Shibecha travel guide and discussion

Kushiro City in Hokkaido, Japan, has some incredibly beautiful sunset spots. A popular sunset viewing spot is Nusamai Bridge: the main viewpoint in the heart of the city, spanning the Kushiro River. It's adorned with statues of beautiful women representing the four seasons. The golden light reflecting off the frozen water creates a stunning sight. There are also hotels nearby, making it possible to watch the sunrise early in the morning as well. #kushiro #hokkaido #sunset #winter

Exclusive to September–October, Hokkaido is the first to welcome the deepening colors of autumn. This season, you can journey from World Heritage natural landscapes to wetlands and lakes, enjoying the autumn scenery as you ride the slow-moving marsh train. 🌲 Shiretoko World Heritage Site: Step into autumn nature Start your journey with the natural scenery of eastern Hokkaido. Head to Shiretoko and explore the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Heritage site. In autumn, the forests begin to don rich, layered colors, with mountains, lakes, and forests coming together to create the unique autumn landscape of eastern Hokkaido. 🚂 Slow travel on the marsh train: Watch autumn colors pass by Head to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and board the unique marsh train for a relaxing autumn journey. The train winds through wetlands and forests, with expansive marshes, rivers, and autumn foliage visible from your window. ⛴️ Lake Akan cruise: Sail into autumn lake views Visit Lake Akan and take a cruise to enjoy the autumn scenery from the water. The lake, mountains, and forests shift perspectives as you travel, and you can even learn about Lake Akan's unique Marimo moss balls along the way. On a clear day, with autumn sunlight hitting the water and the trees along the shore turning color, it's the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a moment on the lake. 🍣 Delicacies from land and sea: Add a fresh flavor to your autumn trip No trip to Hokkaido is complete without local cuisine. In autumn, you can savor seasonal flavors like seafood, crab, and Pacific saury, all incorporated into a single meal. Soaking in a hot spring while enjoying seasonal dishes, listening to the autumn breeze rustling through the trees outside—this kind of evening might just be the most relaxing way to end your Hokkaido autumn trip. 📌 Product card below: Start your curated Hokkaido autumn vacation with HHtravel

With clear skies and light clouds, I boarded the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train. We traveled slowly through Japan's largest wetland wilderness, heading toward Lake Toro, located deep within the marshlands. The sightseeing train moves at a leisurely pace, as if slowing down just to let you take in the scenery. Outside the window lies an endless expanse of green marshland, with grasses swaying in the breeze and the air filled with their crisp, fresh scent. In just 50 minutes, the wilderness, gentle breeze, and boundless greenery allow you to truly settle in and immerse yourself in the vastness and tranquility of the marsh. The train slowly pulls into Toro Station. A ten-minute walk along the road brings you to the shores of Lake Toro. Unlike other volcanic lakes in eastern Hokkaido, Lake Toro is an ancient lagoon formed during the Jomon period, thousands of years ago. As sea levels fell and the land rose, the lake was cut off from the ocean and transformed into a freshwater lake. To this day, fossils of ancient marine crustaceans can still be found on the lakebed. Located at the end of the Kushiro Wetland water system, Lake Toro features an expansive, calm surface. Its low-lying terrain creates an incredibly still, almost ripple-free environment. The lake resembles a quiet blue sapphire, reflecting the blue sky and surrounding forests—clean and serene. It is a paradise for canoeing enthusiasts. If you book a canoe in advance, you can paddle from Lake Toro all the way to the Kushiro River, experiencing the wetland landscape up close. Stroll slowly along the lakeside trail to reach the Lake Toro Nature Center. The center displays a vast collection of flora and fauna specimens unique to the marshlands, offering a complete picture of the wetland's ecosystem. Since we were waiting for the last train, we stayed at the center until closing time. The staff were incredibly kind; worried we might be bored while waiting, they brought out a stack of beautiful washi paper and taught us how to fold paper cranes and owls. Their gentle smiles, along with the scenery of Lake Toro, became a cherished memory. Back at Toro Station, I stepped into the small cafe inside and ordered a sweet, local milk ice cream to enjoy while resting. As I looked up, I unexpectedly caught a heartwarming scene: on the grass outside the window, a family of deer was slowly grazing. The mother deer was gentle and calm, while the fawn was lively and tender—all of them wandering freely, completely at ease. The return journey on the marshland