Very interesting place to visit. I watched Golden Kamuy which sparked an interest to come here. Quite sombre reading/seeing/watching the history of the place. When we were here, it was blazing hot. Bring an umbrella. We had one and it made things slightly more bearable. There are some provided apparently, but we didn’t see any at all anywhere. There’s one building with air conditioning which provided some reprieve.

The museum is set on the original site of the Abashiri Prison. The prison’s architecture is stunningly preserved, showcasing the five-wing wooden radial prison design, centered around a towering watchtower. The museum goes beyond just buildings by incorporating lifelike mannequins and detailed narratives, immersing visitors in the history and the daily lives of inmates and guards alike.

A cool yet haunting experience that was my main reason for coming to Abashiri. The museum is interactive and really does an excellent job of telling the stories of those who worked and were imprisoned there. Snow on the ground really painted a picture of the conditions that would have faced those there in winter.

The Abashiri Prison Museum is an absolute must-see. We visited in February 2025 during the winter, and it was a truly captivating experience. The museum offers an incredible look into the construction of the prison and the historical context behind its existence. The detailed wax figures were effective in bringing the narratives to life. What made our visit even more special was that we were actively watching the Golden Kamuy series, allowing us to immediately connect. Definitely, make time for this!

Abarishi is a good stop on the drive from Kitami to Shiretoko. The prison museum sits on very large grounds and is a made up of restored and replicas of what the prison was like from the late 1800s to early 1900s The attention to details helps to bring one back to how life was like not only for prisoners but also prison guards.

It doesn’t have a gloomy atmosphere as you might expect from visiting a prison. It has a beautiful ground. There are main cells, bath house, solitude cell as well as a staff quarter.

The tickets are pricey at ¥1500, and I would recommend Moyoro Shell Mound, Northern Peoples, and Ice Drift Museum for close to the same price combined! But, this experience is unique and will give hours of enjoyment to tour the grounds and see all of the displays and mannequins that have been set up well. Learning the history of island's other prison was great too!

Recommend observation deck 3. Somehow google recommends deck 1 as the best but for me deck 3 was def better. Video 1 is of deck 3 and you get a beautiful angle of the lake. Didn’t bother taking videos for deck 1 except for the fox that was roaming around 🤣 Recommend trying the Blue ice cream (ramune flavoured) as well as the Yubari melon (1 for 600 yen)

Fantastic, so beautiful.

This is a very beautiful lake and makes for incredible hiking. We visited recently and added a day hike around this lake to the short hike past Mt Io. Getting to the lake is a little tricky if you are staying in Kawayu Onsen. There is a bus which operates on a limited schedule from Mashu town but leaves late and returns early leaving very little time for anything more than visiting the observation deck. Definitely not for a long day hike. We didn’t have a car so ended up hitch hiking to and from the lake. Fortunately Japanese people are extremely nice and we easily got rides to and from Kawayu Onsen. We did the hike around the south portion of the lake to the Mt Kamui lookout point. An amazing hike with zero visibility on the way out but the clouds lifted for the return and we finally got to see how beautiful the lake is. Afterwards, we got to go back to our ryokan and relax away our pain. If you want any specific info on this hike, feel free to reach out to us. You can find our exact route by searching for Career Break Adventures and Lake Mashu, Japanese Hike or something similar. Good luck and enjoy!

摩周湖 Lake Mashu is beautiful in all seasons. Visited the place 3 times, and most impressive all of would be the wee morning viewing of unkai "雲海".

My favourite of the Akan national park lakes. The scenary was stunning, there were not many people around and it was just beautiful scenery. There is a hike there, but i reached too late and was too tired to try.

Was here in 5 Mov 2023. View is very good. Nice place to take photos. 👍

The beautiful and romantic lake! Let's go and feel!

The marimo are interesting and adorably round, like Tribbles from Star Trek. In mid-October, the colors are beautifully intense, the weather is enjoyably cool, and the views are amazing. The boat tour was 2400 yen; quite decent considering we not only went around the lake, but also in the observation facility in the middle of the lake. The marimo ice cream was good, though I thought I tasted a faint green tea flavor. I recommend the Lake Observation area; it's a short hike and the view is great.

My only complaint from this place that there are too much to explore and too little time. Only have 3 hours to explore due to bus tour restrictions. It is so beautiful and magical. There is trekking path that provide some of the most stunning angle in this area. Look at the map from thw tourist center to find it. If possible stay there for at least 2 nights, totally worth it. If my stock rise by as much as 50% i will definitely visit Hokkaido again and stay at Lake Akan for 1 week. Thats how much i love this place. Though i recommend you to bring food from 7-eleven, most food in this area taste kinda bland

Lake Akan is home to the Marimo Algae balls. I came here during mid of Dec. If you would like to escape from overwhelming tourist, come to Lake Akan. If early winter spend max 2 days here. i went to the Ainu village, shopped for souvenirs, had Ainu lunch, walked the trails to see bokke boiling mud and soaked in Onsen. During summer the trails to the mountains are opened and one can go for hikes. Or during winter when the lake is totally frozen, winter activities will be held on frozen Akanko.

