黃國棟's Reviews

The magnificent scenery created by the interweaving of Shakotan Blue and sheer cliffs is truly unforgettable at first sight! On this visit to Ogonzaki Cape, the snow-covered mountains and deep blue sea complemented each other, making the whole scene look like a painting.

Near the entrance to the observation deck, there is a place in front of the municipal office that resembles a visitor information center, where you can get some information first. There was quite a bit of snow on the path in winter, but previous visitors had made a narrow trail, so I was able to walk up slowly even in sneakers.

When I finally reached the viewpoint, the scenery before me was truly breathtaking! The snow-covered mountains, blue sea, and white snow blended together so beautifully that I didn't want to leave. This trip was really worth it. Thank you, nature, for this beautiful winter scenery!

This time, I specifically planned my itinerary around seeing the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, and it definitely didn't disappoint! As one of the “world's three major snow festivals,” the entire event is filled with huge sculptures made of snow and ice, creating a very magical and lively atmosphere.

Besides the spectacular snow sculptures, there are also plenty of attractions to enjoy. Adults and children alike can have a great time, playing until they're completely worn out.

There's no need to worry when you get tired, either. The venue is very well organized, with plenty of tables and chairs for resting, as well as many food stalls nearby where you can eat and recharge.

Overall, the event is really well planned. If it's your first winter trip to Hokkaido, I highly recommend adding the Sapporo Snow Festival to your itinerary!

What impressed me most when I arrived at Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido was the vast winter scenery before me. Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, surrounded by mountains, and its rich natural landscape feels especially magnificent.

I visited in winter this time, when the lake was covered in a layer of ice and snow and the distant mountaintops were also blanketed in white. Combined with the deep blue sky, clouds, and mist, the whole scene had a quiet, magical beauty. Looking out over the lake from a high vantage point, the view was incredibly expansive, and I couldn't stop taking photos. Lake Kussharo in winter is less lively but more pristine. It's definitely worth seeing for yourself!

If you're visiting Hokkaido in winter, I really recommend adding the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival to your itinerary! It's one of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals, held every winter at Sounkyo Onsen. The roughly 10,000-square-meter snow and ice venue is built on the riverbed of the Ishikari River.

There are ice sculptures and ice huts of all shapes and sizes. With the colorful lights, the entire icy world looks incredibly magical, and at night it's so beautiful you won't want to leave. Besides admiring the ice sculptures, you can play on the ice slide or rent a tube and have fun sliding on the snow.

There are also fireworks at 8:00 p.m., which look especially romantic against the snow and ice. Although it was absolutely freezing, the beautiful scenery made it completely worth it! You really have to experience the charm of winter in Hokkaido for yourself.

If you're visiting Hokkaido in winter, I definitely recommend trying a snowmobile at least once! Wonderland Sapporo offers plenty of outdoor activities in both summer and winter, but winter is especially full of snowy charm.

This time I tried the snowmobile activity, and it was so much fun! Racing through the deep snow was thrilling, and the atmosphere was great, with excited laughter everywhere. Besides the activity itself being a lot of fun, the snowy Hokkaido scenery along the way was so beautiful I didn't want to leave.

The snow was clean and white, and everything was surrounded by a silvery-white landscape. Every photo looked like a postcard. Even if you don't join an activity, you can take a leisurely walk, admire the snowy scenery, and enjoy the tranquility of being surrounded by nature.

If you're looking for a place where you can play in the snow, take beautiful photos, and experience the charm of winter in Hokkaido, Wonderland Sapporo is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

Lake Furen is one of Nemuro's ten scenic spots and a famous wintering ground in Japan for whooper swans. Large numbers of swans gather here every winter, so when I visited in the fall, I saw many swans on the lake. It truly felt like “Swan Lake.”

On this return visit, the winter scenery before me was completely different. The vast lake was covered in snow and ice, and the surrounding area was blanketed in thick white snow. Although the swans I saw in the fall were gone, the landscape had a serene and magnificent winter atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the snow was too deep to walk to the lakeshore this time, but there is an observation deck near the roadside rest area where you can look down over Lake Furen. If I get the chance next time, I'd like to climb up and see the lake from a different angle.

When visiting Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! Located west of Chitose, about a one-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the lake has crystal-clear water and is surrounded by forests, mountains, and volcanic scenery. The whole environment is very relaxing and perfect for slowing down and taking in nature.

Lake Shikotsu is also Japan's northernmost ice-free lake, so you can still enjoy the lake and mountain views in winter. There are also hot springs nearby, so it's no wonder it has become a popular resort destination around Sapporo and Chitose.

The much-anticipated winter Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is usually held from late January to mid-February. The dreamlike ice sculptures made with natural water from Lake Shikotsu are truly beautiful! Unfortunately, the timing of this visit didn't work out, so I couldn't see the Ice Festival in person. I could only stroll around the lakeshore, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery, which was a different kind of travel experience.

The scenery looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. On my first visit to Märchen Hill, I was captivated by the vast, dreamy landscape. We stopped by while driving, and there is a small designated area where you can sit, rest, enjoy the view, and take photos.

The grounds are expansive, with different scenery and beauty in every season. Winter is especially stunning. Once the ground is covered in snow, the entire landscape looks like a fairy tale, so beautiful it hardly seems real.

About 10–15 minutes is enough time to take photos and check in. If you happen to stop at the Roadside Station Memanbetsu, I highly recommend making a quick detour here. It’s only about a 2-minute drive away. Although you won’t stay long, it’s a Hokkaido view well worth remembering.