SEG Sapporo English Guides

24/04/2024

Another cherry blossoms season has come here in Hokkaido!
However, together with cherry blossoms, other flowers that bloom in quite a short period, called as spring ephemerals enhance the beauty of spring here.
The images are some examples of those lovely, colorful flowers;
dog's-tooth-violet, forsythia, Northern Japanese magnolia, and
there are many more! and those flowers always invigorate people in Hokkaido after the total white world of winter!

T. Wahei

https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

28/03/2024

If you visit the city of Sapporo, with its population of two million, be sure to enjoy the night view. While the views from mountains like Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Teine are magnificent, the view from the tower is also quite impressive. The JR Tower Observatory T38, directly connected to Sapporo Station in the JR Tower, is located on the top floor, the 38th floor, and offers a view of Sapporo from a height of 160 meters. A sea of lights spreads 360 degrees around you.
The observatory also houses a café where you can indulge in sweets, light meals, and alcoholic beverages. Why not enjoy the night view to your heart's content while dining?
Hiroko M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

18/03/2024

Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo

Located in Teshikaga Town in the Eastern part of Hokkaido, Lake Mashu is the most transparent lake in Japan. Due to its depth and transparency, there is little reflection of light other than blue, and on a clear day the color of the lake's surface is known as 'Mashu blue'.
Sunayu area in Lake Kussharo has natural hot spring and the lake does not freeze in this area. Swans migrating from Siberia rest in flocks during winter time.

Eri M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

11/03/2024

A small tea shop called "d:matcha-Sapporo-" is located a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station. In addition to tea leaves, the shop also offers matcha lattes, matcha cakes, and even an experience course where you can compare different types of matcha and sencha. The owner is fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, and is passionate about sharing his expert knowledge of tea.
Hiroko M
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/jp/

03/03/2024

Snowshoeing in Tokachi in Eastern Hokkaido

Snowshoeing allows people of all ages to enjoy the winter scenery up-close. This is because access to unapproachable places in the summer, due to grown bamboo and bushes, bugs and possible bear encounters, water bodies, etc., can be made easy by snow and ice.
The Tausubetsu River Bridge is one such example.

This bridge is located in Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro town (in Tokachi area) and is one of about 50 bridges on the former Japan National Railways' Shihoro Line, which was abolished in 1987.

It is a 130m long concrete bridge with 11 arch-shaped piers.
It begins to sink into the lake around June and is almost completely submerged by October. However, it begins to reappear between December and January after the lake gets frozen, for which the bridge is called “Phantom Bridge.” The concrete body looks quite brittle and in danger of collapsing due to deterioration caused by fast river water and erosions from repeated "freezing and thawing" of the water permeated through concrete during the cold months of the year. However, many people go there on snowshoes to take a glimpse of it up close and personal, as if going to see ruins of the ancient Rome.
During hikes, you must also come across some mushroom-shaped object d'art made of ice, which is usually formed on tree roots left abandoned after felling large trees took place in the old days.

Winter in east Hokkaido like this Tokachi area IS cold, but as long as you’re fully geared for the purpose, you’ll surely be welcomed by its sunny blue sky and clean crisp air.

https://sapporo-tourguides.com/jp/

K Mina

29/02/2024

Mount Moiwa, famous for its night views, stands at an elevation of 531 meters and offers a panoramic view of Sapporo city. To reach the summit, you can take a combination of a ropeway and a mini cable car. During the day, if the weather is clear, you can see both the mountains and the sea. You might even encounter foxes and Ezo squirrels. At night, the cityscape of Sapporo, where approximately 2 million people reside, spreads out like a sea of lights before your eyes.
Hiroko M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

15/02/2024

Shiretoko & Abashiri

Shiretoko and Abashiri are winter wonderlands.
Drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk is so powerful and Shiretoko mountains completely covered with white snow are majestic.
You can also experience outdoor winter activities: Snowshoe Walking, Drift Ice Walking, Smelt Ice Fishing.
It’ll be great fun and you won’t mind the cold.
Go and enjoy winter life in Shiretoko and Abashiri.
http://sapporo-tourguides.com

Yasuyo Nakajima

04/02/2024

The 74th Sapporo Snow Festival has begun. At the main venue, Odori Park, 123 snow sculptures are on display. The beloved characters from the popular manga "Golden Kamuy" stand out against the Sapporo sky. How about taking a photo with the snow sculpture of Shohei Ohtani, the Major League home run king, with the TV tower in the background?
Hiroko M
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

