Crepuscular rays, also called 'Jesus rays,' are a common sight at Lake Shikotsu. It's a freshwater lake in Chitose, Hokkaido, and part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It's actually the northernmost lake in Japan that doesn't freeze over.
It's so quiet and beautiful here—kind of like a grander, cleaner version of Sun Moon Lake. The wind on the lake can get strong depending on the season, but there are lots of little shops and dessert places around, perfect for a break. You have to try the cream puffs from Sweets shop PATISSIER LAB (Tarumae Mountain Cream Puff, 220 yen) and the cheesy potatoes—they're super delicious!
Shikotsu-Toya National Park | Review by Chin Wei Liu
Other Reviews by Chin Wei Liu
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Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
Japan's most beautiful castle: Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi Castle.
A must-visit spot during cherry blossom season!
If you're coming to Japan to see cherry blossoms, Himeji Castle in the Kansai area is the perfect choice for first-timers.
Kansai is rich in history and culture, and Japanese people have loved cherry blossoms since ancient times. Their love for sakura goes all the way back to the Nara period, as seen in the Manyoshu poetry collection, which has many references to cherry blossoms. You can really feel how much the Japanese cherish these flowers.
Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan feels like seeing hope and a new beginning—after all, they're the flowers of spring, and their arrival means spring is here.
Himeji Castle is in Hyogo Prefecture. While Hyogo might sound unfamiliar, most people know Kobe (yep, the place famous for steak!).
If it's your first visit, here are five places you can't miss:
1. Himeji Castle
2. Kobe Port
3. Kitano Ijinkan (the Starbucks here is a must!)
4. Mt. Maya night view
5. Arima Onsen -
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Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
The aquarium is centered around "Nixe Castle," which was built on the actual "Egeskov Castle" model in Denmark. About 400 species and 20,000 living things are on display. The entire interior of the beautiful brick castle is used as an aquarium.
A must-visit in Noboribetsu (NIXE Marine Park).
It's a great spot for both adults and kids. It's pretty rare to find a marine park like this in Hokkaido! There are lots of shows—the penguin parade is the main attraction here, and most visitors come just for that.
Finding food here might seem tricky, but don't worry! The park isn't huge, but it has everything you need. Most people go for the all-you-can-eat sukiyaki, but there are other restaurants and snacks (like ice cream) that I totally recommend!
(The photo shows the Ferris wheel that's only open for kids in summer—super cute!) -
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Lake Toya
There is no better attraction than the natural landscape of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. The area around a caldera lake, Lake Toya , and an active volcano, Mt.Usu, was designated as the Toya- Usu Unesco Global Geopark in UNESCO Global Geopark.
Lake Toya is a hot spring lake in Hokkaido that never freezes over. The island in the middle of the lake reminded me so much of a HERSHEY'S Kisses chocolate when I first saw it! Behind Lake Toya, there's Mt. Yotei, which looks a lot like Mt. Fuji (it's also called Ezo Fuji). There are tons of attractions around the lake:
1. The Usuzan Ropeway (cable car)
2. Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
3. In summer, you can take a cruise and watch fireworks at night; in winter, there's a starlight path
4. If you're traveling on your own, you can even try out beginner-level ski slopes here
Honestly, if you want to fully enjoy Lake Toya, even a three-day, two-night trip doesn't feel like enough! -
