Hokkaido Things To Do

Otaru's famous music boxes
"Orgel" - Hokkaido

by vyxxyn

Seems like 1000s of varieties, ranging from US$5 to US$250 or so. From simple designs to elaborate custom-made designs/tunes, and from cheap metal to expensive lacquered tulip wood!

Address: Otaru

Directions: See my other tip titled "Otaru's famous music boxes - ORGEL"

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	Lavender fields (July-August season) Tip Rating:

By vyxxyn on July 13, 2005

Nakafurano Lavender Fields -
Hokkaido

by vyxxyn

One of the key attractions of Hokkaido in the summer months, is viewing lavender.

There are several farm locations in the Asahikawa area, though I would highly recommend "Nakafurano" over others like "Lavender Station" and "Furano". "Lavender Station is most central but trains getting there are irregular and only at certain times of the day. More trains go to "Nakafurano" which is therefore the most ideal location.

From Nakafurano Station, you can walk to farms located 10-15 minutes away. Large maps in English-Japanese of the area are erected in key locations you just cannot get lost!

Pictured here: Nakafurano Lavender Fields, 15 min walk from Station.

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	Otaru's famous music boxes - ORGEL Tip Rating:

By vyxxyn on July 13, 2005

Otaru's Music Box Shop - Orgel

by vyxxyn

Something that seems to delight Westerners, as these music boxes are getting rare and not normally available for sale outside Otaru!

Remember the name for these boxes is "ORGEL". I forgot and asked the locals for directions to this shop, using Japanese equivalent of the words "music box". It didn't work! It was after some lengthy explanation on what I meant, that struck familiarity into the minds of the locals.

Address: Quite far to walk from Otaru Station but if game:

Directions: As you exit from Otaru JR Station, walk up the road north to the end. You will come to a T-junction. Take a right and go straight down it. After 4 traffic-light junctions, you will see the building to your right.

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	Panoramic Akan-Ko Tip Rating:

Updated By naruto on December 16, 2004

Akan Ko

by naruto

Akan Ko, or Akan Lake is a volcanic lake found in the Akan National Park. Because the park has many hot springs and beautiful and panoramic views, it is a very popular destination for many Japanes who wants to be one with nature.

Akan Ko has a very special thing that can be found in its depth - marimo - furry green balls of algae. Museums in the vicinity are dedicated to marimo and you can buy marimo souvenirs in the many shops there.

During the summer, you can enjoy many activities such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking and biking. In the winter, you can see many people skiiing, using one of those snowmobiles, and indulging in many winter sports.

There are two other lakes, equally beautiful, in Akan National Park called Mashu-ko and Kussharo-ko. Although we did not manage to visit there.

My Akan-Ko Travelogue

Directions: Akanko is accessible only by bus. We took the bus from Kushiro Airport. Takes about an hour. Tokyo to Kushiro by plane is about one hour and 30 mins.

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	Jigokudani Valley at Noboribetsu Onsen Tip Rating:

Updated By naruto on December 16, 2004

Jigokudani Valley

by naruto

Noboribetsu Onsen is a well-known hot springs to many Japanese.

One of its best attraction is the Jigokudani Valley (Hell's Valley) where volcanic gases can be seen rising from the rocks of the valley. The smell of sulfur is strong but bearable. The water, if you drink it, is suppose to be good for your health. So we did. :)

My Noboribetsu Onsen Travelogue

Directions: Noboribetsu Onsen is served by the JR Muroran Honsen Line and takes 40 mins from Minami Chitose Station near Sapporo. Take a bus from Noboribetsu station to the onsen - 13 mins.

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	Romantic Otaru Tip Rating:

Updated By naruto on June 12, 2003

Otaru - the Canal

by naruto

Otaru is only 30 mins away from Sapporo and make a very nice day trip. It is a city surrounded on three sides by mountains and the fourth by the Ishikari Bay.
The canal and its retro architecture makes it a very charming city.

The stone and brick warehouses along the canal is a very popular photo spot for many visitors to the city. These warehouses now house shops, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. The canal is especially beautiful at night when oil lamps lining the cobblerstone streets will be lit lending it a very nostalgic and old-world feeling.

The JR Otaru Station Tourist Information is at JR Otaru station. Tel: 0134-29-1333
April-September : 9:00am-6:00pm
October - March : 9:00am-5:00pm

Directions: JR trains from Sapporo to Otaru takes about 30 mins.

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	Winter Wonderland - Sapporo's Snow Festival Tip Rating:

Updated By naruto on December 16, 2004

Sapporo's Snow Festival

by naruto

Sapporo's Snow Matsuri or Snow Festival is held annually every February along the city's Odori Park. This park is strategically located in the center of the city from east to west.

The festival is usually held about a week. Many snow carvings and beautiful ice statues are on display. Many countries take part. Famous monuments like China's Forbidden City and Britain's British Museum, anime characters like Hello Kitty had all made appearances......

This snow festival of high international standards is so popular that millions will visit Sapporo to attend this special event.

My Sapporo Travelogue

Address: Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Website: http://www.snowfes.com/english/place/index.html

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	Sounkyo Gorge Tip Rating:

Updated By naruto on December 18, 2004

Daizetsuzan National Park -
Sounkyo Gorge Onsen

by naruto

Sounkyo Gorge is situated in Daisetsuzan National Park. This gorge consists of many cliffs - 100 meters tall.

When we went, it was winter, so the gorge was frozen over. Sounkyo Gorge is best know for its many waterfalls, the two most popular ones are the "Ginga no Taki" (silver-river falls), and the "Ryuusei no Taki" (shooting-star falls), where it comes down thick and powerfully.
One spot called Obako is recommended by the hotel as a scenic spot to view the magnificent waterfalls.

You can see a postcard picture of these beautiful waterfalls in my Sounkyo Gorge travelogue.

My Sounkyo Gorge Travelogue

You can get to many of the scenic locations to view the gorge and its waterfalls by renting bikes or hiking.

Sounkyo is also a hot springs town.
In the summer, many people will visit for the hot springs and scenery.

Directions: Again, bus is the only way to Sounkyo. 110 mins by bus from JR Asahikawa station.

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	Japanese Lavender Tip Rating:

By vyxxyn on July 13, 2005

Japanese Lavender -
sweeter, less pungent.

by vyxxyn

Sweeter smelling and less pungent than Western varieties, the Japanese lavender is a must-see in the summer months starting 2nd week of July to end August. Best viewing areas are located in the East-central areas of Hokkaido, where the air is cooler and fresher.

Hokkaido Page by kielorla

Directions: Alight at Nakafurano JR Station and walk 10-15 mins.

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	Street at the hot spring resort -Noboribetsu Onsen Tip Rating:

By kielorla on July 28, 2004

Noboribetsu hot spring resort

by kielorla

After dinner, you can stroll along the street of the hot spring resort area. They have a few convenience stores which is 24hrs. Alot of souvenir stores selling local tibits and delights. And also there is a hell god temple, this hell god is the god tha over look and control the hell. Take note, the large hell god satute will change its face at exactly 8pm. So dun miss it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!