Gina C's Reviews Page 1/6

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Observatories

When I came to Hakodate, what I looked forward to most was going up Mt. Hakodate to enjoy the captivating night view. As the ropeway slowly ascended, the city lights gradually came into view, and when I reached the summit, the scenery before me was even more stunning.
Looking down from above, the lights of Hakodate stretch along the narrow land, with sparkling coastlines on both sides, like stars scattered across the earth. Quietly admiring this brilliant scenery in the night breeze was both romantic and unforgettable, making it one of the most treasured memories of this trip to Hokkaido.

Susukino

Susukino is one of the most famous entertainment districts in Sapporo. Along with Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Nakasu in Fukuoka, Susukino is called one of the "three central entertainment districts in Japan.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Famous Places

When visiting Sapporo, Susukino is a place you shouldn't miss if you want to experience Hokkaido's nighttime atmosphere. After dark, the neon lights along the streets come on one by one, with tall buildings, signs, and passing crowds all coming together. The lively scene has a completely different feel from Sapporo during the day.

Walking through the streets, you can feel the city's vibrant energy. Restaurants, izakayas, and shops line the way, and the air is filled with the aromas of all kinds of food. Even just wandering around and taking in the street views lets you experience Sapporo's energetic side, adding a lively and unforgettable nighttime memory to a trip through Hokkaido.

Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University has a huge campus and an unconstrained space. A location of the ground is accessible on foot from the Sapporo station. The campus is open to the public for tours and walking as well as students or staff do.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Tourist Attractions

Hokkaido University is a comfortable and relaxing place. The spacious campus is lush with greenery. As you slowly stroll along the tree-lined paths, the tall trees and historic buildings on both sides complement each other, making you forget for a moment that you're in a bustling city.

The pace on campus is leisurely and peaceful. Occasionally, you can see students riding bicycles, which also gives you a sense of how nature and everyday life blend together in Sapporo. Walking around the campus without any particular itinerary makes it even easier to enjoy a rare moment of relaxation during the trip.

Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City

Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, is a popular zoo known for its behavioral exhibits, in which comfortable spaces are created for the animals' ecology and their natural behavior is brought out to be seen.

• Asahikawa and Sounkyo
• Zoos & Aquariums

Asahiyama Zoo was one of the stops I was really looking forward to on this trip. The best thing about the zoo is being able to observe the animals' natural, lively behavior up close. The penguins, polar bears, and seals in particular each have their own charm and are impossible to take your eyes off.

Visiting the zoo with children makes the trip even more enjoyable. Watching the penguins swim leisurely through the water and the seals glide around with ease, the children always stopped excitedly to watch.

The zoo is full of surprises at every turn. It's a place where both adults and children can have fun and make wonderful memories.

Ken ＆ Mary Tree

A poplar tree appears in a peaceful grassland in the hills of Biei-no-oka in Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido. Nicknamed the "Ken and Mary Tree," it is over 90 years old and became famous in 1972 when it was used in a commercial for Nissan's Skyline.

• Furano and Biei
• Nature Spots

We followed a day tour to Biei, Hokkaido, and the pastoral scenery along the way kept making us want to stop. We arrived at the Ken & Mary Tree, a towering poplar standing amid the vast hills. With endless fields and a deep blue sky, the view was simple yet very captivating.
Viewed from a distance, the straight tree and rolling fields create natural layers, and when a gentle breeze blows, the whole scene feels especially peaceful. There are no grand buildings, but it has the purity and openness unique to Biei, and it lets you experience the leisurely, comfortable pace of traveling through the Hokkaido countryside.

Sapporo Odori Park

Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo City. Surrounded by approximately 4,700 trees of 92 species, including lilacs and harunire (elms), as well as lawns and fountains for relaxation, the park is loved by tourists and citizens as a place to relax in the office district.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Parks & Gardens

When visiting Sapporo, Odori Park is a must-see attraction in the city center. The park stretches along the street, lined with trees and flowers on both sides. Set against the city buildings in the distance, it offers a relaxing and spacious view.
The afternoon sunlight filters through the greenery, and the gentle breeze makes you slow down and enjoy the leisurely pace of the trip. Along the way, I took in the cityscape, snapped some photos, and experienced the relaxed pace of local life.

