Places You Can’t Miss in Hokkaido This June vol. 2 – HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The cat bus found at a famous location known for its view

Have you seen the Studio Ghibli anime My Neighbour Totoro? This masterpiece which is something from Japan known across the world has something called  cat bus which makes an appearance in the anime, if you visit Totoro Touge Car Park then you can see the “real” thing!
The bus was once used as a rest station for farmers, but was given a Totoro-Esque paintwork and stationed in Totoro Touge which has a name similar to that of the animation. With a Totoro Touge Bus Stop and Cat Bus Timetable also displayed at the location, it is a spot full of amazing photo opportunities for fans. Furthermore, the park itself is also famous for its sunset and night-time sceneries. Gaze onto the large cityscape and see an anime-like night sky filled with stars, it wouldn’t be too far fetched to say this is one of Fukagawa city’s top 3 specialties.

Kunimi, Otoe-cho, Fukagawa-shi, Hokkaido
*Closed from the middle of November to the middle of April
20 minutes walk from JR Kawayuonsen Station
https://www.kitasorachi.com/

Japanese sweets & tea time at Hakodate

A Cafe made from a Meiji era remodeled storehouse Teahouse Hishii, found close to the terminal for Mount Hakodate Ropeway.
This cafe has black outer walls and both a Japanese and European atmosphere, within the store which seems to hold much history in Hakodate, you can find items such as anmitsu, Parfaits, and green tea which guide its customers into the world of Japanese confectionery. After immersing yourself in the good old-fashioned cafe world atmosphere surrounded by antique furniture, find kimonos and retro goods at the neighboring store Furukimono Nadonado. If you’re someone who prefers sweet things rather than alcohol, we’re sure you would enjoy spending time here drinking delicious tea and doing some treasure hunting.

9-4 Horai-ch, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
11 am – 6 pm
2 minutes walk from Hakodate City Tram Horai-cho Station
http://hishii.info/

A view only can be seen by those who can wake up early

The “Sea of clouds terrace,” a location where great crowds of people wake up very early in the morning to gaze out onto the natural phenomenon known as the Sea of clouds where many clouds gather and flow forward.
An institution and terrace that offers 9 different ways to enjoy yourself, from mountain climbing to enjoying the views, they even offer services to enjoy drinks. At Tomamu, during the correct season, there is a 40% chance that the phenomenon will occur, for people who want to guarantee they get to see the phenomenon, it’s best to check the Hoshino Resorts Tomamu website for the latest sea of clouds information. Even if you don’t get to see the sea of clouds, if the weather is clear then you can still see a green grass-covered plain meaning you can be satisfied either way!

Tomamu Hoshino Resorts, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido
11th May – 14th October, 5 am – 7 am (The last gondola ride going up)- 8 am (The last gondola ride going down)
*Depending on climate and weather conditions, the gondola may not be in service.
*Open hours may change based on the time of year.
*Based on melting snow there is a chance that part of the institution may not be in use.
10 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Tomamu Station
https://www.snowtomamu.jp/summer/unkai/

Head to Noboribetsu to solve the mystery of the demon fireworks

At Noboribetsu Onsen, which is one of Hokkaido’s many Onsen, there is the word of a Demon Firework Tradition where fireworks are launched into the air to bring both sound health and good fortune.
Every year around summer at Noboribetsu, an event known as Fireworks in the Demon Hell Valley is performed by its guardian deity yukishin (God of hot spring). Over a 15-minute period, the deities ignite the fireworks 1 by 1, and the valley becomes a recreation of the valley of hell through the fireworks bright explosions, it is something that has stuck around as an image of summer in central Hokkaido for a long time.
After appreciating the fireworks, the largest of which fly over 10m high, don’t forget to take some memorable pictures with the demons. Even if you see them as scary at first, after the performance has ended they will gladly take pictures with you.

Noboribetsuonsen-cho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
Every year from the start of June to the middle of August on Thursdays and Fridays (Starts from 8:30 am)
*Event may be postponed based on harsh weather.
15 minutes on a “Noboribetsu Onsen Bound” Bus from JR Noboribetsu Station, then walk for 10 minutes after getting off at the “Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal”
http://noboribetsu-spa.jp/

Hokkaido’s summer fruits

You often hear that Yubari King melon is very delicious, but just where does that popularity come from and why?
Yubari King Melon also called “Red Diamonds”, is only grown within Yubari City, and is only shipped out from the middle of May until August. With a fresh and juicy smell, a texture that melts in your mouth, these fresh, orange-colored Yubari King Melons have the best scent, flavor, and texture of any melon produced in Japan, some of them even sell for over ¥10,000!
These first-rate melons must be eaten as desserts! Jelly, cream puffs, fruit parfaits are just some of the amazing ways to eat this fruit, how about visiting Hokkaido this summer and trying out the Yubari King Melon for yourself?

June – July
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/gourmet

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What is the “best Hokkaido” for you? Seeing amazing sights, playing in the snow, or maybe eating gourmet foods? If you’re heading to Hokkaido, then we think you should experience it all!
This is a general review of recommended places to visit for people heading to the north of Japan. From the standard fun to the secret spots, the information in this post is filled with places to check out for Hokkaido travelers! Find spots from the list which interest you and suit your style of travel, share it with your friends, and discuss among yourselves! If you just watch this video, you’re sure to become a Hokkaido sightseeing master without fail!

Location List
– Various Locations across Hokkaido “Lavender”
– Sapporo City “Hill of the Buddha”
https://www.takinoreien.com/pages/108/
– Niseko “Niseko Panorama Line”
– Otofuke “Row of birch trees”
– Biei “Shirogane Blue Pond”
https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/sightseeing/shirogane-blue-pond/
– Shakotan District “Cape Kamui”
https://www.kanko-shakotan.jp/en/spot/cape-kamui-and-kamui-rock/
– Chitose “Lake Shikotsu”
https://www.sapporo.travel/en/spot/facility/lake_shikotsu/
– Ashibetsu “Healthy Summer Festival”
– Obihiro “Tokachiban Uma Festival”
– Akan “Marimo Festival”
– Various Locations across Hokkaido “Soup Curry”
– Various Locations across Hokkaido “Shime Parfait”
– Various Locations across Hokkaido “Ramen”
– Shikaoi “Shikaribetsu igloo village”
– Kamikawa “Hyobaku Festival”
– Kamishihoro “Taushubetsu Bridge”

“Enjoying Hokkaido” videos can be found here: https://youtu.be/0DtwixCTNYA
Make sure to check out the Good Day Hokkaido videos also: http://bit.ly/37zd2wi
Check out some recommended model courses for Hokkaido Sightseeing here: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/plan/

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Central Hokkaido/Southern Hokkaido / Hakodate/Northern Hokkaido/Eastern Hokkaido