A pretty lake where you can enjoy the lake view and walking along the hot spring street. Of course, the hot spring is totally worth it! In summer time, the sightseeing boat is available, and in winter time you may want to do fishing and ice activities.

We were here in June and the weather was perfect. Not seeing a lot of tourist this time around. We also took the cruise which took approximately an hour and you get to see the famous moss ball. A short trail near the lakeshore took you into the woods and a number of geothermal spots. Relax and enjoyable.

Lake Akan was a really buzzing place with a lot of snowmobiles circling around (looked like locals were competing in some sort of race). It’s pretty interesting place but you’ll have to walk around 5min to get to this sign, worth! Can’t wait to be back in summer where the sign is probably in the middle of the melted lake?

Nature Museum closed every Tuesday Best is to go on walking trails to bokke - mud pools Forest is beautiful

We are lucky to see the sunset in time. In winter, the sun sets more onto the left hand side. You can see it sinking into the sea horizon during summer time. You also need some luck as Kushiro is well known for its fog.

Beautiful bridge that connects the Moo wharf to the museum on the other side of the river. There is the iconic Kushiro Angel 👼 statue on it too. It was already windy in summer. So I can imagine how windy it will be in winter. Bundle up and stay warm! For more follow @modern_mulans on Instagram

Probably the most iconic landmark in Kushiro city. The bridge offers magnificent views of the city along the canal and the bay of Kushiro especially at night. The surrounding area of the bridge comes alive at night with nearby hotels, eateries and night life entertainment. And at times the banks along the canal appear to serve as venues for night bazaars, parades etc. Witness a float parade by high schoolers and a food bazaar was in place the few days I was in Kushiro. I especially enjoy the fact that the bridge seemingly offers a sort of transition from the downtown area to the less hectic and quieter part of rural residential Kushiro.

Don't expect too much as this is just a short bridge. You can come for sunset pics but there are many spots here with same sunset view.

This is a nice bridge that crosses over Kushiro River. Has a European feel to it. Has various statues along it. Good spot to get some photos and check the sunset

A place to feel Kushiro's history and past prosperity

Because of the cloudy weather, I could not have the chance to see the sunset view on Nusamai bridge. But it was also beautiful and impressive.

Came to Asahidake in late Jul, so have missed the alpine flowers. The loop connecting all the observation decks could be easier completed leisurely in an hour, and the reflection of the mountains upon the pond was nice. From the 5th deck, went towards the summit, which would be about 2.7km. The beginning was relatively easier, with green pastures on each side. It started to drizzle, and the cool air was welcoming. The landscape changes to grey rocks, with steeper steps, and possibly the most difficult part of ascent. Then it changed to red stones, which were quite slippery, but soon one reached the summit plateau, at 2,290m. From the 5th deck to summit, it took me nearly 3 hours as I was going really slowly. When the weather is clear, the scenery is nice and worth the efforts. Coming down the initial slippery part is even more difficult. I caught a glimpse of the Ezo fox running across the pasture. Advisable to bring along raincoat, food water and most importantly, a good pair of non-slip hiking shoes that will protect the heels.

Nice Hike. Did the summit and returned via a loop past a natural onsen. Possible to complete within 6-7 hours if hiking quickly and not too many breaks. Good hiking shoes is a must. Hiking poles would be good too (did not bring them though).

Great place for exploring autumn with different trees, flowers. Time to go: September last to October 2nd week for autumn leaves. Definitely see all the lake . Clear transparent water is breathtaking. If you are strong enough, you can hike Asahi dake. But it is challenging as throughout the hiking road is covered by loosely packed stones. But it is fine. Particularly descending time need more caution. Winter time people go for ski and snowboarding. Have a good time.

One of the most enjoyable hikes we've experienced in Hokkaido. The weather on the mountain was rainy and cool. It was a great contrast to the June heat. Mt. Asahi-dake was shrouded in fog during our visit. We enjoyed the steam vents, the wildflowers, the crisp air, the lack of crowds during inclement weather, and the mystical feel of the mountain.

I walked the main loop in a sundress and walking sneakers, you absolutely don't need hiking gear if you don't already have it on hand. I saw lots of kids and even elderly people with canes (would not recommend it for those who can't walk unassisted though!), so as long as you are not wearing clothing that restricts your movement or shoes like heels, then you'll be fine. There are some bits where you are walking over craggy rock steps, and depending which way you walk the loop, there may be a long-ish section that is downhill rocks, and you will have to pick your way down like mountain goat. But it is by no means a hard climb, more like a mountain walk with a tiny bit of climbing here and there. It was definitely quite cool with the wind, but on a sunny day, the sunlight will feel harsh. Bring UV protective gear. I used a sun parasol for most of the climb - so there was always something in one of my hands, and I still managed fine. In the summer there are little patches of cute flowers here and there - but perhaps due to the unusual heat, they weren't as widespread.

amazing trail. cold so bring a jacket. beautiful plantation and colors

Nice hikes after you take the ropeway. While on a good day the loop tour is very doable if you do it counter clockwise, be aware because weather can change in the mountains, make sure you are prepared for that. On the loop hike there is a variety of landscape and even a hot spring for a quick foot bath.