Compared with bustling tourist attractions, Odori Park feels more natural and unhurried. Walking through it was comfortable and relaxing, making it one of my favorite stops on this trip to Hokkaido.

Soup Curry Garaku

Soup Curry Garaku has so many fans that when there is a waiting line, they give you a numbered ticket. This soup curry restaurant is very famous among locals.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Curry

When visiting Hokkaido, besides enjoying the beautiful scenery, you also shouldn't miss the local specialties.

This time I tried GARAKU soup curry. The rich, aromatic, spice-filled broth was very appetizing, with a smooth taste and plenty of depth. The toppings were also quite generous, with a colorful and appetizing combination of vegetables and meat. The vegetables retained their natural sweetness, while the meat was tender and even more delicious after soaking up the soup curry. Enjoyed with fluffy, distinct grains of white rice, the savory, slightly spicy flavor kept me coming back for bite after bite. It's a memorable Hokkaido dish.

Ningle Terrace

Located just a 2-minute walk from the "Shin Furano Prince Hotel" in Furano City, Hokkaido, this shopping area is nestled among the trees. "Ningle" refers to the 15cm tall "forest wisdom keepers" who live in the forests of Hokkaido, as featured in playwright So Kuramoto's play "Ningle." The enchanting forest, reminiscent of a fairy tale, houses 15 log cabins selling crafts inspired by nature.

• Furano and Biei
• Tourist Attractions

In Furano, Hokkaido, stepping into the fairy-tale-like Ningle Terrace felt like entering a little dream in the forest. The wooden cabins are tucked among the dense trees, each one charming and intricately designed. With the soft lighting, the entire forest feels even more mysterious and romantic.

Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, the fresh scent of the trees fills the air. Occasionally stopping to admire each distinctive cabin felt very soothing.

During the day, Ningle Terrace is peaceful and natural, while after the lights come on at night, it has a different kind of charm. It's an enchanting place in Hokkaido where you can slow down and take it all in.

Shirahige Falls

One of the iconic attractions of the Biei Shirogane Onsen area, Shirahige Falls lives up to its name as white streams cascade down a rugged cliff like a "white beard”, dropping approximately 30 meters into the Biei River. This waterfall is classified as a rare "subterranean stream waterfall" (senryu-baku), where water flows directly from cracks in the rock face.

• Furano and Biei
• Nature Spots

When visiting Biei, Hokkaido, besides the dreamy Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls is another attraction you shouldn't miss. Looking down from the bridge, the vivid blue water rushes down between the rock walls like a pure white ribbon. Set against the lush green forest, the scenery is very captivating.

Mist from the waterfall fills the air, bringing waves of coolness and making the hot summer day more comfortable. Standing above and quietly admiring the view, surrounded by the peace and freshness of the mountains and forest, made me want to stay a little longer.

The magnificent scenery of Shirahige Falls also became an unforgettable moment from this trip to Hokkaido.

Shirogane Blue Pond

The Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei is famous as the top tourist attraction in the area, captivating visitors with its vivid blue. This man-made pond unexpectedly formed when water accumulated behind a dam that was constructed to prevent volcanic mudflows from Mt. Tokachi. The surreal blue of the pond, combined with the surrounding lush nature and dead larch trees, creates an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale.

• Furano and Biei
• Nature Spots

When I came to Biei, Hokkaido, what I looked forward to most was seeing the dreamlike Blue Pond. Walking through the woods, I saw the clear, captivating blue-green water. When the sunlight shone down, it reflected the dead trees on the surface, making me feel as if I had stepped into a fairy tale.

Surrounded by woods, it was quiet and relaxing. When a gentle breeze blew, the scenery felt even more tranquil. Although there were quite a few visitors that day, I still couldn't help slowing down and quietly enjoying the natural beauty.

This visit to the Blue Pond not only left me with beautiful scenery, but also became an unforgettable stop on my trip to Hokkaido.