Abashiri Prison Museum

The open-air history museum opened in 1983. Used as a prison for felons since 1880, the historical buildings of the Abashiri Prison were sequentially moved to the current location or newly reconstructed. Visitors can learn about prison life and the harsh labor of prisoners at that time, as well as the history of Hokkaido’s pioneering […]

Former British Consulate of Hakodate

Established as the British Consulate of Hakodate from 1859 to 1934. Today, the rooms of the consulate serve as exhibits re-creating what it was like during operation, as well as the history of Hakodate Port. A charming tea room can be found in the former consulate too.

Mojiko Port

Asakura Akizuki Museum

This is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of this area (Akizuki, Asakura City). The armor, swords, and guns of the Akizuki and Kuroda families are worth seeing. Paintings and ceramics are also on display.

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple was first founded in 806 by Kobo Daishi (774-835)—the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, a form of esoteric Buddhism—and a very famous high priest in Japan. It it also the first temple he founded. It houses the Fukuoka Daibutsu, the largest wooden seated statue of Shaka Nyorai in Japan. Made from […]

Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle was built by Tadaoki Hosokawa (1563-1646), an influential warlord, over a period of seven years from 1602, and is a symbol of Kitakyushu. Unfortunately, the castle was completely destroyed by fire in 1837 and 1866, but was finally rebuilt in 1959. On the castle grounds are a zone where visitors can learn about […]

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. […]

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. […]

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 […]

Nezu Shrine

This venerable shrine is said to have been founded by Yamato Takeru (72-114), a legendary hero in ancient Japanese history, and has a history of more than 1,900 years. It is one of the ten shrines of Tokyo and often appears in period dramas on Japanese television. The shrine pavilion, built in 1706, is the […]

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 […]

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 […]

Sapporo Beer Garden

Lake Toya Pleasure Boat

A 50 min cruise on large boats such as the “Espoir” — designed to look like an old castle from the Middle Ages. The natural scenery of the lake and mountains seen from the ship is wonderful and healing. The boat cruises around the four islands, and visitors can disembark and go for a walk […]

Kyushu National Museum

One of only four national museums in Japan. (The others are located in Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto.) Based on the concept of “understanding the formation of Japanese culture from an Asian historical perspective,” the museum introduces the history of cultural exchange with other Asian regions in five easy-to-understand themes. The museum’s greatest feature is that […]