from Niigata City, and we were disappointed that there was no English info at all. On the other hand, there was lots of parking and not a lot of tourists. We arrived at midday, so it was too hot to do the hike, but it was interesting to walk around the grounds and find photo spots and hidden areas. There's a little shopping street to the left of the shrine (if facing it), and that also leads to the ropeway and hike to the summit.

The sacred shrine of Yahiko City is more than 1300 years old and is considered a national treasure. The highlight is that there is a large red torii pillar. Inside the shrine is full of mountains, small and large, with nature all around. Inside is a treasure display hall. There were many people coming to pay respects. There are sacred items to buy as souvenirs. I went in November. There was also a big flower festival that was very beautiful.

Amazing shrine that is an escape from the city to fresh air that you'll want to bottle up and take with you! There are many different buildings and sites to see on the campus of the shrine, the buildings, and temple are beautiful with amazing architecture and artistry.

Like everyone in the reviews are saying - definitely a must do when you arrive at the station! I found out about this place via google map reviews and honestly - despite not being a sake fan I enjoyed myself a little too much with the plum flavoured sake. Again - as mentioned, you need to line up and provide a 500 yen that will be broken down into tokens that you can insert to get a tester of the sake you choose. There’s so many and it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed but be like me and stick to the right hand side where the plum sakes are. You don’t be disappointed!

A sake(Japanese rice wine) tasting shop with over 110 sakes available from different local brewers of Niigata. Niigata brewing is renowned for its non-sweeten and mild-dry taste that differs from the famous Harima and Kyoto brewing. Here the local sake are with different sweetness, dryness and even fruit aroma. To begin with, buy some tokens at the entrance and you will get a small cup. Place your cup under the outlet of the sake slot you picked, then insert token (1-2 respectively) required and press the yellow button, the sake will be served. Such a complete collection of local sake is rarely found in other places. It is recommended to start a research to screen out the Niigata sake that you may be interested first before tasting them here. #56 Midorikawa would be my personal favourite that light drinkers from aboard can easily accept its mild yet elegant taste.

Such a great way to sample lots of different kinds of sake! This shop is located in the train station. There are machines with different sakes containing a variety of signage described flavor profiles at varying price points per sample. Tried a small handful of sakes and they were all really solid.

I visited around 6pm on a Tuesday. The place seems to have a crowd all the time. You pay at the front counter and get your coils to use to drink your sake. There's a huge range to select from and you can get more coins if you wish to.

This is the Sake Tasting Room in the Ponshukan Marketplace. All Niigata sakes. The most expensive of them all is numbered 115, Shirataki SEVEN at 10 coins a cup. There are also salt & miso stations to go with chilled cucumber for 150 yen a piece. Pairs well with any warmed, chilled or room temperature sakes.

Great variety of Sake and other liquors to choose from. 130 types in total. ¥500 gives you 5 coins, most of the sakes are 1 coin per cup. The premium ones are 2 coins and above. Definitely worth a visit if you're around the area.

You exchange ¥500 for 5 gold-coin tokens and then use those tokens in the vending machines. There is more than enough sake to choose from. Nearly 100 sake to choose from! You can also choose Shōchū and I believe I saw wine but we were there for the sake. You can also get cucumbers to munch on. You can either have that with various types of salt or miso paste. Water is available to cleanse your pallet. Very enjoyable and heaven if you love sake!

A great ski resort for beginners to intermediate skiers. Slopes are long enough, and there is plenty of beautiful snow and nature. Main downside is the connection between slopes which is not always optimal.

04-Jan-2025 First snowboarding experience ever. Loved it enjoyed every moment there. They have beginner to expert levels and area is quite large. All type of ski lovers can enjoy and learn skiing here. We rented from Solomon located just in way to resort. We rented two snowboard sets (7000yen each for 5hrs). Fell down a-lot and tried many times and hope I got better. The onsen village is also great place to explore near the ski resort. We strolled in evening in our way back. Recommended and definitely going again.

