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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Shirakawago and Gokayama Japan Old Village

Shirakawa-go (白川郷, "White River Old-District") is the name of village in the Shogawa river valley stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in northern Japan. Shirakawa-go cannot be seperated with the other historic villages Gokayama (五箇山, "Five Mountains").

Both Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are under UNESCO world heritage site since 1995, and the places are very popular nowadays as a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction may be is Ogimachi.

Shirakawa-go has many events every day, here is the list of events including the event schedule

Events The time of the year
1. Harukoma - New Year
2. Syougo - End of February
3. Kumagari - Middle of March ～ Middle of April
4. Gassho roof's rethatch - Beginning of April
5. Cherry tree flowering season - End of April ～　Beginning of May
6. Skunk cabbage flowering season- End of April ～　End of May
7. The season of fresh green - Middle of May ～　End of June
8. Hakusan Super woodland path' access starts - Beginning of June ～　Middle of June
9. Hakusan's the opening of a mountain - 20th of July ～　31st of August
10. Oosirakawa Camping place - 14th of August ～　17th of August
11. Bon Festival dance - 25th 26th of September, 10th of October
12. Doburoku Festival - 14th of October ～　19th of October
13. Autumnal leaves - Middle of October ～　Beginning of November
14. Mekaki - End of October ～　Middle of November
15. Houonkou - December ～　End of March
16. Snowfall - End of December ～　End of March
17. Skiing - End of December ～　End of March


Hotels, Guesthouse, and nightstay in Shirakawa-go. Here is some of the best hotel in Shirakawa-go :

1. Mihoro Ryokan
Situated in high level of Syou River, and it is Shirakawa-go’s South entryway. The hotel is old and good appearance relaxing mode tourist home and it has used dismantle Colony sank under the Mihoro lake and reconstruct it.
Address： 126 - 3 Maki Shirakawa village Oono-Gun

2. Hatago Shirayama Hotel
At this hotel, good quality hot spring, and eaten Hida Beef or river fishes with hearth’s charcoal fire is the main things of the hotel. The dishes are used particular food and seasonable, and also Jizake (local sake) and Reisyu with 3 years old Sake are available with Kappo Sake (bamboo Sake). Stubborn landlord, and beautiful landlady are waiting for you at the hotel.
Address： 126-100 Hirase Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

3. Yu-no-Sato
The hotel’s style can’t be seen in Shirakawa-go with unusual ceiling-well that dismantle Fukui’s fishermen's boss’s building and reconstruct it. Hills and waters and the natural hot spring are the charm of family accommodation

4. Fujiya Ryokan
“The hotel which protects the Japanese secret hot springs” The inside bath and the outdoor hot springs are entire Hinoki (Japanese cypress) making that is what hotel can proud of!! It helps to bring the good quality out of Hot springs. Also bath time of returning on the same day is possible, so as four seasons’ holiday making, you are welcome to our hotel.
Address： 303-16 Hirase Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

5. Jyuemon
It is Gassho Style Inn that has 300 years history.
Address： 2653 Ogimachi Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

6. Inn Bunroku
The Inn is backed by the superb view of mountain. How about having a meal with the birds twittering, and watching the pond’s Koi (carp). You can enjoy the therapeutic walk in the forest even staying in the Inn. You might get the welcome words from cows
Address： 911 Ogimachi Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

7. himizu
Our Inn has 200 years history of Gassho style. It is situated in inside of the Gassho Colony, but it is bit out of center so quieter Inn.
Address： 2613 Ogimachi Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

Shirakawa-go Photos :


Dining room of a gassho-zukuri farmhouse



Kikori Souvernir shop. The most spacious souvenir shop in Shirakawa village. Located at Ogimachi south exit, and the next door on both sides are a dining room Tyube and Life museum.



Ogimachi Village, the largest village at Shirakawago



Hatago Shirayama Hotel at Hirase Shirakawa Village Oono-gun



World heritage Shirakawa-go Gassho-styled village. An antique village registered as a world heritage. The 112 Gassho-styled houses are a faithful remnant of old Japanese scenery.


Watch Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Video here

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Isawa Onsen Hotspring in Yamanashi

Isawa is a small town in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is one of the tourist hot spring sites in Japan. The city is near with Tokyo and Mount Fuji. In spring the land is clothed in pink and the soft scent of peach blossoms is in the air.

Though Isawa Onsen’s history is not so long, it is the largest hot spring resort in Yamanashi Prefecture and famous throughout the country. In 1961, when people dug in a vineyard here, 60-degree-temperature water gushed forth. They threw the water away, diverting it to a nearby river, and children who played in the river were pleased because the water was warm and comfortable. Seeing that, people thought only throwing away this hot water was a waste and made a pool, which became a kind of openair bath and drew a lot of attention. Since that humble start, Isawa Onsen has been developing and now more than 3.5 million tourists visit this area annually.

Close to Tokyo, it is said to be the second largest hot spring resort in Japan next to Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, and has about 100 accommodations ranging from small inns for families to expensive Japanese ryokan to large-scale hotels for large group holiday-makers.