28/01/2024

Biratori Town
The town where Ainu culture lives on.
Learned how to cook Ainu dishes, Ohaw (soup), Sh*to (Mochi) and had them served on carved Ainu tableware (Ita).
After lunch prayed to the gods for a safe trip and took a walk on frozen Lake Biratori with snowshoes.
Enjoyed the spectacular view and found the footprints of wild animals!
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

15/01/2024

The Ainu people called the beautiful mountains located in the Daisetsuzan National Park "Kamuimintara" or Garden of the Deities and regarded them with reverence and awe. Indeed, every time I come here, I feel as if I'm experiencing a part of the spiritual culture of the Ainu people, who believe that human life depends on the gifts from the deities.
By Masaaki Tanaka
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

30/12/2023

ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN
ROYCE’ nama chocolate (Japanese ganache) is one of bestselling souvenirs in Hokkaido. ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN opened in August 2023. It is located in north part of Sapporo, in Tobetsu town, 30 minutes away from Sapporo station area. This new must go place offers a fascinating opportunity to enjoy “Farm to Bar” journey from cacao cultivation to the production of ROYCE’ chocolates in the factory, through factory tours, various exhibits, and interactive experiences. There is a shuttle bus service between JR station named “ROYCE’ Town” and this Cacao & Chocolate town.
In the play areas, children and adults alike can partake in exciting games. To be honest, I had so much fun and I forgot about the time…

Masako A.

https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

23/12/2023

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year for all who have seen the post from Sapporo English Guides throughout the year!
We are deeply grateful for your interest in Hokkaido, and occasional kind comments.

The photo is a huge Christmas tree in Hakodate where is one of the most popular tourists destinations in Japan.
Hakodate has a sister city, Halifax in Canada. The Christmas tree has been sent from Halifax as a symbol of friendship of both cities until 2022.
However, Sakhalin fir grown in Hokkaido are used from last year, for some reason about the shipping.
As the photo posted this time was taken in 2013, so the tree was from Halifax.

The tie between Hakodate and Halifax is still very good,
for Christmas Fantasy http://www.hakodatexmas.com/
was not made possible without the tree gifted from Halifax in 1998.

T. WAHEI

https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

Guided tours in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the northernmost area of Japan. We can offer excellent guide

12/12/2023

The illuminated Blue Pond

The Blue Pond in Biei Town is a popular tourist spot, especially with its mysterious blue color during the summer.
During winter season, it is illuminated from November 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024.
The surface of the pond cannot be seen from December to early April due to snow accumulation.
The starting time is as follows until 9:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. in December/5:00 p.m. in January
5:30 p.m. in February/6:00 p.m. in March
6:30 p.m. in April
* From Dec. 31 to Jan. 3, the time is extended until 2 a.m. the following day.
*It may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. In such cases, information will be provided through the town's website.

When you visit Blue Pond at this time of the year, please dress warmly. It is extremely cold!

Eri M

http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

23/11/2023

"The Odori Park in the heart of Sapporo city is currently adorned with beautiful light installations for the 43rd 'White Illumination' event. Additionally, the Munich Christmas Market, which started in commemoration of the sister city partnership with Munich, is gaining increasing popularity. Many visitors come to enjoy Munich-related food, purchase Christmas goods, and even take photos with Santa Claus. Let's all enjoy the winter in Sapporo together!"
Hiroko M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

19/11/2023

Wildlife in late autumn in and around Sapporo, Hokkaido 2023

🐿　🦊　🍁
Sunrise and sunset times in Sapporo today (November 19) are 06:30 and 16:08.
This is the time of the year when the cold and snowy season is upon us, and we begin to feel a bit busy with preparations for the year end events and the New Year's holiday.