Reasonably sized, clean, well laid out zoo. You can spend anywhere from an hour to a few here depending on whether you stop to see everything. They've got a good variety of animals, especially those for cold climate such as polar bears, seals and penguins. There are also kids areas for interacting with small animals. There are feeding sessions to watch as well, though you'll generally want to come in the morning for those as most are finished by early afternoon.

Love this zoo. It is built on a hill slope. Animals are well kept and clean. Great place for children and adult alike. We entered by the East Gate which is at the top of the hill and stroll slowly downhill. When getting back to the East Gate, there is a bus stop mid point of zoo where you can catch a shuttle bus back to the top if you are tired. Inexpensive entry fees and worth your 3 to 4 hours spent there.. enjoy!

Absolutely great place to visit on our last day drive out to Sapporo. Though it was little hotter on the day of visit and we got sun burn but worth it. Good light also gave us an opportunity to click better pics. I found penguin in the open space were very good for photography and interaction. Loved the big wolf, healthy lions, cheetah, bear, and many more species plus birds. Good place to go though the car parking could be a challenge but not that bad as Furano farm. Here jt is well managed.

Went on a day that snowed in autumn (end of October!). Loved seeing the penguins, polar bears, and other animals. It would be great to explore it when there is no snow though so I dont have to worry about slipping but I heard it's really popular in winter because of the penguin walk.

Visiting Asahiyama Zoo in the snow is a truly special experience. The entire zoo becomes calm and quiet under a blanket of white, and the winter scenery makes the walk feel like wandering through a peaceful forest. The snowy landscape adds a magical atmosphere that you won’t find in most zoos. The animals are wonderful to see, especially in their natural cold climate. The seals are playful and curious, gliding through the water with such ease. Watching them up close is fascinating, and seeing the keeper feed them in the snow is a lovely moment. The penguins are charming as well—standing together, hopping around, or swimming gracefully underwater. They seem completely at home in the winter air. The polar bear and brown bear are impressive and powerful, especially against the snowy backdrop. The wolves curled up in the snow look gentle and peaceful, and the red panda resting high above its branches is adorably calm. Even the owl, with its sharp eyes and beautiful feathers, feels like part of the winter scenery. The pathways are well maintained despite the snow, and there are indoor viewing areas to warm up before heading back outside. The zoo is thoughtfully designed so visitors can observe each animal closely without disturbing them. A quiet, beautiful winter outing with unforgettable moments. Highly recommended, especially in the snow — Asahiyama Zoo feels like Hokkaido at its best. Travelling from Sapporo Eki-mae to Asahikawa Eki-mae by highway bus is very straightforward. A round-trip ticket costs 4,700 yen, while a single ticket is 2,500 yen. Tickets must be purchased at the station counter or the ticket machine—IC cards are not accepted for this route. Once you arrive at Asahikawa Station (Eki-mae), you can also buy a discounted return ticket for only 1,000 yen, which makes the journey very affordable. The buses are comfortable, warm, and punctual. A simple, reliable, and good-value way to travel between Sapporo and Asahikawa.

I visited this zoo in July 2025. The weather was quite hot, around 30°C. If you arrive in the afternoon, there’s usually no need to wait in line for tickets. The entrance fee for adults is 1,000 yen. The zoo itself isn’t very large, but it houses a wide variety of animals. What impressed me the most was that, in addition to viewing animals from outside their enclosures, there are indoor walkways where you can see some animals up close, separated only by glass. Some animals, like the bears, appeared a bit thin and old, while others like the tigers and lions looked healthy and typical for a zoo. Compared to other zoos, the highlight here is definitely the opportunity to observe the animals more closely than in most places.

Well run, clean zoo. Animals look healthy and have spaces to wander. It’s free for kids and ¥1000 for adults. For food East Gate has a large restaurant with tables both indoors and outdoors (shaded) and a view. Close to West Gate there is a small kiosk that you can buy food and sit at outdoor tables that has parasols for shade. You can easily spend half-a-day here. There is also a short shuttle bus that take visitors from the spider monkey enclosure up to East Gate (useful if you don’t want to climb the steps).

We drove there and found it very easy to visit — plenty of parking and the pond is right next to the car park. There’s a short, easy trail and a small shop selling blue-themed ice cream and drinks, plus toilets on site. There isn’t much else around, but it’s a nice, quick stop if you’re in the area. We visited after exploring Furano and Biei, and it made a pleasant, scenic break.

