Travel / Tourism Spots in Hokkaido Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

Sapporo Clock Tower

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.

Nice to see, but don’t make a trip to this part of town just for the clock tower. It’s surprisingly small and interesting to look at for about 30 seconds; not much beyond that.
Sapporo TV Tower

4.0

1847 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Odorinishi 1

Built in the eastern end of Odori Park, this television tower has a height of 147.2 meters. It was constructed when television broadcasting first began in Sapporo. Now it is popular as a view spot that affords a 360° view of Sapporo’s urban area. One can appreciate the scenery of Sapporo’s four seasons including the abundant greenery of Odori Park, the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, and the Sapporo Snow Festival from the observatory that is 90.38 meters from the ground below. Inside the tower is a restaurant and shop selling merchandise for the television tower’s character, Terebi Otosan (TV Dad).

It has nothing. Just a view of mountain in the distance. The start of Odori park has this TV tower!!
Noboribetsu Jigokudani

4.0

1408 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Noboribetsushi Noboribetsuonsenchou

This valley is all that remains of an ancient volcanic crater, and is lined with geysers and fumaroles. The hot springs sourced here run to Noboribetsu Onsen. The foaming, boiling scenery led to it being called Demon-dwelling Hell. It's also a perfect autumn leaf viewing spot, when the hillsides are painted red with autumn colors.

The Yellowstone Park of Hokkaido but smaller. Sulphur is in the air so if your not suffering from respiratory problems you will like this place. A few geysers here and there, easy hiking with well...
Hokkaido Shrine

4.0

1191 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.

The Hokkaido Shrine was not on my radar but I was in the area and wanted to see the shrine during the winter months. The forest surrounding the shrine and shrine itself is beautiful especially...
Sapporo Beer Museum

4.0

1239 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.

I am a big beer guy but find Sapporo beer is just alright. Either way, I still love visiting old breweries and touring them. Unfortunately now, only the free tour is available. I felt the free tour...
Lake Toya

4.5

528 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...
Shiretoko Goko Lakes

4.5

962 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.

Shiretoko visitors MUST take the Goto Lake walk! Great Hokkaido nature. But dont expect to see bears! Those critters are dangerous and the trail is closed if even one comes anywhere near. Dont...
Abashiri Prison Museum

4.5

785 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.

This is so much more than just a museum about the prison. It covers quite a bit of Hokkaido history, telling the sad tale of how prisoners were used to help build roads and infrastructure in...
JR Tower Observation Deck T38

4.0

1046 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Kitagojounishi 2-5 JR Tower 38F

The observatory boasts a height of 160 meters above the ground. The special elevator from the sixth floor takes you up directly to the top 38th floor and from there you have a large panoramic view of 360 degrees of the cityscape of Sapporo. Art work is scattered around the observation deck and there is also a café and souvenir shop. Please stop by the men’s toilet “viewing restroom” for a feeling of spaciousness.

The 1st location we visited since its just walking distance from our hotel (resol trinity hotel) and we really love the sight of sapporo city, covered by snow on february 2020. We heard the sight are...
Main Building of the Otaru Music Box Museum

4.0

705 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.

So many different music boxes I liked sushi ones You can go upstairs too We went on weekend ,was busy but manageable with a stroller
Historical Village of Hokkaido

4.5

556 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.

A MUST GO if you want to learn about Hokkaido Culture, History... in an easy way, visiting different buildings displaced reconstructed (or replicas). Spend at least 2 or 3 hours if you want to enter...
Trappistine Monastery Tenshien Shop

4.0

563 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

4.0

473 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.

Beautiful architecture built in 1860, this is accessible from the Daikan Zaka slope. This church was originally built as a chapel attached to the first Russian Consulate. The original church was...
Daisetsuzan Sounkyo-Kurodake Ropeway

4.0

345 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."

Being mid-October the snow had started to fall and the top of the ropeway had the first snowfall covering the mountains of the range. Its a beautiful place with really stunning views. Cant wait...
Kamaei (factory direct shop)

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

4.0

356 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.
Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum

4.0

389 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Abashirishi Tentozan 244-3

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

The museum is on top of a hill which provides a good vantage point to look at the surrounding mountains and lakes. It is located in a modern-looking building. The first thing upon entrance is to...
Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora and Aurora 2

4.5

252 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Abashirishi Minamisanjouhigashi 4-5-1 Road Station Ice Rink Road Abashiri

The icebreaking ship Aurora/Aurora 2 are large sightseeing vessels that in seasonal service break the drift ice of Okhotsk. In addition to enjoying the sound and impact of breaking ice from the observation deck, you might also be able to catch sight of wild animals such as seals if you are lucky. You can also watch and relax from the first or second floor where there is good heating. The ships’ schedule is decided depending on the drift ice so it is recommended that you check the official site before you go. Shuttle buses are available from Memanbetsu Airport and JR Abashiri Station.

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

4.0

230 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Nemuroshi Nosappu

Located at a longitude of 145°49'01'' East, Cape Nosappu is the easternmost point in Hokkaido. As the sunrise here occurs earlier than anywhere else in Japan, many people come here to see the first sunrise of the New Year on New Year’s Day. On a clear day, the Northern Territories (islands that were formerly Japanese territory but are now occupied by Russia) can be seen in the distance; a number of monuments etc. (including the Shima-no-kakehashi Bridge) have been constructed near the Cape to express the desire for the return of the Northern Territories to Japan.

I made it to my fourth corner of Japan - the Easternmost corner - and I didnt do enough research beforehand. There are several museums and they all talk about getting islands back from Russia. I...
Wakkanai Port Northern Breakwater Dome

3.5

350 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Wakkanaishi Kaiun 1

This is a semi-arched dome acting as a breakwater in Wakkanai port. It was built over a period of five years beginning in 1931. The long archway, reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, has a total length of 427 meters and 70 columns. As a seawall it is a unique looking structure and has been selected as a Hokkaido heritage site.

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

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Hokkaido Areas

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.