As it is getting dark early, running errands had better be done while the sun is out and it is warm outside.
Then while getting around, we realize that we are not the only ones who are busy before the cold winter. ......🍂

https://sapporo-tourguides.com/jp/

KM

02/11/2023

Furano & Biei
Wherever you go in Hokkaido now, you can enjoy autumn leaves.
Furano is famous for its lavenders in summer. Its gorgeous purple flowers are too beautiful to describe.
However, in autumn,when the lavender is over, the wonderful colors of other flowers are still pleasing to people’s eyes.
The contrast of the snow-capped mountains in the distance and the autumn colors at the foot of the mountains is magnificent.
This area will be covered with white snow soon, showing us another beauty .
Look forward to seeing different scenery of this area.
Yasuyo Nakajima
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

30/10/2023

"Autumn Leaves"
Though "Festival of Golden Leaves" has just finished at Hokkaido University located in Sapporo, you can still enjoy the variety of colors there for the time being. If you are early birds, why not taking a morning walk to see the autumn leaves in the center of the city !!
By Masaaki Tanaka
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

28/10/2023

The ginkgo trees at Hokkaido University are currently in their most beautiful season. During this time, “Konyousai”or Festival of Golden Leaves, is held. The 300-meter ginkgo tree-lined path is illuminated at night, shining in a variety of colors. This festival, which is in its 12th year, is run by students themselves. Let's take some beautiful photos of the ginkgo leaves and add them to our memory albums.
Hiroko M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

21/10/2023

Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse with early autumn colors
The Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse is located in the bay area with an exotic atmosphere. The row of red brick warehouses facing the harbor is one of Hakodate's representative landscapes.
The red brick warehouses were first opened in 1887 as Hakodate's first commercial warehouse, and were once destroyed by fire in 1907, but were rebuilt to their current appearance. The building was later remodeled, keeping the exterior of the warehouse as it was, and transformed into a shopping and dining complex.

The site is divided into four main facilities, with about 50 stores lined up in the retro buildings that evoke a sense of history.
BAY Hakodate, Kanamori Yokomonokan, Hakodate History Plaza and Kanamori Hall.
A wide selection of Hakodate-specific goods and limited editions, including sweets, glass, and music boxes, are also available for visitors to choose from as souvenirs.
At night, the buildings are lit up, giving them a different look from the daytime. A leisurely stroll through the area while enjoying the romantic scenery is also recommended.
The peak of autumn colors will come soon in Hakodate. Please come and enjoy the beautiful, romantic and tasty Hakodate!
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

18/10/2023

Shiroi Koibito Park, which has the production factory of Shiroi Koibito chocolate sandwich cookies, one of Hokkaido's three major souvenirs, is also wonderful with its evening illumination. This time of year, there are also Halloween-themed events. The atmosphere is such that you might see a spirit popping out of a flower bed. I think it’s the best place to enjoy Halloween in Sapporo right now.
Hiroko M
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

12/10/2023

The Rough Sea of Ofuyu
Ofuyu is 93 km north of Sapporo. It is located about 2 hours away on the National Highway 231, aka Japan Sea Oloron (Rhino Auklets) Route. Up until about 70 years ago, the town was bustling with herring fishermen.
Because of the large catch of herring, not only was it used as food, but the fertilizer called nishin-kasu was especially valuable and brought wealth to Hokkaido as it was shipped across the country on the Kitamae-bune (a cargo and trading ship) .
The name "Ofuyu" means "burning" or "burning place" in Ainu language.
It is said that a fire was kindled on the cape to serve as a lighthouse, as the surrounding coast is a series of cliffs with columnar joints, a place where ships could easily get lost when navigating.
It is believed that the Ainu people prayed to the sea gods by setting up inau, which were offerings to the gods and ancestral spirits used in rituals to bring them together with human beings.
Summer is over, and the sea in Hokkaido already seems as rough as winter in mid October.
Masako A.
https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

05/10/2023

Biratori
Surrounded by mountains and rivers,Biratori is a very beautiful and attractive town . There is Nibutani Koran in Biratori which is one of the settlements of Ainu people.
You can learn a lot about the Ainu history and culture by visiting Ainu museums and actually interacting with Ainu artisans.
Nature and people are all friendly there.
Please visit Biratori and you will see how comfortable it is to live with nature.
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

Yasuyo Nakajima

02/10/2023

Some Autumn Scenes of Hokkaido

October is the season of autumn foliage in Hokkaido.
In a few weeks, brilliant colors of red and yellow leaves will be at their best. It is also the season of harvest. In addition to the fruits like apples, pears and grapes, you can enjoy fresh Ikura or salmon roe, for it is salmon fishing season . Autumn is certainly the season of delicacy too good to miss!

