Day trip from Kitahiroshima area
This is the number one popular tourist area for Hokkaido travel. In addition to the Kitahiroshima surrounding area, there are the Eniwa Valley and Tarumae Mountain in the Eniwa-Shikotsu Lake area, Upopoy where you can learn about Hokkaido’s Ainu culture, the Noboribetsu Onsen area known for its famous hot spring sources, and the Lake Toya and Usu Mountain Geopark area, which is reputed to have the most beautiful lake. Additionally, Sapporo and Otaru sightseeing can be easily combined for a convenient day trip experience. Enjoy nature experiences, historical and cultural experiences, city walks, and gourmet delights at your own pace.
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Eniwa - Lake Shikotsu Area
In Eniwa, known as the City of Flowers, you can explore Megumino and the beautiful Eniwa Valley, as well as Mount Tarumae, a popular destination for hikers (known for its repeated eruptions, which have altered its summit). This area is perfect for nature experiences, featuring Lake Shikotsu, one of the world’s clearest lakes with a depth of about 360 meters, and Lake Utonai, a Ramsar Convention registered wetland where around 270 species of wild birds and waterfowl gather.
Forest Adventure
Lake Utonai
Noboribetsu Onsen ~ Shiraoi Area
This is a global geopark area. Noboribetsu Onsen is a representative hot spring in Japan that has been popular for a long time as a hot spring department store where you can enjoy nine different types of hot springs. There are many hot spring outlets and fumaroles in the back of the hot spring town, and the appearance of these boiling cauldrons has been described as “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley). There is a bear park, aquarium, and theme park to entertain guests. Shiraoi Town is home to the National Ainu Museum. It is Japan’s first comprehensive museum dedicated to promoting a proper understanding of Ainu cultural history through exhibits, experiences, and food.
Toyako Onsen Area
It is a national park area of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and also a global geopark area represented by Mt. Usu and Mt. Showa-Shinzan. Lake Toya is a large caldera lake with a circumference of 46 km, and due to its large amount of water, it is an ice-free lake that does not freeze even in the cold of Hokkaido. Pleasure boats that go to and from the central island are popular.
Sapporo Area
Centered around Odori Park, high-rise buildings line the side of Sapporo Station. Sapporo Station, Hokkaido Government Sapporo City Hall, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Clock Tower, and Sapporo Botanical Garden. On the Susukino side are 4th Avenue, Tanuki-koji shopping arcade, Nijo Market, and Nakajima Park. It is the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo and a gathering place for Hokkaido’s food. It is also a shopping area with many duty-free stores.
Otaru Area
The port town of Otaru was developed first in order to build the main government office (today’s Hokkaido Government Office) in present-day Sapporo City. The port was built, goods were transported, people and goods gathered, and the center of Otaru flourished as the largest city in Hokkaido. Brick warehouses and banks lined the streets, and a walk through the center of Otaru is a great way to experience the city.