Sapporo Clock Tower

The clock tower was initially built in 1878 to serve as the military drill hall for Hokkaido University.

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 […]

Tsutenkaku

Tsutenkaku is the symbol of Shinsekai, and it is even called the “Eiffel Tower of Naniwa (Osaka)” – likely an over-exaggeration. It was built in 1912 but deconstructed in 1943 after experiencing a fire, and rebuilt in 1956 with a great increase in height from 64 meters to 103 meters. The 5th floor is known […]

Asahiyama Zoo

It is one of the most popular zoos in Japan, with approximately 1.4 million annual visitors. Encompassing the 152,000m2 zoo are over 110 species of 650 different kinds of animals, but there aren’t any “superstar” or rare animals like pandas (although there are red pandas here). And while there are animals from Hokkaido, there is […]

The Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace – residence and palace of the Emperor – holds all sorts of official events; the Imperial Household Agency is located on Imperial Palace grounds too. If you include the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, a total of 2.3 million sq m of flush greenery sits in the middle of Tokyo, […]

Shiretoko Sightseeing Boat “Aurora”

This is cruise takes passengers on a large ferry to the west coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, where precipitous cliffs continue. There are two courses: Secret ground Shiretoko Cape route Departs from Utoro Port and returns to Shiretoko Cape in 3 hours and 45 minutes (operates from June–September) Kamuiwakka Waterfall Route Returns to Kamuiwakka Waterfall […]

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tokyo

An indoor attraction for kids, the facility has over 3 million Lego blocks. Adults alone cannot enter. Build all kinds of stuff in themed classrooms, build a Lego race car, play shooting games or enjoy 4D cinema, all kinds of attractions and large models for families to enjoy.

Motomachi Park

A park – full of verdant greenery stylistically similar to a garden – which also offers an unobstructed view of Hakodate harbor. The building that stands on the site is the former Hokkaido Prefectural Office, built over 100 years ago.

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Having won several international competitions, the Yoichi Distillery is the origin of the now famous Nikka Whisky brand. Participate in a FREE tour of the distillery process, with 2 kinds of whisky tasting! If you prefer to go along with a guide, you have to make online reservations 3–5 days in advance.

Lake Notoro

Lake Notoro – a massive saltwater lake spanning 580,000m2 connected to the Sea of Okhotsk – is home to primeval flowers along the lakeside, famous especially for the infinite sea of red from the Salicornia europaea (also known as Sangocho) in autumn. Mid- to late-September is the best time to visit, when the deep red […]

Mojiko Port

Nakijin Castle Ruin

黒門市場

Yuyake Dandan

The staircase at the entrance (east side) of Yanaka Ginza shopping street is called Yuyake Dandan. It is located on a small hill, so on a clear day, you can see the beautiful sunset and the orange-colored city below. Although it is an ordinary place, it has a nostalgic atmosphere and is often used as […]

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Because the strip is about 2.6 kilometers long, walking its total length will take approximately 40 minutes. Weekends will be especially crowded, so it will take longer. If you’re short on time, then just walk around 5 chome. The characteristics of each chome are as follows. 3 to 6 chome are generally very lively.  Most […]

Tsubetsu Pass Observation Facility

Tsubetsu Pass is the highest of the four passes around Lake Kussharo, at 947 meters above sea level. It offers a 360-degree panorama with an unobstructed view of Lake Kussharo below, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Mountain Range, and Daisetsuzan. If your timing is right, be sure to see the sea of clouds and […]

Hakodate St. John’s Church

An Anglican Church built in 1874. The church had burned down several times due to fire; the current church you see now was built in 1979. What’s interesting is from wherever you look you see a cross.

Kushida Shrine

The shrine is widely known and beloved by Fukuoka citizens as “Okushida-san”, the chief guardian of the city of Hakata. The shrine is also the site of Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a summer festival famous throughout Japan, and Hakata Okunchi, an autumn festival. Located near the southern entrance to the Kamikawabata shopping street, the shrine is […]

Fukugi Tree Road

Kanno Farm

The flower fields spread on a hill along Hanabito Kaido Road (Route 237), 2 km west of JR Bibaushi Station. More than 30 kinds of flowers, mainly lavender, are in full bloom from mid-June to mid-October Vivid flowers cover the entire hillside, and from the roadside you can look up to see the flower garden. […]