nature
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Sanriku Fukko National Park: Iwate’s Amazing Coastline
Sanriku Fukkō National Park was established after the 2011 tsunami destroyed many parts of the Tohoku region in Japan. Stretching from Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture to almost Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, this coast has some amazing geological features. From the coast, you can see almost a double coastline. At some point in the last 100,000…
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Kamaishi Dai-Kannon Temple: Giant Buddha overlooking Honshu’s Sanriku Coast
Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku is home to Kamaishi Dai-Kannon Temple, a giant Buddhist statue that overlooks Kamaishi harbour and the Sanriku coast. History and Architecture In the late 1960s, the Seikiouzenji Temple in Kamaishi commissioned this statue and a large temple. They commissioned this work from Kou Hawagawa, who created a 48.5-metre statue from concrete…
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Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck: A View of Ishikari Bay
If you are visiting Old Aoyama Villa and Otaru, you might as well drive a couple more minutes or take the bus a couple more stops to the Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. Not only is it close, but the views are worth it! Located near the Otaru Aquarium and Shukutsu Marine Land, two of Otaru’s…
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Nemuro Peninsula: a day trip
One of my goals while in Japan is to visit the extreme points. On the Nemuro Peninsula lies Cape Nosappu, Japan’s easternmost point. Here is a sample itinerary for visiting this spot as well. Where to stay If you don’t have much free time on your trip and have decided not to hire/rent a car,…
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Cape Tachimachi: Looking at Honshu from Hokkaido
Located in the southernmost point of Hakodate, Cape Tachimachi is an excellent place to look over the bay to Honshu, Japan’s main (and largest) island. The name “Cape Tachimachi” has an interesting origin. The original name in Ainu means “the place where you stand and wait to hunt fish”. The Japanese have shorted meaning this…
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Hoppogensei Flower Garden: Horses and Hokkaido Flowers
Near Japan’s easternmost point on the Nemuro Peninsula lies Hoppogensei Flower Garden. I recently visited it during my trip around the peninsula. Hoppogensei Flower Garden is a relatively untouched area of land that features two things: horses and plants native to Hokkaido. In Japanese, “Hoppo” means northern, precisely what you will find here. While many…
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Oronko Rock: Overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk
Situated on at the edge of the town of Shari on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Oronko Rock sits overlooking the harbour. In fact you even have to go through an opening in a rock to get to the Aurora Cruise, which goes to the northeasternmost point in Japan. Oronko Rock sits very close to the town…
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Furetoi Observation Deck: Over the Okhotsk Coast and Shiretoko Peninsula
Just down the road from Koshimizu Genseikaen lies the Furetoi Observation Deck. As the name suggests, here you are able to observe something: Japan’s Okhotsk Coast and the nearby Shiretoko peninsula. Without further ado, please feast your eyes on these sights: Side note, the mascot for this area is a seal because this is where…
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Farm Tomita: Hokkaido in Bloom
When you hear the name Hokkaido, what do you think of? Milk? Cheese? Ice cream? Vegetables? Skiing? Mountains? Snow? Do you think of the summer flowers? If you want to go somewhere where there are fields upon fields of blooms in summer, look no farther than Farm Tomita in Nakafurano. Farm Tomita: A Working Flower…
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Tanbo Art Rice Field in Asahikawa, Japan
If you are ever in Asahikawa (Hokkaido, Japan) and want to see something interesting, slightly to the north is an art installation that changes every year. Rather than using the medium of clay, stone, paints or other traditional artistic matierls, JA Taisetsu has created a field where rice is the medium of choice. The Tanbo…
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Aurora Cruise: Cruising to Japan’s Northeasternmost Point
Shiretoko peninsula, home to the Shiretoko UNESCO Natural Heritage site, is Japan’s northeasternmost point. There are no roads or other ways to get there, so the only way to see that is by taking the Aurora Cruise from Utoro. Getting a ticket at the Aurora Cruise Ticket Office Aurora Cruises is a tour company that…
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Shiretoko Goko: Hokkaido’s UNESCO Natural Heritage Lakes
Shiretoko (from the native Ainu siretok meaning “end of the Earth”) is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site located on Hokkaido’s northeasternmost peninsula. Not only does it have one of the richest, most integrated ecosystems in the world (especially the interplay between marine and alpine terrestrial ecology), not only is this the southernmost place in the…
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Hokkaido University Botanic Garden: Sapporo’s Green Sanctuary
The Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, situated in the city of Sapporo, offers a tranquil retreat for those interested in nature and botany. Established in 1886, Hokkaido University Botanic Garden is the second-oldest botanical garden in Japan and the oldest in the “modern” style. This garden provides an opportunity to escape the city’s hustle and explore…
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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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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…
