Sendai Famous Nightlife in Kokubu Cho

Sendai (仙台市) is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, and the largest city (about 1,000,000 people) in the Tohoku region of Japan's Honshu island. Although Sendai is a large city, it is known throughout Japan as a modern city which is in harmony with nature. The city possesses beautiful scenery, such as the Hirose-gawa River that runs through central Sendai, and the lush Zelkova trees that line the central city. Greenery is especially abundant in the center of the city, which has tree-lined streets and parks. As a result, Sendai is called the “City of Trees.”

While Sendai is not quite as old as Tokyo or Osaka, is has quite a long history. Sendai’s numerous zelkova trees have earned it the nickname ‘City of Trees’. Although Sendai was nearly completely demolished during World War II, the city completely recovered, and sports a friendly, relaxed small-town atmosphere. You can find everything in Sendai, from airy streets to amazing glass skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts.

Less than an hour northeast of the city center lies the town of Matsushima, whose bay is dotted by pine clad islets and is known for one of Japan's three most scenic views.

Sendai is located approximately 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Tokyo on the Pacific coast of Honshu (the largest of Japan's four major islands). Sendai lies in the center of the Tohoku (northeast) Region, one of the seven major regions in Japan.


Sendai Tourism
Sendai is not a tourist city, as its suffered from World War II and rebuilt after. Most popular tourist sightseeing is a castle and museum. The ruins of Sendai Castle are located close to downtown on Aobayama, which also gives a panoramic view of the city. The Zuihoden Mausoleum is the tomb of Date Masamune, and is also home to artifacts related to the Date family. It is located on a hill called Kyogamine, which is the traditional resting place for members of the Date family. The Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine, built in 1607 by Date Masamune, is designated as a national treasure.

Some of recommended sightseeing in Sendai, in short such as : Sendai City Museum; Masamune's mausoleum; Castle ruins, Jozenji street – lined with sculptures, good base to visit scenic island-dotted bay at Matsushima on the coast and Zao Onsen in the mountains. Both offer hot-springs & great views. Miyagi Stadium.

Sendai is a modern city in harmony with nature. The city is surrounded by a splendid natural environment, from the western Ohu Mountains to the eastern Pacific Ocean. Therefore, tourist can visit some sites that related to nature.

Nature Sightseeing in Sendai :
1. Matsushima Bay, dotted with many islands covered with pine trees, is located approximately 30 km from Sendai. It is known as one of Japan’s three most scenic locations. Matsushima is a haven from the Pacific Ocean’s harsh waves and is also famous for its oyster farming.

2. The Zao Mountains. A one-hour drive from Sendai takes you to Mt. Zao, a collection of several age-old volcanoes. Near its summit, you can enjoy a pleasant walk around the Okama, a crater lake known for its ephemeral colors. Mt. Zao is also famous for the snow monsters (frost covered trees) that can be seen during the winter.

3. Hot Springs. Akiu and Sakunami are both hot spring resorts near downtown Sendai. A 30-minute drive takes you to these resorts, which boast many hotels and traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) that offer comfortable big baths among the beauty and tranquility of the mountains.


Museuma and Castle in Sendai :
1. Zuiho-den (Tel: 022 262 6250) is the mausoleum of Matsuname Date (known as the "one-eyed dragon") and reminiscent of the Tokugawa mausoleum in Nikko. The original, ornate 17th century buildings were destroyed in World War II but completely restored in 1979. Set at the top of a flight of steep stone steps within a forest, the site also includes the mausoleums of Date Tadamune and Date Tsunamune, the second and third successors of the clan father Matsuname.

2. Sendai Castle aka Aoba-jo dated from 1602 but nothing remains today of the buildings except for the impressive stone walls and a reconstructed turret. The castle grounds do have fine views of the city and an iconic statue of Matsuname on horseback. The Aoba Castle Exhibition Hall (Tel: 022 222 0218) has computer-generated displays of what the castle looked like in its glory days.

3. The Sendai City Museum (Tel: 022 225 3074) introduces the history of the city and displays of Date family treasures including Matuname's suit of armor and relics from the fascinating journey to Mexico and Europe by Matsuname's retainer Hasekura Tsunenaga (1613 - 1620). This epic voyage, Japan's first embassy to the Americas and Europe, is described in Shusako Endo's novel The Samurai.

