Asahikawa, in central Hokkaido, is the prefecture's second biggest city, but despite this is known for its many rivers, as well as close proxmity to the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Culturally, the region is famous for its arts and sculptures, with the Hokkaido Traditional Arts and Crafts Village..
The largest city in Hokkaido has a western flavor with streets running in square blocks that were initially designed by American Horace Capron back in the early 1870’s. A short walk from Sapporo Station is Odori Park where there is always something happening. During our summer visit we experie..
Located in the heart of Hokkaido lies a magnificent paradise for flower lovers – Furano. If Netherlands is the garden of Europe, then undoubtedly, Furano will be the garden of Asia: a land of surprise, nature, and romance. The mesmerizing lavender fields of Furano are a familiar site to those ..
Jolly Jelly Fish is a unique Japanese-Western restaurant near the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway in Hakodate with great atmosphere and delicious food. Open for lunch and dinner late into the night, the house specialty is sutepi, or steak and rice pilaf, a tast..
Otaru, located just a stone's throw away from Sapporo (around 30 minutes ride by train), not only has a beautiful canal view that will remind you of the old Japanese port, but it is also famous for its food! Various food can be found in Otaru Sak..
Press Cafe is a lovely retro-style cafe and restaurant away from the main shopping streets of Otaru. Located on the northern side of the canal opposite to the tourist attractions, the setting is far quieter and a relaxing space to spend some time enj..
The Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi is a beautiful onsen (hot spring) hotel to stay at while enjoying the incredible scenery of the Shiretoko National Park in every season. Located in the town of Utoro, it is 50 minutes by bus from JR Shiretoko Sha..
For travelers who prefer private bathrooms and clean rooms, B&B Furano offers accommodation at an affordable price. Many come to Furano to admire her flowers in summer, and to ski in winter. Furano also boasts a wide variety of fresh agricultural..
Nemuro is the eastern-most city of Japan. Only a five minute walk from the last train station on the Nemuro Main Line and the bus terminal, Hotel Nemuro Kaiyoutei is one of the city’s top hotels near the train station. From the moment I arrived..
The Utoro Women's Fishery Cafeteria is located in the small seaside town of Utoro, the gateway town to Shiretoko National Park. This 40-year-old restaurant is run by women from the Utoro fishing industry and their seafood rice bowls (kaisen don) ..
Jiyouken is Hakodate shio (salt) ramen at its simplest and finest. Located off a small, quiet street about 10 minutes' walk from the JR Hakodate train station, the atmosphere of the restaurant is authentic and straightforward. On a weekday at lun..
Ginneko, or Silver Cat, is an excellent yakitori restaurant located in the Furarito (Fraleet) Alley in downtown Asahikawa. This restaurant is located about a 15-minute walk from JR Asahikawa station. The restaurant is a traditional yakitori chicken r..
