When visiting Hokkaido, you definitely shouldn’t miss the million-dollar night view from Mt. Hakodate~ Looking down from the summit observatory, you can take in the entire city and bay. The unique landscape, surrounded by bays on both sides, along with the twinkling city lights, creates a truly captivating view.
Around sunset in particular, it’s very romantic to watch the sky gradually darken from dusk as the city lights come on one by one! However, it’s also more crowded at this time, so if you want to enjoy the night view at a leisurely pace, you may want to avoid peak hours.
Mt. Hakodate Observatory | Review by MR.東
Other Reviews by MR.東
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Lake Toya
There is no better attraction than the natural landscape of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. The area around a caldera lake, Lake Toya , and an active volcano, Mt.Usu, was designated as the Toya- Usu Unesco Global Geopark in UNESCO Global Geopark.
Lake Toya is a well-known volcanic lake in Japan. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery is quite spectacular. The calm lake reflects the white sky and distant mountains, creating a beautiful view〜 You can cycle along the lakeshore or take a sightseeing cruise, and kayaks and swan boats are also available to rent, offering different ways to enjoy the lake scenery.
After exploring the lakeshore, stay at a nearby hot spring hotel and relax in the baths, enjoying a leisurely, carefree vacation! -
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Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
One of Japan’s first national parks, established in 1934. Stretching across Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, this vast park is made up of a chain of huge caldera volcanoes and is divided into two areas: the northern Kirishima area and the southern Kinkowan (Kagoshima Bay) area. In the northern Kirishima area, where more than 20 large and small volcanoes line up, highlights include landscapes that showcase nature’s grandeur, such as crater lakes and summit marshlands formed by volcanic activity.
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park offers a rich variety of natural scenery. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular volcanic terrain, lush green forests, and expansive lakes. The volcanoes and surrounding mountains create unique scenery full of natural beauty, and the magnificent landscape can be appreciated from every angle. This is a great place to visit for those who enjoy mountain climbing, hiking, and viewing lava formations!
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Kagoshima City Aquarium (Io World)
Located at Kagoshima Port, this aquarium offers magnificent views of Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, across Kinko Bay. Its exhibits include the Kurosio Great Water Tank, featuring Kyushu's only whale shark exhibit as well as tuna, bonito, and other fish that migrate with the Kuroshio Current. The aquarium displays approximately 10,000 marine animals from about 800 species, primarily from the waters around Kagoshima, including Kinko Bay and the Nansei Islands.
The Kagoshima City Aquarium is located right next to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. The building’s exterior was inspired by a stingray, making it quite distinctive. Inside, there are extensive marine life exhibits, and visitors can also learn about Kagoshima’s unique Kuroshio waters and volcanic marine ecosystem.
The most impressive feature is the spectacular Kuroshio Great Water Tank, where you can get an up-close look at large marine animals such as whale sharks, tuna, bonito, and manta rays swimming through the water. It’s an incredible sight that makes you feel as if you’re in an underwater world! -
