Travel / Tourism Spots in Hokkaido Area

  • Sapporo Clock Tower
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    3.5
    2649 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Kitaichijounishi 2-chome Former Sapporo Agricultural College Demonstration Center
    The clock tower familiarly, called “Sapporo Clock Tower” was originally constructed as a drill hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. Originally there was no bell tower but only a mechanism of pulling a rope to ring a small bell, however, the bell tower was constructed in 1881 under the direction of the Governor Kiyotaka Kuroda and since then a Howard pendulum type clock has been in use. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the nearest Odoori Station. The first floor serves as a museum displaying the history of the clock tower and on the second floor you can experience the atmosphere of the historic drill hall and view the workings of the clock.

    It is a tiny building surrounded by tall buildings. Nothing special, just a tiny wooden building. There is an entrance fee for those who want to see it from inside.

  • Sapporo Beer Museum
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    4.0
    1251 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Higashi-ku Kitashichijouhigashi 9-1-1
    Sapporo Beer Museum, located to the east of Sapporo Station, is the only museum in Japan where you can learn about the history of Japanese beer. Admission to the museum is free, but the paid tour (about 50 minutes) is recommended if you have the time. You can learn about the history of Sapporo Beer with the powerful 6K wide-screen theater and easy-to-understand guide. Also you can only sample the “Fukkokuban Sapporo-sei Bakushu” (Reproduced Sapporo Beer) that recreates the flavor at the time of Sapporo Beer's establishment as well as the iconic Black Label Sapporo Beer on the paid tour. Reservations through the website are required.

    This old Sapporo beer facility is like 70% a historical site, 30% a museum. The place tells a somewhat interesting story on how the Japanese started brewing beer in Hokkaido, showcases some...

  • Hokkaido Shrine
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    4.0
    1199 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyagaoka 474
    Hokkaido Shrine is located about 15 minutes’ walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Line. It was erected to worship the three deities of reclamation: Okunitama no kami, the deity of reclamation and development, Onamuchi no kami, and Sukunabikona no kami. In 1955, the Meiji Emperor, who adopted Western culture and built the foundations of Japan, was newly enshrined. Hokkaido Shrine is also known as a famous place for cherry blossoms in the spring and is popular among the local people.

    Nestled in the Maruyama park and not far from the city zoo, this shrine was beautiful in the spring when the sakura was blooming. It took about 30 minutes to visit the main hall, write the wish on a...

  • Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Yoichi Distillery
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    4.5
    1281 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Yoichigunyoichichou Kurokawachou 7-6
    The first Nikka Whisky distillery built in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru who after visiting Scotland became the first Japanese person to master the whisky manufacturing process. Here you can come and see for yourself the whole distillery process. Inside the distillery you can find many things of interest such as displays on the history of whisky and its manufacturing process, a whisky museum where you can sample some whisky for yourself, and you can also see the former residence of Masataka Taketsuru which was originally in Yamada Town in the suburbs of Yoichi Town but dismantled and rebuilt here in the distillery. There are nine buildings on the distillery premises which have been designated as tangible cultural assets of Japan such as the distillation building and the first whisky storehouse.

    As a fan of the products and being in the neighborhood, I went for a visit to this complex. I was unable to book a tour of the facility, which I understand are only conducted in Japanese, but did...

  • Sapporo Okurayama Viewing Point
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    4.5
    1334 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyanomori 1274
    Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was the stage for ski jumping at the Winter Olympic Games held in Sapporo in 1972. A two-seater lift goes up to the top from where you can see up close the huge, steep jump. From the observation lounge (start house) at an altitude of 307 meters, you can overlook the city of Sapporo and the Ishikari Basin and get a feel for the wonderful expanse of natural beauty of Hokkaido.

    The Mt Okura Observatory is some way out of Sapporo, Hokkaidos main city. You can get the ropeway to the top of the mountain. You get a good view of the city and surrounding countryside. By the...

  • Lake Toya
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    4.5
    527 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Abutaguntouyakochou Touyakonsen
    This is the third largest caldera lake in Japan with an area of the ninth largest lake nationally in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. While visitors can experience the magnificence of nature, it is also a hot spring resort with an abundance of hot water and many inns and hotels. It is one of Hokkaido’s most popular resort areas where you can enjoy activities such as pleasure boats, canoes and dairy experiences.

    Breathtaking views and a pleasant drive around the lake. Plenty of places to stop along the way. I suggest stopping at Sobetsu-Cho for the waterfall and also visit the Windsor Hotel Resort. Cherry...

  • Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
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    4.0
    1055 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodate-shi Motomachi 19-7
    The ropeway at Mt. Hakodate is about a ten-minute walk from the Jujigai tram stop and about ten minutes by car from Hakodate Station and right next to the ruins of the Nambujinya encampment. The gondolas are large with seating for 125 people, and have two stations, one at the base of the mountain and also at the peak observatory station. The top speed is seven meters per second and the top of the 334-meter-high mountain is reached in about three minutes. The beautiful seasonal scenery from the observatory deck at the summit and night view of Hakodate is highly regarded as the world's best and is a representative of tourism in the city. It is often crowded for an hour or two after sunset with people visiting to see the night view.

    The car park is next to the doorway station . Do come early as it gets filled up quickly then you will be directed to park elsewhere. Cost:200 yen per hour . Payment station is right at exit of car...

  • Shiretoko Goko Lakes
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    4.5
    967 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido Yuzu Iwa 549
    A wooden walkway with an observatory along its length has been built which leads to Shiretoko Goko Lakes. The walkway and observatory were created so that people could enjoy the beauty of Shiretoko, one of Japan's top world natural heritage sites. You can also take in the ridgeline of the Shiretoko Mountain Range, Mt. Rausu, and the other mountains of the range. The wooden walkway leads from a parking area to the observatory area. The walkway both protects the delicate natural wetland and also protects visitors from brown bears and other wild animals. Use of the walkway may be temporarily prohibited depending on brown bear activity in the area.

    We visited only ichiko the first lake and took the elevated broad walk. It’s a very easy walk and offers good views. We visited when it was getting foggy tho so not much of the sea can be seen.

  • Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka
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    4.5
    915 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kamikawagumbieichou Shinsei number 3
    Visitors to Shikisai-no-oka in the summer can enjoy the beautiful vistas of colorful flower fields, while in the winter they can experience standing in the midst of a vast expanse of snow. Besides the extensive flower gardens, farmers’ fields and Alpaca ranch, Shikisai-no-oka also has a farm guesthouse where visitors can stay. The farm shop sells vegetables grown locally, as well as other products sourced directly from local farmers. Shikisai-no-oka is located 25 minutes’ walk from JR Bibaushi Station.

    I will not recommend to visit in Spring. I visited on 24 May and there was hardly any flowers to see. There is some local produce from the farm like Asparagus and Potatoes for sale as well as other...

  • Abashiri Prison Museum
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    4.5
    792 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Abashirishi Yobito 1-1
    This historic museum has preserved the former Abashiri Prison barracks as an outdoor museum. It was completely renovated in 2010. The virtual prison movie titled ''Forests Where Inmates in a Red Prison Uniform Worked'' is a must-see digital stereophonic theater experience focusing on the harsh working conditions of the erstwhile prisoners captured with the latest technology. One can explore the facility on a Guided Prison Tour, or actually eat the food the prisoners were given with the Experience Prison Food encounter. Two of the structures, 8 wards, transferred here are treasured as Japan's Important Cultural Properties.

    An interesting visit especially the main prison building! We spent about an hour here but too bad the restaurant was already closed or would have loved to try the prisoner meal set!

  • Main Building of the Otaru Music Box Museum
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    4.0
    708 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Otarushi Sumiyoshichou 4-1
    This landmark of Otaru, the Otaru Music Box Museum is located on a corner of the Marchen Intersection of Otaru Sakaimachi street and Irifune street. Housed in a red brick structure built in 1912, this store displays music boxes collected from all over Japan and the world resplendent with a warm radiant atmosphere. The steam-powered clock by the entranceway announces the time every 15 minutes with a blast of steam and a melody. It is a popular photo opportunity spot.

    The famed music museum in the Otaru Orgel-do II building in Otaru The Music Box Museum consists of multiple buildings scattered around the southern end of Sakaimachi Street but we concentrate on the...

  • Historical Village of Hokkaido
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    4.5
    562 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Atsubetsu-ku Atsubetsuchou Konopporo 50-1
    The Historical Village of Hokkaido is an outdoor museum which reproduces the frontier days of Hokkaido where you can learn about frontier history. There are four separate areas which are the Farm Village, the Sea Village, the Mountain Village and the City and you can walk through each village to experience the different atmospheres. At the Frontier Village Restaurant in the museum, you can eat the simple but delicious “Imo Mochi” and the restaurant’s original Tondenhei (Settlers’) Set Meal.

    I’m astounded at the amount of effort and dedication it must take to maintain this place. It’s literally a village you can easily get lost in. I went during winter when there was barely anyone (it...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hokkaido Areas

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

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