4. Other museums in Sendai include the Miyagi Museum of Art (Tel: 022 221 2111) and Tohoku University's Museum of Natural History (Tel: 022 795 6767). Of the temples and shrines in the city, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (Tel: 022 234 3606) dates from 1607 and is a good example of Momoyama Period architecture. The shrine houses the guardian deity of the Date family and is the site of the Donto fire festival in January. Nearby Rinnoji Temple has a Japanese-style garden noted for its irises in June.

5. Sendai Mediatheque (Tel: 022 713 4483) is a modern art and film center on Jozenji Dori. Besides its library, Mediatheque hosts exhibitions, film screenings and workshops.


Tanabata Festival
The Tanabata-matsuri Festival, held every summer in Sendai, is considered one of the four greatest festivals in the Tohoku region. It is one of the most popular attractions, drawing crowds of over 2 million spectators every year. The festival is based on the Chinese seventh of July legend: The 'Kengyu' (a cowherd) represented by the star Altair, and the 'Orihime' (a weaver) represented by the star Vega, appear on either side of the Milky Way and cross the bridge of magpie's wings over the Milky Way for their one-time rendezvous a year.


Sendai Nightlife
Sendai nightlife is full of drink and eating places. Don't miss the Kokubu-cho area, the designated entertainment district where you can find everything from small izakayas to large nightclubs and classy bars. Club Shaft is a large mainstream venue where Sendai’s youngsters gather to drink every possible kind of beer in the world and dance the night away to DJ music.

Chuo Dori, also called Clis Road, is mainly a huge shopping district, but with a fair share of clubs and bars catering to students.

Vilevan near Sendai Station is a great place for jazz lovers and for those who would rather chill out and have a couple of quality drinks than show off their dance moves. Ernie’s Bar is the perfect place to meet fellow travelers or expats with whom you can swap stories.

Recommended bars in Sendai :
1. Bar,isn't it?
Address : 3-9-13,Ichibancho,Aoba-ku,Sendai

2. CLUB　SHAFT
Address : 2-10-11,Kokubuncho,Aoba-ku,Sendai

3. Gastro-Pub COOPERS
Address : 2-1-3,Kokubuncho,Aoba-ku,Sendai

4. Finger Foods Bar PINE
Address : 1-8-21,Chuo,Aoba-ku,Sendai

Sendai Photos and pictures :


Sendai Ichibancho Arcade. This covered mall connects several streets together in the downtown area to create the largest arcade in the Tohoku region. The shopping area includes several different arcade malls and covers a T-shaped area along Ichibancho and Chuo dori.


Sendai Kokubu Cho Nightlife


The most famous festival in Sendai is the Sendai Tanabata Festival, which attracts more than 2 million visitors every year and is the largest Tanabata Festival in Japan.


Matsushima is famous for its bay, which is dotted by many pine clad islets and has been ranked one of Japan's three most scenic views for centuries. The small town is also known for Zuiganji, one of the Tohoku Region's most important Zen temples.


The Zao Mountains, a one-hour drive from Sendai takes you to Mt. Zao, a collection of several age-old volcanoes.


Downtown Sendai from the nearby Atago shrine


Sendai Kokubuncho at night, it has more than 3000 bars and restaurants assembled, and the busiest entertainment area in all of northeastern Japan.


Southeast entrance from Sun Mall Ichibancho.


The night match at the Sendai stadium


Watch Sendai City and shopping sightseeing video here :

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Otaru Sapporo City with Canal Area

Otaru (小樽市 Otaru-shi) is a small harbor city, about 30 km west of Sapporo. The city faces the Ishikari Bay, and it has long served as the main port of the bay. With its many historical buildings, Otaru is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations. Also, because it is located within a 25 minute-drive from Sapporo, the city recently has seen growth as a bedroom community.

Otaru main attraction is its charming canal district. Its a variety of Western-style from the late Meiji period buildings made the Japanese dub Otaru the "Romantic city". Have a look at the Mitsui Bank, former Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) building, Music Box Museum, among others.

Otaru's nickname is "the town of hills" as there are so many hills, including Jigoku-zaka (hell hill) - a very steep slope, and the long, winding Funami-zaka. Mt. Tengu-yama that towers behind Otaru is a popular ski resort in winter. There is an observation point on Mt. Tengu-yama, and the panoramic view including the whole of Otaru and its port area is absolutely wonderful. There are also cable cars to take you to the mountaintop.

