Travel / Tourism Spots in Hokkaido Area

  • The Old Hanadake Banya Lodge
    rating-image
    4.0
    33 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Rumoigunobirachou Onishikahirotomi 35-2
    This historic structure is a herring fishery lodge in Obira Town. This structure, an Important Cultural Property (nationally designated) built around 1905, is in the farthest north of all the registered properties in Japan. This large herring fishery lodge is the largest in Hokkaido, housing over 200 workhands at the peak of its operation. The timber structure was built completely from lumber cut from the regional Otodo hills. The building, open to the public, displays valuable historic tools. With a roadside station annexed to the lodge, the area is full of festive visitors around the end of May, when the Nishin Banya Festival is held with various games and events for all.

    道の駅に併設されたニシン漁の基地となった番屋です。 館内にはニシン漁で活況を呈した頃の道具や生活に使う物が 展示されており当時の様子が分かるようになっており、 ニシン漁がどうやって行われたのかが分かります。 係の方にも聞けば色々説明していただけます。

  • Akan Sightseeing Cruise
    rating-image
    4.5
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kushiroshi Akanchouakankonsen 1-5-20
    The Akan Sightseeing Cruise travels around Lake Akan, famous for its marimo (ball shaped green algae), from May to November. As well as the pleasure cruiser, you can also choose to ride in a motor boat, or a Japanese houseboat. The pleasure cruise takes about 85 minutes which includes a 15 minute stop so you check out the unusual looking marimo. Cruises depart from the Marimo-no-sato Pier and the Koun-no-mori Pier.

    This is not exactly the most active way to spend 75 minutes but we enjoyed taking some great photos of the lake and blue skies while onboard. The highlight for me at least was stopping for 15...

  • Yamasen Railway Bridge
    rating-image
    4.0
    33 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Chitose-shi Shikotsukonsen
    This steel pedestrian bridge crosses the Chitose River on the shore of Lake Shikotsu. Built in 1899, it is the oldest surviving double British Warren truss bridge in Hokkaido, and is a symbol of Lake Shikotsu.

    A railway bridge that is now used as an iconic red bridge at Lake Shikotsu, the Yamasen Bridge is clearly visible from afar as you make the journey towards the Lake Shikotsu area where the yearly...

  • Sarubo Observatory
    rating-image
    3.5
    36 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kawakamigunshibechachou Touro
    Sarubo Observatory is located on top of a low hill to the north of Lake Toro. Besides Lake Toro (the largest coastal lagoon in the Kushiro Shitsugen), visitors can also enjoy views over four nearby ponds (Sarurunto, Ponto, Eoruto and Makunto). This is a very popular spot for enjoying Hokkaido’s beautiful natural scenery.

    小さな駐車場にクルマを停めて、山を少し登ります。 駐車場は最初通り過ぎてしまいました。 登っている時に鹿がいました。

  • Lake Mashu
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kawakamigunteshikagachou
    The mysterious caldera lake also called “Lake Mashu of Mist” has a circumference of 20 kilometers and depth of 212 meters. The water level of the lake remains unchanged although the lake has no rivers flowing in or out. The lake is characterized by its high water transparency because impurities do not flow into it. The Ainu people call the lake Kintan Kamuy-to (Lake of the Mountain Gods) and has long been idolized by them.
  • Mt. Hakodate
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hokkaido City
    A mountain famous for its view of the lights of Hakodate at night. There are many ways to get to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view, including a ropeway, bus, and by car (note that the mountain is closed to cars from mid-November to early April); from the top, you can getting a sweeping view of the city below—in addition to the nightscape, visitors are also recommended to take in the daytime view as well as sunset. There's a restaurant at the top from which diners can take in a meal and the view, as well as a shop selling popular Hokkaido sweets and original merchandise.
  • Usuzan Ropeway
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Usugunsoubetsuchou Shouwashinzan 184-5
    The Usuzan Ropeway travels back and forth between the Summit Station of Mt. Usu at an elevation of 737 meters located at the south of Lake Toya and the Showa Shinzan Sanroku Station. The windows of the large 106-person gondolas overlook Usu’s rugged mountain surface, and you can enjoy an impressive aerial walk. The one-way trip arrives at the Summit Station in about six minutes. You can enjoy panoramic views that spread out before your eyes from the two observation decks, the Lake Toya Observation Deck and the Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck.
  • Abashiri City Folk Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Abashiri-shi Katsuramachi 1-1-3
    This is a museum in Abashiri, Hokkaido exhibiting the nature of Okhotsk and Abashiri, and the history of the region from ancient times to the present. Exhibits include over 3,000 archaeological and folklore artifacts donated by the honorary director, Yonemura Kioe. An extensive variety of animals and marine life are permanently on display such as brown bears, yezo sika deer and seals, as well as many colorful birds. Visitors can also learn about the history of the development of Abashiri from the Edo era to the present day through the display of the tools used for daily life, the fishing and forestry industries. The building, designed by Yoshiya Tanoue, is also a valuable architectural structure.

