Noboribetsu is Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort, beautifully surrounded by forested hills. Noboribetsu’s major attraction, besides its baths, is the Jigokudani or “Hell Valley”, where you can view (and smell) sulfurous steam vents, streams and ponds. Noboribetsu is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Jozankei Onsen is located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park between the high cliffs of the Toyohira River. The town is only one hour from Sapporo, making it a popular side trip from the city for both residents and tourists. As a result, Jozankei is very developed compared to other, smaller onsen towns in Hokkaido.
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya are the two most prominent geographical features of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Both lakes, called Shikotsuko and Toyako in Japanese, are caldera lakes, which were formed from collapses in the earth after volcanic activity.
Lake Toya (Toyako) is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. In addition to the lake itself, the Toyako region features hot springs and an active volcano, Mount Usu, which last erupted in the year 2000. The area also offers many fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities.
Niseko is perhaps the most famous ski resort town in Japan, known for tons of light powder snow, its spectacular back country, and a large amount of foreigners, especially Australians who are responsible for popularizing the resort with foreign travelers in recent years.
Rusutsu Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido. It has a large ski area that covers three mountains, each having a variety of long runs with a good mix of groomed trails, great powder and tree runs. It is located close to Lake Toya (Toyako) and is just on the other [...]
Otaru is a harbor city, half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train. Its beautiful canal area and interesting herring mansion make Otaru a pleasant one day trip from Sapporo or a nice stop en route to or from the Shakotan Peninsula.
Eiheiji stands in the wooded hills, about 15 kilometers outside of Fukui City. It consists of over 70 buildings and structures, connected with each other by covered walkways.
With its main street, lined by massive kurazukuri (warehouse style) buildings, the former castle town of Kawagoe has retained a certain atmosphere reminiscent of past centuries. Consequently, the city has been nicknamed “Little Edo” (Edo is Tokyo’s former name).
Narita is a city in Chiba Prefecture, roughly 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo. The city is most famous as the site of Tokyo’s international airport, which is commonly known as Narita Airport.