Otaru is a nostalgic town, old-fashioned mood is enhanced by its architecture and layout. A beautiful large canal flows through it. You also find the old remnant of the major industry of Otaru, many glass-ware shops. As they used to make a lot of glass buoys, lamps for fishery, they had many glass-ware factories, where they’ve come to make various kinds of products to attract the visitors as days went by



Otaru Main Attractions :

1. Canal Area. Beautiful canal lined by old warehouses.
2. Herring Mansion. A wealthy fisherman's former mansion.
3. City Museum. Museum about the history of Otaru.

How to get Otaru :

By ferry
Otaru is one of Hokkaido's key ferry ports, and the closest to Sapporo. Shin-Nihonkai Ferry (06-6348-1120) operates a daily service between Sapporo and Niigata (18 hours, ¥6,200+) and between Sapporo and Maizuru near Kyoto (20 hours, ¥9,600+). Both services are overnight, and private cabins are available for a higher fare (the base fare buys sleeping space on the floor).

By Train
Otaru is about 30 minutes from Sapporo and 75 minutes from Chitose Airport using the "JR Rapid Aiport" (￥620 and ￥1,740, respectively).

Between Shin-Chitose A.P. and Sapporo, take either JR or bus. For information, the page [Access between the airport and Sapporo] is helpful.
Fares can differ depending on the occasion. Discount tickets can be available.

From Sapporo to Otaru, it’s about 38.9km, from New Chitose Airport, about 81.9km. These 3 places are lined to one another making almost straight line, making it quite easy to enjoy one-day tour including a few hours’ stay in Otaru.

For the transportation from Otaru ~ Sapporo ~ New Chitose Airport, discount ticket by JR ?One day Walk Ticket?( Ichinichi- Sampo-Kippu )( 2,040 yen ) is convenient and cheaper ( by 320 yen ).

From Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
By Airport-Express( run every 15 min.), about 35 min. 1040 yen.

From Sapporo to Otaru
By express train ( run every 30 min. ) about 30 min. 620 yen.

By Bus
From Bus Terminal, Sapporo Station, run about every 10 min.(weekday) about 55 min., 590 yen.

By rent-a -car
Drive through express, about 39km, 45 min. 1,200 yen ( toll ) besides rental of the car.

By Taxi
From JR Sapporo Sta. to Otaru downtown including the express toll, from about 9,000 to 13,000 yen, about 50 min..
For the round trip from Sapporo to Otaru, including about 3 hours’ sight-seeing in Otaru, from about 27,000 to 35,000 yen.

Otaru Nightlife

There really isn't much in the way of nightlife in Otaru. If you want to rave, jump on a train and head into Susukino in Sapporo. FInd the Gaijin Bar and kick back.

Photos of Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan.


Otaru is a small city and has an estimated population of 137,693 and the density of 580.11 persons per km².


The Herring Mansion stands 6 kilometers outside the city, just next to the Otaru Aquarium. From Otaru Station, buses take about 30 minutes and cost 200 yen.


Otaru City Museum stands next to Otaru Canal, a 5-10 minute walk straight down the main road from Otaru Station.


The canal was completed in 1923. The canal has been developed as a walkway. It is lit at night by gas lamps and walkway lights. Located 10 minutes walk from Otaru Station


From Sapporo to Otaru, it’s about 38.9km, from New Chitose Airport, about 81.9km. These 3 places are lined to one another making almost straight line, making it quite easy to enjoy one-day tour including a few hours’ stay in Otaru.

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Akihabara Tokyo Electronic Gadget Shopping

Akihabara (秋葉原) ("Field of Autumn Leaves"), also known as Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原電気街 Akihabara Denki Gai), is an area of Tokyo, Japan. What make Akihara so famous is AKihabara or Akiba is the central of Electronic shops in Japan.

Akihabara is the biggest electronics shop district in the world and one of the most important Japanese pop culture springs. Akihabara dreamed place for gadget, technology, anime, video games, robots and manga lovers.

Akihabara is the otaku of those who interested in Cosplay, Anime, Manga, and video playings. We can see the latest fashion in Japanese Electronic goods.