train took the romance to the next level. As the train slowly traveled through the heart of the wetlands, the evening sunset bathed the entire wilderness in light, with warm golden hues painting the green fields, the lake, and the river channels. With the vast marshlands, the lingering sunset, and the gentle evening breeze, the journey back was accompanied by breathtaking twilight. ✨ Practical tips ▪ Transportation: Take the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train directly to Toro Station; operates only in spring, summer, and autumn ▪ Activities: Lakeside trail, Lake Toro Nature Center, canoeing (requires advance booking) ▪ Experience: Must-try local milk ice cream at the station cafe ▪ Recommended itinerary: Kushiro Shitsugen Observatory, Hosooka Observatory

Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, and Biei are great for a first trip. But Hokkaido is huge, and you'll quickly realize that the island's most interesting places aren't necessarily on the classic tourist trail. Here’s where I would look if you want to see a different side of Hokkaido. NORTH AND EAST 1. Wakkanai + Cape Soya Why go: to reach the northernmost city in Japan. From Wakkanai, you can head to Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Hokkaido. On a clear day, you can sometimes see Sakhalin, located about 43 km (27 miles) away. But I wouldn't come here just for the monument at the cape. The true value of northern Hokkaido lies in the landscape itself: the sea, the wind, the rolling hills, and the feeling of being at the edge of the country. How long: at least 1–2 days. ⸻ 2. Rishiri + Rebun If you've made it to Wakkanai, an even more interesting part of the journey begins. On Rishiri Island, the volcanic Mount Rishiri towers over the sea, while Rebun is known for its hiking trails, rocky coastline, and alpine plants. Ferries to both islands depart from Wakkanai. You come here for the nature, not the typical tourist attractions. Best time to visit: late spring → summer → early fall. ⸻ 3. Shiretoko Peninsula This is no longer the "cute Hokkaido." Located in the northeast of the island, Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The Shiretoko Five Lakes, waterfalls, coastal cruises, forests, and wildlife demand dedicated time to explore. And it's especially important to remember: this is brown bear territory. Trail restrictions and visiting rules must be checked right before your trip. ⸻ 4. Kushiro + Kushiro Shitsugen Why go: to see massive wetlands instead of mountains and flower fields. Kushiro Shitsugen is the largest marshland in Japan and the country's first wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention. This is home to the famous Japanese red-crowned cranes (tancho). The observation decks, trails, and scenic drives around the area are best treated as a standalone nature itinerary. North and East Hokkaido: Wakkanai → the edge of Japan Rishiri/Rebun → the islands Shiretoko → wildlife Kushiro → wetlands and cranes SOUTH AND CENTER 5. Lake Akan + Akan Mashu In fact, Eastern Hokkaido could easily be a trip of its own. Lakes Akan, Mashu, and Kussharo, along with volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and forests, are all part of the Akan-Mashu National Park. Lake Akan is especially famous for its rare spherical marimo algae. Here you'll also find Akanko Ainu Kotan, one of the places where you can experience Ainu culture—not just as a small detour, but as a central part of your journey. ⸻ 6. Esashi If you're craving history, but Hakodate feels a bit too obvious. Located in southwestern Hokkaido, Esashi once thrived on the herring trade. Its historic district preserves old merchant houses, warehouses, and buildings tied to the town's port-town past. This is a great example of the Hokkaido that existed long before the rise of modern tourist resorts. Who it's for: lovers of architecture, history, and small towns. ⸻ 7. Lake Toya + Sobetsu Lake Toya itself can't really be called "unknown." But most people just come for the lake and the onsen, and then leave. I would look at the bigger picture. Nearby is Mount Usu, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, and the Sobetsu area. The surrounding area features landscapes shaped by relatively recent volcanic activity. This creates a completely different itinerary: lake → volcano → geology → onsen. ⸻ HOW TO PUT TOGETHER AN OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH HOKKAIDO TRIP Don't try to cram all these spots into a single week. The distances here are massive. For the far north: Wakkanai → Rishiri → Rebun For wildlife: Shiretoko → Akan-Mashu → Kushiro For history: Hakodate → Esashi For volcanic landscapes: Lake Toya → Usu → Sobetsu Hokkaido is exactly the kind of place where a second trip might turn out to be even more interesting than the first. Beyond Sapporo, Otaru, and Biei lies an island where there can be hours of driving between two stops on your itinerary, and the main event of the day isn't a landmark, but the landscape itself.

