Sapporo Odori Park
Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo City. Surrounded by approximately 4,700 trees of 92 species, including lilacs and harunire (elms), as well as lawns and fountains for relaxation, the park is loved by tourists and citizens as a place to relax in the office district.
Odori Park is right in the center of Sapporo. The Sapporo Snow Festival in winter is really popular, and there are lots of small stalls in the venue where you can buy Hokkaido souvenirs and gifts.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
The Ameyoko Shopping Street, affectionately known as "Ameyoko," stretches approximately 500m between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station, with around 400 shops lining the street. It features a variety of businesses, including food and confectionery, clothing, general goods, and jewelry stores.
This was my first solo trip, and I came here because it's such a great place to shop and the prices are really reasonable. A lot of things are even cheaper than in Taiwan!
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The traditional streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter feature white walled warehouses, grid pattern walls, Namako-kabe, and rows of weeping trees, creating a beautiful and charming townscape. This harmonious and historic scenery is very popular with tourists.
Strolling through the alleys and admiring the traditional Japanese houses, you can really feel Kurashiki's unique retro vibe.
Learn while Playing with This Handkerchief – Play & Study
This handkerchief is made by the children’s handkerchief brand “bloomie’s,” and it was created for children to play and learn. Not only can you use them to wipe off your hands, but certain varieties have a round hole in the bottom right corner or patterns on them that help teach basic English, allowing children to use their imagination and study while talking with their parents.
Every time I come to Japan, I love buying handkerchiefs. Even though tissues and wet wipes are convenient these days, for someone like me (and my family) who has sweaty hands, a handkerchief is super important. Also, it just feels nice to carry one! It's always fun to find good cotton handkerchiefs with cute designs. For kids, this brand is perfect, so I picked one up right away!
Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
Morioka Castle was built in Keicho 2 (1597) as the residence of the Nanbu family of the Morioka Domain. After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was developed into "Iwate Park" in Meiji 39 (1906), designed by Yasuhei Nagaoka, who is known as a pioneer of modern parks. " Morioka Castle Ruins" has been designated as a national historic site and has also been selected as one of the "100 Great Castles of Japan" and "100 Historical Parks in Japan”.
In winter, the trees along the paths in Morioka Castle Ruins Park are covered in snow. It's a different kind of beauty, but I bet the park is even more stunning in other seasons!
Yachi Onsen
Boasting over 400 years of history, Yachi Onsen in Aomori Prefecture is counted among Japan's three great hidden hot springs, alongside Tokushima Prefecture's Iya Valley Onsen and Hokkaido's Niseko Onsen.
The inn is surrounded by mountains and forests, so it really feels like a hidden retreat. The interior is simple, and there are spots like the Yachi Marsh Observatory, Yakushi Pond Trail, and Hakkoda Southern Mountain Range Observatory nearby. After breakfast, you can take a walk in the nearby forest or highlands!
Lake Towada Winter Shuttle Bus
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge are iconic tourist destinations of Japan’s Tohoku region. In the wintertime, their beautiful and snowy landscapes give way to a fantastical atmosphere, and visitors from all over Japan and from abroad flock to the area.
The Lake Towada Winter Story feels just like being at an amusement park! Both adults and kids can have a blast here!
Kaisen-shokudo Kitano Gourmet-tei
Kitano Gourmet-tei is an eat-in space with seating for 320 customers, located in a corner of the Kitano Gourmet seafood market. The seafood market, which has been in business for 73 years, is bustling with activity every day as the staff and customers cross paths. At Kitano Gourmet-tei, you can enjoy a fresh dish prepared by cooks who know how to enjoy delicious seafood.
The decor feels like a Japanese diner. I ordered the seafood bowl and was surprised by how huge the portion was. Every type of seafood was super fresh and delicious!
Shiroi Koibito
Everyone in Japan knows Hokkaido’s sweets, “Shiroi Koibito.” Ishiya Co., Ltd.was an ordinary candy maker to begin with, but utilizing quality ingredients in Hokkaido changed them into the producer of the classic dessert. More than 40 years passed since its beginning, but it is still the beloved souvenir of Hokkaido to this day.
Before going to Hokkaido, my family specifically asked for Shiroi Koibito cookies, so of course I had to buy them!
Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Store
Situated in Kobe Kitano Ijinkan district, where many former residences of Westerners are located, this Starbucks store is a prime example of Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores initiative. These stores are architecturally designed to symbolize various regions in Japan, aiming to broadcast local cultures to the world.
Starbucks is really good at transforming these historic buildings into cafes. This one was renovated from a two-story wooden Western-style house built in 1907, called Kitano Monogatari. It has a lot of historical significance. Definitely worth stopping by for a coffee break!