Lavender East

The largest lavender field in Japan is operated by Farm Tomita, with approximately 90,000 lavender plants on a 140,000㎡ site. It is open to the public only in July. The view from the observation deck in the center of the grounds is splendid. The lavender fields spread out below you, and you can see the […]

Shiroi Koibito Park: Chocolate Factory

A theme park for sweets operated by one of Hokkaido’s most famous sweets makers Ishiya Seika

Hello Kitty Happy Flight

This mini theme park is about catching a flight with the cabin attendant Hello Kitty and together flying all over the world on the Kitty Jet, visiting the Sanrio characters in different countries along the way. There is a shop and cafe too.

Senso-ji

The oldest temple in Tokyo.   Though the temple has the same characters as “Asakusa”, it is read “Senso-ji”, not “Asakusa-dera”. In the year 628, 2 fishermen (brothers), built Senso-ji to enshrine the the bodhisattva of mercy and salvation after going out to nearby Sumida River and catching a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon with […]

Abeno Harukas

Standing proud as the tallest skyscraper in Japan (300 m tall, so it’s not that impressive…the tallest structure in Japan, however, is Tokyo Skytree at 634 m.) On the top floor, presenting a grand view of Osaka roughly 300 meters high, (60 floors up) is the observation deck Harukas 300. Below, a department store stretching […]

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.

Hilton Niseko Village

This spacious, beautiful, and resort-like onsen facility is located in the large-scale luxury hotel, Hilton Niseko Village. The open-air baths offer an outstanding view of Mt. Yotei, the symbol of Niseko. It also faces a large pond with many colorful carp swimming in it, giving the baths a spacious feel. The water flowing directly from […]

Kottaro Marsh Observatory

This observatory is located at the northeastern edge of Kushiro Marsh on a small hill. Compared to other observatories in Kushiro Marsh, the view from this observatory is “inferior”. However, if you are lucky, you can see beautiful Japanese cranes. The nearby road is a narrow gravel road, so be careful when driving.

Munakata Taisha Okitsu-miya Yohaisho

A shrine built in the 18th century near the northern tip of Oshima to worship Okinoshima Island, which is off-limits to visitors. It stands in the middle of the slope facing the coast, with the magnificent ocean spread out below. On a clear day, Okinoshima Island can be clearly seen floating on the horizon. The […]

Carl Ojisan

“Carl Ojisan” is a simple, farmer-like bearded old man and the character that represents the “curl” snack. The sign was originally made by large food company Meiji Seika in 2008. On the hour, Kerota a frog comes out of his hat. Although once popular, in recent years the snack’s popularity has slumped and it is […]

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.

Seseki Hot Spring

This is an open-air bath with a wild atmosphere springs up on the edge of the waves on the beach and can only be bathed at low tide. *At high tide, the bathtub sinks into the sea. Soaking in the bathtub made of rocks will make you feel as if you are one with the […]

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. […]

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 […]

Mojiko Port

Mt. Hakodate

The view from Mt. Hakodate is simply magnificent; so much so that it received the highest accolade – 3 stars – from global travel guide book Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

A throng of red brick warehouse buildings made over 100 years ago face the bay.  Now, they exist as commercial complexes. Inside you will find around 40 shops, sweets vendors, and restaurants.

The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum

Former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch Museum of Finance Famous for designing Tokyo Station, Kingo Tatsuno was the man behind the plans for this building. Inside are contents relating to the history of “Wall Street of Northern Japan” and an exhibit of the work content when it was a branch of the Bank of Japan.