This Hokkaido road trip saw the luckiest scene of my life! Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also one of the few places where you have the chance to get up close and personal with wild dando crane! One of Japan's national treasures, the Danto Crane, is no longer visible in Honshu, leaving only Hokkaido, a pure wetland for conservation. Staying into Chalet, a small cabin surrounded by forest, there are cranes outside the window in the morning to worship! Say Hi to Red-crowned crane🍀🦩 when you really open the window, it feels like you are in an animal documentary~ Highlights of the itinerary – Wild Danding Crane up close, bird photography enthusiasts must brush list🦩 – National Park cabin staycation, forest, hot spring, biscuits and snacks all inclusive – Kushiro Washo Market “Sheng Hand Don” ready-to-eat king crab 😋 Clean and happy – Self-driving road trip, the scenery along the way is so beautiful that you want to stop at any time to take pictures 🌿Inventory of attractions 1. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Address: 2-Hokkaido Kawakami-ku Road 2101 Hokuto 084-0922 Japan Opening hours: Open all day, year-round A large area of ​​virgin wetland, reeds, a large number of wild birds perching, the most important thing is the Danding Crane! It is recommended to get up early for a walk, there is a chance to see deer footprints under your feet, a crane flying over your head leisurely (really quiet and lucky😌). There are pointing trails and observation decks in the park, it is recommended to bring a telescope & camera telephoto lens. 2. Cabin Accommodation & Hot Spring (in/near park options) Some accommodations are equipped with natural hot spring pools, after a day of play directly soak away from fatigue, at night listening to the chirping of insects and birds to sleep, super relaxing! Remember to ask more when you check in if there is dessert/snack inclusive. 3. Kushiro Washo Market Address: 13-25 Kurogane-cho, Kushiro City Business Hours: 07:00 - 16:00 Among the three major markets in Hokkaido, the "Katsudo Don" here is a must try! There are so many fresh fish shops inside, Yamazaki Fresh Fish Shop freshly fished seafood every day, choose your own rice bowl, buy and add ingredients while walking, king crab, sashimi, sashimi can not be missed. The price is transparent and not expensive. After eating, you can slowly walk around the market to buy souvenirs. 🍽️ Food recommendations – Victory Hand Don: Order your own meals to build the most suitable combination – Yamazaki Fresh Fish Shop: Ask the clerk if there is any ready-to-eat food, especially recommend the king crab legs – Market snacks: North Sea sweet shrimp, crab paste sushi, freshly grilled scallops all affordable! 📢Practical tips 1. The weather around Kushiro is changeable, so it is recommended to bring a windbreaker raincoat/or windproof jacket 2. Wetland National Park has a large temperature difference between morning and evening 3. Be quiet & patient enough to shoot wild Danding Cranes, don't chase/make loud noises (I'm super grateful to see them myself ❤️) 4. Some cabins can be booked early request towards the wetland landscape, the probability of an animal appearing in the morning increases greatly 5. Self-drive tour can walk along National Highway 391, the scenery next to it is so beautiful that you can't help but stop down and take a few more pictures! 🐾Topic Time #roadtrip #japan #hokkaido #wild dandom crane #japan nature experience

Hokkaido is hands down a dream destination for Japan lovers! This northernmost major island of Japan firmly secures its spot on everyone's travel bucket list with its vast natural landscapes, top-tier powder snow, hot springs, and ultimate seafood 😍. The distinct four seasons offer a fresh vibe every time you visit—whether it's the romantic cherry blossoms in spring, the lavender fields in summer, the vibrant foliage in autumn, or the snowy wonderland in winter. You'll find different surprises each time, and you seriously won't get tired of it no matter how many times you go! Super practical travel tips all in one place: 🛫 Getting there is mainly by air, and Sapporo New Chitose Airport is the largest hub. For getting around within Hokkaido, trains + rental cars are the way to go—super flexible and convenient! 