Great Ski/Snowboard resort !!! So much beautiful snow. Many different routes for all levels. Many beautiful ridge trails that have great views. Our trip was mid march and we were lucky as we enjoyed great snow (a week prior to our visit it had been rainy every day, would recommend going sooner in the season or count on your luck).

We had a magical 5 days ⛷️ on this gorgeous mountain ✨plenty of trails for all levels, well-maintained runs, with plenty of sunshine and the heaviest snowfall. The trails are well-marked with clear signage, and the gondolas and chairlifts make it easy to hop between trails and keep the momentum going. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier, there’s a perfect run for you. There are restaurants up the mountains too - special mention to Buna’s beef udon (absolute comfort in a bowl) and Popeye’s coffee on the Paradise trail - perfect motivation to ski down for me. A huge shoutout to Anthony, our instructor, who was patient, empowering, and made learning so much fun. What makes Nozawa extra special is that it’s owned by the city, not a corporate mega-ski chain, which gives it a unique charm and a welcoming, local feel. Can’t wait to be back!

I've snowboarded all over the East coast of America, Switzerland, Korea, and this is by far the best snow I've been on. It's been amazing here. Added bonus, Snow Monkeys, Onsen, and great food.

Wonderful ski resort! Traditional onsen town to compliment. Then on mountain food is unreal, all the soloists feel family owned and have incredible food. Didn’t get to ride the new gondola as it was always crowded but was still able to get around without too much crowds. The resort area is very unique and run by the city not corporate mega ski corps and it shows! I really hope this resort stays off the “passes” and keeps its charm.

Nice little ski village for everyone. Ski slopes for experts and beginners alike. Village has many warm, onsen ryokans and traditional local food joints. Options are available for those who would like a drink or two.

Came here because of samsara! Knew it would be a magical place and it truly was. Forewarning,you can't guarantee that you'll see any monkeys. I got there and was told only 1 monkey is out. Got there and spent 15mins looking for him, to find he was hiding behind me and not in the bath! Lol Even without the monkeys it's a lovely spot with stunning views and really nice warm water! If you have any disabilities or struggle walking I'd reconsider. My old man has COPD and struggled to get there (we parked in the car park) otherwise it's just a good climb of stairs. Not much else there, I believe there used to be a restaurant and hotel. But looks closed down. Parking was cheap. Plenty of spots.

Second visit to park, both in November but many years apart........first time the monkeys did not come down from the mountain - mating season we were told !!! The visit of 17th November 2025 was especially enjoyable with a very large number of monkeys roaming around in the park and using the hot pool. It was particularly fortunate to be with the monkeys considering they had been absent from the park for several days before our visit. The 30 minute easy walk through the forest to the park was also a memorable experience. Anyone visiting Nagano should make a visit a priority.

Mixed feelings about this place. Firstly, the area itself is gorgeous. The walk to the park through the forest and past the geyser are beautiful. But the monkey park operation is quite small. I can see how this place would be packed instantly. Secondly, nothing much about any of this can be considered wild or natural. The hot spring pool there is man-made. And they lure the monkeys over with food via daily feeding sessions. That being said, we did manage to see 2 monkeys in the early morning who were just passing through (no food offered and not in the hot spring), so I will call that a win. But set expectations properly.

Look at these little pricks, they’ve got everything! The attention, the hot water baths, 2 meals a day from the park’s authority, free meds and on top of that, they tried to steal my camera. Despite all, they’re so lovable, I forgave them! The habitat of the snow monkeys is located at a 15-minute taxi ride from Yudanaka, followed by an enjoyable 30-minute walk through the woods on a well-maintained hilly gravel path to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Once out of the taxi and walking towards the park from the road, don’t miss the geysers here and there; they may surprise you anyways as they burst sporadically. Whenever you hear a drum-like sound, it’s only one of the adult monkeys running their 200-lbs or so (90 kg) down the hills, but don’t be scared as they are quite sociable. Do mind your pockets and accessories though, because they have some surprising pick-pocket skills and they’re not shy about them. As for the smaller ones, they run like crazy and play joyfully. One took my shoulder as a prop when jumping between 2 fences. When the big ones come out of the water, take a few steps back from them, because they skillfully shake-off the water on tourists; it seems to amuse them. Have fun and cheers!