🌿 A Hidden Gem of Nature and Calm If you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this spot is absolutely worth visiting. The surroundings are breathtaking — a perfect blend of lush greenery, soothing sounds of nature, and that crisp, refreshing air that instantly calms your mind. The blue ice cream and drink here are a must-try! They’re not just photogenic but also surprisingly delicious and refreshing after a bit of walking. It’s one of those small but memorable local touches that make the experience feel special. It does get quite crowded, especially on weekends or around midday, but the best part is — you can easily find some quiet by taking a short walk away from the main area. Just a few minutes off the main path, the crowd thins out, and you can enjoy the serenity in peace. A short walk ahead leads you to a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by autumn-colored trees that turn the entire scene into a painting. The soft rustle of leaves, the sparkle of water under sunlight, and the cool mist in the air make it one of the most picturesque spots to sit, relax, and take it all in. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a half-day adventure, this place is a perfect blend of natural beauty, peaceful corners, and seasonal charm. Bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and a sense of wonder — you’ll leave refreshed and inspired.

This is one of those must-visit landmarks — the water is such a clear, stunning shade of blue that it completely captures your eyes. The autumn air was cool and refreshing, making everything around look even more vibrant. There’s also a small stream nearby, and the water there is the same beautiful blue. 💧🍁✨

✨ Absolutely Breathtaking! ✨ Shirogane Blue Pond is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The water is a mesmerizing, crystal-clear blue that looks almost unreal — like a painting come to life. The way the sunlight reflects off the surface creates a magical glow that changes with every angle. Even though it was quite cold this time of year, the view was still absolutely amazing — the crisp air actually made the colors feel even more vivid and refreshing. The peaceful, icy atmosphere gave the whole scene a quiet, dreamlike beauty. If you’re visiting Hokkaido, bundle up and go! It’s serene, stunning, and completely unforgettable. 💙❄️🌿

A very popular tourist spot in Hokkaido. However do be prepared that it doesnt not look as blue in real life. Most of the pictures you see online are have strong color filter I assume. Just by changing the lighting/filter of the camera you can achieve the results as well. Still a nice place to visit, there is the Shirahige waterfalls nearby as well that is worth visiting.

This small, mysteriously turquoise lake isn’t a place I’d particularly recommend to anyone who has traveled around the South Island of New Zealand. The reason is simple — after seeing the vast, breathtaking glacial lakes of Tekapo, Pukaki, or Wanaka, which are thousands of times larger and glow with that deep sapphire-blue color, it’s hard to feel much awe here. For everyone else, I’d say this: the lake isn’t very accessible, but if you happen to be nearby on a clear day, it’s worth a quick stop to take a look.

This is my 2nd time visiting this blue pond. The last time was in Sep a few year ago while this time is in Nov, which the pond water has an ice covered. I visited late evening and there were lots of tourists to watch the light show, which was amazing in such a cold weather, -1 degree! The pond spotlighted with changing colors beams and effects. This is truly such a way to attract tourists during winter time, which becomes dark early! Worth to visit more than one time!

Very fun experience seeing big Banba Horses (850 - 1200 kg) racing while pulling 550-600 kg metal sled through obstacle hills! The one and only Ban’ei Horse Race in the world! Lot’s of parking space, rest area, foods.

Racing Hourse only at Obihiro - Hokkaido So Special Racing

**American Family Visiting** This was an interesting visit. While it's a little bit of a trip to get from Sapporo to Obihiro Racecourse, it's likely worth the visit if you want to experience a type of weighted sled racing that can't be found anywhere else. The grounds consist of main building where gambling and seating is found along with a couple of small shops and restaurants both in and on the grounds. You can either take a taxi to get here (which we did to get there) from the station, or if it's a nice day, the walk is not too bad (but still a walk!). There is also a small petting area where small farm animals and even the huge horses are out and you can feed them (these horses are HUGE though). The racing itself was interesting and while I understand this is traditional and that the animals aren't abused, it's tough to watch when whips are used, so if that bothers you, you may not want to go. The horses appear well cared for, the staff was friendly, and it was a lively crowd. You really have to get down at the race course level and walk/run along with them as the race goes.

I recommend Obihiro Racecourse. It is in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. You can walk there in 20 to 30 minutes. Obihiro Racecourse has many "Banba" horses. These horses were farm horses long ago. They can pull a one-ton sled with a jockey on it. You can enjoy it with your family. The racecourse has: A petting zoo Playgrounds for children Shops (like pork bowl restaurants, coffee shops, and cafeterias) I ate curry ramen at the cafeteria. It was very delicious. I also ate soft serve ice cream at the coffee shop. It is called "Bouquet Soft" and is made with organic milk. It was very tasty too!

Fun and interesting experience, everything was really well organised. The races are only on Saturday and Sundays starting at the afternoon, every 30 minutes there is a new race. We liked looking at the preparation for the race as well as the race itself which is very short. My husband even guessed the winning horse, unfortunately for non Japanese speakers it’s impossible to understand the gambling machines so we couldn’t do that.

I really interesting way of horse racing using Clydesdale horses pulling approximately 1 tonne of concrete blocks behind them over 5 Mounds of Earth. The track is not very long maybe 500 m but the excitement is very addictive

Honestly, exactly what I was expecting. My daughter and I read Silver Spoon and decided to check this place out years ago. It has what you would expect of horse racing, tradition over some more modern practices perhaps. I don't think any animals are straight up abused though and the racing was amazing to see up close. Took about 2 hours of our day, but is a real hike from Sapporo!

