Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Known for its stunning seasonal beauty, Hokkaido offers vast flower fields in Furano during summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter at resorts like Niseko. The island’s capital, Sapporo, is famous for its annual Snow Festival, showcasing incredible ice sculptures, as well as its delicious miso ramen and locally brewed beer. Hokkaido’s natural wonders include Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and scenic spots like Lake Toya and the blue pond of Biei. Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh crab, scallops, and sea urchin from its coastal waters. This is my favorite region of Japan as it reminds me of Normandy, with its wide-open spaces, soothing hot springs, and relaxed atmosphere providing a perfect escape for travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, and unique flavors.
Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
Noboribetsu Bear Park, located atop “Bear Mountain” near Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, Japan, offers visitors the unique experience of feeding Ezo brown bears, the largest land animals in Hokkaido. Accessible via a scenic seven-minute gondola ride from Noboribetsu Onsen, the park is home to over 60 bears. Visitors can purchase special bear snacks, such as…
Noboribetsu Bear Park, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is known for its promise of a close-up wildlife experience with Ezo brown bears. However, while it’s a popular tourist attraction, there are aspects of the park that can leave visitors with mixed feelings. The park, set on a hillside with views of the surrounding landscape and Lake…
Pointing my new bazooka towards some details of Jigokudani : some lovely sulfur constructs! Jigokudani, often known as Hell Valley, is a dramatic and unique geothermal area located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. This landscape is famous for its rugged, rocky terrain and active steam vents that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The name “Jigokudani,” meaning “Hell…
Jigokudani Hot Spring in Hokkaido is a geothermal area renowned for its striking landscape of steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and vibrant mineral-streaked rock formations. Located in Noboribetsu, part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this area is sometimes known as Hell Valley due to its intense geothermal activity and otherworldly appearance. Despite the ominous name, Jigokudani…
The trails and paths around Jigokudani Hot Spring in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido are carefully constructed to guide visitors through the dramatic landscape of this geothermal wonder. These paths provide access to the most striking features of the area while allowing visitors to safely explore the unique natural environment. Composition and Structure The trails are typically well-maintained…
Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, is a striking volcanic valley that lives up to its evocative name. The valley is renowned for its dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape, shaped by intense geothermal activity. It is a place where the raw power of nature is on full display, drawing visitors from around the world who come…
The ferry journey from Aomori to Hakodate offers a serene and scenic way to traverse the Tsugaru Strait, a historic route connecting Japan’s main island of Honshu to the northern island of Hokkaido. Departing from Aomori Port in the early hours, travelers can experience the quiet ambiance of the sea, often accompanied by the gentle…
The blue pond in Hokkaido is a man-made feature. The pond is part of an erosion control system that was built to prevent damage to in case of an eruption by nearby Mount Tokachidake. The color of the pond is caused by natural minerals dissolved in the water from the nearby Shirahige Falls (Aluminium). Although…
On our way back from Furano, we stopped by to buy some melons and witnessed the sun playing hide and seek with the clouds and casting beautiful shadows on the nearby hills.
Very colorful and busy Tanukikoji Shopping Street in Sapporo. Tanukikoji is a 1km-long arcade with around 200 shops which be used regardless of the weather (read, even in winter). The arcade was developed during the frontier period around 1870.
After the nice panorama from the tower, the Sapporo TV Tower itself.