Lake Akan Ainu Kotan

In a corner of the Lake Akan hot spring resort, there is the Ainu Village, the largest Ainu village in Japan, where about 30 houses and 120 people live. The Ainu Theater Ikoro (where Ainu dances are performed), two museums introducing the culture, souvenir stores selling wood carving goods, and restaurants that serve Ainu local […]

Shirogane Blue Pond

The pond’s crystal blue appearance, as though something had melted in the water, and the decayed larch surrounding it gives the pond a mysterious aura yet awesome vibe. The blue pond suddenly rose to international fame when it was once selected as one of Apple computer’s wallpaper. Now, this pond is by no means old. […]

Kinryu Ramen “Kinryu”

The green dragon sticking through the red wall is very lifelike and looks as if it could move at any moment. Put in place in 1992. The sign itself could almost be considered an elaborate art piece due to its intricate details.   Size Approx. 6m in length  

Asahikawa Ramen Village

8 ramen shops representing Asahikawa are gathered together under one roof in the corner of a shopping center. Each ramen shop serves half-sizes or mini versions so you can compare between them.

Shirahige Waterfall

The water gushing out and falling 30 meters comes from Mt. Tokachi’s underground water. If you want a great view of it all, head over to “Blue River Bridge”, the bridge standing over Biei River. In winter, the splashes of water and steam magically create silver frost on the trees, depicting a fantasy-like wonder. And, […]

CLUB Ammona

Large atriums, spiral staircases gives a high-class impression and creates the feeling of being in an “adult playing space.” Weekends are usually crowded.Go around the dance floor and the loft in a figure-eight pattern is the standard way to party.You will often see celebrities and secret guests appear at events held here. Genres : EDM, […]

Kushiro Marshland Norokko Train

This special sightseeing trolley train departs from and arrives at JR Kushiro Station once or twice a day from late April to early May and from late May to mid-October. From the leisurely train ride from Kushiro Station to Toro Station, roughly 50 min., one can enjoy the breathtaking views of Kushiro Marsh from the […]

Kani Doraku Crab

Found above the entrance to crab restaurant Kani Doraku Dotonbori is a large model crab, the arms and eyes move and the body is large, giving a striking impression. It is rumored that if made into crab stew there would be enough to feed 16,000 people. Originally made in 1962, the sign has been remade […]

Annupuri

Comprised of a broad range of beginner to intermediate courses and gentle slopes, it is located on the westernmost side of Niseko United. There are 13 courses in total and less crowded than other ski resorts, so beginners can ski without worry.

Mount Io

Mount Io is a 512-meter-high active volcano located between Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo. Its other name is Atosanupuri, meaning “naked mountain” in Ainu. In the past, it was used as a mine to extract sulfur. With the blue sky in the background, the plumes of smoke and the sound of gurgling are quite impressive. […]

Hanazono Resort

There are eight courses, but since there are two beginner courses and one advanced course, we’ll call it a ski resort mainly targeting intermediate skiers. But because the resort faces northeast it doesn’t get much sunlight, and the slopes are always in good condition. Also, it is directly connected to the Park Hyatt, a top-class […]

THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO

A comprehensive store of Gundam plastic models. The encompassing 2,000 m2 of space is divided into ‘Shop’, ‘Builder’s’, ‘Factory’, and ‘Event’; an absolutely wonderful space for Gundam fans. Conversely, if you’re not into Gundam, it’s a place with no meaning.

Nakijin Castle Ruin

Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa

Bathe in a variety of baths at this luxury hotel. The open–air bath overlooking Lake Toya offers a great view and a sense of freedom. It’s like an infinity pool, where the surface of Lake Toya and the surface of the bath seem to merge into one. The large indoor bath is like a “semi–open–air […]

Izumi Tenku no Yu at Haneda

羽田エアポートガーデンの12階にある温浴施設「泉天空の湯」では、地下約1500mから汲み上げた本物の温泉や、サウナ、岩盤浴などを楽しむことが出来る。 そして屋外の浴場からは行き交う飛行機や富士山などを眺めることができる点は素晴らしい。 ただ、料金が東京にある同じような温浴施設の2倍もかかり、さらに油断していると、深夜1時〜5時までは追加で4,000円もかかってしまうので要注意だ。

Hakodate Orthodox Church

Built in 1860, the Hakodate Orthodox Church was the first Russian Orthodox Church in Japan. Its white walls and green roof contrast beautifully. It’s also famous for its booming bell chime before service.

Genroku Sushi

Near the shop there is a hand holding sushi prominently sticking out from a wall, originally installed in 2010. The type of sushi being held is red-fleshed (lean) tuna. Size 2.4m tall, 2.4 wide  

Lake Mashu Observatory No.1

There are three observatories on Lake Mashu, but this one is the most popular and famous. Located at the top of Lake Mashu’s outer rim at an elevation of about 520 meters, the observatory offers a panoramic view of the deep blue waters of Lake Mashu, Mt. Oakandake, the Kushiro plains, the Pacific Ocean and […]

Goryōkaku Park

If you look at Fort Goryokaku from right above, you’ll see it is shaped like a pentagram. It is the first western style castle and where the last samurais fought the new government army 150 years ago. Today it exists as a park. It’s open from 5am and entrance is free (too generous)! When spring […]