Farm Tomita in Furano is one of Hokkaidō’s most beautiful flower spots. In summer, the fields turn into waves of purple lavender, mixed with colorful flower rows that look like a painting. Walking through the gardens is relaxing, and the views of the fields with mountains in the background are stunning. Don’t miss the lavender soft cream—it’s fragrant and refreshing on a warm day. Entry is free, and you can also shop for lavender products like perfumes and soaps to take home. A must-visit if you travel to Furano in July or August.

🌸 A Living Masterpiece of Color and Fragrance Farm Tomita is nothing short of breathtaking—a true wonderland where nature and artistry blend seamlessly. The iconic lavender fields, stretching endlessly in waves of purple, are the crown jewel of the farm. When the breeze flows across, the entire hillside dances with lavender fragrance, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s not just a visual delight but also a sensory journey that stays with you long after you leave. ⸻ 🌼 More Than Lavender – A Symphony of Flowers What makes Farm Tomita truly remarkable is that it’s not limited to lavender alone. The farm carefully cultivates a wide variety of seasonal flowers, painting the landscape in ever-changing patterns of color. Stripes of scarlet poppies, golden marigolds, snowy baby’s breath, and vibrant cosmos form breathtaking “rainbow fields” that look like a living painting under the Hokkaido sky. Each section feels like stepping into a different garden, each with its own charm and beauty. ⸻ 🌿 A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Care Farm Tomita doesn’t just showcase flowers—it represents decades of dedication to preserving and celebrating Hokkaido’s floral heritage. Walking through its fields, you can sense the meticulous care behind every bloom. The farm also offers unique lavender-based products—perfumes, essential oils, soaps, and even lavender ice cream—allowing visitors to take home a piece of this floral paradise. ⸻ 🌞 A Place to Slow Down and Feel Happiness Above all, Farm Tomita gives visitors something priceless: a sense of joy and peace. Whether it’s gazing at endless rows of lavender, enjoying the sweet fragrance in the air, or simply standing still to admire the vastness of colors, the farm reminds us how magical nature can be. It is not only a feast for the eyes but also nourishment for the soul. ⸻ ✨ In short: Farm Tomita is a place where flowers speak the language of beauty, harmony, and happiness—a destination that leaves every visitor inspired and enchanted.

It was my first time visiting a well-maintained lavender field, and being surrounded by the fragrant purple blossoms was both magical and fascinating—visually and aromatically. Purple is a rare color in nature; when you think about it, it’s actually not that easy to find naturally occurring purple around us. Here, you can also try lavender products like soaps, air fresheners, and even ice cream. As for the lavender ice cream… how should I put it? It’s not that it tasted bad, but it definitely felt a bit unusual. Let’s just say that until that moment, I had never imagined what fabric softener with lavender scent might taste like.

Visited on 29 Sep 2025 and didn't expect to see so many beautiful flowers here in autumn. There are far fewer crowds compared to spring and summer, allowing you to really enjoy the flower field. Recommend visiting in late September or early October if you're looking to avoid the heat and crowds.

Charming farm! 🌻 Farm Tomita is a beautiful spot to experience Hokkaido's countryside and enjoy the vibrant lavender fields. A perfect place to relax and connect with nature 😊 But unfortunately, when I went there, the lavender flowers had already been harvested and at that time there were only other flowers.

Probably the most famous flower fields in Furano given how all the tour buses were stopping here. Very crowded with tourists. The flower fields were nice and well maintained but I cant help to feel that other less crowded ones nearby were more lush and more enjoyable. Still, worth a visit. Especially enjoyed the gentle fragrance of lavender wafting in the air

After hearing about and seeing Farm Tomita in so many Furano itineraries, we definitely wanted to see as well even though we went in mid-October. There were some colourful flowers in bloom so it was pretty but obviously not as vibrant as in summer. Worth visiting for a few photos.

Very disappointed! The room is old and smells. All the things in the room, including the mattresses, the hangers, the fridge, the slippers, are all very cheap. The restaurants are overpriced—the foods provided by the buffets do not have many varieties. Services are below average. Nearly all activities requires extra money. What’s the point of by paying high price staying here? Definitely won’t come again and do not recommend.

This was by far the worst hotel experience I have had in the past few years. We are very looking forward to spending time at this hotel with our whole family. But the hotel was overcrowded everywhere – from the lobby to the restaurants – making it feel chaotic rather than relaxing. Service was extremely poor. Nobody helped with luggage, when the room was cleaned it was always around late afternoon around 3pm-4pm. The room itself was very old, with a tiny bathroom and a low ceiling. The bathtub was partially blocked, and despite informing the front desk multiple times, nobody came to fix it. Communication was another huge issue. Hardly anyone, including the front desk staff, spoke proper English. Every question had to be answered via a translator app, which made even simple requests frustrating. There were many activities, including welcome drinks, that seemed to be for Japanese guests only, as all information was in Japanese with no English version. If this hotel is designed only for Japanese guests and the staff is not trained to communicate in English, they should make that very clear on their website to avoid misleading international travelers. Additionally, the hotel was overcrowded all the time. Breakfast at some restaurants had a 30-minute wait, and many restaurants required reservations. However, by the time we arrived for our four-day stay, it was impossible to get a reservation at any of them. Overall, this was a terrible experience, and I would not recommend this hotel to anyone expecting good service or an international standard of hospitality.

