楊雅雯's Reviews Page 5/13

Mito Castle

The ruins sit on a plain 90m above the ground. The castle was inhabited by the Mito Nanbu Clan from the late Muromachi period to the early Edo period. In the Edo period, the Morioka became the main residence in this heavily fortified castle, which explains the time period.

• Aomori
• Tourist Attractions

Mito Castle is the former residence of the Nanbu clan in northern Oshu. Today, only historical ruins and a replica castle tower remain. Admission is just JPY 220, and there are many historical artifacts on display, including real armor. Although the building is somewhat old and even a little damp, the view from the top floor is quite nice. There are very few tourists here, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace for those who enjoy Japanese history and lesser-known attractions.

Tsutanuma Pond

At the eastern foothills of the South Hakkoda area in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, a dense natural beech forest spreads out. Here you’ll find seven ponds-Tsuta-numa, Kagami-numa, Suga-numa, Naga-numa, Tsuki-numa, Hyotan-numa, and Aka-numa-collectively known as the Tsuta Seven Ponds. The largest is Tsutanuma Pond. With a circumference of Approx. 1 km and an area of 6 hectares, Tsuta-numa is home to fish such as kokanee salmon, carp, and char, which you may spot swimming in its waters.

• Aomori
• Nature Spots

It’s no exaggeration to say that Tsutanuma Pond ranks among the most memorable places I’ve ever visited.

Be sure to set your navigation to "Tsuta Onsen Hotel," since searching for "Tsutanuma Pond" directly may not bring it up. You can park in the hotel’s free parking lot, then follow the signs and walk about 10 minutes to reach the pond.

As you walk into the forest, the trees are so dense that you can barely see the sky, and the whole trail feels like an adventure through a hidden place. The path is made of PU material, so it feels soft and comfortable underfoot. If you take a leisurely walk and stop for photos, it won’t take too long to finish.

The weather was perfect that day, and with the sunlight streaming through the trees, Tsutanuma Pond was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I’ve heard it’s even more magical when the maple leaves turn red in fall. I’d really like to come back if I get the chance.

Suirennuma Pond

Located along National Route 103 - known as the Hakkōda-Towada Gold Line - which connects Aomori City and Lake Towada, Suirennuma Pond is a wetlands pond situated between Sukayu Onsen and Yachi Onsen. Although not visible from the roadside, it can be reached by following a walking path for about two minutes from the highway, where numerous ponds of varying sizes are scattered throughout the area.

• Aomori
• Nature Spots

After visiting Tsutanuma Pond, we happened to see a sign for Suirennuma Pond on the way to Sukayu Onsen and decided on the spot to park and walk in for a look. We kept seeing warnings about bears along the way, and with almost no one around, the walk was honestly a little nerve-racking.

It didn’t take long to reach the observation deck, with the Hakkoda Mountains right in front of us. The weather was great that day, and the Asian skunk cabbages blooming in the marsh were quite beautiful. The bamboo groves rustling in the wind made it feel like a secluded, hidden place.

We were worried about running into a bear, so we left quickly after taking photos. I later found out that the fall foliage here is even more spectacular. I’d really like to come back if I get the chance!

Takayama Inari Shrine

Takayama Inari is the major shrine in Aomori with blessings of good harvest, safety in the voyage and business prosperity. The founding is unclear, but a wealthy family ruling this area in Kamakura through Muromachi Periods is said to have built this shrine.

• Aomori
• Shrines & Temples

Takayama Inari Shrine is famous for its spectacular Senbon Torii. Although it’s relatively inconvenient to get to, if you’re not driving, you’ll need to take a bus and then walk for about 40 minutes, or take a taxi for about 5 minutes. But it’s definitely worth making a special trip! The vermilion torii gates stretch on and on, creating a dreamlike scene, and during cherry blossom season, they’re incredibly beautiful. Even if you visit outside the flowering season, it’s still impressive, and there are relatively few international tourists, so you can leisurely enjoy the tranquility and beautiful scenery.

Cape Tappi (Tappizaki)

A scenic cape at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, jutting into the Tsugaru Strait and offering breathtaking panoramic views. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Tsugaru Strait, and Mutsu Bay on three sides, it gets strong sea winds and is also known as the “Cape of Wind.” At the tip stands the Tappizaki Lighthouse, a symbol of the Tsugaru Strait, and on clear days you can see as far as Hokkaido’s Matsumae Peninsula and Mt. Hakodate across the strait.

• Aomori
• Nature Spots

Cape Tappi is at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, and from the cape, you can gaze out over the vast Tsugaru Strait. This time, I took the JR and Resort Asunaro trains from Aomori Station and arrived in about two hours. The scenery kept changing along the way, and the clear weather made the journey even better! At Kanita Station, I was also lucky enough to see the Train Suite Shiki-shima returning from Hokkaido. This unexpected little surprise made the trip even more memorable.

