Hokkaido
Hokkaido is located in the far north of Japan, and is the largest prefecture. In terms of latitude, it is in a similar position to NY, Boston, London, and Paris.
Summer is the best time for sightseeing because the effects of typhoons and the rainy season are not as strongly felt as in other regions of Japan. The temperature is also relatively low.
The Sapporo snow festival is held in the beginning of February every year, and a lot of foreign tourists visit in winter.
The capital is Sapporo, and there are many other famous cities such as Hakodate, Otaru, Asahikawa, and Furano.
Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan, and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Japan. There are a lot of popular tourist attractions such as the Odori Park and Sapporo clock towers in the center of town.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, and the fifth largest city in Japan. It has a population of over 190,000 and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Japan. The most famous landmark in Sapporo is Sapporo clock tower, which was constructed in 1878.
There are also a number of beautiful parks in the city center. Odori Park was originally laid out in order to prevent the spread of potential fires in the city, and it stretches for 1.5 kilometres through 5 separate districts. In every block there are monuments, artworks, playgrounds and fountains, and in the beginning of February it becomes one of the main sites for the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Other parks include Maruyama Park (which has the largest zoo in Hokkaido), and Moerenuma Park, which was designed by Isamu Noguchi and covers a massive area of 188.8ha.
There are also a variety of unique indoor and outdoor museums including the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art and the Ainu (indigenous people) Resource Center. Sapporo Beer Museum, which is run by the Sapporo Brewing Company, offers free guided tours that detail the brewing process and the history of beer in Japan. Sapporo is also famous for it's local food such as miso ramen, soup curry, "hairy crab" and sushi.
Susukino is the largest nightlife district north to Tokyo. There is said to be some 4,500 late-night bars and restaurants in this area. Another popular spot is Ramen Yokocho, an alley famous for it's assortment of noodle shops.
And for those in search of something a little different, Ishiya Chocolate Factory offers an enjoyable tour of it's facilities. Ishiya's popular brand of white chocolate is only available in Hokkaido.
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JR Tower
Shopping center directly connected to JR Sapporo statin. There are not only shops but also observation platform, offices, cinema and hotels.
Odori Park
The park is located in the central Sapporo city. There are many festivals at Odori street seasonally such as Lilac festival in spring, YOSAKOI festival, Beer garden festival in Sumer, Autumn Fest which is gathered all delicious foods in Hokaido in Autumn, then the most famous one Sapporo snow festival in winter.
The Sapporo Beer Garden
Enjoy fresh beer and Japanese mutton viewing the beautiful Akarenga (red bricks).
Nakajima Park
The park is located in the central city, just next to the most busiest area Susukino. There are cultural facilities and historical buildings around.
Sapporo Dome
The stadium is the stronghold both football and baseball of professional teams. There is the observation platform where you can view whole Sapporo city. It also offers the tour to explore inside stadium.
Maruyama Zoo
The park is surrounded by Hokkaido shrine, Maruyama zoo and Maruyama forest, which is the most famous park in Sapporo. It used to be the laboratory of woods by the early-Meiji administrative unit for Hokkaido but has been rebuilt as the park. You can find squirrels and wild birds in there. Many tourists visit there in early May to enjoy cherry blossoms.
From New Chitose Airport
To JR Sapporo Station [Approx. 40 minutes / 1,070yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes) → JR Sapporo Station
To Susukino Station [Approx. 50 minutes / 1,270yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes / 1,070yen) → JR Sapporo Station → (From JR Sapporo Station to Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) about 6 minutes on foot) → Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line: about 3 minutes / 200yen) → Susukino Station
To Nakajima-Koen Station [Approx. 50 minutes / 1,270yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes / 1,070yen) → JR Sapporo Station → (From JR Sapporo Station to Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) about 6 minutes on foot) → Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line: about 5 minutes / 200yen) → Nakajima-Koen Station
To Odori Station [Approx. 45 minutes / 1,270yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes / 1,070yen) → JR Sapporo Station → (From JR Sapporo Station to Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) about 6 minutes on foot) → Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line: about 2 minutes / 200yen) → Odori Station
To Nishi-11chome Station [Approx. 55 minutes / 1,270yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes / 1,070yen) → JR Sapporo Station → (From JR Sapporo Station to Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) about 6 minutes on foot) → Sapporo Station(Sapporo Municipal Subway) → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line: about 2 minutes / 200yen) → Odori Station → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line: about 1 minutes) → Nishi-11chome Station
To Sapporo Station by bus[Approx. 70 - 80 minutes / 1,030yen]
New Chitose Airport → (Hokkaido Chuo Bus: about 70 - 80 minutes) → Sapporo Station
Otaru is the small port city in Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, about half an hour from Sapporo by train.