T. WAHEI

https://sapporo-tourguides.com/

18/09/2023

Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, you'll find a forest-like garden called 'Ikor-no-mori.' 'Ikor' means treasure, and 'mori' means forest. Roses, perennials, and flowering trees thrive under the protection of this woodland. When you visit this garden, you'll surely think, 'This is truly a Hokkaido garden!'
'Ikor-no-mori' also features a restaurant and a shop. You can also experience horseback riding, so why not enjoy forest bathing with a horse? Additionally, near this forest, you'll discover Lake Utonai, where countless migratory birds flock. Both are located in Tomakomai City.
Hiroko M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

15/09/2023

In Sapporo on a clear autumn day, you can see the Ishikari Bay if you go to a high place. Today, I looked down at Sapporo from the 38th floor observation deck of JR Tower, which is attached to JR Sapporo Station. The tracks run east and west, and Hokkaido University, surrounded by greenery, is to the north. The south is home to a bustling downtown area. The new Shinkansen station is scheduled to be completed in 2030 on the east side of the current station. Can you guess where it will be built? Let's find out while eating a parfait.
Hiroko M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

07/09/2023

Mt. Rishiri in Rishiri Island

Rishiri Island is located in the northern part of Hokkaido, about 2-hour ferry ride from Wakkanai Port.
Mt. Rishiri, also known as “Rishiri Fuji”, is a beautiful mountain, that is the symbol of Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National Park.
The mountain is featured in the package of the most famous and popular souvenir from Hokkaido (Sapporo) called “Shiroi Koibito” (cookies).
Do not forget to eat Uni (sea urchin), too!

Eri M
http://sapporo-tourguides.com/

24/08/2023

Chilling out in a countryside

There are many places in Hokkaido where you can encounter beautiful scenery, even if they are not well-known.
An example is a spot called Totoro Touge (Totoro Pass) in Fukagawa City in Kita (Northern) Sorachi sub-prefecture. It is about 1.5 hour in north of the Sapporo area on the expressway.
The pass has the same name as the world-famous anime film by Studio Ghibli 'My Neighbor Totoro', and I happened to come across this spot two years ago on a drive with my family. This day again, we had an errand to run in the same area, so decided to have a picnic lunch there.

We stopped by at “Rice Land Fukagawa” to buy our food. This is one of over 120 "*Michi no eki" (=Roadside rest areas)) which are located across Hokkaido. Well, they are actually everywhere in Japan, serving as multipurpose facilities where road travelers can rest and get information on road traffic and tourism in the area. They also have a market function where local people sell their crops/merchandises and visitors buy those.
This particular Michi no eki we went on this day offers several bentos (packed lunch boxes) featuring delicious rice from this area. A restaurant and a few food trucks are also available.

So, the Totoro Pass for the first time in two years. We were welcomed by the blue sky with huge summer clouds and the Neko (cat) bus just like the one from the anime same as two years ago, as if something like Covid-19 pandemic didn’t occur at all!

We recommend that everyone who plans to visit Hokkaido make an itinerary that allows for 'customizable free time to enjoy fun and scenic Hokkaido', just like this simple picnic lunch.

(For more information on “Michi no eki” please visit * https://hokkaido-michinoeki.jp/en/)

KM

16/08/2023

Niseko
Mt.Youtei is a symbol of Niseko.
Rainwater seeps into this mountain and after several decades gushes from the ground as a spring, creating some ponds around Niseko.
Please come and see this attractive scenery of Niseko.
You’ll find the magnificent view of Mt. Youtei and the tranquil ponds is one-of-a-kind.
By Yasuyo Nakajima
https://sapporo-tourguide.com

06/08/2023

Following the previous column related to Lake Toya, I'd like to focus 58 sculptures around the lakeside. Why don't you enjoy the harmony of art and nature while standing by the shore of Lake Toya ?
By Masaaki Tanaka
https://sapporo-tourguide.com

27/07/2023

This year, Lake Toya Onsen (hot spring resort) celebrates the 100th anniversary.
A 10-minute drive from Lake Toya takes you to Mt. Usu, from its observation terrace, you can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Toya.
There are also a park with playgroud equipments, boats for rent, and foot-baths along the shores of Lake Toya, which can be enjoyed by both adults and children throughout the four seasons.
https://sapporo-tourguide.com/