Travel to and from the hotel was convenient, with easy access by bus or train, and a complimentary shuttle service to Tomamu Station. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The room was clean and equipped with basic necessities. There are plenty of activities available in the area, including bus tours to Biei and Furano. The highlight of our stay was the easy access to witness the breathtaking Unkai at sunrise.

Visiting Hoshino Resort in Hokkaido during the off-season is definitely a great deal — the price is about half of what you would pay during peak season. Although the resort has been around for quite a while, the entire property is impressively well-maintained. We stayed in one of the older Twin Towers, but the room was still very nice and comfortable. There are several restaurants on-site to choose from, and the food is both delicious and reasonably priced. The resort also offers a variety of attractions and scenic spots to explore, so there’s always something to see or do. In my opinion, a stay of three days and two nights is just the right amount of time to enjoy everything the resort has to offer without feeling rushed.

Rooms big for japan but very dated 90’s vibes… the hotel facilities are good and the location is very nice for summer activities. The breakfast was terrible. For a large hotel charging 50,000¥ + a night for 2 people you would expect a better quality and much better selection for breakfast. zero fresh fruit (only canned fruit - very cheap of them), zero fresh bread or egg station and terrible coffee . Extremely poor glad we only stayed 2 nights.

My seven year old had a blast of a time here during winter in end March this year. Rooms are a bit dated but the view is phenomenal. Must have breakfast at Ninipuri. The snow view is magical. They have shuttle bus to get you around the area as the area is quite huge. We didn’t get a chance to experience the swimming pool as we only stayed one night. So highly recommended to stay for two nights! Also the soup curry was delicious. Activities during winter are also available here. We had fun time sledding and also snowmobiling

I would describe Tomamu the Tower as an embarrassment to the Hoshino brand. The moment we pulled up into the driveway, we started wondering if we had made a mistake coming here - and our worst fears were confirmed. The place is absolutely packed to the max with mostly overseas tourists. The carpark is almost always full and I had a long walk back to the lobby in heavy rain after parking. The hotel had clearly aged and was nowhere near the condition it should have been considering its price. The toilets are old and noisy, at times the water would not stop running after flushing. Moreover, mobile reception was poor from the room - beware if you are planning to do some work while you are here. The service: worst experience we had over an 11-day trip around Hokkaido. A lot of the staff members struggled to understand basic English. We requested a knife to slice fresh fruits that we had bought and were told that knives are “out of stock”! Well, we found an endless supply of knives at the restaurant. She could have given us any reasonable explanation - but don’t treat your guests like idiots. There were 3 restaurants to choose from for breakfast and at check-in, the staff recommended “Nininupuri”. The buffet was miserable - the best part was the cold udon. Everything else was ordinary at best, if not below average. The seafood bowl was tasteless and did not seem fresh. The second morning we tried buffet restaurant Hal which was better but extremely crowded. The best part of our stay - a nice dinner at Jingisukan King restaurant (see separate review). Overall, I see no reason whatsoever to visit here unless you are desperate for disappointment.

Ningle Terrace feels like stepping into a little fairytale village, with rows of charming wooden cottages surrounded by trees. Each house sells unique handmade souvenirs, from candles to crafts, giving you something special to bring home instead of typical tourist gifts. It’s a pleasant place to stroll slowly, enjoy the atmosphere, and discover local creativity. The pathways are well kept and beautifully lit in the evening, which makes it even more magical. Parking is convenient with plenty of spaces available, so it’s easy to stop by even on a busy day. We spent about an hour just walking around and browsing the shops. It’s a peaceful and memorable stop, perfect for anyone who enjoys nature and artisanal items.

Magical, especially at evening/ night time when all the lights are twinkling against the back drop of the forest. We visited it as part of our Furano tour. Each hut housed individual artisan crafting leather goods, earrings, mini wooden windmills, and other wooden trinkets. The only caution noted are for the more mature visitors who might have a hard time with the steps which could be steep and sometimes slippery if wet or snowy. Other than that, this was a cute and fun place to explore.

This is a place with beautiful scenery all year round, with a different atmosphere in every season. The small wooden cottages blend perfectly with the surroundings. The handmade crafts inside aren’t cheap, but they’re worth checking out if you’re interested. It’s located near the New Furano Prince Hotel and ski resort, so there are many visitors in winter. There’s only one road leading up here, and it can get a bit crowded during the peak winter season.