Super cool! Unfortunately they don’t come out often in the autumn. I recommend winter! They posted a schedule to show the history of when monkeys have come over the last two months. We got lucky we saw 2 but apparently at peak you’d see 150 but still so worth it!

It’s not cold enough yet for the monkeys to go in the water so there is a chance you won’t see monkeys swimming or any monkeys at all. I have been told that in the start of december it starts getting cold enough. But it looks still very nice if there are some monkeys. Price is 800 yen. The walk takes about 30/40 minutes but it’s not a hard walk.

It was very nice to see the wildlife in their own environment! We had considered going to the zoo with our kid but this little walk in the mountains was so enjoyable. We almost didn’t get to see any monkeys but then just as we were about to leave, a few came down to say Konnichiwa! We feel very lucky!

It is a beautiful place. The view is awesome at night. It feels so nice to drink in from of this place. You can see a lot of stores here. And there is convenience store too. It is the most beautiful onsen place that I have ever seen in Japan

PSA: IT SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS But the view is as beautiful as the pictures make it to be. In fact, I'd say pictures don't do it justice as to how beautiful and lovely the atmosphere actually is. Please go visit, it's just large enough.. not too big where you feel like you can't explore the whole area. Also not too small where you get bored after 30 minutes to an hour.

Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most atmospheric onsen towns we have visited. The highlight was the Yubatake (hot water field) in the town centre. Seeing the steam rise at night was beautiful and calming. The walk along the nearby shopping street was enjoyable, with many small shops and snacks to explore at a relaxed pace. The whole area felt safe, clean and easy to navigate. A wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the onsen town ambience. Highly recommended for both first-time and returning visitors.

This is an enchanting town full of public hot baths (onsens). There are also a lot of public foot baths. It is a place to stroll with your own Yukata (traditional wear) entering into different hot baths. Don't miss an evening walk around town and the center as it is illuminated beautifully

Very big landmark of this onsen city where surrounded by shops, restaurants, temple and hotels. Also have some spots to do the foot spa (onsen). We can smell the onsen water mineral. Really impressed

This location is one of the attractions of Japanese hot springs (onsen). It is not far from Osaka. It is very unique. You can enjoy a complimentary foot spa or public hot springs during your visit.

An amazing place to visit! The color of the water and the sulfur collection process are fascinating to see. Around the area, you’ll find many hand baths and foot baths, along with plenty of shops and food stands. A great spot to explore and relax.

This place is so magical in winter. Once in a lifetime experience. The cedar trees and snowy landscape completely displaying an out of this world scenery. Be mindful of very very slippery road when you are on your way to the shrine, its no joke.

I was really looking forward to a peaceful, spiritual getaway at Togakushi Shrine, but it ended up feeling more like a crowded tourist attraction. The place itself is stunning, with beautiful nature and a rich history, but the atmosphere was completely ruined by noisy groups especially those from China. Instead of quiet and serenity, there was constant chatter and commotion. Honestly, it was disappointing—I wanted to soak in the tranquility, but it was hard to enjoy with all the noise.

Never reached the temple due to road closing. Anyway, the 1.5 km walk along the icy path is quite something. We will come back again next month. I think I will be able to reach the temple next time.

Such a beautiful shrine in the woods. A steep stair walk up to the shrine and all part of the pilgrimage. If you’re carrying on up to the other shrines, though, we might recommend starting above it and taking the trail down. Buy Alpico bus tickets in advance.