🌟 5 Must-Do Highlights Countdown 1. Dreamy Four-Season Natural Beauty · Summer-exclusive flower fields (July-August): Furano & Biei's lavender + rainbow flower fields. Super chill and highly Instagrammable~ Address: Furano City, Central Hokkaido / Biei, Kamikawa District · A global paradise for ski lovers: Niseko and Rusutsu offer epic winter powder snow that will make you never want to leave. Address: Niseko, Abuta District / Rusutsu, Abuta District · Wild nature experiences: Drift ice at the Shiretoko Peninsula and red-crowned cranes in the Kushiro Shitsugen (Wetlands). Mind-blowing wildlife ecology. Address: Shiretoko Peninsula, Shari District / Kushiro Shitsugen, Kushiro City 2. Fresh & Romantic Port City Vibes · Otaru Canal: Gas streetlamps x red brick warehouses. Winter nights with falling snow look straight out of a fairy tale~ Address: Around Ironai 1-chome to Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido · Hakodate's breathtaking night view: Overlooking the double-arc bay from Mount Hakodate. Voted one of Japan's top three night views—an absolute must-visit! Address: Mount Hakodate, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 3. A Foodie's Paradise You Can't Miss · Morning market fresh catches: Take your pick of crabs and sea urchins, plus ready-to-eat street food right at the market. Recommended spot: Sapporo Nijo Market, Minami 3-jo Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City · Hokkaido's big three: Soup curry, Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), and the three major regional ramens—you've got to try them all! · Dessert lover's heaven: Rokkatei, Shiroi Koibito, and LeTAO. Don't miss a single one! 4. Must-Stay Super Chill Hot Spring Towns · Noboribetsu Onsen: The "Hot Spring Department Store" boasting 9 different spring water types. The Jigokudani (Hell Valley) landscape is incredibly unique. Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido · Lakeside hot springs: Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu. Soaking in an onsen while taking in the lake views is super therapeutic. Address: Toyako, Usu District / Lake Shikotsu, Chitose City 5. Massive Festival Events - Sapporo Snow Festival: Held annually in early February. Odori Park showcases giant ice and snow sculptures—the live scene is absolutely spectacular. Address: Odori Park, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Hokkaido literally never gets old! No matter your travel style, you'll always find an experience to love! Hurry up and bookmark these spots—food, hot springs, and festivals are all covered. Make Hokkaido your next Japan getaway! ✈️🗾

This trip to Kushiro, Hokkaido, is located at the healing Kamui no Yu La Vista Hotel. This is not only a paradise for bath lovers, but also a secret base for forest view and Ezo deer fans! Once you check-in you meet the Hokkaido-exclusive Ezo deer, the whole atmosphere is too chill, like traveling to the embrace of nature. The lights at night are fantastic, open the window to face the Akan River, the primeval forest, while soaking in the cypress hot spring while waiting for the deer to appear, is simply super unforgettable. 🌲Akan River Forest System Hot Spring Resort Experience Kamui No Yu La Vista Akan River Hotel is located within the boundaries of Akan National Park, remote location but beautiful views healing everyday, you can not miss if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle / seeking a slow life experience. The biggest highlight, in addition to the richly designed forest view rooms, is the three specialty loan-cut hot springs - wind, star, and moon soup. Whether you are a private open-air bath or a cypress bath in your room, you can enjoy the forest atmosphere while looking at the Akan River. If you are lucky, you can see Ezo deer roaming the trees. Nature is zero distance from us. 🌙The hotel's own ceremony feels small and lucky 1. Loan cut hot spring free reservation can slowly chill, guests can choose different styles of hot spring pool, try all three check-in absolutely no problem! 2. Stay will receive free late night ramen, ice pops, next day yogurt drink, late night cafeteria x Hokkaido dairy as much. Wakka Pirika restaurant, highly recommended by La Vista Hotel, offers a choice of Japanese or Western set breakfast and dinner. 