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[Hokkaido ] You must go there! 5 attractive Instagram-worthy spots

[Hokkaido ] You must go there! 5 attractive Instagram-worthy spots

2023-01-18

Hokkaido, the northern land of Japan, is a place that anyone living south of Honshu would like to visit on any number of trips. Hokkaido's charm lies in its vast lands and abundant nature, which do not exist in other areas of Japan. The fact that there are so many suitable travel destinations means that there are also many spectacular spots that are sure to be Instagram-worthy. This time, we have carefully selected five attractive Instagram-worthy spots to visit in the Hokkaido area. We hope you will consider including them in your next trip.

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Cape Shineway



Further northwest on the Shakotan Peninsula in northwestern Hokkaido is Kamui Misaki, a large promontory jutting out into the Sea of Japan. Belonging to the Niseko Shakotan Otaru Kaigan National Park, this cape is very popular for its sea cliffs stretching out to the sea and the spectacular view from there. The blue sea, known as "Shakotan blue," is characterized by a beauty reminiscent of the tropical island of Okinawa, even though it is located in Hokkaido.

A spectacular spot where you can realize the roundness of the earth.



In bad weather, the gate is closed and it is not possible to reach the tip of the cape. You can still enjoy the magnificent view from the gate, but if you are going to visit Cape Kamui, you should go to the tip of the cape to enjoy the spectacular view. Check the weather forecast in advance to make sure there is no wind and rain.



The cape itself is about 80 meters high and is unobstructed by anything but land, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the horizon and the earth that makes you realize how round the earth really is. The grandeur of the view is such that even the term "panorama" seems cheap. On the other side of the tip, you can see Kamui Rock standing like a candle. In summer, you can even see sea urchins living on the rocks, and combined with the crystal clear ocean, a dynamic yet mysterious sight unfolds before your eyes.

Light trekking mood



The large parking lot has room for many visitors, even during the busiest season. To get to the cape, you will have to pass through the entrance gate and a gate called "Women are not allowed to enter ". The gate has a very dubious name, but rest assured that women are now allowed to enter. From the gate, a 770-meter promenade called "Chalenka Trail "leads to the tip of the cape. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes one way, but the ups and downs and narrow width of the path make it somewhat steep and makes you feel like you are trekking. It is recommended that visitors who are physically fit wear comfortable sneakers.

"Sacred place named God "



To begin with "Kamui "means "god "in Ainu language. As the name suggests, Cape Kamui has long been considered a sacred place. Not only that, it is also known for the existence of a number of legends. One of them is the basis for the prohibition of women in the Edo period. The area off Cape Kamui, with its many reefs, was once a difficult place for maritime traffic, with frequent maritime accidents. It was believed that women entering the area would incur the wrath of the sea gods, which in turn would lead to shipwrecks and poor fishing. This superstition ended with the arrival of the Meiji period (1868-1912), and today the area is a popular tourist destination for everyone, including women.

<施設情報>
Facility name: Cape Kamui
Address: 〒046-0321 Kamisaki-cho, Nakadan-cho, Hokkaido
Tel: 0135-44-3715 (Shakotan Tourist Association)
Garage: 300 units
Official website: https://www.kanko-shakotan.jp/spot/神威岬/

Hill of Four Seasonal Colors



Biei is famous as one of the most beautiful farming areas in Hokkaido, and there are several spots in the town that are sure to become Instagram-worthy. One of them is "Shikisai-no-oka ". Flowers blooming in an orderly fashion in the vast 15 hectares of fields create a landscape that looks as if the land itself has become a giant work of art.

Magnificent patchwork of flowers



As the name suggests, the fields spreading out on Shikisai-no-oka are not flat. The entire field is gently curved, and each field filled with flowers of different colors overlaps one another in layers. It is a colorful and wonderful art that can only be seen through the combination of the magnificent nature and the farmers' activities.



The best time to enjoy the colors is from spring to fall, but there is no off-season at Shikisai-no-oka. In autumn, the hills are tinged with sepia, and in winter, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the snow-covered hills.

Lots of rides to explore the park



The park is so vast that it is difficult to walk around it, but it is recommended to use several types of rides available. "The Norokko-go "is a bus pulled by a tractor and takes about 15 minutes to make a round of the park. It takes about 15 minutes to make a round of the park. The bus seems to operate the same even in rainy weather.



ATVs are available for those who want to explore more freely as they can drive themselves. However, they are limited to a one-kilometer loop of the birch forest course and cannot be used to explore the flower gardens. Drivers must be at least 16 years old. Cart rides are also available for 15 minutes. It is a 4-seater type that can be driven by anyone with a regular driver's license, so it is recommended for families and groups.

Enjoy delicious agricultural products



As an agricultural place, the store sells a variety of farm products grown at Shikisai-no-oka. Asparagus, corn, melons, potatoes, and other delicious fruits and vegetables are available. Another good point is that there is a restaurant that uses local vegetables, rice, and other safe foodstuffs. A lunch with a view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range is a special treat.

