Kobe Harborland
Kobe Harborland, lined with multiple large scale multi-facility complexes, is the name of the area by the coast covering approximately 18.5 Hectares. One of the commercial complexes, “Kobe Brick Warehouse, HARBOR STORES”, was originally a cargo warehouse built in the late 1890s.
這裡集合異國美食、大型購物商場和遊樂園，非常熱鬧。柔柔的音樂、七彩霓虹閃閃爍爍、海風輕輕吹拂⋯⋯到處都是歡樂的人。
Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village
This theme park is based on the open set used for the film "Twenty-Four Eyes," which depicts the interaction between a female teacher and her twelve students. Set along the coastline with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, the 10,000-square-meter site recreates a small village from the Taisho and early Showa periods.
Walking into Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village feels like stepping into a time tunnel.
The movie is set in early Showa-era Japan, so the village recreates Showa-period homes and a wooden schoolhouse, and being able to experience them in person is really fun. The houses from the film have now been turned into little shops, exhibition spaces, and restaurants. I even happened to see a cat napping in front of one of the shops—so cute.
At Café Movie Club, they recreate the school lunch that elementary students used to eat back then. It was wonderful to enjoy the meal while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere.
National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the only national park in Hokkaido. 400 hectares (988 acres) of premises are divided into four zones - colorful flower gardens, a large playground, three waterfalls and a forest for hiking.
Visiting this national park, you get wide-open views as well as beautifully designed flower gardens, with little surprises everywhere.
Walking the nature trails and breathing in the fresh forest air, then strolling through gardens filled with floral fragrance, lets you experience the charm of Hokkaido’s nature again and again.
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.
A must-visit at night on any trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido: Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It stretches across seven blocks and runs nearly 1 kilometer, packed with popular shops for drugstore items, great food, and souvenirs. It’s also connected to the underground shopping area, making it one of Sapporo’s hottest shopping spots. Definitely worth taking your time and shopping to your heart’s content.
Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs)
A historical hot spring resort located in Minami-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, also known as the inner city of the large Sapporo metropolis. It has been designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park for more than 150 years since the hot spring opened. The hot spring resort extends along the riverbanks carved by the Shirai River and the Toyohira River.
Jozankei Onsen, near Sapporo, is a well-known hot spring town in Hokkaido, often called Sapporo’s backyard retreat. It’s famous for the beautiful Toyohira River gorge scenery. Staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an authentic sulfur hot spring bath is highly recommended.
As you stroll through the hot spring town, you’ll spot cute kappa everywhere, along with lots of kappa-themed souvenirs and keepsakes.
You can also enjoy water activities. Even beginners who can’t swim can easily have fun paddling, getting close to the water and the forest while surrounded by lush green mountains and clear streams—it’s such a joyful experience!
After night falls, listen to the sound of the stream under the soft lights, and in the dreamy glow, you might just have an unexpected encounter with a kappa.
Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.
Mt. Tengu is located on the outskirts of Otaru. After taking the ropeway up, you can enjoy one of Hokkaido’s top three night views.
The mountain was pleasantly cool and lush with greenery, and the beautiful scenery stretched out before us. No wonder movies like Love Letter and First Love were filmed here.
I hope I can visit again next time. Going up in the evening would probably let us stay until the city lights start to glow...
Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.
Otaru’s shopping street has more than just famous sweets and souvenir shops like LeTAO, Rokkatei, and Kitakaro. There are also glass shops and music box stores where you can really feel the art and culture.
Walking around the streets of Otaru and checking out all the well-known shops, you’re bound to come across a souvenir or keepsake you’ll fall in love with at first sight.
Since it was a holiday, there was a long line at the kerosene lamp café, so I took a photo by the sign as a little souvenir of my visit.
Otaru Canal
Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.
The Otaru Canal flows gently, like an old man slowly telling stories of its once lively and prosperous past. The stone warehouses lining both banks stand as witnesses to those abundant, thriving days.
Standing on the stone bridge, watching the calm water and the crowds of visitors, it feels as if everyone is traveling through time together and experiencing the glory of that era.
Otaru Aquarium
About 20 minutes by bus or sightseeing boat from JR Otaru Station, the aquarium showcases approximately 250 species and 5,000 marine organisms, primarily from Hokkaido and polar regions.
When you visit Otaru Aquarium, you can buy a ticket and head inside to explore. In addition to the many displays of marine life, there’s also a dolphin show. After watching the dolphins’ clever performance, you can walk over to the seaside park. With the clear sky and the deep blue Sea of Japan, it feels incredibly refreshing.
Shikisai-no-Oka
Shikisai-no-Oka is a cherished flower park destination seated in the scenic hills of Biei, Hokkaido. From spring to autumn, dozens of flower varieties blossom vividly, blanketing the hillsides with a brocade of hues. Peak season between June and September brings a natural stripe of colors, with blooming lavender, salvia, marigold, and cockscomb lined up as if almost painted in by a brush.
Shikisai-no-Oka in Hokkaido is a must-visit spot in Biei. The colorful flower fields are absolutely stunning!
With so many flowers in bloom, all competing in beauty, visitors walking through the patchwork-like fields look like tiny flower fairies. Just remember to follow the rules and not step into the flower beds.
You can also ride the park cart, a cute vehicle converted from a tractor. The driver will briefly stop at great photo spots so everyone can take pictures and capture beautiful memories.
On the first floor of the visitor center, there’s a souvenir shop, and on the second floor, a restaurant. If you sit by the window, you can enjoy a distant view of the flower fields. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing, and it’s definitely worth visiting again.