Linda Liao's Reviews Page 10/11

Sapporo White Illumination

Since its inception in 1981, the "Sapporo White Illumination," now in its 45th year in 2025, has decorated the winter nights of Sapporo with various themed illuminations at five venues, enveloping the entire city in a fantastical atmosphere.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Winter festivals & Events

I happened to learn online that the Sapporo White Illumination is held in downtown Sapporo every Christmas season. Last year marked its 45th edition, so during my winter trip, I followed the map and visited several of the main venues.
Each venue featured works with a different theme. The dazzling lights decorated Sapporo's winter nights, and together with the blanket of white snow, they added even more of a northern charm. Despite the frigid air, the sparkling lights gave the whole city a sense of warmth and romance.

People walked along the streets in twos and threes. Undeterred by the cold wind and bundled up in thick coats, they stopped with friends and family to admire the beautiful scenery before them. Some quietly took in the atmosphere of the winter night, while others picked up their cameras and kept pressing the shutter, trying to preserve this rare and beautiful sight forever. I also spent an unforgettable Christmas here.

Sapporo Nijo Fish Market

"Sapporo Nijo Fish Market" is said to have been established in the early Meiji period (1868-1912) when fishermen from Ishikari Beach started selling fresh fish. Today, the market is home to not only fresh fish stores but also fruit and vegetable stores, taverns, etc., and is loved not only by tourists but also by locals as the kitchen of Sapporo citizens.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Shopping Streets

Sapporo Nijo Fish Market is conveniently located in central Sapporo and is a great place to experience the atmosphere of a local Hokkaido market. Strolling through the retro-style shopping street, you’ll find fresh catches, all kinds of seafood, and fruit stalls, creating a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere. Unlike a typical supermarket, shopping here also lets you experience the vendors’ warm and friendly hospitality. This time, I bought a bag of Hokkaido-grown button mushrooms to try. It cost less than JPY 1,000, and after I brought it back to Taiwan and used it in chicken soup, it had a rich aroma. Highly recommended. If you visit in fall or winter, you can also see plump, bright red crabs. When you get tired from walking around, you can stop by the nearby GARAKU Soup Curry for a piping-hot bowl of soup curry and take a short break.

Soup Curry Garaku

Soup Curry Garaku has so many fans that when there is a waiting line, they give you a numbered ticket. This soup curry restaurant is very famous among locals.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Curry

GARAKU is a famous soup curry restaurant that always draws large crowds during mealtimes. I recommend arriving before opening to get a numbered ticket and reduce your wait. The dishes come with colorful, fresh Hokkaido vegetables and are both vibrant and delicious. The stewed pork curry and chicken and vegetable soup curry are especially popular. Whenever I visit Hokkaido in winter, I always crave a piping-hot bowl of soup curry to warm both my heart and stomach. If you like it, they also sell packaged soup curry at the counter, so you can take home more delicious memories of Hokkaido!

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

The Old Public Hall of Hakodate ward, a Western-style building constructed in 1910, underwent extensive conservation and repair work in 2021, restoring it to its original beauty.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Tourist Attractions

The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is a Western-style building more than a century old, perched on a small hill. Its elegant, ornate exterior, accented with bright yellow and gold trim, looks especially striking in the sunlight. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside, the original design and layout have been well preserved. The grand hall on the second floor was once used to receive foreign guests and now serves as a venue for exhibitions and performances. You can also look out over Hakodate Bay from inside, where the ocean view and classical architecture complement each other, creating a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. While visiting, I also recommend browsing the gift shop, which carries many exquisite handicrafts. I was most impressed by the candleholders decorated with dried flowers. After the candle burns down, the natural hollow it leaves behind can be reused to hold a small potted plant, perfectly showcasing the meticulous and creative nature of Japanese design.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse features 4 warehouses and is a landmark of the Hakodate Bay Area. It is a romantic, and scenic spot featuring an array of red brick warehouses. It is popular among locals, tourists, and couples.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Commercial Buildings

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a must-visit landmark in Hakodate, consisting of four retro red-brick warehouses. Inside are all kinds of shops offering everything from delicate glassware and pottery to souvenirs and unique gifts. There's plenty to browse, making it a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. During the Christmas season, it's even more enchanting at night, with dazzling lights and fireworks every hour, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere!

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Observatories

The night view from Mt. Hakodate is one of the world's three great night views. You need to take the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway up to the observatory. Although it's not cheap, it's worth seeing once in your lifetime! After dark, the city lights twinkle below like stars scattered across the ground. During the Christmas season, you can also watch the Christmas tree lights at the Red Brick Warehouses change colors—romantic and cute!

Yukura Shrine

Yukura Shrine is located in Yunokawa, a hot spring resort in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Legend has it that numerous cures for incurable diseases have been achieved through hot spring cures, and the shrine is said to have special divine virtues related to hot springs and medicine.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Shrines & Temples

Yukura Shrine is a famous power spot in Hakodate. Rabbit motifs can be seen throughout the shrine, with cute and creative designs. Rabbit lovers shouldn't miss it! After praying, you can browse the amulet shop. The rabbit-embroidered amulets are delicate and cute, and the intricately cut-out goshuin are also quite unique. They make meaningful keepsakes or gifts.

Goryokaku Tower

Goryokaku Tower, built adjacent to Goryokaku Park, offers a bird's-eye view of the Goryokaku Ruins, a special national historic site, from 90 meters above ground, and is loved by locals and tourists alike as a landmark of Hakodate.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Observatories

Goryokaku Tower is a popular spot overlooking Goryokaku Fort, with a different look in each season. Inside the tower is the Goryokaku History Corridor, which uses detailed miniature models to introduce the turbulent history of the Battle of Hakodate and Goryokaku. History buffs shouldn't miss the impressive bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo. The souvenir shop on the first floor has a wide selection, including distinctive gifts to take home!

Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store

Founded in 1987, this is the very first location of a popular hamburger chain that now operates 17 stores mainly in Hakodate. In addition to classic items like hamburg steaks, they offer more than ten unique original burgers, including one filled with jingisukan (grilled mutton), showcasing a truly creative lineup.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Light Meals

I came because I'd heard a lot about it. The interior has a strong retro Showa-era vibe, and it's very popular with locals. The signature Chinese-style sweet-and-sour chicken burger is worth trying, with a memorable sweet-and-tangy flavor. The fries are served in a mug, which is both cute and an eco-friendly touch. The restaurant also sells many of its own branded souvenirs at affordable prices, making them great to take home!

Hakodate Morning Market

Hakodate Asaichi is a huge market of about 33,000㎡. Some 250 stores, including about 150 member stores of the federation and 100 other stores, sell and serve Hokkaido foodstuffs. Member stores display a sticker of "Asaitchan ," the mascot of the Hakodate market, as their recommended store sign.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Shopping Streets

If you want to experience a different side of Hakodate, you should definitely visit the Hakodate Morning Market! The dazzling array of fresh seafood and dried goods is a feast for the eyes, and the warm, friendly vendors make exploring the market even more enjoyable. I recommend buying some scallop candy as a souvenir. If you browse farther from the entrance, you can sometimes find better prices and take home both the flavors of Hokkaido and fond memories!