Major stores in Akihabara :

1. Ishimaru Denki
Operating ten stores across Akihabara, including the Main Store, Number One branch and Ekimae branch for electronic equipment, the Pasokon branch for PCs and the Game One and Soft One to Three branches for CDs, DVDs, games and anime related goods

2. Sofmap
Sofmap operates as many as 16 shops in the Akihabara area including multiple branches, which specialize in used computers. The stores are numbered from 1 to 14 plus the main store and the Kakuta branch. A duty free floor can be found in store number one.

3. Laox
Operating eight stores in Akihabara, including the Main Store, Computer branch, Duty Free Akihabara branch and Watch & Camera Branch, the Gakkikan branch for music instruments and three Asobit City branches for hobby and game related products.

4. Yamada Denki - Labi Akihabara
Yamada Denki operates a "LABI" store just across the street from the Akihabara Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station. It specializes in personal computers, pc accessories, and household electronics.

5. Akky
Akky operates three duty free shops in the area around Akihabara Station: Akky Main Store, Akky II and Akky III. Products on sale include a variety of electronic equipment for overseas use, including cameras, computers, televisions, DVD players and software.

6. Yodobashi Camera
The Shinjuku based discount electronic store giant Yodobashi Camera opened its huge Akihabara branch in September 2005. Unlike most other electronic shops, it is located on the east side of Akihabara Station, in the new Yodobashi Akiba Building.

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New Chitose Airport Airlines in Hokkaido

Chitose (千歳市 Chitose-shi) is a city near Ishikari, Hokkaidō, Japan. Chitose now famous as it has a new airport "New Chitose Airport" the biggest international airport in Hokkaidō and closest airport to Sapporo, as well as the neighboring Chitose Air Base. The city is bounded by Eniwa in the north and by Tomakomai in the south.

Chitose located in the mid-western part of Hokkaido, adjacent to 3 cities, 5 towns and 1 village. The city stretches lengthwise east to west. The mountainous western part encompasses the Shikotsu portion of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, while the flat central part of the city contains the downtown and airport areas. To the east are hills utilized for agriculture and forestry.

New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港 Shin-Chitose Kuko) is an airport in Chitose, Japan near Sapporo. It has the IATA Airport Code CTS.

On July 24, 1999, All Nippon Airways Flight 61, which was flying from Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo, Japan to Chitose, was hijacked shortly after takeoff. The hijacker killed the pilot before he was subdued. The Boeing 747 landed safely.

The following airlines fly to New Chitose Airport:
Air Do Hokkaido International Airlines
Air Nippon
All Nippon Airlines
All Nippon Airways
China Northern Airlines
Continental Micronesia
Hokkaido Air System
J-Air
JALWays
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines Express
Japan Air System
Korean Air


How to access New Chitose Airport
By Rail

New Chitose Airport Station is located on a spur off the Chitose Line of Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). Rapid service trains operate to and from Sapporo Station, taking 36–39 minutes and costing ¥1,040.

By Bus
Hokkaidō Chūō Bus/Hokuto Kotsu joint service (Sapporo 4 trips/hr., Oyachi 4 trips/hr.)
Hokkaidō Chūō Bus (Asabu 1–2 trips/hr., Miyanosawa 1–2 trips/hr.)
Hokuto Kotsu (Apa Hotel & Resort 2 trips/hr., Maruyama Park hourly)
Donan Bus (Tomakomai 1–2 trips/hr., Noboribetsu 3 trips/day, Muroran 12 trips/day, Hobetsu 2 trips/day, Urakawa 2 trips/day)
Atsuma Bus (Atsuma 3 trips/day)

New Chitose Airport (CTS) Information :

Address: New Chitose Airport, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0012
Tel: (0)123 23 0111
The airport for Sapporo, on Hokkaido, north Japan.
The airport has a clinic/chemist, a Foreign Exchange counter, a branch of Hokuyo bank, cash machines and a Post Office.
Transportation: Japan Railways (JR) operates Airport Express trains to and from Sapporo Station, taking around 36 minutes and costing ¥1,040. In addition, there are various bus services to skiing areas of Hokkaido.



