Central Hokkaido

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Central Hokkaido is the political and economic hub of this prefecture. The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, is located here as well as the port cities of Otaru and Muroran. The major airport of this prefecture is located in Chitose approximately 50 minutes by train from Sapporo. The area has beautiful parks, wildlife areas, ski & snow board mountains and large hot spring (“Onsen” ) areas.

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CENTRAL HOKKAIDO CITIES
- SAPPORO- Noboribetsu
- Otaru - Muroran

TOP SPOTS
  • Takino Suzuran Park
    Takino Suzuran Park
    Takino Suzuran park is a huge park that is a great place for families and nature lovers. It covers 395.7 hectares, with around 200 hectares are available to the public. There are 2 entrances, the East Gate entrance (higashi guchi), and the Central Gate entrance (chuo guchi). Parking is available …
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  • 浮見堂公園
    Ukimido Park
      Ukimido Park is a great sightseeing spot and a good place to get some photos on the shores of Lake Toya. The park can be easily recognized by its stone sculptures and its small outcrop where the iconic shrine is located. The shrine, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Toya make for a …
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  • 帯広百年記念館
    Obihiro Centennial Hall
    The Obihiro Centennial City Museum was opened back in 1982. It is part of Midorigaoka Park which also contains the Obihiro Zoo. This museum exhibits materials relating to the natural history and local history of Obihiro and the Tokachi region.
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  • 緑ヶ丘公園
    Midorigaoka Park
    This massive park is located in the middle of the city of Obihiro. Stretching to 50 hectares, this comprehensive park contains a park golf course, the Obihiro Zoo and the Obihiro Centennial Hall, plus walking trails and a pond.
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SIGHTSEEING GENERAL
  • Kotan Hachiman Shrine
    Kotan Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1856 and was officially named a township shrine in 1875. It was listed as a local shrine on the 28th of April 1911. The purpose of the shrine is to follow the great principles of the deity, Hondawake no Mikoto. Hondawake no Mikoto is also more commonly known as the Emporer Ōjin.
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  • Otaru Canal Museum & Information Center
    Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the 'former Otaru warehouse'.
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  • Tokai Lavender Fields
    東海ラベンダー畑
    On the Tokai Sapporo School campus the grounds really comes alive with lavender. It is said that the south district of Sapporo, where the campus is located, is known as the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Japan.
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  • Obihiro Shrine
    帯廣神社
    In 1881, a man named Benzo Yoda and others from Shizuoka Prefecture organized a pioneer group called the "Bansei-sha". This group  and settled inShimo-Obihiro Village and started pioneering. During this time, they started holding festivals and later built a small shrine, though the connection with the current Obihiro Shrine is still not well known.
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  • Midorigaoka Park
    緑ヶ丘公園
    This massive park is located in the middle of the city of Obihiro. Stretching to 50 hectares, this comprehensive park contains a park golf course, the Obihiro Zoo and the Obihiro Centennial Hall, plus walking trails and a pond.
    Read more...
  • Obihiro Centennial Hall
    帯広百年記念館
    The Obihiro Centennial City Museum was opened back in 1982. It is part of Midorigaoka Park which also contains the Obihiro Zoo. This museum exhibits materials relating to the natural history and local history of Obihiro and the Tokachi region.
    Read more...
  • Kofukuji
    幸福寺
    In the Obihiro district there is an expanse of farmlands and wilderness. Between the city of Obihiro and Hiroo, you can find Kofukuji. This temple, also known as the 'happiness temple' is a Shinto temple that is just off the main highway highway off route 236
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  • Kōfuku Station
    幸福駅
    Kōfuku Station is a closed railway station from the now defunct Hiroo line. The station originally opened on 1st November 1956, but the line, which went from Obihiro to Hiroo, was discontinued in 1987 bringing an end to the station. Even though the station closed down, it still remains a popular sightseeing spot for tourists.
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  • Toyoni Shrine
    豊似神社
    The beginnings of Toyoni Shrine dates back to August 1891. It all started as a simple and small garden shrine that was created by a settler, Kanjiro Inoue, who had made his way to the district of Hiroo. As a guardian deity of the area, he held a ritual of protection during the seasons of spring and autumn.
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  • Tokachi Shrine
    十勝神社(広尾町)
    Tokachi Shrine dates all the way back to June 1666. The shrine is located in the coastal town of Hiroo. Hundreds of years ago, the fishing industry here became strong. As the town prospered, so did the reverence of the deities. 
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Sapporo
Odori Park