3. The hotel room is spacious, with wooden design furniture and large forest / river view photo window, very suitable for long stay slowly hea. 🍽️ Food points recommendation · Wakka Pirika Restaurant (in the building): Focusing on ingredients from Hokkaido, Japanese Set is recommended for dinner, with sashimi, tempura, local steak, and desserts. · The early morning breakfast buffet area has Hokkaido specialty milk drink/yogurt, even after supper ramen can not help but encore another cup. · The ice bar at night features a ramen supper and ice cream bar, as well as bagels and hot milk service. Take pictures and eat and drink together, you are not afraid of falling asleep hungry at all. 🦌 Essential practical tips 1. The hotel is remote, it is recommended to drive / book a shuttle bus, according to your own rhythm of travel, on the way to visit Lake Akan, Kushiro Wetland is very convenient. 2. Note that some employees in the store have more general English, inquiries are recommended to use simple Chinese, English and Japanese + body language, communication is basically not a problem. 3. Occasionally morning hot springs need to queue up early to grab a bubble, quieter at night. 4. If you are concerned about minor services (such as room cleaning/minor maintenance needs), you can check before check-in or immediately reflect to the front desk. 5. Long-term guests are advised to bring their own snacks/snacks, hotel dining options have been improved but more repetitive. 📍Kamui's Soup La Vista Hotel Akan River Address: 3-1 Okurushube Akancho, Kurumi-shi Nature lovers, hot spring lovers, or those looking for a truly quiet and healing vacation, must push the Akan River to feel the pristine purity of Hokkaido. A self-drive slow trip paired with local cuisine and hot springs, this nature gift is definitely worth a stay. #roadtrip #hokkaido #Akan Lake #駧路 #Kushiro

Everyone knows about the romantic vibes of Otaru and the bustling energy of Sapporo in Hokkaido. But if you're looking for that **"breathtakingly beautiful", untouched nature**, promise me you'll visit Kushiro at least once in your life! Home to Japan's largest wetland, a dreamy sunset ranked as one of the world's top three, and an array of mouthwatering seafood. Today, I've put together a foolproof Kushiro travel guide for you. Whether you're looking for perfect Instagram photo ops or a relaxing, healing getaway, just follow this guide! 📸 Must-Visit in Kushiro! 3 Breathtaking Sights 1. Nusamai Bridge: A Tear-Jerkingly Beautiful Sunset Among the World's Top Three 💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to get here 30 minutes before sunset to secure a prime spot! Kushiro's sunset shares the title of the **"World's Top Three Sunsets"** alongside Manila and Bali. As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, the entire Nusamai Bridge is painted in a rich, magical orange hue. Paired with the bronze statues of maidens on the bridge and their reflection on the water, the silhouette is as beautiful as a painting. Best Photo Spots: The observation walkway right by the bridge, or aboard a sunset cruise. 2. Kushiro Shitsugen (Wetland): Step into a Real-Life "Lion King" and Hayao Miyazaki World As Japan's largest wetland, this place is so unimaginably massive it will blow your mind! I highly recommend checking out the **"Hosooka Observation Deck"**. Looking out from there, the Kushiro River meanders through an endless expanse of green wilderness, truly giving you the epic feeling of standing in the African savanna or stepping straight into a fairy tale world. Special Experience: Train enthusiasts absolutely cannot miss the **"Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train"**. This retro slow train chugs along leisurely enough for you to fully open the windows and breathe in the refreshing forest air! 3. Lake Akan: In Search of Adorable Marimo and Ainu Culture Located about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Kushiro, Lake Akan is a mysterious caldera lake. Not only is it home to the rare and adorable algae balls known as "Marimo," but you can also explore the Ainu hot spring street filled with exquisite woodcarving crafts. Top it off with a relaxing hot spring soak at night to completely heal your body and soul.