<施設情報>
Facility name:Observatory flower garden Shikisai-no-oka
Address: 〒071-0473 Hokkaido Kamikawa-gun, Biei-cho, New Star 3rd
Phone number: 0166-95-2758
Official website: https://www.shikisainooka.jp/

Mount Hakodate



Japan, which is blessed with a large population and many medium-sized and larger cities, is home to many famous night view spots. Among them, the night view of Mt. Hakodate is listed as a three-star in the Michelin Guidebook "and is an exquisite view ". Along with Kobe and Nagasaki, it has been selected as one of the largest nightscapes in Japan. "However, many people have the impression that the night view from Mt. Hakodate is the best in Japan ".

Spectacular scenery created by the unique topography



Mount Hakodate is located on the southwestern edge of Hakodate City, a rare geographical location in Japan where land is sandwiched between two oceans. Thanks to this, the city lights shining between the dark sea on either side create a fantastic atmosphere. Of course, the daytime view is also a wonderful panorama, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of each of the four seasons.



Mount Hakodate was once a very important military fortress. Even today, traces of war, such as gun emplacements, can be seen on the mountain. It is also commonly known as "Gagyuzan (臥牛山) "due to its appearance like a cow lying down.

Various options to the summit.



At a relatively low elevation of 334 meters, Mount Hakodate offers a variety of means to reach the summit. The most major is the ropeway. The ropeway takes approximately 3 minutes from the base station to the summit station, during which time visitors can enjoy the view from an open vista with no pillars to support them. Another option is to take a mountain bus or walk up the trail for about an hour. You will be able to enjoy the abundant nature and the views of the city and the ocean along the way.

Moerenuma Park



Wouldn't it be amazing to hear about a place where an entire expanse of land has been turned into a giant sculpture? Sapporo's "Moerenuma Park "is just such a place, designed by Isamu Noguchi, one of the most famous sculptors of the 20th century. The spacious space is a fusion of man-made art and nature, and is filled with sights that are sure to be Instagram-worthy.

"Rehabilitating human-damaged land through art. "



Many people would be shocked to learn that what is now known as a beautiful park was once a waste disposal site. When Noguchi was approached by the City of Sapporo and expressed his desire to participate in the Moerenuma Park project, he told "that he would use art to reclaim land damaged by humans. That is my job. "That is my job. Unfortunately, Mr. Noguchi died of a sudden illness in 1988, the year the project began. Nevertheless, his design and ideas were carried on through the project, and Moerenuma Park was completed 17 years later in 2005.

Art arranged in a vast site



The park is home to many facilities and playground equipment designed by Noguchi. The most eye-catching is the glass pyramid nicknamed "HIDAMARI ". This uniquely shaped structure is a combination of a triangular face and a tetragonal pyramid, and shows various expressions depending on the time of day and the angle from which the light hits it. The reflected light is especially fantastic at sunset.



"Moerebi Beach "is a water playground for children designed to resemble a seaside setting. Water gushing from the center of the pond creates beautiful waves like those of the real ocean and spreads out to the surrounding area. The "Sea Fountain "is a giant 48-meter diameter fountain that operates from spring through fall. 3 to 4 times a day, it runs a program that can truly be called a "water sculpture ".

A park where you can feel the charm of each of the four seasons.



Moerenuma Park is an attractive park throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer, water playgrounds, fountains, and other facilities perfect for a refreshing summer are in operation. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the changing leaves, and in winter, thanks to the abundant snowfall, cross-country skiing and sledding are available.

<施設情報>
Facility name: Moerenuma Park
Address: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone number: 011-790-1231
Official website: https://moerenumapark.jp/

blue pond



In nature, the blue color can be observed mainly in the ocean, but not so often in inland areas such as mountains and rice fields. In Biei-cho, there is a popular tourist spot that overturns such preconceptions: "Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) ". The pond, which is actually named after its appearance and fills with blue water, is now attracting many Instagrammers.

Contrast between blue water and trees



The pond, as it is called, does indeed appear blue. This phenomenon is said to be caused by a mixture of aluminum components from the disaster prevention work on Tokachi-dake. The contrast between the colorful trees growing around the pond and the cool blue surface of the water creates the illusion of flying into another world.

Bad weather is the best time to see the spectacular view.



The recommended timing is in the morning when it is windless and well cleared. The interesting thing about the Blue Pond, however, is that just because the weather is fine does not necessarily mean that the pond will show a good color. There have been cases where people who visited on a clear day were a little disappointed by the pond's somewhat dull color. Rather, the combination of all the weather conditions at the time may result in a breathtakingly magnificent view. Also, the best time to visit is at night when the lights are up.

Blue soft serve ice cream



At stores along the way, you can buy products and soft-serve ice cream that are only available at the Blue Pond. What will the blue soft-serve ice cream taste like to you while looking at the blue surface of the water? There is also a roadside station nearby, Viei "Shirogane Birke ", where you can also buy souvenirs.

<施設情報>
Facility name: Shirogane Blue Pond
Address: Platinum, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, 071-0235
Office hours:8:00~21:30
Phone number: 0166-94-3355 (Roadside Station Viei Shirogane Birke)
Official website: https://biei-shiroganeaoiike.business.site/

summary

These are five of Hokkaido's most popular installation spots. These places are full of charm created by the combination of the harshness and beauty of nature and the combination of human activity and the earth. However, photos are not enough to convey the excitement of a trip. We encourage you to visit these places yourself and see the beautiful sights for yourself.

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