Shirakawa-go (Historic Village) | Review by 周黛西

National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the only national park in Hokkaido. 400 hectares (988 acres) of premises are divided into four zones - colorful flower gardens, a large playground, three waterfalls and a forest for hiking.

• Sapporo
• Parks & Gardens

Visiting this national park, you get wide-open views as well as beautifully designed flower gardens, with little surprises everywhere.
Walking the nature trails and breathing in the fresh forest air, then strolling through gardens filled with floral fragrance, lets you experience the charm of Hokkaido’s nature again and again.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.

• Sapporo
• Shopping Streets

A must-visit at night on any trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido: Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It stretches across seven blocks and runs nearly 1 kilometer, packed with popular shops for drugstore items, great food, and souvenirs. It’s also connected to the underground shopping area, making it one of Sapporo’s hottest shopping spots. Definitely worth taking your time and shopping to your heart’s content.

Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs)

A historical hot spring resort located in Minami-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, also known as the inner city of the large Sapporo metropolis. It has been designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park for more than 150 years since the hot spring opened. The hot spring resort extends along the riverbanks carved by the Shirai River and the Toyohira River.

• Sapporo
• Famous Places

Jozankei Onsen, near Sapporo, is a well-known hot spring town in Hokkaido, often called Sapporo’s backyard retreat. It’s famous for the beautiful Toyohira River gorge scenery. Staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an authentic sulfur hot spring bath is highly recommended.

As you stroll through the hot spring town, you’ll spot cute kappa everywhere, along with lots of kappa-themed souvenirs and keepsakes.

You can also enjoy water activities. Even beginners who can’t swim can easily have fun paddling, getting close to the water and the forest while surrounded by lush green mountains and clear streams—it’s such a joyful experience!

After night falls, listen to the sound of the stream under the soft lights, and in the dreamy glow, you might just have an unexpected encounter with a kappa.