| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-3826-3753 |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, historical landmark, walking spot, no parking (paid parking nearby) |
| Location / Getting There | It's only a 2 minute walk from Suehirocho station. It's also an 18 minute walk from Hakodate station. It's right by the old red brick warehouses shopping district. 23 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053 |
The statue of the girl on the red shoes has a sad and fascinating background. The actual origins can be traced back to a poem ‘Akai Kutsu’ (which translates to red shoes), written in 1922 by Ujō Noguchi. The poem is about a young girl in red shoes taken to a foreign country by a foreigner. This short poem is based on the real life of Iwasaki Kimi (July 15, 1902 – September 15, 1911), though there has been disagreement on the accuracy of this story. The story is of Kimi, and her mother, Kayo moving to Hokkaido (hence the three statues in the prefecture), to start a new life with Kayo’s new husband.
Living on a farm and due to the harsh living conditions Kayo entrusted Kimi’s upbringing to a pair of married American missionaries by the name of Hewitt. The missionaries planned to return to America and bring Kimi with them. Unfortunately, the tale takes a sad turn, as Kimi died of tuberculosis before going away at the age of 9. Kayo, not seeing her daughter again, spent her life believing Kimi had gone to America with the Hewitts. There are six statues throughout Japan, with three in Hokkaido, one in Hakodate, Otaru, and in Rusutsu.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0138-23-5440 |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, historical landmark, walking spot, no parking (paid parking nearby) |
| Location / Getting There | The monument is located on the old pier of Hakodate. It's only a 2 minute walk from Suehirocho station. It's also an 18 minute walk from Hakodate station. It's right by the old red brick warehouses shopping district. 24 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053 |
Since the Meiji era, the Higashihama Pier (the former pier) was the gateway to Hokkaido. This pier was the original landing site. In 1968 a monument was erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this landing. The monument also celebrates the achievements of the ancestors who came and cultivated Hokkaido. It is fascinating to go to that very spot and gaze over waters that brought in settlers from the mainland of Honshu. For those who like historical spots, take a quick walk down and enjoy the view.
The design of the monument depicts a brown bear standing over an anchor. The bear and the anchor are common motifs seen around Hokkaido. The monument was designed by Nobumichi Akashi, who was a professor at Waseda University. The pier itself is a nice place to take a walk by the water. The landing spot is right past the Red Brick Warehouse shopping area (which is a great spot to visit), so it is easy to have a wander around and take in a bit of history. 
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-611-0261 http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/ |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, wedding venue |
| Location / Getting There | The shrine is located at the top of Maruyama Park. It is a 8 minute walk from Maruyama Subway station. 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959 |
Hokkaido Shrine was constructed in 1871 to hold the deities, Ōkunitama, Okuninushi, and Sukunahikona, and also the soul of the Meiji Emporer. It is the main Shrine of Hokkaido and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is located in Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen) on the West side of Sapporo. The shrine is well worth a look in all seasons, especially Spring. It is surrounded by 1,500 cherry blossom trees which usually bloom early to mid May. During this time thousands of locals have their Hanami (flower viewing parties) and the temple is a great backdrop.
In early Summer the Sapporo Festival is held which sees portable shrines carried around the city and stalls set up near the Shrine. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is also a popular time where families will go to pray.At the shrine you are free to walk around in the courtyard where you can take photos, purchase fortune tokens, and see the occasional traditional Japanese wedding. Don’t be surprised to see a monk blessing a car out the front either as some new car owners pay for this ceremony. The shrine is located in Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen) which is located on the west side of Sapporo. The main way to get there is to take the subway from Odori Subway Station and take the Tozai Line (Orange line) to Maruyama Koen which is 3 stops away. After exiting it’s a 15 minute walk west through Maruyama Park. Keep heading up the path which is lined with huge Elm and Cider trees. Along the way you will see various smaller shrines.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | From the middle of May to the end of October 9:00 - 16:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-598-2513 Jozankei Dam museum http://jozankei.jp/en/jozankei-dam/288 |
| Notes | Free parking Car needed |
| Location / Getting There | 061-2302 Sapporo, Hokkaido , Minami-ku Jozankei 8 10 minute drive from Jozankei |
Jozankei Dam is a great sightseeing spot. Completed in 1989 and measuring at 117 metres, it offers fantastic views over Lake Sapporo and down the river in which it feeds into. Not only does Jozankei Dam have great views, but it also has a museum that is free to enter. The museum displays diorama models of the dams construction, has historical pictures and panels of the local area, and videos and exhibits detailing the electricity system. You will need access to your own transport to get there, though if you are a bit more adventurous, its a good walk from the central onsen district of Jozankei.
There is plenty of parking at the dam if you are driving. There is a trail that leads down to the bottom of the dam which makes for a pleasant walk through the trees and park areas. It makes for a great spot for a picnic, a spot of lunch or to view the autumn leaves in season. The trail to Mt. Kotengu can also be found here. The whole area of Jozankei is nice spot to drive or walk around. While in the area, there is not only Jozankei dam, but also the Ainu Culture Museum, Hakkenzan Winery, Nishiki bridge, as well as all the Onsens!
| Admission | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0134-27-1133 |
| Notes | Shopping street, sightseeing spot, historical landmarks, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Otaru. The street is down near the harbor. It is a 18 minute walk down from Otaru station. From Sapporo station, take the JR line to Otaru. Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
Otaru is a beautiful harbor town. It is one of those places that has managed to preserve a lot of its history. You can find many old buildings where you can take a stroll back in time here. Sakaimachi street is a hugely popular tourist spot for those who are visiting Otaru. It is here you can find souvenir shops, museums, restaurants, historical buildings, and landmarks. Many of these restaurants and stores are in these historical buildings, many being converted from old warehouses. So, not only can you do some shopping and dining, but you can also get some great photos while on your travels.
Many of the shops along this road sell goods that are connected with Otaru and its history. Being a seaside town, there are plenty of sushi restaurants and crab stores. Glass blowing can also be found in Otaru, so there are many glass and ornamental boutiques. To get to Sakaimachi street from Otaru train station, it is a short walk. After exiting the station it is a ten minute walk straight down heading towards the harbor. One block before reaching Otaru canal, turn right and you will reach the street. For those driving, there are a few paid parking areas around the area.
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 167-56-2011 |
| Notes | Local Supermarket |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the centre of the small town of Shimukappu Central, Shimukappu, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2201, Japan |
Located in the centre of Hokkaido, you can find the province of Shimukappu. The small town of Shimukappu is surrounded by two rivers, the Mukawa River and the Soshubetsu River. The town of Shimukappu is along the Doto Expressway and is located at a crossroads so it sees a fair amount of traffic passing through. There is only one supermarket in the town and it is the Yokokawa Supermarket. The supermarket can be found across from the Shimukappu Village Office and can be easily recognized by the historical clock tower on the roof.
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If you are stopping in and need a place to stock up on supplies, then this supermarket to be. There are many campgrounds around in the summer or even if you are staying at a hotel in the surrounding areas, this supermarket has a lot of produce to choose from. They have a wide selection of fresh foods, such as fresh fish as well as daily necessities. They have a large corner stocked with wine, spirits, and beer. In summer, there are outdoor goods such as charcoal, and other barbecue gear. being the only grocery store in the wide area, it is a cheap place to get your supplies!
