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Mt. Hakodate Observatory

The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Observatories

When I came to Hakodate, what I looked forward to most was going up Mt. Hakodate to enjoy the captivating night view. As the ropeway slowly ascended, the city lights gradually came into view, and when I reached the summit, the scenery before me was even more stunning.
Looking down from above, the lights of Hakodate stretch along the narrow land, with sparkling coastlines on both sides, like stars scattered across the earth. Quietly admiring this brilliant scenery in the night breeze was both romantic and unforgettable, making it one of the most treasured memories of this trip to Hokkaido.

Susukino

Susukino is one of the most famous entertainment districts in Sapporo. Along with Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Nakasu in Fukuoka, Susukino is called one of the "three central entertainment districts in Japan.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Famous Places

When visiting Sapporo, Susukino is a place you shouldn't miss if you want to experience Hokkaido's nighttime atmosphere. After dark, the neon lights along the streets come on one by one, with tall buildings, signs, and passing crowds all coming together. The lively scene has a completely different feel from Sapporo during the day.

Walking through the streets, you can feel the city's vibrant energy. Restaurants, izakayas, and shops line the way, and the air is filled with the aromas of all kinds of food. Even just wandering around and taking in the street views lets you experience Sapporo's energetic side, adding a lively and unforgettable nighttime memory to a trip through Hokkaido.

Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University has a huge campus and an unconstrained space. A location of the ground is accessible on foot from the Sapporo station. The campus is open to the public for tours and walking as well as students or staff do.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Tourist Attractions

Hokkaido University is a comfortable and relaxing place. The spacious campus is lush with greenery. As you slowly stroll along the tree-lined paths, the tall trees and historic buildings on both sides complement each other, making you forget for a moment that you're in a bustling city.

The pace on campus is leisurely and peaceful. Occasionally, you can see students riding bicycles, which also gives you a sense of how nature and everyday life blend together in Sapporo. Walking around the campus without any particular itinerary makes it even easier to enjoy a rare moment of relaxation during the trip.

Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City

Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, is a popular zoo known for its behavioral exhibits, in which comfortable spaces are created for the animals' ecology and their natural behavior is brought out to be seen.

• Asahikawa and Sounkyo
• Zoos & Aquariums

Asahiyama Zoo was one of the stops I was really looking forward to on this trip. The best thing about the zoo is being able to observe the animals' natural, lively behavior up close. The penguins, polar bears, and seals in particular each have their own charm and are impossible to take your eyes off.

Visiting the zoo with children makes the trip even more enjoyable. Watching the penguins swim leisurely through the water and the seals glide around with ease, the children always stopped excitedly to watch.

The zoo is full of surprises at every turn. It's a place where both adults and children can have fun and make wonderful memories.

Ken ＆ Mary Tree

A poplar tree appears in a peaceful grassland in the hills of Biei-no-oka in Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido. Nicknamed the "Ken and Mary Tree," it is over 90 years old and became famous in 1972 when it was used in a commercial for Nissan's Skyline.

• Furano and Biei
• Nature Spots

We followed a day tour to Biei, Hokkaido, and the pastoral scenery along the way kept making us want to stop. We arrived at the Ken & Mary Tree, a towering poplar standing amid the vast hills. With endless fields and a deep blue sky, the view was simple yet very captivating.
Viewed from a distance, the straight tree and rolling fields create natural layers, and when a gentle breeze blows, the whole scene feels especially peaceful. There are no grand buildings, but it has the purity and openness unique to Biei, and it lets you experience the leisurely, comfortable pace of traveling through the Hokkaido countryside.