🗺️🗺️ 【Travel Itinerary】 Day 1: Day 2: Hokkaido Hotel - Kushiro Wetlands National Park - Nusamai Bridge Day 3: Hotel Crown Hills Kushiro - Lake Mashu - Lake Kussharo Day 4: Kawayu Kanko Hotel - Shiretoko Nature Center - Kamuiwakka Onsen Waterfall Day 5: Shiretoko Nature Cruise - The northeasternmost guide place of Japan Day 6: Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort - Abashiri Prison Museum - Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum Day 7: Domy Inn Abashiri - Cape Soya - Wakkanai Port Northern Breakwater Dome Day 8: Domy Inn Wakkanai - Haboro Town - Hokushin Memorial Hall Day 9: Y's Hotel Asahikawa Ekimae Day 10: Hokkaido Museum - Hokkaido Pioneer Village (Hokkaido Pioneer Village) Day 11: Dodaibutsu-den - Moai Statue - Hokkaido Shrine - Maruyama Park - Shiroi Koibito Park - Former Temiya Line Railway - Sakaimachi Hondori - Otaru Canal - Otaru Sushi Street Day 12: Biei Pasture Dairy Farm - Shikisai no Oka - Mild Seven Hill - Blue Pond - Shirahige Falls Day 13: Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art - Sapporo Art Forest Museum Day 14: Jigokudani (Hell Valley) - Sairo Observatory Day 15: JR Inn Sapporo Kita 2-jo 📍📍【Recommended Attractions】 1. Kushiro Wetlands National Park 2. Nusamai Bridge 3. Lake Mashu 4. Lake Kusharo 5. Shiretoko Nature Center 6. Kamuiwakka Onsen Waterfall 7. Shiretoko Nature Cruise 8. The northeasternmost guide place of Japan 9. Abashiri Museum Prison 10. Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum 11. Cape Soya 12. Wakkanai Port Northern Breakwater Dome 13. Haboro Town 14. Hokushin Memorial Hall 15. Hokkaido Museum 16. Hokkaido Pioneer Village 17. Two-Tailed Buddha Hall 18. Moai Statue 19. Hokkaido Shrine 20. Maruyama Park 21. Shiroi Koibito Park 22. Former Temiya Line Railway 23. Sakaimachi Hondori 24. Otaru Canal 25. Otaru Sushi Street 26. Biei Pasture Dairy Farm 27. Shikisai no Oka 28. Mild Seven Hill 29. Blue Pond 30. White Beard Falls 31. Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art 32. Sapporo Art Forest Art Museum 33. Jigokudani (Hell Valley) 34. Sairo Observatory 🥘🥘【Recommended Attractions】 🏠🏠【Recommended Hotels】 1. Hokkaido Hotel 2. Hotel Crown Hills Kushiro 3. Kawayu Kanko Hotel 4. Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort 5. Dormy Inn Abashiri 6. Dormy Inn Wakkanai 7. Y's Hotel Asahikawa Ekimae 8. JR Inn Sapporo Kita 2-jo 📷📷 【Photo Spots】 📣📣【Photo Spots】

Taipei’s summer heat is simply stifling, so I decided to take a break and head to Eastern Hokkaido to cool off. The 25°C temperature was perfect—every breeze felt refreshing. Since I don't drive, I was initially worried about getting around, but public transportation turned out to be surprisingly smooth. I took the JR to Shiretoko-Shari and then caught a bus to Utoro. During my days in Shiretoko, I felt like I had stepped into a primeval forest; the air was filled with the scent of lush greenery. The highlight of this trip was Akan-Mashu National Park. I took a summer-only sightseeing bus and saw the deep blue waters of Lake Mashu, which felt incredibly quiet and mysterious. At Lake Akan, I finally saw the unique Marimo (moss balls)—they are round, super cute, and look just like forest spirits from an anime. I couldn't help but sketch a few in my notebook. The final stop was the Kushiro Marsh. I made a point to ride the summer-only slow train; its leisurely pace was perfect for gazing out at the marshland scenery. On the return trip, I happened to catch the sunset over the wetlands. The orange-red glow in that moment was as beautiful as an animated scene, and it left me feeling so peaceful. Even though keeping an eye on the bus and train schedules was a bit stressful, it felt wonderful to slow down and take in the views at my own pace without driving. Now that I'm back in Taipei, I still find myself missing that cool Hokkaido breeze.

