Scenic Hokkaido - vol. 2

Scenic Hokkaido - vol. 2
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Japan's largest shibazakura park

  • Photo courtesy of Takinoue Town

Every year from early May to early June, Shibazakura Takinoue Park is covered with a pink carpet, filling the park with moss phlox. The moss phlox here was planted from seedlings about the size of a fruit pack, and after more than 60 years of cultivation, the area covered by moss phlox now reaches 100,000 square meters. The best time to see the moss phlox is from mid-May to early June each year, and not only is the sea of pink flowers impressive, but the sharp floral scent is also refreshing. During the peak viewing period, a cherry blossom festival is held, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the moss phlox garden from a helicopter. Shibazakura-flavored soft serve ice cream, which is both visually and tastefully enjoyable, is also recommended!

- About 210 minutes by bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, get off at "Takinoue Station" and walk 10 minutes.

- About 120 minutes by bus from JR Asahikawa Station, get off at "Takinoue Station" and walk 10 minutes.

Ningle Terrace is home to a 15-centimeter-tall fairy!

In Furano City, there is a mystical forest called "Ningle Terrace," where a legend says fairies only 15 cm tall live. This enchanting tourist spot feels like a scene from a fairy tale. The forest is home to 15 small cottages, offering unique items that can only be purchased here.

Deeper into the forest, you'll find a must-visit café for drama fans called "Mori no Tokei Coffee." This café was a filming location for the 2005 Japanese drama "Yasashii Jikan." Here, you can sit at the bar like the drama's protagonist, grind your own coffee beans, and enjoy a gentle moment. The aroma of coffee fills the air, and the small cakes and desserts add to the delightful experience.

In summer, the forest is lush with greenery, and in winter, it transforms into a romantic snowy landscape. Even if you're not a fan of dramas, you can relax and immerse yourself in this dreamy atmosphere.

- From Asahikawa Station, take the Furano Bus "Lavender-go" and get off at New Furano Prince Hotel. The journey takes about 120 min.

Note: There are only 8 buses per day.

- From JR Sapporo Station, take a train to JR Furano Station (transfer at JR Takikawa Station), then transfer to the Furano Bus "Lavender-go" and get off at New Furano Prince Hotel.

- Open year-round (closing days vary) 12:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Note: Hours may vary by season.

Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo, Hokkaido is one of Japan's "New Three Great Night Views".

Mount Moiwa, located in Sapporo City, stands at an elevation of 531 meters. To reach the summit, you can take a cable car to the mountainside, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Once you arrive at the mountainside station, you need to transfer to another cable car to reach the summit's observation deck. Here, you can witness the jewel-like night view of Sapporo, which has been selected as one of Japan's New Three Major Night Views.

Mount Moiwa is also known as a "Lovers' Sanctuary." Couples who reach the summit can purchase a "Love Lock" and ring the "Bell of Happiness" together. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the French restaurant on the mountain while taking in the night view, creating beautiful and memorable moments.

- From central Sapporo, take an electric bus for about 20 minutes and get off at the Ropeway Entrance Station. Then, take a free shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes, to the Foot of the Mountain Station.

- From JR Sapporo Station (Bus Stop No. 7), take a direct bus for about 37 minutes and get off at "Moiwa Ropeway Station (Moiwa Chuo Ropeway Entrance)." (There are about three buses per day from evening to night.)

- April to November: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Last ascent at 9:30 PM)

- December to March: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last ascent at 9:30 PM)

- In case of bad weather, the cable car may be suspended for maintenance. (We recommend checking the official website or calling for the latest information before your visit.)

Blooms on time every night! Beautiful and stunning fireworks displays over the lake.

The "Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display" is a famous long-term fireworks festival held at Lake Toya. From April to October every year, 450 fireworks are launched into the sky above Lake Toya every night.

The fireworks are launched from boats navigating the lake, so they can be viewed from hotels in the hot spring town or outdoor venues. The editorial team recommends the lakeside promenade "Kohan-dori." If you want to watch the fireworks up close while on a boat, a paid fireworks viewing cruise is recommended. You can feel an incredible sense of courage. Of course, if you don't want to go out, you can also watch from your hotel room.

- It takes about 90 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport to JR Toya Station, about 120 minutes from JR Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, and about 15 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station.

- Every night from 20:45 to 21:05

- Held every year from late April to October 31 (held as usual in rainy weather, canceled in stormy weather)

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https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/travelguide_summer
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https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/travelguide_spring
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https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/sakura
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