New Chitose Airport is an airport located 2.7 NM (5.0 km; 3.1 mi) south southeast of Chitose and Tomakomai, Hokkaidō, Japan



New Chitose Airport is the biggest international airport in Hokkaidō and closest airport to Sapporo, as well as the neighboring Chitose Air Base



Terminal Building in New Chitose Airport


New Chitose Airport Map and Location


Japan Airlines and Air Nippon Airlines in New Chitose Airport

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Lake Kawaguchi Popular lake Mount Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchi-ko) is one of five Lakes that near Mount Fuji, located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi. Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko), is the most easily accessible of the five lakes, is located just next to Fuji-Yoshida in neighboring Fuji-Kawaguchiko Town. The other four lakes are Lake Motosu (本栖湖), West Lake (西湖), Lake Shoji (精進湖), Lake Yamanaka(山中湖) ~ The latter three are less developed than Lake Kawaguchi, but more difficult to access.

Lake Kawaguchi is the oldest of the five and it is at least 50-60 thousand years old. There are scores of underwater springs at the lake bottom. There is no discernible surface flow into or out of the lake. Major flows of water appear to take place underground.

Lake Kawaguchi is also a popular tourist destination. A tour to Mount Fuji usually packaged with visiting Lake Kawaguchi. The number of visitors to the five-lake area exceeds ten million annually. Lake Kawaguchi, directly linked to Tokyo Metropolitan urban districts through a major artery highway and closest to the terminal of the Fuji Subaru scenic route, is a centre of tourist attraction in this area.

Lake Kawaguchiko is the most famous of the five lakes for vacation. A large number of hotels line its banks, as do locals providing boat rides to the tourists. Also, there is one of the most famous amusement parks, Fujikyu Highland which is featuring one of the world's highest roller coasters. Many local cultural events are run near this lake throughout the year. Especially, Kawaguchiko firework is the major even for the summer.

Last but not least, Kawaguchiko is home to the amusement park Fuji Q High Land, featuring one of the world's tallest roller coasters and other thrilling attractions with Mount Fuji as backdrop.

How to access Lake Kawaguchi

Kawaguchiko Station is the terminal station of the Fuji Kyuko Railway Line from Otsuki. The bus terminal for local buses and highway buses to/from Tokyo, Kofu, Gotemba and other destinations is located just in front of the station.

From Kawaguchiko Station, two "Retro Bus" lines provide local transportation around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Sai: The shorter "Kawaguchiko Line" operates along Lake Kawaguchi's eastern and northeastern shores (about 2 buses/hour), while the "Saiko-Aokigahara Line" operates along the Lake Kawaguchi's southern shores and further connects to Lake Sai (about 1 bus/hour).


How to access Mount Fuji Area

Fujigoko (富士五湖)
Terminal Station: Fujikyuko Kawaguchiko (河口湖)

Access from Tokyo By Train :
1. From Tokyo station.
2. use Chuou (JR) line to Otuki station (2 hr.)
3. use Fuji Express to Kawaguchiko (53 min.)

Access from Tokyo By Car :
1. Use Chuo Expressway to Kawaguchiko (2 hr.)


Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Photos and infos :



Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. It is located in Kawaguchiko Town, a hot spring resort named after the lake, and well connected with central Tokyo by trains and direct buses.



Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi in autumn, Kawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, Japan



Kawaguchi town and Fuji from the station Chris Moore, 2005




Kawaguchiko / Kawaguchi Lake view from the top



Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai and surroundings Map including the retro bus route



Among the local food specialties are Hoto Noodles, a rustic noodle soup dish garnished with vegetables.




We travelled to Kawaguchi lake from Kawaguchiko train station by Retrobus. My Kawaguchiko Saiko Free Kippu already included 2 days Retrobus, hence I only bought the boat and ropeway pass at 1200 yen.

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Asahikawa Japan Hokkaido Ski resort

Asahikawa (旭川市), is a second largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan after Sapporo. The city is currently well-known for the Asahiyama Zoo and Asahikawa Ramen.

Asahikawa city is full of natural splendor, with the magnificent Mt. Daisetsu-zan in the background and 120 rivers flowing through it. It is also the gateway for tourism to Soun Gorge and the Furano area. Asahikawa's thriving art world has led it to be called a town for art. Fountains and sculptures dot the shopping park along Heiwa-dori Avenue, the road that leads straight from Asahikawa Station.


Asahikawa Tourist Destination

Although Asahikawa is a small city by Japanese Standards, the city is an excellent base for ski trips to the numerous ski holiday resorts that surround Asahikawa. Additionally Asahikawa has an airport offering connecting flights with the main Japanese hubs.