❄️Hello there! Hokkaido! Japan's northernmost island offers more than just winter's powder snow❄️! Its charm lies in its contrasts: summer is a sea of colorful flowers🌻, autumn is covered in red leaves🍁, and winter transforms it into a pure white world. From the bustling city of Sapporo to the remote eastern Hokkaido hidden spots, this is a place you'll want to visit again and again, and even stay to relax! ⛺【Must-Visit Local Spots】 ✅ Sapporo · Nijo Market: A morning food hall for seafood lovers! Find a small shop and try the three-color bowl with sea urchin + salmon roe + crab meat, so fresh and sweet it will take you away🦀 ✅ Otaru · Avoid the main street: Get off at Minami-Otaru Station and stroll along the seaside road, check out the "Love Letter" Funamizaka📮 Wait for the night view lights at Mt. Tengu ✅ Hakodate · Million Dollar Night View: Go up the mountain early to get a window seat and watch the sky change from blue to black🌃 Check visibility on the official website before you go to avoid disappointment! ✅ Eastern Hokkaido · Lake Mashu: The deep "Mashu Blue" is unrealistically beautiful💙 In winter, the lake surface may have fragile ice flowers, like another world 🛬【Travel Tips】 ⏰Recommended duration: 5-7 days, Hokkaido is huge, don’t be greedy! 🗺️Classic route (first-time visitors): Sapporo 2 days (Hokkaido University + Nijo Market) ➡️ Otaru 1 day (round trip same day) ➡️ Noboribetsu/Toya Lake 1-2 days (hot springs) 🌲In-depth tour (nature lovers): Fly directly to Asahikawa (Biei Blue Pond + Zoo) ➡️ Head east to Eastern Hokkaido (Kushiro Wetlands + Akan Lake) ➡️ Rent a car or book day tours in advance 🔔Key reminder: JR trains may be suspended due to heavy snow in winter, don’t overpack your schedule! 🏨【Accommodation Tips】 🏙️Sapporo: Stay near Sapporo Station (convenient for shopping + JR access) or Nakajima Park (cost-effective + peaceful environment) ♨️Noboribetsu/Toya Lake: Must stay one night at a hot spring hotel! One night with two meals + open-air bath with snow view❄️ 🏡Unique experience: Tokachi Urappu Town’s “Hahaha Hostel,” an old building converted to live like a local 💡【Tips】 ✅Transport card: Add Suica card directly on Apple phones, just tap to pay ✅JR Pass: Essential for long trips to Hakodate, book reserved seats at the ticket window in advance ✅Cash needed: Some small shops in Nijo Market and certain buses only accept cash💰 ✅Bear safety: Remember to wear a bear bell when hiking outdoors🔔 ✅Ultimate Hakodate night view tip: Check the official website for live mountain top footage! If visibility is low, skip the trip and enjoy a Joker Burger🍔

Exploring Kushiro, Shibecha & Teshikaga in Hokkaido was pure magic — snow-capped peaks, neon sunsets and cozy vibes all the way 🗻✨. Here are the must-see spots that made my trip epic! Top Spots to Visit: 🌉 Nusamai Bridge (Kitaodori, Kushiro) — iconic sunset views, open all day, perfect for photos and a breezy stroll by the river! 🚤 Fisherman's Warf Moo Smoke House (2-4 Nishikicho, Kushiro) — grab smoked fresh seafood treats in a waterfront vibe. If you love local eats, this is THE spot. 🦦 Kushiro River (Hokkaido) — walk along the serene riverside in Shibecha or Kushiro, especially gorgeous in early morning or golden hour! 🌅 🌊 Lake Mashū (Teshikaga, Kawakami) — one of Japan’s clearest lakes! Hit up Mashu Observatory No.1 for insane panoramic shots, and don’t miss Mount Kamui for nature lovers seeking views of the lake against snowy peaks. Note📌: You can take a direct bus there from JR Mashū station, but do note there is only one bus available per day in the morning. 🏨Where to Stay: Kushiro Century Castle Hotel (2-5 Okawacho) is worth booking for its calm ambiance and stellar views. 💁Staff are super friendly, rooms are spotless, plus you get a bath salt selection for the ultimate unwind. Don’t forget to try all the free various types of bath salts offered at your hotel too!! 🛁 Food🍚 Don't miss their free venison curry supper!🍛 It’s available for every guest to try every evening! Getting Around: 🚍 Kushiro Bus covers the entire city. 🚄 JR Kushiro Station has trains for trips out to Lake Mashu, Nemuro and even back to Sapporo via the Limited Express Ozora (about 4.5 hours). Insider Tips: Bring layers🧣 — weather flips between sunny, snowy and rainy fast. It can also get pretty windy at times! 💨 Book JR rail seats ahead for peak season. Especially if you intend to take the Norokko Train! 🚂 #HokkaidoAdventures #KushiroEats #LakeMashuViews #JapanNature #TripDotCom