I got a spell bound on this place. So nice in winter but the main shrine is closed. Mid of April will open again. Be careful slippery floor. In April until May will better with trekking shoes. Cedar wood is so awesome!

Absolutely stunning in winter. We went on 02/11/2025 and we arrived at around 9am and huge crowds came after us so it’s best to go a bit early. It’s around a 20min walk from the entrance to see the towering cedar trees. It was worth driving up here. Parking costs ¥800 for the first 3 hours.

Worth to go here in every season. But there will be lots of tourist. So go earliest time in morning.

This temple is absolutely beautiful and our favourite so far. There are much less tourists here which gives you the opportunity to savour and enjoy the surroundings. The template has been so well preserved and has lots of small shrines and a gate on the approach up to it with beautiful trees and plants and lanterns all around. There are also lots of little restaurants and places to buy souvenirs. A really beautiful place.

What a massive and truly awe-inspiring temple! Easily one of the most impressive I’ve visited in Japan. The architecture and atmosphere are breathtaking, and the sense of history is felt everywhere. We were very lucky to chance upon a blessing by the temple’s chief abbot, which made the visit even more special. A must-see when in Nagano!

This temple is truly remarkable. It was constructed over a millennium ago and has been meticulously preserved under Japanese stewardship. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Japan. A visit to this iconic attraction is undoubtedly a must for any traveler exploring the country.

Went here as an unplanned visit after arriving in Nagano and being told that the snow monkeys were not in the onsen after arriving at Nagano Station. It turned out to be a wonderful surprise, and the Zenkōji temple is definitely well worth a visit. Went in the afternoon around 2pm just as the sun was going down, which gave a special light to the area. There is both an element of gravitas as a place of worship and a memorial site. Several Japanese locals visited to pay religious respects, including many elderly Japanese citizens who likely have familial ties to the place. The grounds are serene and well maintained and the walk up the cobblestoned path feels almost like a pilgrimage. A lot of locals walk and carry dogs in prams. A pitbull in a pram/dress, a manicured sausage dog with knitted hats. A husky in a full dress. Many locals in kimono. The foodstalls felt a bit out of place on the walk up the hill, but the other stores selling prayer materials and small souvenirs did feel vibrant and not too heavily commercialized. November is a good time of year to go. The Japanese maples start to turn red, the crowds are too great and the temperature is crisp. It felt like a very authentic visit and one I would highly recommend.

One of the best in Japan…Awesome architecture and space. This temple has many nooks and crannies, paths and buildings, to view. Learn about the raccoon dog or write a message on Rilakumma - a mix of old and new! We spent 2-3 hours here.

Beautiful temple with a great pedestrian only shopping street in front. The whole area smelled of insence and there was a lot to look at. Don't need tickets. It's about a half hour walk from the main train station.

Beautiful temple, completed by the road of shops leading up to it. The area offered a great little shopping experience and, in early November, was bright and warm with fall colours. Great tourist half-day out, and walkable from Nagano Station.

Nothing special in these days. There are free parking available. There were toilets and few vendor machines and few shops. Shops were closed, not sure if because of the disaster that happened a year back or if it was a holiday. I checked their website, and it is also not updated.

It's quite a drive to get there, and the scenary on the way is quite disturbing because of the distraction of the earthquake. I was there on May 25th, it was still cold, but, the view with flooded paddies and the recently planted rice seedlings was spectacular

The Noto Peninsula is still reeling after the earthquake. It's hard to get around with all the road closures, but the little tourism it gets makes it worth it to visit right now.

Such a great gem in the middle of nowhere! I would recommend going there before sunset as the colours are incredible

We visited in July and had a great time exploring the rice terraces! You can of course view them from above, but you can also walk among the terraces, too! In different seasons, there are different displays, such as lights being installed for night viewing. I’d highly recommend visiting this area as it is very impressive! I have seen terraced field in many places across japan and other countries, but this place is especially magical because you it is on the coast.