There are numerous bars and restaurants and the city boasts some great features including a nationally famous zoo and several museums including a Sake museum where tasting is possible. Asahikawa is ringed by ski resorts and transfers via public or private transport to them are easily possible. Asahikawa offers access to a variety of resorts rather than immediate access to any. Asahikawa also has great and authentic Japanese nightlife.

Some of Asahikawa City Tourist must see and destinations :
1. Ginza Shopping Street Nakamise Dori
This area is nicknamed the “kitchen of Asahikawa”, and is always crowded with people doing their shopping in the local stores and market.

Address: 1~4 Jo, 14~15 Chome, Asahikawa

2. San-roku
San-roku (literally three-six) is the central part of the city, and is the hotspot of Asahikawa nightlife. There are over 1,300 different bars, clubs, restaurants, karaoke bars, and cafes.
Address: Around 3 Jo 6 Chome, Asahikawa

3. Hokkaido Traditional Art Craft Village
This world-class group of museums and galleries are situated just outside Asahikawa city. The view of the town from outside the buildings is as beautiful as the buildings themselves! The village comprises of the Yukara textile art center, the international Dyeing museum and the Snow museum. The unique items on display in village cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Hokkaido!
Address: Minamigaoka 3 Chome, Asahikawa
Tel: 0166-62-8811

4. Asahikawa City Museum (Asahikawa City Taisetsu Crystal Hall)
The museum is part of the Crystal hall complex, and contains interesting displays about nature in the Taisetsu region and the history of Asahikawa.
Address: Kagura 3 Jo 7 Chome
Tel: 0166-69-2004

5. Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo
Zoo in the Japanese north that opened in 1967. The exhibition method (action exhibition) by which ecology animal original can be observed more naturally by a near appearance wins popularity, and attention is attracted from nationwide various places.
Address: Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho
Tel: 0166-36-1104

6. Asahikawa Ramen Village
Located very close to JR Nagayama station, the ramen village hosts 8 of Asahikawa’s finest ramen shops. The village is open all year round, and ramen products are available from the souvenir shop within the building complex.
Address: Powers shopping area, Nagayama 11 Jo 4 Chome
Tel: 0166-48-2153

7. Santa Present Park
This “World of Santa Claus” has an amusement area for children and popular ski ground during the wintertime. There is also an observatory tower from which Asahikawa city and the Mt. Taisetsu mountain range can be seen.
Address: Kamui-cho, Tomioka 2 555 Banchi
Tel: 0166-63-3232

8. Kamui Park Grove
This park is very popular with families during the summertime, as there are both indoor and outdoor sports facilities, along with a large space for camping and barbequing.
Address: Kamui-cho, Tomisawa
Tel: 0166-63-4045

9. Stalhin Stadium
Asahikawa’s only stadium is named after the famous baseball pitcher “Stalhin”. The baseball stadium has many professional and amateur baseball games and other events during the summertime, and in the wintertime the grounds are converted to a children’s skiing field.
Address: Hanasaki-cho, 2~3 Chome
Tel: 0166-51-7591

10. Hanasaki Sports Park
The sports park has a wide range of sports facilities, including the Stalhin baseball stadium, running track, tennis and basketball courts, an archery field, and an outdoor Olympic size swimming pool.
Address: Hanasaki-cho, 1~5 Chome
Tel: 0166-52-1934

11. Clark Horse Stables
Located near Asahiyama zoo, you can try your hand at western style horse riding. Horse trekking courses are available and are very popular with beginners who want to try horse riding for the first time.
Address: Sakuraoka 160-4, Higashi Asahikawa-cho
Tel: 0166-36-5963

12. Ski Areas
Hokkaido is a snow lover’s paradise. There are many different ski areas in Asahikawa, 5 within the city limits and another 9 in the surrounding areas. Each ski slope has it’s own unique set of courses, but they all share the same high quality powder snow.
Address: Various locations in and around the city

13. Golf Courses
Asahikawa is a dream location for golf fans, as it has a wide variety of magnificent mountain courses just a short drive away from the city.
Address: Various locations in and around the city

14. Campsites
There are a large number of campsites dotted in and around the city and surrounding areas. You can choose from locations near to rivers, forests, or mountains.
Address: Various locations in and around the district.




