Hokkaido Things to Do

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Sounkyo: Water falls at Sounkyo Gorge

by idy

Mount Daisetsuzan is accented by dramatic columnar cliffs that are lined with picturesque waterfalls. Two in particular are worth stopping for - the Meteor Falls and the Milky Way Falls, which are conveniently located next to each other.In winter, the falls freeze in mid-flow, forming a silver slivers of ice across the rockface, like a fragile jewel curtain.If you have time, cross the road and follow the stairs up the opposite cliff and you may be rewarded with a great view!

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Noboribetsu: Get a whiff of Hell Valley

by idy

If you never attended science lessons in the lab and don't know what sulphur looks or smells like, you'll find out here!Hell Valley, or Jigokudani, is a sulphurous valley that is popular with visitors both local and foriegn. The air in the valley and the areas around it is heavy with the smell of sulphur, which visitors get used to after a while. The valley itself is bare and barren, save for a few patches of sad looking grass. You'll see that the orange and brown earth is covered in parts with a yellow substance - sulphur. You'll also notice that the earth, ponds and steams are emitting smoke or steam. In fact, if you observe carefully, you'll find that some of the stones on the wall next to you are steaming!Don't worry, visitors are not allowed to stroll upon the hot earth, but on conveniently constructed pathways. Visitors may also meet some eggs vendors - get a taste of hard-boiled...

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Best eating places in Sapporo

by vyxxyn

Sorry to say but the red light district near Susukino in South eastern Sapporo has really great tasting food to offer. City area marked by the strange looking clock monument. Ramen, Gengis-khan (sp?), Yakitori, Udon, to name a few cuisines.

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Otaru's famous music boxes - 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.

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Japanese Lavender

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.

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Getting to the Lavender Farms

by vyxxyn

As you emerge from the Nakafurano JR Station, take a right and you will see this bridge. Walk through it to get behind the station, and walk straight down that road. A map will be present as you emerge from the end of the bridge. A map is also present outside the Station before the bridge.

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Lavender fields (July-August season)

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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Eat Melons!

by vyxxyn

Melon season is around June-August, therefore prices of melons are competitively low. The Hokkaido variety is more tasty than melons from the rest of Japan so it will be good to try some. Melons from Hokkaido cost more in other parts of Japan. Melon-flavoured snacks are also available, like Melon ice-cream, Kit-Kat in Melon, Melon flavoured chews, etc.Pictured here are melons from a street market in Otaru, Hokkaido.

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Must-see destinations in Hokkaido

by vyxxyn

If you're travelling free and easy on a short trip in Hokkaido, here are the places you should get to, and are easily accessible by train: For sightseeing/adventure: Otaru - quaint old town with rich culture Nakafurano - Lavender (summer) and skiing (winter) Noboribetsu - Hot spring baths "on-sen" Hakodate - a self-contained islet between Hokkaido and Honshu peninsulas For shopping: Sapporo - busy city, heart of Hokkaido Shin-Sapporo - modern extention of Sapporo City, newer generation lifestyle. Teine - Pronounced "tay-neh", a shopping haven. Asahikawa - New industrialized city in mountainous zone of central Hokkaido. Otaru - Shopping and sightseeing. Preserved fish, fresh fruits cheaper than in Sapporo. Pictured here is the picturesque town of Otaru where very old buildings are juxtaposed with very modern ones. Indeed an experience not to be missed!

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Go to Mashuko

by KevinMichael

Lake Mashuko is probably THE most beautiful body of water in all of Japan. The downside of trying to see it is that it is often covered with fog or mist (to the point where you can't even see you're own hand right in front of you).The best times of year to visit Mashuko are said to be around October when there tends to be less mist.There are some funky green algea-like bobbing thingies you can buy in the gift shop and a million other things.The green things look like something from Dr. Seus and apparently come from the Lake down below.

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Fun things to do in Hokkaido

Top 3 Hotels in Hokkaido

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo  Sapporo

 1 Review and 369 Opinions

 Hotels in Sapporo

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel  Hakodate

 1 Review and 92 Opinions  Big, modern-ish hotel close to the railway station with friendly, efficient staff. The rooms are a... 

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Otaru Asari Classe Hotel  Otaru

 2 Reviews and 37 Opinions  This hotel is located about 30 min. by car from Otaru Station, though there is regular free shuttle... 

 Hotels in Otaru

794 Hotels in Hokkaido
 
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Reviews and photos of Hokkaido attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Hokkaido sightseeing.

Experience Hokkaido
Things to Do: Cities in Hokkaido
  1. Sapporo Things to Do
  2. Otaru Things to Do
  3. Hakodate Things to Do
  4. Noboribetsu Things to Do
  5. Hokkaido Things to Do
  6. Fuji Things to Do
  7. Kushiro Things to Do
  8. Kami-furano Things to Do
  9. Asahikawa Things to Do
  10. Nara Things to Do
  11. Abashiri Things to Do
  12. Takinoue Things to Do
  13. Naka-furano Things to Do
  14. Biei Things to Do
  15. Wakkanai Things to Do
  16. Sounkyo Things to Do
  17. Toya-ko Things to Do
  18. Muroran Things to Do
  19. Kitami Things to Do
  20. Obihiro Things to Do
  21. Nemuro Things to Do
  22. Toyako-onsemmachi Things to Do
  23. Shiraoi Things to Do
  24. Shikotsu-ko Things to Do
  25. Toya Things to Do
  26. Shiretoko Things to Do
  27. Misawa Things to Do
  28. Higashikawa Things to Do
  29. Fukushima Things to Do
  30. Rishiri-to Things to Do
  31. Otsu Things to Do
  32. Akan-ko Things to Do

More Cities in Hokkaido

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi, I'm a beginner very new to skiing and will be going hokkaido from Feb 8 to 13. Me and my boyfriend plan to go skiing but not... 

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A: While I haven't been skiing in Hokkaido before, I know there is a small ski hill near Sapporo city. Unfortunately, I forgot the name. Niseko isn't too far. Some people... 

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