If you ask me whether this place is beautiful — I’d say it’s really beautiful. But I drove quite a long way to get here, about an hour. I came during the autumn season, around 6:30 p.m., and most of the shops were already closed, though the lights were still beautifully lit. I’d say if you’re coming from far away and don’t have your own car, it might be a bit tricky to get here. But if you’re staying nearby and it’s easy for you to travel around, this place is definitely worth a visit. The cool October air made everything look even more wonderful. 🍂

This place feels like it is in a fairy tale! Love the building design. There are many shops that sell hand crafted products and you may find something that interests you. The only issue that I cannot enjoy that much is there are many inserts like caterpillars, spiders and flies everywhere, other than that I will be really enjoying the time spent there.

it is a magical spot visit during winter night if you love the vibe of elf feel. However, it is crowded and difficult for me to enjoy it. It has a big parking spot. Next to it has a small amusement park which my kids enjoy it.

31 August 2025 Wooden Shops selling handcraft souvenir ie candles, silvers, wooden craft art and a cafe. A beautiful forest concept shopping place. When night falls it will even be more magical as fairy lights lit up the whole path way Safe to walk but not wheelchair friendly

There's a chocolate shoppe, a factory behind a display class for passersby to see, plus a mini-museum all within the same area! The museum has an interesting display of their history of products, the creator as well as how they were advertised throughout the years. It's an iconic chocolate from Hokkaido, and I recommend to everyone who is here to stop by and see. It's located near the central cafeteria of the airport too, so it's hard to miss it.

Visited in 2018. First place I stopped by after touching down in Hokkaido and I absolutely love this place. There was a display on how chocolates are made and a bakery with all their chocolate goodies. You can get Royce chocolates here as well to bring back as souvenirs.

A very cute chocolate store at the airport that also doubles as a mini chocolate museum. Worth a visit if you’re flying by.

Fascinating presentation of chocolate making from the source to the actual making. From lovely little animal shaped chocolate to the yummy bakery selections. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Got the bread with nama chocolate as the filling. This is nice but I would prefer it baked less brown so I can heat it up without worrying it burnt. The crossiant is not nice even after being toasted. It may not be made of butter. The price does not justified the quality. I expect the bread to be golden yellow brown instead of baked so dark brown. Should not buy again unless i c an improvement.

New Chitose Airport is a most amazing airport. It is not only somewhere you go through, but also a destination in itself. This Royce Chocolate World is one of the many things that make this wonderful experience. It is a tiny museum where you can see a brief history of chocolate, including a very nice collection of chocolate packaging and another of printed advertising. There is also a modern demo factory in production behind a huge window. Royce is a great chocolate and this little exhibition area really makes our Hokkaido trip more memorable

The chocolate from here is the best!! They have a bakery as well with pastries and fun souvenirs to take home. The bus from the station is very convenient! Try the chocolate ice cream soft serve and the other items they have 👍

Nothing really too special about this old clock house. It may have its significant at the time when it was built but it is now surrounded by modern buildings! If you pay ¥350 for a ticket to visit inside of the building but the information displayed is all in Japanese, Chinese and Korean, very few have English distribution. But the mechanical clock display inside on the second floor is very cool. Just like many other photo location, there is a stand in front of the building that is set up for taking selfie!

The Sapporo TV Tower, built in 1957, is one of the city’s earliest landmarks and has stood watch over Odori Park for more than six decades. Designed during Japan’s post-war modernisation period, it originally served as a key broadcasting tower and quickly became a symbol of Sapporo. Visiting in winter is especially beautiful. From the observation deck, the view of Odori Park blanketed in snow feels almost timeless—quiet, white, and serene. The symmetrical lines of the park, covered in soft snow, make the city look peaceful and historic, as though time has slowed down. A simple but meaningful stop for anyone who wants to appreciate Sapporo’s history and the gentle beauty of its snowy landscape.

Very nice museum, about the history of the building. Most explanations are translated jn English. There is also a spot inside to take pictures with a statue Dr Clark and a small shop. Visited in June, and the inside of the building was very hot despite fans and some air conditioning.

You can spend 20-30 mins here in between your city walks of Sapporo, a good spot to take short break as well because there's a big sitting hall on second floor. While you taking a break from your 10,000 steps, you can read and checking the videos explaining the history of this clock tower.

worth the visit. Learn the history of this clock tower. overall I only took less than an hour to tour its museum and exhibition. There is souvenirs shop inside too.

Unique clock tower. Probably one of the most prominent attractions in Sapporo. This historic site tells a tale of how Japan bought the bell from the US for a school building that eventually became this site. Pay cash at entrance to enter. There are 2 floors of history to read up. Tip, the bell rung at 12pm sharp when we are there. Paid parking at public carparks. There is a small road where you can park at the side of the tower which will be the nearest.

Usui Masao was a terrific host at this wonderful historical landmark. He spoke English, well. He was knowledgeable regarding facts that related to Japan and America! Most of the information he shared would have taken goes to get by translating each picture and item at the museum. Some, I'm sure, we wouldn't have known without him.

Nice underground street to keep warm and avoid bad weather. Quite some selections on restaurants and some nice stores.

