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!
Lake Toya | 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 Akan
Lake Akan is Hokkaido's fifth largest freshwater lake and is known as a habitat for marimo moss balls. Marimo moss balls can be found in freshwater lakes all over the world, but the ones in Lake Akan have international significance due to their beautiful spherical shape with a diameter of more than 15 cm.
Lake Akan in winter is amazing! I always tell people that for a honeymoon, you should pick a snowy country to really feel that 'growing old together' vibe. Hokkaido's Lake Akan is a great choice!
Here are ten things you can do in Kushiro and Lake Akan during winter:
1. Hot springs
2. Snowshoeing in Kushiro Wetlands
3. Ride the Kushiro Wetlands SL Winter Train
4. Try 'Katte Don' (DIY seafood bowl)
5. Ice skating
6. Snowmobiling
7. See beautiful red-crowned cranes
8. Ski at Utara near Lake Akan
There's so much more!
The most fun is ice fishing for wakasagi (smelt) on the lake. If you don't catch any, the shop will even give you a plate of fried wakasagi to try! -