#5月好去地方2025 Shibecha Station (しべちゃ駅) is located in Shibechacho, the branch office of Kushiro, Hokkaido. It is a station on the JR Hokkaido Kushiro Main Line and one of the stops of the popular sightseeing train, **"SL Winter Wetland (Winter Wetland Steam Train)"** every winter. This small station is usually quiet and simple, but it can be very lively in winter. Starting from Kushiro, the SL Wetland slowly moves along the Kushiro Wetland, where you can enjoy the vast snowfields and frozen wetlands along the way, and even have the opportunity to see wild red-crowned cranes. Shibecha Station is the relay point or return point of this journey. Many passengers will stop here for a short time to take pictures of the dreamy scene of the steam train spewing white smoke and stopping in the snow. The station is not big outside, but there is a warm waiting room and a simple sales counter, and many railway fans can also be seen gathering here to take pictures. There are also some coffee shops or small restaurants nearby, where you can take a short break before taking the return train. 📍Address: Asahi, Shibecha-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido 🚉Route: JR Senmo Main Line 🚂Winter Shitsugen: Usually runs from late January to mid-February every year (weekends and specific days) 🕰️Shitsugen arrival time: According to the timetable announcement of the year, it usually stops around noon 💡Reminder: SL trains require seats in advance, and are easily full during popular periods. It is recommended to book in advance #Shibecha Station #SL Winter Shitsugen #Senmo Main Line #Hokkaido Winter Railway Travel #Red-crowned Crane Train #Japanese Steam Train #Hokkaido Snow Scenery #Shibecha-cho

What should you know before your first trip to Hokkaido? Check out this article for everything you need to know before you go. When it comes to traveling to Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is probably skiing in winter. However, Hokkaido is a summer resort with mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and abundant natural resources. It is a vast land with a sparse population and rich products, where people carefully protect the most primitive and natural land and ecology. If you want to eat and play naturally in Japan, Hokkaido is the place to be! Tourist Areas Central Hokkaido: Including Sapporo and Otaru, this is the most densely populated central area, where you can experience the bustling yet uncrowded Sapporo and the retro and romantic Otaru. Southern Hokkaido: Including Hakodate and Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the former has the famous historical building Goryokaku, and the latter is known as the Natural Volcano Museum. The famous Niseko Ski Resort will be explained separately in the skiing section. Eastern Hokkaido: Mainly composed of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Akan-Mashu National Park, and Shiretoko National Park, it is the best area to experience the "great" nature of Hokkaido. Travel Time Hokkaido is a highly seasonal destination. Although there are sights to see and outdoor activities to enjoy all year round, it is important to know your "goal" in advance. Peak Season February: The peak skiing season, and also the time of the "Three Great Winter Festivals" (Sapporo Snow Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival). Accommodation prices in Sapporo and nearby ski resorts may increase by 50% to 200%, so be sure to book in advance.