Asahikawa Kaimono Koen. Asahikawa's Shopping District Park is located in front of the JR Station and runs perpendicular to it. It is a pedestrian only mall and there are shops and restaurants on both sides.



Ginza Shopping St. Nakamise Do-ri (15-chome market)
It is called a kitchen of the people in Asahikawa. As good and old trace and warm hearted atmosphere, it is familiar to a lot of citizens.



Heiwa Street in Asahikawa



Asahikawa Winter Festival 2009 all snow - 50th anniversary (Snowman Castle and Nagoya Castle)


Asahikawa Grand Hotel. From Asahikawa Airport: 40 mins. by bus or 30 mins. by taxi. From JR Asahikawa Station: 4 mins. by taxi or 10 mins. on foot



Asahikawa bus terminal(Hokkaido Chuo Bus)

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Furano Hokkaido Japan Ski Holiday

Furano (富良野) is a city located in Kamikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan. Furano is situated along the middle reaches of the Sorachi-gawa River in the central part of Hokkaido and it belongs to Furano-Ashibetsu Nature Park. Because of its geographical position, which is almost right in the middle of Hokkaido, Furano has a unique nickname - "the navel town." Every summer, a humorous navel festival is held in Furano, during which about 3,000 participants draw funny faces on their bellies and dance around in the main street.

Furano Skiing

Furano is famous for winter holiday destination because of its ski slopes.

Furano ski resort has two great ski areas: Furano and Kitanomine. Both areas are interconnected by the lifts and boast over 900 vertical meters of terrain suitable for all abilities and will challenge even expert skiers. It is one of the most respected ski areas in the whole of Japan and with an average seasonal snowfall of over 8 metres; the perfect destination.

The Furano ski resort lies at the very centre of Hokkaido and is reknowned for its long runs, magnificent views and the ever present Hokkaido powder, with falls of up to 8 metres per season on average. Furano resort has been the venue for world cup races with many of the world's great skiers having tested its steep and fast ski runs.

Ski area lifts include the 6 person Kitanomine Gondola which goes 2.95km giving runs up to 4.5 km in length, the 100 person Furano Ropeway which covers 2.5km in 5 minutes! The central valleys have superb powder and the views of the central ranges of Hokkaido are spectacular. Furano is well known for it’s lack of crowds adding to your enjoyment of this former world cup resort. There are ample beginner/intermediate runs at the base of each side of the mountain, with the steeper and deeper runs up high.

Furano Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Furano can be seperated into several locations such as : Biei, Kami Furano, Naka Furano, Furano, Minami Furano, and Shimukappu.

Some of Furano Sightseeing spots and main attractions are listed here :
1. Chushin-Hyou Park.
The hear of Hokkaido LIes in a corner of Furano Elementary School Yard. 1.2km form JR station

2. Furano Winery
The winery produces dozens of varieties of local wine carefully developed mellow flavor and scent. Observation tour and tasting are available.
Tel: 0167-22-3242. 3km from JR station

3. Furano Grape Juice Factory
100% Fruit juice tastes great. Furano Grape Juice comes in red or white. Observation tours and tasting are available.
Tel: 0167-23-3033. 4km from JR station

4. Furano Cheese Factory
The factory manufactures and sells Furano cheese and Furano Milk. Cheese tasting is available. The adjoining Ice Milk Factory is always crowded. You can try your hand at a number of things, including making butter and ice cream, at The Hands-on Work Shop. (Booking necessary)
Tel: 0167-23-1156. 4km from JR station

5. Taiyo-no-Sato Park Fureai House
This 20ha.-park includes camping site, adventure circuit and a park golf course. At Fureai House, you will find a restaurant and accommodation.
Tel: 0167-42-3445. 14km from JR station

6. Hotel Furano HIghland's lavender fields
You can take a look at the largest lavender fields in the city from its outdoor hot spring.
Tel: 0167-22-5700. 7.5km form JR station

7. Furano Ski Resort
This international class ski resort has hosted the World Cup Skiing Competition 10times and the World Cup Snowboarding Competition. The resort offers slopes for all levels of skiers. Snowboarders are also welcomed. The ropeway can hold up to 101 passengers and it the fastest of its kind in Japan. It also operates in the off-season.
Tel:0167-22-1111. 2.7km from JR station

