I visited Makomanai Park in the fall! This spacious, beautiful, and pleasant park is less than 10 kilometers from central Sapporo and very easy to reach.
It was just past mid-October, and the park was filled with layer upon layer of autumn foliage, with brilliant red and golden leaves competing for attention. It was breathtaking!
I sat quietly alone among the red maple leaves, listening to the birds sing. The woodpeckers were busy, the squirrels were agile, and the stag seemed a little flustered...
All of this actually made me forget about my next stop, and I couldn't bring myself to leave for a long time...!
Hokkaido Makomanai Park | Review by 蘇自強
Other Reviews by 蘇自強
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Sapporo TV Tower
Built in 1956 on Nishi 1-chome, the starting point of Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower is well known to locals and tourists alike as a landmark of Sapporo that has witnessed the city's development since its completion.
After arriving in Sapporo from New Chitose Airport, all I knew was that my hotel was next to Odori Park. I had no idea where exactly it was.
Dragging my heavy luggage, I came out of the subway station and was immediately captivated by the red maple leaves in front of me. I dropped my luggage and started taking pictures. A Japan Post driver quickly ran over and anxiously asked, “What’s wrong with my truck?” I hurriedly explained, “There’s nothing wrong with your truck—the maple leaves are the problem!”
He laughed as he got back in his truck and drove away. I kept taking picture after picture after picture.
Only then did I remember my luggage and that I still had to find my hotel...! -
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Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden)
Meiji Jingu Gaien, the outer park of Meiji Shrine, was established in 1926. It features the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and various sports facilities, such as the Meiji Jingu Stadium, where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons.
How could you not go when you can find such a golden autumn scene right in Tokyo?
I knew this popular spot would be packed once fall arrived, so I headed out early.
When I got there first thing in the morning, I was rewarded with a relatively peaceful golden avenue! I don't know who made the “ginkgo bouquet” and left it here, but it made the autumn scene look even more romantic! -
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Mount Yotei
In the southern Shiribeshi Region, Mt. Yotei stands 1898m above sea level. Its beautiful cone shape like Mt. Fuji’s has brought the name Ezo Fuji since ancient times. Located at the western edge of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the perfectly cone-shaped figure is counted in Japan’s 100 best mountains and serves as a symbol of the Niseko Area itself.
“A Hair-Raising Trip to Mount Yotei”
I had long dreamed of visiting Mount Yotei, and this fall I finally made the trip.
I took the train alone from Sapporo to Kutchan, only to realize I was in trouble because I would have to wait a long time for the bus that passes Mount Yotei. I had no choice but to take the only taxi in front of the station.
Before long, Mount Yotei appeared right in front of me. I pulled out my phone and started snapping photos like crazy, and the driver immediately rolled down the window so I could take as many as I wanted.
When we arrived at Fukidashi Park, I asked him to come back at noon and take me to the train station, and he returned right on time. On the way back, he suddenly turned toward Mount Yotei and sped down a farm road! I panicked! This was a completely different road from the one we had taken earlier! A “beautiful woman” all alone, I started thinking through emergency plans... Then he suddenly said, “There’s an unobstructed view up ahead on the left. It’s the best place to photograph Mount Yotei. I’ll let you get out and take all the time you want!” At that point, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! I had misunderstood him!
The driver’s name was Otaka. If you happen to see him in front of the train station, please thank him again for me! -