I didn’t find much to do above ground in the odori park area other than going up the tv tower. However, there are many shops and restaurants underground there. More importantly, it is much more easy to get from the train station to your hotel, wherever it is, with your luggage by using the underground. This way you can avoid all of the intersections.

A lot of people, some walk fast without care about old people walk slowly and pushing. Really bad experiences here. Some running inside. This not call shopping mall, it’s just a market only, you can’t even stop, see and choose the items to buy. Only good things here are clean.

We only found out about this Underground Shopping, which stretched out from Sapporo Station, all the way to Susukino Station...had we known this on our first day of arrival, we wouldnt have taken the subway and walked through the heavy snowing to reach Odori Park so late that night...but like they always say, better late than never!!

Lots of great shopping warm and out of the snow. Connects with the subway station

A very nice underground passage way for those avoiding the snow and the super cold temperature during winter. Shopping stores and restaurants lining up both sides of the passage way. An easy access to important places in sapporo through this underground passage way

We are family with toddlers. We love this area especially during heavy snow at Sapporo. It save us from having to drag our feet in the cold snow or chilly autumn wind. It gave us warmth and easy access to train station - Sapporo, Odori, Susukino. It connects us as well to Tanukikoji and Odori Park.

Great park with a view of the Sapporo tower. Lots of areas to sit and enjoy the sun

Nothing much to see during the season, except Sapporo TV Tower and the statues. Regretfully, the fountain was not in action when we visited in the day and night.

Odori park is one of my best parks in Sapporo. I enjoy seating around the fountain especially on a sunny day. Watching kids running around the sound of the water. It’s so calming and soothing.

Nice park, able to see Sapporo TV Tower

Nice view for photo taking

Great attention after sunset!

Popular park running through the city

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!

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 😂

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.

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.

Free, convenient and absolutely stunning. I read negative reviews here from people that think it’s boring. Not sure I understand this. It’s a park and one of the most stuffing parks in autumn fall. Thank you!

We are so lucky to be here when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Imagine you are wandering around in a sakura forest, all surrounded by floating white "clouds", it is an unique and wonderful experience that you will never forget. I think this park is even more eye-pleasing than some sakura parks in Tokyo.

This park set in a historical fort of an island with a moat all round it, is a beautiful park to visit if you are in Hakodate. The grounds of the park are nice for walking or just sitting in the shade under one of its many trees. And there is also a historical building at this park - the Old Hakodate Magistrate's Office - that might be worth your time to visit.

A little bit late for autumn visit But still it is good park to stroll Maybe the best time to visit is in winter when every corner is white Or on cherry blossom time

Beautiful gardens next to the tower and the Magistrate House. We missed Cherry Blossom season by about a week - would have been amazing as there are 1200 cherry tress in the fort area!

Beautiful area to walk around when the cherry blossoms are out. We were there in very late April and they were in full bloom.

Spectacular view with a great history. A must visit if in hakodate. Take a trip to the observation tower. If the weather permits to also take a stroll on the park.

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.

A local market that you can find a series of freshly sea food, nice Japanese sake, wine and souvenir stuff for tourist. Especially the experience for grilled seafood or beef over charcoal. Be well prepare to spend a half day here.

GREAT FOOD. VARIETIES TO TRY. A must visit if you are visiting Hachinohe. Only 100 yen, 15 min blue bus ride. You can buy seafood from the merchants and bring them to a BBQ restaurant to cook them yourself. Also many merchants selling japanese street food. Very tasty. I would highly recommend this to all visitors and foreigners.

Truly one of the most comprehensive fish market I have visited in Japan. Much bigger than Kushiro fish market with more variety. Prices are not too touristy as well. Definitely worth the detour into Hachinohae just for a meal here.

Extremely fresh seafood everywhere, with reasonable price (much cheaper and fresher than what you may get in Tokyo, except from the real high end restaurants). Highly recommended.

Good place to visit for good and reasonably priced seafood. We ate a beef Don bento set and some sashimi. Ample parking, but go early to park nearer to the entrance. I believe there is a Y100 bus that comes / goes from a train station as well.

Drove here weekday lunch hour. Not very crowded. Mostly locals around. We visited the BBQ place (shichirin mura) first to pay for a seat. We were given a green basket to put our purchased seafood around the market. 2 hour long eating/cooking period. Tongs, paper plates, salt&pepper shaker and chopsticks were provided. It was a little intimidating to buy the seafood because we had no idea what we were buying, except the obvious ones like shrimp and squid. We spent about 5000 yen for around 10 shrimps, a platter of squid, 2 oysters, 2 scallops, some sort of fish. You can also purchase beer, drinks and rice at the counter. Very fun experience. There are a few other japanese restaurants in the centre. As well as a dry market area selling general goods, souvenirs and toys. Toilets are extremely clean.

Large fish market that has a BBQ place where you can cook your own seafood once bought at the stalls. The BBQ cost 350yen per person and you get all the utensils you need . They use real charcoal as well. They also serve beer here. At the stalls you can find any seafood imaginable at reasonable prices. If you don't want to cook yourself there are about 6-7 restaurant's at the end of the market.

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 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.