The road leading up to this place is considered as one of the most beautiful in Japan so the drive alone is already worth the trip. I’ve visited both at night for the illumination and in day time and they have their own charms. The night illumination gives an enchanting feeling to visitors and I can only describe it as magical. Visiting during the day gives you a breathtaking view of the rice fields with sea of Japan as its backdrop. It’s a great side trip when visiting the Noto peninsula.

Not so easy to reach, but when you get there - really, one of the most beautiful places in Japan. A great watch point.

Ueda Castle, located in Nagano Prefecture, is a historic site known for its impressive stone walls and reconstructed turrets. Though much of the original structure was lost, the remaining gates and fortifications offer a glimpse into its past. The castle is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, attracting visitors with its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. While not as grand as some other Japanese castles, its history and picturesque setting make it a charming place to visit.

Although a lot smaller than expected, I highly enjoyed the castle, and definitely recommend it. The more recent history of the castle, it being bought by someone who didn't want it being split between multiple owners and too many changes made to it and instead making it into a public park, was cool to learn, and the shrine there is lovely too. Unfortunately there is currently ongoing construction work, but it's still a good place to visit. The shrine has goshuin with awesome designs, and they give out free sweeties with them! There are good photo spots too, and sometimes there are performers by the main gate. There are also museums, and you can look around the turrets, but that has an admission fee.

One of my favorite clans! I had to check out Ueda Castle. The parking is pretty far and at this time, there weren't many people. The shrine is on the grounds and if you want to get the gojoin and stamp, they are across the street at the Info office.

Really lovely castle with a very rich history of one of the coolest samurai clan in all of Japan, the Sanada clan, famous for their samurai uniform with antlers and red color (you've probably seen in movies). Ueda castle also had legendary defense battles against many sieges, the subject of a popular Japanese tv show "sanadamaru". The castle is also featured in other works such as "Summer Wars". While the castle gates aren't as big as Matsumoto castle, I think they are definitely worth visiting if you are in the area..they have amazing armor on display and a rich cultural center and museum nearby.

The place overall is nice, even though rather small. We did not check out the castle but the park around it was full of flowers and there was a nice traditional event taking place

Well the old castle is basically destroyed, but the river around the castle, the Earth and the historic atomosphere is still there, telling people the stories in old days

Highly Highly recommend to visit , it's super beautiful in autumn!!!

Cool variety of fishes and animals but the conditions of the environment is old and sad 💔 The jellyfish have more room than most of the other animals. River otter exhibit is the worst because they have no visible water enrichment. It looked like they used to but maybe the 2024 earthquake caused it's removal. Even so it was over a year ago from today. They look desperate to play but they just sleep... Overcrowding in some tanks. Worst one was the sea turtles - 7 adult ones in 1 small tank. 💔💔 Even the seal tanks are very small. They were doing the same laps over and over around the tank. In the later half of the main aquatic building, there is not enough natural environments. They are barren and not that clean. Not even enough sand to cover the bottom 💔 The only area that looked good was the Sea Galleria with the projectors and maybe the room with the whale shark. Please put the turtles in the whale shark tank if they are compatible. They need to swim!!! Even the dolphin tunnel is abandoned. Not cleaned for ages and the dolphins are so bored they only stay in the corner at the viewing balcony. Looks like it used to be a cleaner aquarium years ago. Surprised no one else mentions these small and bad conditions. I know the earthquake affected a lot of infrastructure but these did not look like temporary locations for many of these fish and mammals. I am shocked to read that there used to be 2 whale sharks, I think 1 is the limit

This is an absolute gem in an already incredible country, well worth the somewhat detour it might require. Our family drove here in October as we had some hours to kill after checking out of our Kanazawa hotel, before we could check in at our next accommodation. Not expecting much, we were blown away by everything from the size and location of the facilities, to the sheer amount of animals, the friendly and enthusiastic staff, shows, etc. The aquarium is quite large with many, small and large, in-door and out-door tanks, located on the northern picturesque shore of Notojima, and you can easily spend a day, which will cost you less than a burger at sea world, Disneyland or similar. We cannot recommend this place enough, and would urge anyone to treat themselves to this hidden gem of Japan. Why not stop and eat some fresh fish on your way there or back, probably the best you’ll ever get.