8. Ningle Terrace
A shopping road of log houses designed by Soh Kuramoto. Nearby to this spot are the cafe Morino-Tokei (A Clock in a Forest), featured in the TV drama "Yasahii Jikan" (Heart Warming Moment) and "Soh's Bar" also designed by Soh Kuramoto.
Tel:0167-22-1111. 7km form JR station

9. Rokugo-no-Mori, the Forest
The family of Goro Kuroita, the leading character appeared in the TV drama "Kitano Kuni Kara" (From the North Country) lived in this forest.
Tel:0167-29-2323. 18.2km form JR station

10. Goro's Stone House
A spot commonly used as the main set in "Sudachi, Leaving the Nest", a chapter from the TV drama "Kitano Kuni Kara". 21km form JR station

11. Jun and Yui's Recycled House
A popular location used as the set for the TV drama "Kitano Kuni Kara" where you can see unique ideas shown in the Recycled Houses. 16.5km from JR station

12. Kitano Kuni Kara Siryoukan, the Museum
This museum contains commemorative items and information for "Kitano Kuni Kara", and was built under the supervision of the author, Soh Kuramoto.
Tel:0167-39-2800 0.3km form JR station

Furano Sightseeing and Ski photos and pictures :



The Furano ski resort lies at the very centre of Hokkaido and is reknowned for its long runs, magnificent views and the ever present Hokkaido powder, with falls of up to 8 metres per season on average.



Furano and Biei are two towns in the center of Hokkaido, known for their pleasant and picturesque rural landscapes.



New Furano Prince Hotel, Furano, Hokkaido



Hotel in Furano Japan



Farm Fomita in Naka Furano Many lavender fields are in bloom.



Furano Ski Area Map



Cable Car to Furano Ski Resort

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Noboribetsu Hot Spring Resort Hokkaido

Noboribetsu (登別市) is a name of city in Iburi, Hokkaidō, Japan. Noboribetsu located in southwestern Hokkaido in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, directly south of Sapporo city, and since it runs along the coast and is surrounded by beautiful forested hills.

Noboribetsu is a name from the local Ainu language which means "a cloudy river tinged with white." Noboribetsu is famous for its hot spring resort (onsen) and the Hell Valley (地獄谷 Jigokudani) sulphurous volcanic pits and geysers, the ninja village and Bear Park. Like most coastal parts of Japan, Noboribetsu is also famed for it’s gourmet spread of seafood . which includes cod roe, salmon roe and Onikama a type of boiled fish paste.

Located on the Pacific Ocean side of Hokkaido and close to Muroran, Noboribetsu has various places to visit and is one of Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort areas. It was founded on September 13, 1869, has an approximate population of 54,039 with a total area of 212.11 km2. Noboribetsu is a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Noboribetsu hot spring has over 10 different kinds of water, containing minerals such as hydrogen sulfide, salt, and iron. The quality of these minerals results in the spa being ranked among the world's most exceptional hot springs.

How to access Noboribetsu ?

Access to Noboribestu via train to Noboribetsu Station takes approximately one hour and ¥3850 from Sapporo. Donan and Chuo Bus Companies operate eleven direct buses per day from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu. The one way trip costs ¥1900 and takes between two and three hours. If driving from Sapporo or Shin Chitose Airport, the fastest way is using the Doo Expressway, then taking the "Noboribetsu Higashi" exit. The distance From Sapporo, is about one hundred (100) km and the expressway toll for a family car is approximately ¥3000.

Nearby Cities from Noboribetsu :

Sapporo, Japan [34.6 miles]
Aomori, Japan [98.3 miles]
Niseko, Japan [32.3 miles]
Otaru, Japan [43.3 miles]

Main Attraction in Noboribetsu :
1. Hot Springs. About Noboribetsu's hot spring baths.
2. Jigokudani . Hell valley - displaying volcanic activities.
3. Shiraoi Town - Porotokotan. Good Ainu museum near Noboribetsu.
4. Lake Toya. Site of Mount Usu, an active volcano.

Noboribetsu photos and pictures, a nice scenery


Noboribetsu's main shopping belt



Noboribetsu Hell Valley



Noboribetsu Hot Spring



Noboribetsu Ropeway Station to Bear Park, one of the main tourist attractions



Noboribetsu Bear Park



Ninja Village Date Jidai Mura Ninja Theme Park


samurai at Date Jidai Mura Ninja


Noboribetsu Date Jidai Mura Outdoor ninja show Video here

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