Cape Kamui

Located within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, this cape stretches out from the northwestern part of the Shakotan Peninsula into the Sea of Japan. It's approximately 770 meters from the parking lot to the tip of the cape, with a scenic 20-minute walk along a trail that has some ups and downs. The natural beauty of the surrounding area and the clear, azure waters known as "Shakotan Blue" make the journey truly breathtaking. At the tip of the cape, you can find the Kamui Rock and the Cape Kamui Lighthouse, offering a 300-degree rounded horizon view.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Nature Spots

Finally made it to Cape Kamui, a place I've always wanted to visit! The cape is surrounded by the crystal-clear azure sea known as “Shakotan Blue,” and the scenery was truly breathtaking. That day, the sky was blue with white clouds and plenty of sunshine, so every photo looked like a postcard. Although there were quite a few visitors around noon, the trail was gentle and easy to walk, though the sea breeze was extremely strong. There are also mysterious legends along the way, making the trip even more interesting. Seeing this deep blue sea with my own eyes was truly worth it!

Tanaka Sake Brewing Main Store

Established in 1899 (Meiji 32) at its current location, this sake brewery follows a unique style called "Shiki Jikomi," which involves brewing sake year-round rather than the typical cold-weather "Kan Jikomi" method. Taking advantage of Otaru's cool climate, the brewery produces sake throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly pressed "Nama-zake" even during the hot summer months.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Experiences Facilities

Otaru is really perfect for strolling around and exploring at a leisurely pace. This time, I visited Tanaka Sake Brewing. The century-old brewery has so much character, with its wooden architecture and strong traditional Japanese atmosphere. You can sample sake and plum wine inside, and Chinese-language service is also available, making it easy to browse. It doesn't feel overly commercial; instead, it has a simple, warm quality. If you like Japan's historic streets and long-established shops, I highly recommend stopping by while you're in Otaru to experience a taste of old Hokkaido.

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.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Observatories

If you're visiting Otaru, I really recommend planning a trip to Mt. Tengu!
Take Bus No. 9 from bus stop No. 4 at Otaru Station, ride it all the way to the last stop, and then take the ropeway up the mountain.
There weren't too many visitors before noon, so there was almost no wait for the ropeway. As it climbed, we watched the scenery through the windows. Once we reached the summit, we had sweeping views of downtown Otaru, the harbor, and the endless sea. The scenery was really beautiful!
Mt. Tengu also has plenty of fun attractions in summer. Besides enjoying the scenery, you can visit the chipmunk park. Admission is free, and you can buy food to feed them for JPY 300.
The speed at which the chipmunks devour sunflower seeds is honestly ridiculous. As soon as you have the food in your hand, it's gone in an instant, giving you no chance to feed them slowly. Watching them eat up close is unbelievably cute and so soothing!
If you visit Otaru, Mt. Tengu is definitely worth adding to your itinerary〜
You can enjoy the ocean views, ride the ropeway, and feed the chipmunks during the day. The whole outing is relaxing and fun!

Former British Consulate of Hakodate

The Former British Consulate was established when Hakodate port opened as an international port in 1859. Following several fires and rebuildings, the current building completed in 1913 opens to the public as the Opening-Port Memorial Hall.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Museums

It's about a 1-minute walk from Motomachi Park, on the right side of Motoi-zaka Slope heading toward Hakodate Port. This consulate experienced two fires and was later rebuilt during the Showa era. It is now a Tangible Cultural Property of Hakodate City.
I originally expected the consulate to feel like a very formal government building, but up close, it actually looked more like a large European-style estate. There are double gates at the front, and a simple landscaped garden in the courtyard, giving the whole place a distinctive look. What caught my attention most was the roof. It uses traditional Japanese roof tiles paired with a blue-and-white color scheme, which unexpectedly gives it a Mediterranean feel and makes it very different from the typical image of an old Japanese building.
We stopped here briefly to take some photos, then continued walking toward the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse〜As you stroll through Hakodate's Motomachi area, every building has its own character, making it a nice place to explore and take photos along the way.

Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku, a Western-style fortress, was built in 1866 and served as the political capital of Hokkaido until the new Meiji government took over. It later became a popular tourist attraction after it was opened to the public as "Goryokaku Park" in 1914 and was designated as a national special historic site.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Parks & Gardens

Goryokaku was once an important political and military stronghold, but today it is a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Hakodate. The most distinctive feature is that, from above, you can see the entire five-pointed star-shaped fort, which is truly unique. Cherry trees are planted all around the fort. Just imagine the entire Goryokaku surrounded by a sea of pink blossoms when they are in full bloom—it must be incredibly beautiful!
There were no cherry blossoms during this visit, but the star-shaped fort alone was still very distinctive. If you're in Hakodate during cherry blossom season, this place is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
There is an additional fee to visit the indoor observation facility, but from up high, you can get a clearer view of Goryokaku's complete star shape.