Sekai no Yamachan Main Store
The specialty of this restaurant is the "Maboroshi no Tebasaki", which would make you absolutely addicted for its spiciness and flavor of the "Maboroshi no Kosho（Phantom pepper）" and "Hiden no Tare(Secret sauce)".
I love the spicy chicken wings and the miso-stewed intestines.
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.
I just love Shiroi Koibito cookies! I bought a bunch when I visited.
Michi-no-Eki Kawaba Denen Plaza
Located in the picturesque village of Kawaba, nestled at the base of Mount Hotaka in northern Gunma, this market-town-style roadside station is surrounded by lush natural beauty.
Such a great vacation spot!
Roadside Station Asahikawa (Michi-no-Eki Asahikawa)
Located alongside National Route 237, which runs from Asahikawa through Furano and on to the Hidaka region, this station serves as a hub for Asahikawa's industry, gourmet food, and tourism. It's just a 15-minute walk from JR Asahikawa Station, ensuring easy access from the heart of Asahikawa.
If you're looking to buy Asahikawa specialties, you can find them here!
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is home to 3,000 tropical trees and flowers of about 300 species in the park. Tropical plants are grown in greenhouses, where visitors can appreciate tropical fruits such as bananas, flowering trees and cacti, as well as aquatic life such as piranhas and tropical fish. It is warm all year round regardless of Hokkaido's climate, making it a great place for those who do not like the cold.
Visiting Hakodate in winter? Besides soaking in Yunokawa Onsen, checking out this tropical botanical garden is a lot of fun too. There are all kinds of plants, and you can even see monkeys relaxing in the hot springs!
Huis Ten Bosch "Kingdom of Lights"
This night event at Huis Ten Bosch received first place in the International Illumination Awards Illumination Event Category Excellence Entertainment Award, chosen by night view appraisers for its top-notch, outstanding entertainment value.
It's my first time seeing so many lights—absolutely stunning and beautiful!
Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Spring Resort Hotel Ookawaso
Ashinomaki hot spring is located along the Okawa River valley, where the rapidstream had created strange rocks and cliffs, and is said to have been opened about 1,200 years ago. Facing the Agawa River, "Ookawaso" is a hot spring ryokan where guests can enjoy the beauty of the valley from their guest rooms and outdoor hot spring baths.
My family are anime fans and really wanted to stay here. It was truly impressive and didn't disappoint at all. I absolutely love this kind of unique Japanese-style inn!
Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall
This music box specialty shop has branches in various locations such as Otaru, Hakodate, Furano, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Kyoto. Its main building, which is the main shop, was built in 1915 (Taisho 4) and is designated as a historic building by Otaru City, preserving the remnants of the good old days.
I've always had a thing for music boxes. If you love collecting them, you'll be super excited here!
Ama hut Satoumian
An ama hut is a setting where divers wash their gear after taking the day's catch to market and rest with friends while warming themselves after a long day of hard work fishing.
I used to think the life of ama divers was just something from TV dramas, but experiencing it here in person felt so real and almost unbelievable!
Gero Hot Springs (Gero Onsen)
The historic hot spring “Gero Onsen” is said to have been discovered in the Engi era (901-923) and the Tenryaku era (947-957). During the Edo period, a Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa family, Hayashi Razan, noted the hot spring as one of "the three famous springs in Japan," alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.
I brought my family to Gero Onsen for a relaxing getaway. We enjoyed the Japanese hot spring atmosphere and the delicious food. It was such a treat.