Odori Park

At the centre of the park

Originally constructed approximately 110 years ago as a fire barrier between the northern and southern ends of Sapporo city when all buildings were made of wood. It is about 100 meters wide, 13 blocks long and marks the center of the city. Odori is the host area of many of Sapporo’s events and festivals including the Yuki Matsuri, the Yasokoi Dance Festival and the Sapporo Beer Festival. (Event Calendar) In the summer months the parks is a mecca for tired office workers and the general public wanting to relax and soak up some sun during Hokkaido’s beautiful summer months. The park is changed seasonally and will be adorned in flowers and shrubs during the summer months and covered with lights during the winter months. Use Odori Subway Station exits numbers 3 and 4 to put yourself in the middle of the park. Top
Admission-
Opening HoursVarious events are held throughout the year.
ClosedParts of the park can be closed during construction phases of events.
Contact-
Getting ThereOdori, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 060-0042, Japan
Catch the subway to Oodori station. The park runs from the Sapporo TV Tower west for 13 blocks.


Otaru
Otaru Glassware

Otaru Glassware is also well known throughout Japan and has had a long history. The glassworks originally made lanterns and other products for the first settlers in the region however, as the town expanded and the herring industry sprang to life the focus was changed to making glass buoys. When the herring industry suffered its major decline in the late 1950s the glassworks began producing ornamental pieces for direct sale to consumers and tourists. Today Otaru’s glass industry is thriving and many beautiful pieces are on display for pleasure and sale. Some major glass works are the Kitaichi Glass works, the Otaru Unga Kogeikan, “The Glass Ship” Warehouse and the Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum. It is possible to “make your own” glass item in some of the glass works such as ‘The Glass Studio’ and the ‘Otaru Unga Kogeikan’. If you wish to make your own item it is best to make a reservation, especially in summer if you have many people in your group. Top

AdmissionMost glassworks are free entry.
To make your own glass item prices vary from about ¥500 to ¥2000.
Opening HoursMost shops are open 9 : 30 am to 6 pm (a little later in summer)
Closed-
ContactKitaichi Glassworks
0134 – 33 – 1993
The Glass Studio
0134 – 33 – 9390
Otaru Unga Kogei-kan
0134 – 29 – 1111
Notes-
Getting ThereMost Glassworks are located near the canal area along Ironai dori. From Otaru Station walk toward the bay. About 10 min.

Muroran
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

Hokkaido is one of the premier areas in Japan to go whale and dolphin watching. Muroran is well situated to view the whales on their annual migration through Volcano Bay. There are plenty of sightseeing boats available during the the summer months from about the end of April to the middle of August. Top

AdmissionTours for adults start at about ¥5000
Tours for minors start at about ¥2500
Opening Hours-
Closed-
Contact(0143) 27 – 1822
For information & reservations
Getting There-

Noboribetsu
Daiichi Takimotokan

With one of Japan’s largest bath complexes and the oldest hotel in the Noboribetsu area Daiichi Takimotokan is a hot spring lovers delight. Firstestablished in 1858, the complex now has more than half a dozen modern buildings. Contained within these buildings are various mineral pools, waterfalls, walking pools, cold pools, steam room, and a swimming pool with slide. There are seven different kinds of mineral pools and outdoor and indoor pools.Top

AdmissionHotel Guests Free of Charge
Non-Hotel Guests – ¥2 000
Opening HoursHotel Guests Open 24hrs.
Non-Hotel Guests – 9 am to 5 pm Daily
Closed-
Contact0143 – 84 – 3322
Getting There-