Category: Japan

  • Lake Abashiri: A Haven for Hikers and Birdwatchers

    Lake Abashiri: A Haven for Hikers and Birdwatchers

    Nestled in the captivating landscape of eastern Hokkaido’s Okhotsk subprefecture, Lake Abashiri offers an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts. This stunning lake, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic beauty, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking tranquillity and adventure. Renowned for its hiking and birdwatching trails, Lake Abashiri promises a delightful experience for both seasoned…

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  • Dormy Inn (Abashiri, Japan): Reviewed

    Dormy Inn (Abashiri, Japan): Reviewed

    About Dormy Inn Dormy Inn is a chain onsen hotel found across Japan. While it describes itself as a business hotel (no doubt to attract Japanese businessmen travelling for work), it is unlike other “business hotels”. Dormy Inn focuses on the natural hot springs that each Dormy Inn has and the services that come with…

  • Tokiwa Park: Exploring the Serenity of Asahikawa’s Green Oasis

    Tokiwa Park: Exploring the Serenity of Asahikawa’s Green Oasis

    Nestled in the heart of Asahikawa, Tokiwa Park offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This beautiful park, known for its lush greenery and serene ambience, is a favourite spot for locals and visitors seeking peace amidst the hustle and bustle of Hokkaido’s northernmost city. My video above captures the essence of…

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  • Japanese Farmland: Exploring the Bounty of Hokkaido

    Japanese Farmland: Exploring the Bounty of Hokkaido

    In mid-July, the Japanese farmland (especially in Hokkaido) comes alive with vibrant colours and the promise of abundant harvests. As a travel writer exploring this picturesque region, I recently had the pleasure of walking through some fertile fields of eastern Hokkaido, capturing the essence of its agricultural bounty in the video above. This area is…

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  • Nakafurano Hokuseiyama Lavender Fields: A Wave of Purple

    Nakafurano Hokuseiyama Lavender Fields: A Wave of Purple

    Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, the Nakafurano Hokuseiyama Lavender Fields are a breathtaking spectacle of natural beauty. These vibrant fields, awash with the deep purple hues of blooming lavender, have become a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts and travellers alike. The lavender fields are not only a feast for the eyes but also offer…

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  • Moyoro Shell Mound Museum: Unveiling History in Abashiri

    Moyoro Shell Mound Museum: Unveiling History in Abashiri

    Abashiri, a coastal city in Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Among its many attractions, the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum stands out as a fascinating window into the ancient past of this region. Dedicated to the history and culture of the Moyoro people, an ancient indigenous group, the…

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  • Train Journey from Furano to Asahikawa

    Train Journey from Furano to Asahikawa

    Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is well-known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and tranquil rural towns. The most famous festival in the winter is in Sapporo, where giant and complex ice sculptures are carved and displayed in the city centre. However in summer, Hokkaido is a great destination due to all the flowers, which all…

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  • Panorama Road: Discover the Scenic Beauty Kamifurano (Japan)

    Panorama Road: Discover the Scenic Beauty Kamifurano (Japan)

    Lying between Daisetsuzan National Park and Yubari-sanchi mountain ranges, the Furano basin is known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant flower fields. In Kamifurano lies the “Panorama Road”, a scenic drive that offers panoramic views of rolling hills, lush farmlands, and the majestic Tokachi mountain range. This picturesque road draws nature lovers and photographers from…

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  • Asahiyama Miura Garden: Information and Grand Re-Opening

    Asahiyama Miura Garden: Information and Grand Re-Opening

    Nestled along Asahikawa Zoo, Miura Garden stands as a testament to the beauty and tranquillity of traditional Japanese landscaping. On 6 July 2024, the garden welcomed visitors for a special occasion—the grand re-opening after extensive renovations. This event was even more significant as it marked the 10th anniversary of Miura Garden’s transition to a public…

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  • Hiking in Sapporo: Maruyama Park to Mt Moiwa

    Hiking in Sapporo: Maruyama Park to Mt Moiwa

    Are you interested in hiking in Sapporo while you are visiting the city? Fortunately, nature is very close to the city. Here is a hike that I did from Maruyama Park to Mt Moiwa via the summit of Maruyama Mountain and Arashiyama Memorial Park. Video log: Hiking in Sapporo Starting point: Maruyama Park Getting to…

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  • Sapporo Beer Museum: A Journey Through Japan’s Beer Brewing Heritage

    Sapporo Beer Museum: A Journey Through Japan’s Beer Brewing Heritage

    Slightly to the east of JR Sapporo Station in Sapporo, Hokkaido, the Sapporo Beer Museum displays Hokkaido’s beer brewing history and the legacy of one of its most iconic beer brands. As the only museum in the country dedicated solely to beer, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the origins and evolution…

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  • Otaru Canal: A Journey Through Hokkaido’s Historic Waterway

    Otaru Canal: A Journey Through Hokkaido’s Historic Waterway

    Nestled in the heart of Otaru, a charming port city on Hokkaido’s western coast, lies a testament to Japan’s industrial past and its present-day allure. Otaru Canal, once a bustling hub for shipping coal and marine products during the late 19th century, has evolved into a picturesque landmark beloved by locals and visitors alike. Today,…

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  • Sapporo’s Odori Park: A Green Oasis in the Metropolis

    Sapporo’s Odori Park: A Green Oasis in the Metropolis

    Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, Sapporo, lies Odori Park, a sprawling green oasis that serves as a central gathering place for both locals and visitors. Think expansive lawns, meticulously maintained flower beds, and a lively atmosphere that pulsates year-round. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll amidst blooming cherry trees in spring or…

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  • Hotel Osakaya: A Review (Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan)

    Hotel Osakaya: A Review (Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan)

    About Hotel Osakaya Hotel Osakaya is an older, independent business hotel in downtown Aizu-Wakamatsu in the historic and shopping areas. Hotel Osakaya is a three-star hotel with a lobby and reception on the ground floor and a restaurant on the second floor. The upper three floors are comprised of single, double and triple rooms. Hotel…

  • Residence Hotel Hakata 19: Apartment Hotel Style in Tenjin, Fukuoka (Japan)

    Residence Hotel Hakata 19: Apartment Hotel Style in Tenjin, Fukuoka (Japan)

    About Residence Hotel Hakata 19 Location Gallery About the Apartment The good The bad Response to my review What I did while there Verdict About Residence Hotel Hakata 19 Residence Hotel Hakata 19 is an unmanned hotel run by Leading Property Management (LPM) near Tenjin in Fukuoka, Japan. It is part of an accommodation portfolio…