    昭和11年に、当時の社団法人北見教育会が地方教育の振興と文化の発展のために、「北見郷土舘」として建設、開館したもので、北海道で最も歴史の古い博物館の1つはとの事です。 入館料金は120円ですが、網走の豊かな自然と古代から現代に至る歴史の流れを展示解説している博物館で、見ごたえがありました。 亀や動物の剥製たちの大きさ(実物大)にびっくりでした。アザラシやラッコは、可愛かったです。

  • Wakkanai Youth Science Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Wakkanai-shi Noshappu 2-2-16

    南極観測に関するコーナー、科学体験のコーナー、化石や地質のコーナー等に分かれている。別棟の倉庫の中に南極観測の最初の頃に使われていた雪上車や昭和基地の建物の実物(一部)の再現展示があった。全体的に展示物に年季が入っていたり、構成が古くて前時代な感じもする。でも、子供の頃に南極越冬記、南極観測船「宗谷」の物語とか読んだことがある熟年・中年世代には、実物やリアル写真等が見られて、pとても興味深くて面白...

  • Mikasa Municipal Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Mikasa-shi Ikushunbetsunishikicho 1-212-1
    "Mikasa City in Hokkaido is the birthplace of the railroad and has a history of prosperous coal mining. The city is also considered a geologically important area, with many fossils, including ammonites, having been discovered in the area. The Mikasa City Museum exhibits fossils from the Cretaceous Period and the history of the city. In particular, the ""World of the Cretaceous Period and Fossils"" exhibition room is considered a sacred place for fossil fans. The museum has a collection of about 1,000 fossils, of which about 600 are ammonite fossils found in Hokkaido, the largest number in Japan."

    モササウルスの実物骨格標本とアロサウルスの骨格レプリカもあるから子どもは喜ぶと思います。でもなんと言っても北海道が一番発掘されているアンモナイトはその展示数に見栄え十分ですよ。

  • Marimo exhibition and observation center
    rating-image
    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kushiro-shi Akancho Akankonsen 1-5-20
    This nature-observation center is on Churui Island, in the northern section of Lake Akan. You can observe the area's Special Natural Monument, marimo algae, and learn about its habitat. Inside the facility is a massive tank recreating the bottom of Lake Akan, letting you see ball marimo resting quietly in its natural environment. You can sometimes find shockingly large specimens, as well. Outside are spots where you can watch Lake Akan's native Sakhalin taimen salmon and white throated char. Altogether, this is a relaxed atmosphere where you can learn about and enjoy Lake Akan's natural scenery. You can get to the center via sightseeing cruise or high-speed ferry.

    Love to see the Marimo up close. Reading about the life cycle og Marimo was interesting an well done. Besutiful view from the island.

  • The JRA Hidaka Horse Ranch Observatory
    rating-image
    4.5
    26 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Urakawagunurakawachou Nishicha 535-13
    This observatory is atop a hill overlooking the JRA Hidaka Horse Ranch where race horses are born, raised, trained, nurtured and studied. From the observatory one can see the whole expansive grasslands covering the 1,500 hectare grounds, including the grass riding area, the sloped riding area, and other training facilities as well as the Hidaka mountain range in the distance. Inside the observatory is displayed, behind glass, information on the facility and grounds.

    I worked in Japan in 1999, and I fell in love with the people and culture. The people are so accommodating, friendly and helpful. Its unlike any country Ive been to. I could have left my keys in my...

  • Former Nakamura Family Residence
    rating-image
    4.5
    27 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hiyamagunesashichou Nakautachou 22
    These historical buildings were built by Omi merchants who were engaged in the wholesale seafood business from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period, and are representative of wholesale buildings of the time. There is a two-story gabled main building made of cypress storehouses lining the streets from the main house to the shore and a loading and unloading place called “Hanedashi” at the far end. The buildings bring the glory of the past to the present and also show displays of material related to the Kitamae ship and herring fishing industries.