It is very beautiful city due to the scenery and Victorian style buildings. There is the Otaru Canal which was originally built in 1923 and restored for the truism in 1986. It is romantic and fun to even walk around Otaru Canal Street and you will find many nice shops and restaurants in there. Otaru is also well known glass manufacturing. There are many stores and museums where you can experience the glass making.
Also Sushi and seafood are very famous in there and there is no way you can miss it. Why don't you find it on the Sushi Street, about 10-15 mins walk away from JR Otaru station?
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Otaru Tourism Association
Otaru Orgel(Music Box)-Doh
"Otaru-orgel" main building was originally built as HQ building by famous rice dealer and consists of 2 buildings now, made by red bricks and stones. You can especially feel nostalgic atmosphere at the red brick building.
Otaru Aquarium
The aquarium is surrounded by enormous natures and there are more than 250 kinds of animals and fish. It also has amusement park and restaurants inside. You can enjoy whole day without being board.
Tenguyama(Mt. Tengu) Ropeway
It offers you the amazing panorama view not only Otaru city but also Ishikari port and Shakotan area. You can reach to top of the peak by ropeway.
From New Chitose Airport
To Otaru Station [Approx. 75 minutes / 1,780yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 73 minutes / 1,780yen) → Otaru Station
To Otaru-Chikko Station [Approx. 70 minutes / 1,590yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 66 minutes / 1,590yen) → Otaru-Chikko Station
Hakodate is located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido, which is famous as one of the first international trading ports in Japan, 1859. Hakodate is best known the gorgeous breathing night view from Mt. Hakodate and when the weather is good, can even see Aomori prefecture (Honshu island).
You may also enjoy Goryokaku which is a star-shaped fort that has been designated as a special historic site. Also there is Morning Market where you can taste delicious fresh seafood.
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Hakodate Travel Guide
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
Mt.Hakodate ropeway is such huge coach which can carry 125 people. It takes only 3 minutes from the foot to the top. The night view from there is blessing and you will be impressed how beautiful it is.
Goryokaku Tower
It is the new landmark tower in Hakodate opened 1st of April in 2006. The height is 107m. You can view the perfect star shape of Goryokaku as well as Hakodate city or Hakodate mountain from the observation platform.
From New Chitose Airport
By train [Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes / 7,590yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 3 minutes) → Minami-Chitose Station → (JR Hokkaido Ltd. Exp. "Hokuto": about 3 hours 13 minutes / 7,590yen (5,210yen + Express ticket 2,380yen) → Hakodate Station
[From Sapporo to Hakodate]
By bus [Approx. 6 hours 30 minutes / 5,880yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes / 1,070yen) → JR Sapporo Station → Sapporo Station Bus terminal → (Highway bus "Hakodate-go": about 5 hours 30 minutes / 4,810yen) → Hakodate Station Bus terminal [Round trip 8,580yen / one way 4,810yen]
» More information
[From Hakodate Airport]
Hakodate Airport → (Bus: about 20 minutes / 410yen) → Hakodate Station
Niseko is located Abuda District 100km south of Sapporo in Hokkaido, which is the most famous Ski resort thanks to the quality light power snow. Nowadays, it is very popular for foreign tourists to go skiing and snowboarding. Main 4 Niseko ski resorts are all in Niseko Mountains, Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort, Niseko Moutain Resort Grand Hirafu, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area and Niseko Village Ski Resort. You may be able to across each resorts depending on the ticket you purchase. Thanks to beautiful natural forests, blessing view and the powdery snow, all skiers and snowboarders certainly enjoy the experience in each places.
Moreover, there are many Hot-Springs (Onsen) around the area, which will help you to relax and relieve the tiredness after the activities.
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Niseko Resort Tourist Association
NISEKO Mt RESORT GRAND HIRAFU
Definitely, this is the most enormous ski resort in Niseko area and one of the best ski resort thanks to its snow quality, scale and various courses. Many ski players are attracted by its rich powdery snow and the courses which you will be never bored.
[Lift ticket prices]
«8 hours» - Must be used same day / All Niseko area
Adult 5,300JPY / Age13-15 and Senior 3,700JPY / Age7-12 2,900JPY
«2 days» - Adult 10,900JPY / Age13-15 and Senior 8,100JPY / Age7-12 5,900JPY
[Open date] It's going to be opened on 21st of November in 2015.
