王小鈞's Reviews Page 17/25

Asahikawa Ramen Village

Asahikawa Ramen Village was opened in 1996. Seven restaurants in the city got together in this complex to share Asahikawa ramen’s goodness and its culture. On the outer wall, students from Hokkaido University of Education Asahikawa Campus painted animals of Asahikawa Zoo enjoying ramen.

• Asahikawa and Sounkyo
• Ramen

Asahikawa Ramen Village brings together several well-known ramen shops from Asahikawa. Whether you like soy sauce, miso, salt, or tonkotsu ramen, you can satisfy your cravings all in one place! No need to run all over Asahikawa—you can easily find your perfect bowl right here. Each shop has its own unique flavor, so choosing one can be seriously tough. 🍜

I recommend coming hungry. Pick a popular shop with a line, or share a few different bowls with friends and have a ramen showdown. You’re guaranteed to leave totally satisfied!

Sapporo Odori Park

Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo City. Surrounded by approximately 4,700 trees of 92 species, including lilacs and harunire (elms), as well as lawns and fountains for relaxation, the park is loved by tourists and citizens as a place to relax in the office district.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Parks & Gardens

Odori Park has a relaxed vibe during the day, and once the lights come on at night, it turns into a completely different romantic scene. Strolling slowly through the park, watching the lights glow among the trees and fountains with the Sapporo TV Tower in the distance, it’s so beautiful you’ll keep pressing the shutter.

In winter, the snow makes the whole city feel even more magical. No wonder this is one of the night views you shouldn’t miss when visiting Sapporo. Next time you come to Hokkaido, be sure to save one evening for Odori Park and enjoy a romantic moment that feels uniquely Sapporo.

Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store

Rokkatei, a confectionery manufacturer known for popular Hokkaido souvenirs such as "Marusei Butter Sandwich," "Yukiyakonko," and strawberry chocolate, operates the Otaru Canal Store. This store, built using approximately 100,000 bricks from Tokachi, features a retro exterior that blends seamlessly with the streetscape of Sakaimachi Main Street.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

If I could bring back only one souvenir from Hokkaido to Taiwan, I’d instantly pick Rokkatei’s rum raisin butter sandwich cookies!

The first bite totally wowed me last time. Rich cream, raisins with a light rum aroma, and soft, buttery cookies with a nice crispness. Every bite makes it impossible to stop. It’s the kind of magical sweet that makes you think, “I’ll just have one,” and then want to open another box.

This time in Hokkaido, I had just one goal: buy several boxes to take back to Taiwan! Otherwise, I knew I’d regret not getting enough and end up trying to ration them at home. If you’re coming to Hokkaido, definitely save some suitcase space for these. They’re absolutely worth carrying all the way home!

Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street

Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Shopping Streets

Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is definitely a spot you can’t miss in Otaru! The whole street is packed with Hokkaido souvenirs and tasty snacks. Every few steps, you’ll want to stop for samples or take photos. It’s seriously so easy to get carried away.

This time, I also made a special visit to the super popular Gin no Kane Cafe. The best part is that you can choose your own coffee cup, and after you finish your drink, you get to take the cup home as a souvenir. It’s like having a cup of coffee plus an extra travel memory. Such a nice little ritual!

If you’re visiting Otaru, make sure to leave some time to wander slowly. You might just bring home your own little Hokkaido story too.

Otaru Canal

Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Tourist Attractions

Otaru Canal in winter is truly as beautiful as a fairy-tale world! The gas lamps on both sides, paired with snow-covered warehouses, create an incredibly romantic atmosphere. I couldn’t help stopping to take photos with every step.

Whether it’s the pure white snowy scenery during the day or the lights reflecting on the canal at night, it’s the kind of place you won’t want to leave. That said, the snow-covered ground is really slippery. I recommend wearing non-slip shoes or ice cleats and walking slowly so you can enjoy this dreamy winter scene safely.

If you’re traveling to Hokkaido, Otaru Canal is definitely a classic winter spot you shouldn’t miss!

Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway

Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Observatories

Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform is best known for its dreamy night view, and it’s even considered one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views. This time, though, we chose to go during the day, and we weren’t disappointed at all!

