Otaru offers fine food and a picturesque cityscape. It is a destination in Hokkaido that is definitely worth a visit and a completely different experience from Sapporo. Many visitors are so charmed by this atmosphere that they want to make another trip right away.

What is there to do in Otaru in winter?

• Try the ice cream. Source: Theerayut / shutterstock. ...
• Walk along Otaru Canal. Source: Kawin K / shutterstock. ...
• Check out the glass ware. ...
• Explore Otaru Museum. ...
• Walk through Nichigin-dori. ...
• Try the local beer. ...
• Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum. ...
• Tour the Herring Mansion.

Is Asahikawa worth visiting?

Though it draws much less attention than cosmopolitan Sapporo, Asahikawa is well worth a visit, especially in the winter. ... Asahikawa's most popular attraction by far is Asahiyama Zoo, often acknowledged as the best zoo in the country.

How do I get to noboribetsu?

By train. Take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Noboribetsu Station (2.5 hours). The entire one way trip costs around 26,500 yen and takes around seven hours.

Why is rikubetsu so cold?

Rikubetsu, right in the center of Tokachi, is a basin-shaped valley, with high plateaus in the west and smaller plateaus in the east. Its shape results in extreme temperature differences with hot summers and cold winters. Especially in winter, the temperatures jump to a low.

5 Places to visit in OTARU during summer | Daytrip from Sapporo, Hokkaido | The Tummy Train

What is there to do in Asahikawa in December?

• Walk along Romantic Road. Source: ikuyan / shutterstock Asahikawa City. ...
• Take a bus tour. ...
• Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum. ...
• Enjoy Asahikawa Winter Festival. ...
• Walk along Furarito Alley. ...
• Explore Asahiyama Zoo. ...
• Shop for souvenirs at Arashiyama Pottery Village. ...
• Go skiing.

What is there to do in Asahikawa in October?

• Asahiyama Zoo. 2,762. Zoos. ...
• Ueno Farm. 204. Farms. ...
• Asahikawa Station. 422. Points of Interest & Landmarks. ...
• AEON MALL Asahikawa Ekimae. 189. Shopping Malls. ...
• Asahikawa Winter Festival. Cultural Events. ...
• Otokoyama Sakezukuri Museum. 171. ...
• Asahikawa Science Center. Science Museums. ...
• Tokiwa Park. Parks • Gardens.

What is Otaru known for?

It is the ideal destination for a change of pace when in Japan's most northern prefecture. Otaru is known in particular for its old buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as stone-built warehouses, the old housing facility for herring fishermen, temples, churches, and banks.

What is there to do in Otaru at night?

The night view from Otaru's Tenguyama is said to be one of the top 3 best night views in all of Hokkaido, along with Hakodate and Mt. Moiwa, Sapporo. Sushi: The best part of Otaru cuisine is its seafood, and the sushi especially is at the top of the list of gourmet food to try!

How do I get from Sapporo to Otaru?

From Sapporo

There are multiple trains per hour between Sapporo and Otaru along the JR Hakodate Main Line. The one way trip costs 750 yen and takes 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local train. About two trains per hour continue on to New Chitose Airport (70 minutes, 1910 yen one way).

How do I get to Otaru?

Otaru is easily reached from Sapporo, 40 km to the south east on the JR Hakodate mainline from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, taking 30 minutes by express and 49 minutes by local train. From Hakodate Station in Hakodate take the Super Hokuto Express to Sapporo and change.

Where is Japan near?

Japan's closest neighbors are Korea, Russia and China. The Sea of Japan separates the Asian continent from the Japanese archipelago.

What is Sapporo famous?

Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February.

Which month is the best to visit Hokkaido?

For those looking for outdoor adventures, the summer may be the best time to visit Hokkaido. Long sunny days and cool nights give ample time to enjoy every day. July is famous for the blooming of myriads of flowers, and August is the best time to get out and enjoy all of Hokkaido's lush scenery and the outdoors.

What food is Sapporo famous for?

• Soup Curry.
• Jingisukan (“Genghis Khan”)
• Miso Ramen (Sapporo Ramen)
• Butter Corn Ramen.
• Ishikari Nabe.
• Kaisendon & Sushi.
• Zangi (Hokkaido-style Chicken Karaage)
• Sapporo Beer.

What are 3 interesting facts about Japan?

• The world's oldest company is in Japan. ...
• It has the 11th largest population in the world. ...
• The Japanese live (almost) the longest. ...
• There is 1 vending machine for every 24 people. ...
• Nearly half the zippers worldwide are made in Japan.

What religion are Japanese?

Religion in Japan manifests primarily in Shinto and in Buddhism, the two main faiths, which Japanese people often practice simultaneously. According to estimates, as many as 80% of the populace follow Shinto rituals to some degree, worshiping ancestors and spirits at domestic altars and public shrines.

How expensive is Hokkaido?

You should plan to spend around ¥11,769 ($106) per day on your vacation in Hokkaido, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ¥3,517 ($32) on meals for one day and ¥2,610 ($23) on local transportation.

Why is Hokkaido famous?

Hokkaido is renowned for the high quality and freshness of its seafood, as the cold waters surrounding Japan's northernmost prefecture are ideal for fish and sea vegetation. Within the prefecture some areas are particularly famous for a certain product, such as the uni (sea urchin) of Rishiri and Rebun.

What does Hokkaido taste like?

The Hokkaido milk used in Tea makes it smooth and creamy because of strong milky flavor. It tastes like intense caramel and memorable aroma. It has creamy milk tea with a unique caramel taste and used in many other puddings, Pastries, cakes etc.

Is Hokkaido same as Sapporo?

Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island, and it's an enormous place! ... An important thing to note is that Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city, is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from New Chitose Airport.

Is it difficult to drive in Hokkaido?

Driving around Hokkaido is great and getting your own wheels is highly recommended on this wild Japanese island. Particularly if you are into hiking like me, having a car makes it much easier to reach the many hiking trails you can find on Hokkaido. In general, driving in Hokkaido is very easy and straightforward.

Can JR Pass use in Hokkaido?

The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, including the super fast Hayabusa Shinkansen. The value of the JR Pass is outstanding on this route, as a normal ticket would cost 22,690yen for one way.