    江差町の市街地を走っている国道228号線。その国道沿いに、旧中村家住宅はありました。 この住宅は、江戸時代から日本海沿岸の漁家を相手に商売を営んでいた近江商人の大橋宇兵衛という人が建てたそうです。 板でできている外壁が続く、かなりの大きさの二階建ての建物でした。

  • UNKAI TERRACE Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Yufutsu-gun Shimukappu village Tomamu
    A 13-minute ride on the gondola aerial lift system takes visitors to UNKAI TERRACE at the top of the mountain, where they can view the “Sea of Clouds,” which seems to flow down like a waterfall as it crosses the Hidaka Mountains; this spectacular scene created by the forces of nature is truly stunning. The Cloud Walk enables visitors to enjoy the feeling of “walking on clouds.” UNKAI TERRACE is open from mid-May to mid-October. The exact opening hours vary depending on the time of year, so please check before your trip.
  • Teshikaga Town Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum
    rating-image
    3.5
    21 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kawakamigunteshikagachou Kussharo City Ichijyu 11
    This museum which passes on the history, culture, manners and customs of the Ainu is located on the southern shore of Lake Kussharo in eastern Hokkaido. The architect Kikou Mozuna who was born in Kushiro City designed this unique building which is very interesting. You can wear traditional Ainu dress for free and experience making bookmarks with the Ainu motif embroidery as well as coasters. The museum is open from April 29 to October 31.

    Dedicated to the Ainu people with a small collection of artefacts but the exhibits still cover a range of themes with some English descriptions. The best part is the approx. 25 mins English video...

  • Upopoi (NATIONAL AINU MUSEUM AND PARK)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shiraoi-gun Shiraoicho Wakakusacho 2-3
  • Mukawacho Hobetsu Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    16 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Mukawacho Hobetsu 80-6
    "There are many dinosaur objects and replicas in Hobetsu, Mukawa-cho, Hokkaido. In particular, a full-body reconstruction skeleton replica of the Hobetsu Arakiryu (nicknamed ""Hoppy""), a Hokkaido-designated natural treasure, is on display at the Mukawa Hobetsu Museum. This fossil was excavated in 1975 (Showa 50) and preserved at the museum, which was established in 1977 (Showa 52). It is the first full-body skeleton to be reconstructed in Hokkaido and the second in Japan, making it a valuable fossil."

    むかわ竜の全身骨格レプリカが居る。 首長竜も良いけど、本命はコレ! 巡業に出ているレプリカ2号(3枚目)もいるけど、こちらが良い。

  • Cape Kimuaneppu
    rating-image
    4.0
    28 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Tokoro-gun Saromacho Horoiwa
    Located on the southeastern side of Lake Saroma, it is a cape that stretches like a terrace. Many visitors visit Lake Saroma to view the sunset from one of the best sunset lookout points. In addition, you can see native plants such as common glasswort, Japanese rose, Siberian lupine and iris, as well as groups of swans flying to the lake in the winter.

    Despite a few buzzing mosquitoes, this is a great place to set up a tent, get a 100yen shower, and relax for the night. I was welcomed when I arrived and asked to sign the guest book. The shower and...

  • Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    28 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Abuta-gun Niseko-cho Arisima 57
    The Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is dedicated to the works and career of Arishima Takeo, the author of some of the greatest works of modern Japanese literature, including “Kain no Matsuei” (“The Descendants of Cain”) and “Aru Onna” (“A Certain Woman”). The Museum has a book-café, where visitors can enjoy a cup of Niseko’s popular Takano Coffee while browsing the café’s books (which include books by Arishima as well as by other authors) and magazines.

    5/4に訪れました。開館時間を確認しておかなかった自分が悪いのですが、10時開館でした。開館が遅すぎると思うのは自分だけだろうか。それはそれとして、ここからの羊蹄山の眺めは見事なものです。しかたないので写真だけ撮って中は見ずに帰りました。

  • Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum
    rating-image
    3.5
    31 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Abutaguntouyakochou Touyakonsen 142-130
    The 34th G8 Summit was held at Lake Toya (Toyako) in 2008; one of the main issues discussed at the Summit was measures to address the impact of global warming. The displays at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum include life-sized panels depicting the national leaders who attended the Summit, the tables and chairs used in the Summit meetings, etc. Entrance is free.

    洞爺湖温泉バスターミナルの建物3F、無料です。2008年の洞爺湖サミットで使われた円卓が目立っていました。訪れたのが夕方で、他に数名のお客さんしか見かけませんでした。 また、横でやっていたジオパーク展のほうが、見るのに時間がかかった記憶がありますが、天気が悪い時の貴重な観光スポット候補となりました。

Hokkaido Areas

around-area-map

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

Hokkaido Photo Album

Browse Interests