[Open hours]
«Weekday» 8:30am - 8:30pm (Evening Hours is from 4:30pm)
«Weekend and Bank Holidays» 8:30am - 8:30pm (Evening Hours is from 4:30pm)
[Closed] No holidays during the open date
[Contact] NISEKO Mt RESORT GRAND HIRAFU (+81)-136-22-0109
[URL] http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en
From New Chitose Airport to Niseko Station
By train [Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes / 2,950yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 73 minutes) → Otaru Station → (JR Hakodate Main Line: about 2 hours 10 minutes) → Niseko Station
From Sapporo Station
To Niseko Station [Approx. 2 hours / 2,160yen]
Sapporo Station → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 35 minutes) → Otaru Station → (JR Hakodate Line: about 90 minutes) → Niseko Station
To Kutchan Station [Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes / 1,840yen]
Sapporo Station → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 35 minutes) → Otaru Station → (JR Hakodate Line: about 70 minutes) → Kutchan Station
Furano is located in the middle of Hokkaido island and one of the famous sightseeing places in Japan thanks to nature activities and Lavender field in Summer.
It is also one of the greatest places to enjoy skiing and snowboarding thanks to the powdering snow.
The ski resort is consisted of 2 main areas, the Kitanomine zone and the Furano zone, which have been used for World Cup races. You can access to both with the one pass. They offer the course not only every levels of skiers and snowboarders but also Family Snowland where you can enjoy other snow activities, such as snow rafting, snowmobiling, parasailing and dog sledding. There are many wonderful accommodations around the area such as hotels, pensions, lodges, reasonable B&B etc. You can have unforgettable experience thanks to amazing nature as well as warm welcome from Furano City.
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Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
This huge resort owns about 1000ha and is located in central Hokkaido, 90 minutes away from Shinchitose Airport. You can enjoy the view from Unkai (cloud of sea) terrace, the biggest wave pool in Japan and many nature activities. During winter, you can go skiing and The ice village appears. This is the complexed resort where you can enjoy regardless seasons.
Farm Tomita
It is located in Furano-cho, exactly the center of Hokkaido. This farm is famous for beautiful lavenders. You can enjoy flower farm, meals and sweets in here.
Furano Jam Garden
This is the jam factory where you can enjoy more than 38 kids of jams, which is located in Rokugo, Furano city. They keep traditional method how to make jams and produce natural organic jams using fresh vegetables and fruits (no chemical). You can enjoy fresh ice cream with the jam at the terrace.
Furano Wine
The factory is built by red bricks. It is along the grape farms and the red colour makes stands out as their symbol. At the factory, you can watch the process of making Furano wine, the storage of aging and also taste their wine. From the end of June to the begin of July, lavenders are blooming.
Prince Snow Resorts
It's consisted of mainly 2 types of ski slopes and both of them can be enjoyed the spectacular view of Mt. Taisetsuzan. One of them is the course in between woods and another is very wide course. There is prince hotel on the foot and it is easy to access to the both slopes.
[Lift ticket prices]
«1 day» Adult 4,700JPY / Senior 4,200JPY / Child Free
«4 hours» Adult 3,800JPY / Senior 3,300JPY
«2 hours» Adult 2,800JPY / Senior 2,400JPY
*Senior is above 60 years old (required ID)
[Open date]
[Open hours]
«Weekdays» 8:30am - 8:00pm (Evening Hours is from 5:00pm)
«Weekend and Bank Holidays»8:30am - 8:00pm (Evening Hours is from 5:00pm)
[Closed] No holidays during the open date
[Parking] Free 2,430 car parks
[Contact] Furano Ski Resort (+81)-167-22-1111
[URL] http://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/furano.html
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station
To JR Sapporo Station [Approx. 40 minutes / 1,070yen]
New Chitose Airport → (JR Rapid Airport Line: about 37 minutes) → JR Sapporo Station
From Sapporo Station to Furano Station by train
- Route 1 [Approx. 3 hours / 2,490yen]
Sapporo Station → (JR Hakodate Line Semi Rapid "Isikari liner": about 40 minutes) → Iwamizawa Station → (JR Hakodate Line: about 40 minutes) → Takikawa Station → (JR Nemuro Line: about 70 minutes) → Furano Station
- Route 2 [Approx. 2hours 30 minutes / 3,940yen]
Sapporo Station → (JR Hokkaido Ltd. Exp. "Super Kamui": about 50 minutes(2,490yen + Exp. ticket 1,450yen) → Takikawa Station → (JR Nemuro Line: about 70 minutes)
→ Furano Station
By bus [About 150 minutes / 2,260yen]
Sapporo Station → (Expressway bus "Furano-go") → Furano Station