Ming Yu's Reviews Page 1/17

At Mt. Hakodate Observatory, recognized as one of the world's three great night views, you can look out over one of Japan's most iconic and dazzling nightscapes. The city lights sparkle like stars across the bay, framed by two sweeping arcs of coastline, creating a breathtaking and incredibly romantic view! Take the ropeway to the summit, and as the sky gradually darkens and the city lights come on, the glittering, jewel-box-like night view is mesmerizing. This is undoubtedly a dreamy landmark at the heart of any independent trip to Hakodate, Hokkaido, and absolutely cannot be missed. Arrive early to secure the best viewing spot and capture this million-dollar night view that everyone should witness in person at least once in their lifetime!

At a craft shop in Otaru, Hokkaido, there's an exquisite display case dedicated to “Lucky Owls (幸せを呼ぶ ふくろうコーナー),” with shelves full of all kinds of carefully crafted owl ornaments made from glass and other materials! In Japanese culture, the word for owl, “ふくろう (fukurou),” sounds like phrases meaning “no hardship” and “good fortune comes,” symbolizing wealth, blessings, safety, and good luck. From crystal-clear designs to colorful vintage glass carvings, every owl looks lifelike and incredibly cute. While strolling through Otaru and experiencing the charm of its glasswork (硝子), I highly recommend choosing an adorable owl figurine as a lucky souvenir or gift, leaving you with warm and fortunate memories of your trip!

At Lake Toya, Hokkaido's renowned hot spring resort destination, stand in front of the vintage wooden “Lake Toya WELCOME” sign by the lakeside path and take in the broad, calm blue lake and the layers of mountains in the distance! Each season has its own distinctive scenery. Walking along the lakeside path, admiring the artwork in the sculpture park, or taking a sightseeing cruise around the lake can all completely relax your body and mind. At night, there's also a spectacular fireworks show over the lake. Whether you stay at a hot spring hotel to soak and enjoy the view or simply come for a walk and photos, this is a dreamy scenic spot that shouldn't be missed on an independent trip to Hokkaido!

At Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, a hugely popular family attraction in Hokkaido, the most anticipated event is the star performance, the “Penguin Parade”! Watching a group of penguins waddle across the grass up close is truly adorable and heartwarming. Staff members kindly guide visitors from both sides, allowing everyone to closely observe the penguins' irresistibly cute movements and expressive faces. The park is themed around a romantic Nordic castle aquarium. In addition to the exciting penguin parade, there are dolphin and sea lion shows, making it a fun, dreamy attraction that absolutely shouldn't be missed on an independent trip to Noboribetsu, Hokkaido!

At Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the most famous central attraction in Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido, stand in front of the wooden landmark at the observation deck bearing the words “のぼりべつ温泉地獄谷.” Behind it is the breathtaking sight of a volcanic valley filled with billowing white steam and surging geothermal activity! As you walk along the wooden boardwalk, the air is filled with a strong sulfur smell, while white steam continuously rises from cracks in the red, yellow, and white rocks, as if you've entered a mysterious world of hell. This is also the main hot spring source for Noboribetsu's major hot spring hotels, and it displays completely different, magnificent natural scenery in every season. It's definitely Noboribetsu's number one iconic photo spot and shouldn't be missed on an independent trip to Hokkaido!

When staying at this famous hot spring hotel in Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido, you'll see a distinctive display as soon as you enter or while walking through the halls. It features a model of the hotel building in the center, flanked by playful and adorable red and blue ogre figures, fully reflecting Noboribetsu Jigokudani's rich demon culture! The hotel is not only famous for having one of Japan's largest open-air public baths and a wide variety of hot spring waters, but its interior decor and small details are also thoughtfully designed and charming. Whether taking commemorative photos or experiencing the uniquely cheerful atmosphere of Noboribetsu's hot spring town, this is a highly recommended and memorable place to stay when visiting Noboribetsu!

At Enma-do, located in the famous hot spring town of Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, you'll see a towering seated statue of King Enma as soon as you enter, filled with the area's rich demon culture! It's best known for the scheduled mechanical puppet performance called “Judgment of Hell.” During the show, the originally gentle and kindly King Enma suddenly changes his expression, transforming into a stern, furious red-faced Enma accompanied by dramatic sound effects and changing lights, attracting many visitors who stop to watch. After exploring Gokuraku Shopping Street, stopping by Enma-do to take photos, watch the show, and draw a distinctive fortune is definitely a fun and unique local experience that shouldn't be missed during a trip to Noboribetsu Onsen!

At Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall (小樽オルゴール堂本館), located at Otaru's popular Marchen Crossroads, step inside the historic wooden building with its high ceiling and you'll immediately be surrounded by warm lighting and a dazzling array of music boxes! In the center of the display area is a photo spot decorated with nautical elements such as a ship's wheel and anchor, while various sparkling crystal and glass music boxes with beautiful tones are displayed below. Lovely melodies drift throughout the building, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Whether you're choosing a one-of-a-kind souvenir or simply strolling around and appreciating the beauty of music and craftsmanship, this is a highly recommended attraction and photo spot on an independent trip to Otaru!

At Gin no Kane Building No. 2 (銀の鐘2号館), a famous long-established landmark in Otaru, Hokkaido, this European-style vintage red-brick building gives off a strong sense of nostalgia! The most classic experience here is enjoying rich coffee or tea with delicious desserts at the café on the second floor. Best of all, after paying, you can take the exquisite souvenir coffee cup home with you. The elegant exterior is perfect for photos, and there are also vintage decorations by the entrance. While strolling around Otaru's Marchen Crossroads, I highly recommend stopping here for a break and enjoying a leisurely, memorable afternoon tea!

We visited the extremely popular sweets shop Kitakaro near the Otaru Canal. The stone exterior has a strong historic, retro charm! Not only is this a top place to buy Hokkaido souvenirs, but its signature products, such as Hokkaido Kaitaku Okaki rice crackers, the rich and soft Fairy's Forest baumkuchen, and cream puffs bursting with filling, are also delicacies you shouldn't miss. While strolling through the streets of Otaru, stepping into this confectionery shop converted from an old warehouse and enjoying some delicious sweets is definitely the happiest dessert experience you can have on a self-guided trip to Otaru!