The aquarium has long been a favorite of the locals, and you can see the whole place in about two hours. It is one of the few aquariums where whale sharks can be seen, and there are two whale sharks. The tanks are generally lowered to make it easier for children to see the exhibits. The dolphin show is a must-see, and although the pool is small in size, the dolphins' performance is spectacular. Infection control measures are taken, and parents and children will be able to look around in peace.

Considering the Noto earthquake 1+ year ago, this place is well-maintained/ renovated. As the location is quite out of the way, there’s no crowd so it’s suitable for a leisurely trip. Visiting the eateries is a strange experience because of the awesome lack of visitors. The place feels so lonely and a tad sad.

We arrived sorta late and walked fast so I only took us about 1 hour to finish the whole aquarium. (To enter the parking lot took us almost 30 mins, it was pack during the golden week.) Not bad, not impressive neither. Or maybe I’m just not a aquarium person.

What an amazing experience, the aquarium may only have a few exhibits, but each one is so interactive and its amazing to see the aquatic life upfront!

This aquarium is huge inside even though it does not look like it from the outside. They have quite complete collections of fish and other marine creatures. It is well kept, clean and informative enough. Although most the information is in Japanese, the basic info of the creatures is in English. They also have a dolphin and sea lion show. The aquarium is in the side of the ocean so you can see the sea. The view is beautiful. There are a lot of restaurants in the place. But the public transport access to this place is not good. Only a few busses a day.

This is the first wasabi farm I’ve visited. As with other places on interest in Japan, Daio Wasabi Farm did not disappoint and I was fascinated with the history, stories and wasabi farming processes. If anything else, it’s a nice, peaceful place for a leisurely walk or to relax. The farm is surrounded by sceneries of beautiful mountains. The cafes served up very decent food and drinks. There were many choices of snacks and wasabi products to purchase as souvenirs. Please visit this gem of a place but please leave nothing but footprints!

The Daio Wasabi Farm is absolutely beautiful — the scenery is stunning and peaceful, with clear streams running through the fields and lovely walking paths all around. The restaurant is also a great experience: the rice set with your own fresh wasabi root to grate is both fun and delicious. A perfect stop to enjoy nature and try something unique to Japan.

Lovely. I recommend on taking bikes from the near town and ride through the fields - it’s gorgeous! For wasabi lovers the local shop is amazing, they has some really good wasabi based foods :) Try the smoked cheese with wasabi it was the best thing we ate there. Wasabi ice ream was also fun.

Dario Wasabi Farm is a large majestic space in rural Azumino city only short train ride from Matsumoto. There is no entrance fee to walk along the paths around the farm, People stroll with family members or a pet amongst trees, a water wheel, with the constant flow of mountain water that flows amongst the wasabi plants which are under a black tarp to keep them cool while they grow. The 17C degree water and cool breezes cultivates the wasabi plants which you see in several fields around the property. If a day out in the fresh air and the taste of spice pleases you, then this is the place to go.

The farm is very huge and accessible to everyone with no entry fee which is very good. Even though there is no public transport you can take taxi from nearest station and also get the taxi number to call from the Wasabi farm. The farm can also help call a taxi for you to your nearest station or destination. It’s fascinating to see how wasabi grows and it needs fresh spring running water all the time and the farm maintains and regulates the fresh water stream for wasabi. Also there are lots of good items based on wasabi that you can enjoy and fresh fruit juice available when we visited. Overall it was a good experience if you are interested in farming activities.

