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Hokkaido
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HAKODATE
Hakodate is an exotic city where traditional culture from the late Edo Period and culture from foreign countries mingle. Itis also famous for the numerous hills.
(Recommended spots)
Hakodate Mountain
The view at night overlooking the city lights that change into twinkling jewels is breathtaking. Only 3 minutes on the ropeway to the peak.
* The road leading to the peak is closed in winter so you could only get there by ropeway.
* How about dinner at the restaurant on the peak?
Morning market
The biggest seafood market in Hokkaido is here in Hakodate. If you love good food, especially seafood, this is the place to go! You could enjoy delicious crabs, squids, scallops, sea-urchin eggs, and much more.
* The market is full of vitality from 5 in the morning.
* It is only a minute walk from Hakodate Station.
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SAPPORO
The center of industry, economy, and politics of Hokkaido, Sapporo, is a very attractive city for Japanese as well as foreigners
(Recommended spots)
Snow Festival [ www.snowfes.com]
A festival held in February every year at the Odori Koen as the main sight is a fascinating event where huge ice sculptures are exhibited.
* It is best to schedule your trip so that on the last day you could visit the first day of the festival
* Please look at the sculptures at the Susuki-no.
Otaru
A city only 25 minutes on the limited express train from Sapporo, Otaru has continued to flourish as a port town for ages. There are many attractive spots such as the red-tiled storage houses along the canal and Former Tanakaya Guard house.
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ASAHIKAWA
Asahikawa is the second major city of Hokkaido after Sapporo with beautiful nature including the roof of Hokkaido, the Daisetsu Mountain Range, and other various attractive sites.
(Recommended spots)
Asahiyama Zoo
It is the northernmost zoo in Japan as well as the zoo recording the most visitors in the country.
* The penguins taking a walk from around mid-December is an amazing sight!
Snow Museum (Traditional Hokkaido Arts and Crafts Village)
Immerse yourself in the Snow Crystal Museum filled with corridors made of snow and crystals!
* Most of the facility is 18 meters underground, in a huge space.
Daisetsuzan National Park
The Daisetsuzan Mountain Range consists of mountains 2,000
meters high and is filled with lovely alpine plants as well as rare
wild animals such as the ochotonidae.
* The Daisetsuzan Mountain Range is the biggest in Japan.
* The buses from Asahikawa Station run only in summer (mid June to mid October)
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KUSHIRO
The Kushiro Marshland is the largest marshland in Japan. In the vast 26,000 hectares of land, there are various rare wildlife. In winter the Special National Treasure, the Japanese red-crowned crane (Tancho) may be found here.
(Recommended spots)
Kushiro Fukuko Port
You could see the energetic auction at the Kushiro Marine Center if you go early in the morning.
* This port is usually included in the top ten of the total amount of seafood unloaded
Tsurui Village
The Japanese cranes are scattered in the vast wetland in summer, but gather around the feeding area in winter. This is a sacred area where the most Japanese cranes gather. You will surely be moved if you ever see the majestic dance of the cranes.
* It lies about 30 minutes from Kushiro Airport
* Between October and March, the cranes are fed once a day at around 2 PM.
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SHIRETOKO
The Shiretoko Peninsula which protrudes into the Sea of Okhotsk with its steep cliffs is a World Heritage. There is abundant wildlife such as the brown bear and Yezo shika deer in the ancient forest and Five Lakes of Shiretoko.
(Recommended spots)
Utoro Route
Take a tour on a sightseeing boat for a totally different view of Shiretoko: the caves in the cliffs, colonies of seabirds, and much more!
Rausu Route
The Makkausu Cave where luminous moss grow has a very mystical atmosphere.
* Trekking through wild nature may be very dangerous. Please make sure to check the weather, etc. and be flexible about changing your schedule accordingly.
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RISHIRI & REBUN
In Rishiri you could enjoy climbing the Rishiri Fuji Mountain that is
1,712 meters high. In Rebun, the northern-most island of Japan,
you could enjoy seeing the various alpine plants that number about
300 kinds.
(Recommended spots)
Rishiri Mountain (Rishiri Fuji) Climbing
There are two routes which each take about 6 hours. One is
the Oshidomari Route which is suitable for beginners. The
other is the Kutsugata Route where you could climb up to the 5th
point, the Mikaeridai Park View Point by car. The Kutsugata
Forest Park is famous for the beautiful views of the setting sun
and fishing lights.
Rebun, the Flower Paradise (Hana no Ukishima)
For plant lovers, this island is paradise. There are plants such as Rebun Usuyuki-so and Rebun Atsumori-so which are only found on this island on top of the numerous alpine plants. The best season for flowers is from mid-June to mid-July.
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SKI RESORT IN HOKKAIDO
There are many ski resorts in Japan, but the best quality of snow and size are found in Hokkaido. There are resorts where you could enjoy the hot spa at the same time.
(Recommended spots)
1. Niseko
2. Rusutsu
3. Kiroro
4. Furano
5. Sapporo Kokusai
6. Tomamu
7. Sahoro
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