The Isawa hot spring flowed forth suddenly from a vineyard in 1961, which explains the why it is known as the "Hot Spring of the Vineyard." With approximately 150 hotels and Japanese style ryokan inns, it is the biggest hot spring resort in Yamanashi.

Contents: Pure hot spring 113-140o F

How to access Isawa Onsen :
Take a 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Isawa Onsen Station on the JR Chuo Line.

Isawa Hot Spring Address :
Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Phone Number 055-262-3626 (Isawa Hot Spring Inn Association)
URL http://www.isawaonsen.or.jp/


Hotes in Isawa town :
1. Hotel Hatta
JPY 9,600 - JPY 16,300
The hotel Hatta is a bath-proud hotel with the theme of “beauty, health, and healing.” We serve a meal mixed with Japanese and Western style kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) benefiting of local foods. It is a qualified facility for health enhancement.

2. Hotel Hanaisawa
JPY 9,500 - JPY 15,200
Re-opened in March, 2002 based on the theme of "Comfort and Elegance." We have a new large bath, more restaurants and the renewed front lobby now, to welcome you.

3. Hotel Sekitei
JPY 8,900 - JPY 13,650
This modern Japanese resort blends the tranquility of an authentic Japanese setting with versatility in style. The night view from the rotenburo (open-air bath) with a cypress wood bathtub is unsurpassed in the Koshu region.

4. Hotel Fuji
JPY 9,900 - JPY 16,600
Our big rock baths and large spa style baths with spectacular views of the garden are worth experiencing.

5. Fujinoya Yutei
JPY 10,700 - JPY 18,900
An authentic ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) near a clean stream containing sweet fish (Ayu). Enjoy a thermal spring open-air bath and private open-air bath in the annex. All guest rooms have recently been renovated.

6. Isawa Tokiwa Hotel
JPY 9,500 - JPY 13,650
Located 5 minutes from the highway exit, at the east entrance to Isawa Hot Spring, we aim to provide guests with the best possible hospitality.

7. Meiseki no Yado Kagetsu
JPY 18,800 - JPY 27,900
Please enjoy a leisurely time at our large open-air bath and sukiya style (a traditional way of construction for the tea ceremony room) guest rooms. Our Japanese garden of 5000 tsubo (16500 square meters) was created with the great technique of modern lan

8. Hanayagi no Sho Keizan
JPY 9,300 - JPY 22,050
Only five minutes walk from Isawa Onsen Station, we are very conveniently located. We are proud of our large baths and open air baths whose water is sourced from a naturally occurring hot spring.

9. Hotel Kaiji
JPY 11,550 - JPY 12,600
Our quiet Japanese-style hotel faces some Sakura trees and a small river, and has a Japanese garden around it. The large hot spring bath with a good supply of water is popular. We are proud of our cuisine made from the local ingredients.

10. Kizukuri no Yado Kikori
JPY 14,490 - JPY 24,465
The classic ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inn) is located in the onsen (hot springs) town, surrounded by modern architecture. We hope that you will enjoy the soul and warmth of trees.

11. Isawa View Hotel
JPY 10,500 - JPY 12,600
Unwind in this Japanese-style hotel to your heart’s content as you enjoy the chef’s special dinner course, Kohama Sekizen, rich in local flavor.

12. Kyosuiso
JPY 10,500 - JPY 13,650
We are a quiet Japanese style hotel with six kinds of bathing facilities and delicious cuisine. We cater to individuals, families, and groups.

13. Hanare no Yado Tagano
JPY 22,050 - JPY 23,100
With only eight guest rooms in total, this traditional Japanese-style inn is situated on nearly 5000 square meters of serene ground. The all-natural waters of the hot spring are available 24 hours a day.
Meitei no Yado Koshien
JPY 9,450 - JPY 30,450
We are an authentic, two storey Japanese style hotel surrounded by a 6,600 square meter Japanese garden. We also have rooms with private outdoor baths.

14. Yoimachi no Sato Hanasuisho
JPY 13,650
We are a compact Japanese hotel designed with a floral theme. We have two kinds of open-air baths, a hinoki (cypress) wood bath and a stone bath. Meals, carefully prepared using seasonal ingredients, are served in your room.

15. Hotel Kasugai
JPY 15,200 - JPY 19,000
Our Japanese style hotel is next to Isawa Onsen in the center of the Kasugaikajitsu hot spring resort, also a production area of peaches and grapes. You can gaze at Fuefuki River or Mt. Fuji.


Isawa Onsen Hotspring Photos :



Isawa Hot Spring



Isawa Hot Spring Resort flowed forth suddenly from a vineyard in 1961




Isawa Hot Spring is the largest hot spring resort in Yamanashi Prefecture and also one of the most famous in Japan.



The main site of the Isawa Onsen Matsuri Festival (Isawa Spa Festival and Fireworks Display) is the shore of the Fuefuki-gawa, a river that runs through the town of Isawa-cho.


Watch Isawa Onsen Hotspring Scenery Video here

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