王小鈞's Reviews Page 3/11

Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO

It is a commercial complex located adjacent to the Nusamai Bridge at the Kushiro River’s mouth. MOO is an acronym for “Marine Our Oasis” and is popular as a symbol of the waterfront.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Commercial Buildings

I made a special trip to Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO, hoping to feast on seafood and snack my way around. After visiting, though, I found there weren’t as many shops as I had imagined, so it was a bit different from what I expected.

Still, I picked up a few Hokkaido souvenirs, took a relaxing walk by the harbor, snapped some photos, and enjoyed the beautiful views of Kushiro Port. That turned out to be its own kind of travel fun.

It wasn’t the most impressive stop on this trip, but the harbor scenery really is gorgeous. It’s definitely worth coming here to slow down and enjoy Kushiro’s laid-back atmosphere.

Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park (Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve)

Doors flew open in 1958 at this esteemed park founded to protect and increase the population of red-crowned cranes, a designated Special Natural Monument of Japan. Once on the brink of extinction, the reserve successfully implemented artificial hatching and advanced breeding techniques that saved the species.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Zoos & Aquariums

I visited Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park this time and was really looking forward to seeing lots of red-crowned cranes. In the end, though, it was a slightly disappointing stop on my Hokkaido trip.

Maybe it was because of the winter season, or maybe my timing just wasn’t ideal, but I saw far fewer cranes than I had imagined. It didn’t have that dramatic, breathtaking scene I was hoping for.

That said, it was still special to see the elegant red-crowned cranes up close, and the park itself was comfortable and nice for a walk. If you’re like me and hope to see more cranes, I’d recommend checking the season and best viewing times in advance. You might have a much better experience!

Kushiro City Zoo

Kushiro City Zoo, opened in 1975, is Hokkaido's largest zoo, spanning an impressive 47.8 hectares.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Zoos & Aquariums

I visited Kushiro City Zoo this time, but unfortunately, it was almost closing time when I arrived, so I only had about 30 minutes to look around. The zoo grounds are huge and there are quite a few animals, but I had to rush through and couldn’t really take my time in many areas, which was a bit disappointing.

That said, the zoo has a very natural setting, and it was really pleasant to walk around. It still left me with a good impression. Next time, I’d definitely like to set aside at least half a day and explore the whole zoo properly to make up for what I missed!

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
• 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.