There isn't a lot to do, but it's a cool place with no entrance fee. It was the first time I'd gotten to see wasabi plants in person. The air felt very fresh and it wasn't crowded at all, so it was nice to walk around. It has a big souvenir shop and a couple cafes. The wasabi ice cream was interesting, but it tasted basically like vanilla. However, the fresh wasabi on top was very strong. Again, not worth a full day trip but nice to stop by for a couple hours.

A pain in the butt to get to (a train runs from Matsumoto like once every 3 hours). But free to enter with a ton of beautiful scenery and so interesting seeing how the Wasabi is grown. I don't recommend the Wasabi ice cream (not to my taste) but I do highly recommend visiting.

It is one of Japan's premier historic castles. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. Completed in the late sixteenth century, it maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is a flatland castle. Lots of people here, careful with personal belongings. Very popular place. Plenty to see inside and outside. Wear comfy shoes, hat, sunscreen, take water. While outside is even terrain and easy walking, inside you have lot of steep stairs and crowds. Headroom is limited on some stairs. Fee charged for entry. Great place for photography. Lovely museum exhibits at each level

Truly a national treasure. This castle has been on my wishlist for so long. Visited on sunday 19 Oct. Even from the outer area you can feel the magnificent of this castle, beautiful and elegant castle. The stairs inside is steep and narrow, do it slowly and carefuly as to not hit your head to one of its wood beam. Also I had the chance to watched the live firearms show afterwards, its really cool, feels like going back to 1600s Sengoku jidai era. I enjoyed my visit to this castle, thank you.

Last year, I visited Matsumoto Castle, and it was an incredible experience rich in history and culture. Standing before the majestic black-and-white fortress, I could truly feel the spirit of Japan’s samurai era. The castle’s elegant design, surrounded by a serene moat and distant mountains, creates a perfect harmony between strength and beauty. Inside, the wooden interiors and steep staircases tell stories of centuries past. It’s not just a castle—it’s a living piece of Japan’s heritage. A must-visit for anyone who loves history and tradition! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Visually impressive from the outside, stunning architecture and layout. Dissapointingly dull on the inside! Other than a display of weapons there is precious little explanation of the castle's background, how people lived or the evolution. Very good volunteer guides but they are not allowed to enter the castle itself. Feels like a wasted opportunity for an immersive historical experience

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's oldest original castles, with its origins dating to the 16th century during the Sengoku period. It is known for its black exterior, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle," and its striking black and white architecture. While it appears to have five external stories, the interior has six, with steep, narrow stairs designed for defense. The castle was saved from demolition in the 19th century by local residents and was designated a National Treasure in 1952. We visited the castle on Friday 21st Nov., there was no queue and we didn’t book the tickets earlier. The stairs to go upstairs are quite high (40-50 cm) so keep it in mind for your visit.

Matsumoto Castle is definitely worth going inside despite the need to queue to enter the main keep (we waited about 45 minutes). The internal stairs are very restrictive and steep, which is to be expected of an ancient castle, but the views from the top floor are amazing. I recommend booking your ticket online ahead of time to avoid the long on-the-day queue - online tickets allow you to go straight in at your allocated time. If it is busy, take your time on the stairs, allow groups to pass, and enjoy the architecture. If you collect stamps, there are a total of three: two can be found at the gate entrance after the ticket office, and one is inside the management office. Finally, if you visit during the winter, make sure to wrap up, as the castle interior is very cold.

Matsumoto Castle was a short walk from our hotel, though a local bus is also available. We bought our tickets on the spot. While there was little crowd when we arrived, it is still cheaper if you purchase tickets online in advance. As one of Japan’s few surviving original castles from the sixteenth century, Matsumoto Castle retains its authentic wooden interior. This also means there are no lifts, and visitors must remove their shoes before entering the keep. The staff provide a plastic bag for you to carry your shoes. Inside, expect many narrow and steep staircases as you make your way up and down the different floors. Before entering the keep, the castle grounds have a spacious resting area with numerous vending machines, ideal for a short break. A well preserved piece of history, worth the visit.