WANG's Reviews Page 1/12

I drove to the Silo Observatory in October, and the view here was incredibly expansive. The entire surface of Lake Toya and the islands in the middle were all visible at a glance. When you take photos next to the large “TOYA” sign, the spectacular lake and mountains are right behind you. You can also occasionally see sightseeing helicopters flying overhead, which makes for a magnificent sight.

After leaving the observatory, it was only a short drive to nearby Lake Hill Farm. There’s a vast green lawn here, with beautiful Mt. Yotei visible in the distance. There were even cute little white sheep grazing with their heads down, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.

The farm’s ice cream shop is in a small wooden building surrounded by autumn trees, giving it a warm, country feel. I ordered a rich soft-serve ice cream and slowly enjoyed it outside while taking in the expansive scenery. It was the perfect way to relax and enjoy a slower pace.

We boarded the white Lake Toya sightseeing boat and set off. The boat slowly pulled away from the pier, leaving a long trail of white spray across the deep blue lake. Standing on the deck in the cool breeze and watching the lakeshore scenery surrounded by fall colors slowly pass by felt so relaxing.

After the boat reached Nakajima in the middle of the lake, we went ashore and walked along the Nakajima National Forest trail in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The trees had already turned golden yellow and orange-red, with their tall trunks stretching straight up toward the sky, and flocks of birds often flew overhead. Walking along the path covered in fallen leaves, it was so quiet that all I could hear were my footsteps, and my whole pace slowed down.

On the way back, I stood on the top deck and watched the sun gradually set. Golden light spread across the shimmering surface of the lake, and the distant mountains looked especially soft. This relaxing trip of enjoying the scenery from the boat and walking around the island let me fully take in the views of the lake.

Lake Toya in October is perfect for renting a car and taking a leisurely drive, enjoying a slower pace without the pressure of rushing through an itinerary. Along the lakeside road, the trees on both sides are painted in rich golden yellow and vivid orange-red fall colors. Everywhere you stop, there’s a view that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Toward evening, the sun gradually begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the entire lake and the distant mountains. Sitting by the lake and watching the sun slowly go down, with the orange-red sky reflected on the shimmering water, it’s so quiet that all you can hear is the wind and the rippling water. It instantly puts your mind at ease.

After dark, the highlight is Lake Toya’s famous fireworks show over the lake. There’s no need to squeeze through crowds. You can simply sit in your room at an onsen hotel or soak in an open-air bath, relaxing while looking up at the brilliant fireworks blooming across the night sky. The colorful sparks reflected on the dark lake create an unforgettable scene.

Staying at an onsen hotel by the lake, enjoying a relaxing soak and a good meal, and leisurely spending time at a slower pace in Hokkaido is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

At the cable car station for Noboribetsu Bear Park, getting ready to head up the mountain, we were completely surrounded by forests showing signs of fall and thick clouds. The whole atmosphere made it feel like we were about to explore deep into the mountains.

As the cable car slowly climbed, the mountains below were all dyed golden yellow and orange-red. The higher we went, the more expansive the distant mountain views became. The magnificent scenery of being surrounded by mountains was truly beautiful.

After reaching the park at the summit, we immediately saw a large group of brown bears of different sizes walking around the enclosure. Sometimes they would even stand upright on two legs and strike all kinds of funny poses to beg visitors for food. Seeing these huge animals up close felt incredibly immersive. Whether watching their sweet, goofy faces through the glass or seeing them play around the wooden structures and pool, it was both surprising and fun.

Standing by the ropeway station getting ready to head up the mountain, I was already surrounded by autumn leaves turning red and cool air. As the ropeway slowly climbed, the forest below looked like a huge colorful carpet spread out beneath my feet. As we went higher, Otaru Port and the blue sea in the distance came fully into view, and the scenery opened up tremendously.

After reaching the summit, you can first take a walk around the small and charming Tenguyama Shrine. Fallen leaves completely covered the ground around the rustic torii gate, making a rustling sound underfoot, while the area had a very quiet and mysterious atmosphere.

Finally, I walked to the outdoor observation deck, where the densely packed houses of downtown Otaru and the beautiful curves of the harbor stretched out before me. Standing there and looking at the scenery below really makes you want to stop and stay for a long time, and before you know it, your mind begins to feel calm too.

