Hokkaido

Daisetsuzan National Park: The Wild Heart of Hokkaido 🌋🏔️

Where Japan’s wilderness whispers, and the gods still roam the mountains. In the northern soul of Hokkaido, far from neon cities and crowded resorts, lies a place untouched by time — Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園).Known as “Kamui Mintara” in the Ainu language, meaning “The Playground of the Gods,” this vast expanse is Japan’s largest national […]

Hokkaido

Discovering the Best Ramen in Sapporo: A Guide to Ramen Alley

Every city has its food that defines it—Osaka has takoyaki, Hiroshima has okonomiyaki, Fukuoka has tonkotsu ramen. And for Sapporo, Hokkaido, it’s miso ramen. To truly taste it, there’s no better place than Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (元祖さっぽろラーメン横丁), affectionately known as Ramen Alley. This narrow lane tucked inside Susukino is more than a food stop—it’s […]

Hokkaido

Majestic Migration: Inside the Chitose Salmon Aquarium’s Underwater World

When I think of Hokkaido, I usually picture snowcapped peaks, steaming onsens, or endless lavender fields. But in Chitose City, there’s a hidden gem that takes you underwater—literally—into the dramatic life story of one of Japan’s most iconic fish: the salmon. Welcome to the Chitose Salmon Aquarium (千歳サケのふるさと館), where the rhythms of nature play out […]

Hokkaido

Learn & Play: Discover Chitose City’s Traffic Park Adventure for Kids

When I think of family-friendly hidden gems in Japan, my mind usually jumps to aquariums, theme parks, or outdoor nature trails. But in Chitose City, Hokkaido, there’s a place that combines fun, learning, and life skills in the most unexpected way: the Chitose City Traffic Safety Education Facility, better known as Traffic Park. Here, kids […]

Hokkaido

Banei Horse Racing in Hokkaido: Power, Tradition, and a One-of-a-Kind Spectacle

When I travel, I look for experiences you can’t find anywhere else—and in Hokkaido, that means stepping into the world of Banei Horse Racing (ばんえい競馬). It’s raw, powerful, and deeply cultural. Forget the sleek speed of Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds; here, it’s about one ton of muscle, grit, and heritage. What Makes Banei Unique? Held only […]

Hokkaido

Exploring the Sankebetsu Brown Bear Incident Site in Hokkaido: A Journey Through Japan’s Dark History

When most travelers think of Hokkaido, they picture powdery snow, steaming hot springs, or bowls of buttery miso ramen. But hidden deep in the forests of Tomamae, there’s a darker story etched into Japan’s history—the Sankebetsu Brown Bear Incident. This is not a lighthearted travel stop. It’s a place where tragedy met survival, where the […]

Hokkaido

Journey to a Winter Wonderland: Experiencing the Sapporo Snow Festival

The biting Hokkaido wind nipped at my cheeks, but the sight before me was breathtaking. I was standing in the heart of Odori Park, the main stage for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival Japan. It was a scene straight out of a winter fairytale. Towering snow sculptures, some as large as buildings, lined the 1.5-kilometer […]

Hokkaido Osaka Tokyo

Exploring the Diverse Tapestry of Ramen in Japan: A Culinary Journey

Embark on a flavorful journey through Japan’s iconic ramen landscape. From the snowy climes of Hokkaido to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, discover how each region puts its unique spin on this beloved dish. Sapporo’s Soul-Warming Miso RamenIn the heart of Hokkaido, Sapporo’s ramen is a beacon of warmth against the harsh winters. The city’s […]

Hokkaido Japan With Kids

Hokuryu Sunflower Festival

First peoples in America were the first to use sunflowers for decoration. They found ways to produce vibrant yellow and purple pigments from the flower and seeds and used this pigmentation in pottery and other art. Hokuryu Sunflower Festival in Hokkaido is one of the best sunflower festivals in Japan during the summer months. It […]