As we rode the ropeway up, we had a clear view of Otaru Port, the city, and the snow-covered mountains. The silvery white winter scenery looked like something out of a fairy tale, and every angle was perfect for photos.

Although we didn’t get to see the city lights at night, the pure snowy landscape and wide-open views during the day actually made it even easier to feel the charm of winter in Hokkaido. If you visit Otaru in winter, consider adding a daytime trip to Mt. Tengu too. I’m sure you’ll be just as captivated by this beautiful white scenery as I was!

Lake Mashu

Situated in the eastern part of Hokkaido, u is a caldera lake located within the "Akan-Mashu National Park". Encompassing an area of about 19.6 km² with a circumference of roughly 20 km, the environs of the vast lake have been designated as a special protection area. Due to the steep cliffs surrounding it, direct access to the lake is restricted. However, several observation decks set up around the lake offer panoramic views of its serene surface.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Nature Spots

Lake Mashu in winter is so beautiful it feels like stepping into a fairy tale! The whole forest is covered in white snow, and the lake has this mysterious, peaceful atmosphere. Every view looks like a postcard.

That said, don’t underestimate the snow. The roads are super slippery. After just a few steps, I almost put on an “ice-skating show,” and I nearly fell several times, so I quickly slowed down.

Even though I had to walk very carefully, the dreamy snowy scenery in front of me made it totally worth it! If you visit Lake Mashu in winter, be sure to wear non-slip shoes and watch your step so you can enjoy this stunning snowy landscape safely.

Akanko Ainu Kotan

The Akanko Ainu Kotan, located in the southern area of Lake Akan-a famous freshwater lake and a top tourist destination in Eastern Hokkaido-serves as a vibrant hub for experiencing Ainu history and culture.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Tourist Attractions

After checking in at a Lake Akan hot spring hotel, you should definitely go for an evening walk! The Ainu village on the south side of Lake Akan is lit with warm yellow lights at night, and with snowflakes falling, the whole street feels as romantic as a fairy tale.

This is the largest Ainu settlement in Hokkaido. It has unique woodcarving crafts and traditional culture, and at night it takes on a quiet, mysterious atmosphere.

Walking slowly through the snow and breathing in the cold, fresh air made the pace of the trip slow down too. Lake Akan in winter isn’t just about beautiful scenery. It’s a happy moment that makes you want to stay a little longer.

Tsutenkaku Tower

A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.

• Osaka
• Observatories

I visited Osaka’s landmark, Tsutenkaku Tower. During the day, you can look out over the city, and at night, it becomes even more romantic once it’s lit up. Going up to the rooftop to enjoy the night view is totally worth it!
Besides the observation deck, there’s now the super thrilling TOWER SLIDER. You slide all the way down from high up, and even though it only lasts a few seconds, the speed is such a rush. It made me want to do it again!
If you like taking photos, enjoying night views, and trying exciting attractions, Tsutenkaku is definitely one of Osaka’s must-visit spots.

Shinsekai Hon-dori Shopping Street

Tsutenkaku Tower, Jan Jan Yokocho Street, Spa World are in Ebisu-Higashi, Naniwa District. People started calling this area Shinsekai (New World) in 1912, when Tsutenkaku and Japan’s second amusement park, Luna Park, opened. It meant a new-born tourist spot in Osaka. Since then, this amusement street has grown, used as a location for movies and TV dramas, and became a famous site in Osaka.

• Osaka
• Shopping Streets

When I arrived at Osaka’s Shinsekai Hon-dori Shopping Street, I was immediately blown away by the over-the-top 3D signs! Giant pufferfish, octopus, and kushikatsu signs—every shop looks like it’s competing to be the most eye-catching. Every quick photo feels so Osaka.
Even on a weekday, it was packed with tourists from all over the world and incredibly lively! The area is full of all kinds of restaurants and street food. The smell of kushikatsu, takoyaki, and grilled meat drifts through the street, making it hard to stop eating as you walk.
If you want to experience authentic, down-to-earth Osaka culture, Shinsekai is definitely a must-visit!