Looking out from the bridge over the Otaru Canal, the calm water reflected the grayish-white clouds and the distant mountains tinged with fall colors. Along both banks were historic red-brick warehouses, their walls covered in vines turning red, giving the area a strong old-town atmosphere.

Strolling slowly along the canal, feeling the slightly chilly breeze, and taking in the retro buildings and relaxed pace made me feel more relaxed too. I also ordered a dessert nearby, served in half a fresh melon and topped with rich soft-serve ice cream. The sweet, juicy melon paired with the smooth, creamy ice cream was incredibly satisfying.

However, the wind along the canal gets quite cold after a while, and the chill cuts right through your coat. If you're walking outside or eating ice cream, make sure to wear a thick coat and stay warm so you don't end up shivering.

As soon as you walk into Odori Park, you can see the red Sapporo TV Tower standing tall against the blue sky and white clouds. It also has a brightly lit digital clock displaying the time, making it very distinctive. At this time of year, the leaves on the trees around the park have turned yellow and orange-red. With the red tower and blue sky, it looks good no matter how you photograph it.

Watching people come and go while taking a walk felt pretty relaxing. The area is very open, and there are also plenty of places nearby to explore at a leisurely pace. It's a great place to spend an afternoon walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the laid-back pace of downtown Sapporo.

However, the autumn wind is really quite cold. If you stay outside for too long, you'll be shivering nonstop. Be sure to wear a thick coat to stay warm so the cold doesn't become unbearable.

Strolling along Hokkaido University's famous ginkgo avenue, the tall, lush ginkgo trees on both sides glow a dazzling golden yellow in the autumn sunlight. The entire tree-lined avenue seems to be wrapped in a brilliant golden tunnel, creating a magnificent view so beautiful it takes your breath away.

Looking up, the translucent golden fan-shaped leaves complement the clear blue sky. When a gentle breeze blows, the fallen leaves dance gracefully through the air, while the path underfoot is already covered with a thick, soft carpet of yellow leaves that rustles with every step. Tourists from all over and students out for a walk gather around, taking out their phones to capture this once-a-year scenery. The air is filled with a lively and joyful autumn atmosphere.

However, late autumn in Hokkaido is quite cold, and the chilly wind blows straight up your sleeves, making you shiver. Be sure to wear a thick coat and stay warm while walking around and taking photos, so you can fully enjoy the stunning, dreamlike beauty of this golden avenue despite the cold.

Passing beneath the towering torii gate, I walked along the gravel-covered approach, surrounded by tall green trees and treetops just beginning to take on their fall colors. Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow, while the air was filled with the cool, refreshing scent of the forest.

After passing through the intricately crafted wooden gate adorned with a massive straw shimenawa rope, the view suddenly opened up. Beneath the clear blue sky, the magnificent main shrine looked especially solemn and majestic. The delicate gold decorations along the eaves complemented the pure white curtains, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere.

As I strolled through the clean, spacious shrine grounds, the only sounds were the rustling of the treetops in the wind and the occasional footsteps. In this setting, my mind naturally became completely still.

Overall, this is a place of worship with a rich history and a quiet, peaceful beauty. Whether you want to admire traditional Japanese shrine architecture or enjoy a tranquil atmosphere away from the noise of the city, it is well worth slowing down and taking the time to visit.

At the entrance plaza of Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, the autumn sunlight fell across the stone pavement covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees turning yellow and crisp, refreshing air.

As I strolled between the different exhibits, I saw kangaroos relaxing on the sand in the sun, came face-to-face with giraffes across the fence, and even spotted an imposing male lion sitting firmly atop a large rock.

The highlights were definitely the polar bear and seal exhibits. Not only could I see polar bears walking beside the rocky pool up close, but through the underwater glass tunnel, I could also watch spotted seals swimming gracefully through the clear water and adorably poking their heads out.

The indoor exhibits also had meerkats standing upright and looking around curiously. The entire zoo felt lively and soothing.

Overall, it’s a zoo with a rich variety of wildlife and a very comfortable atmosphere for strolling around. If you have the chance to visit Sapporo, it’s well worth making time to stop by.