Additional information for Hokkaido : Monthly events

Additional information for Hokkaido : Monthly events

It is always great to know what special events are available during the stay. Every month with different season and festivals, Hokkaido is packed of activities all year round.

Some of the events are only available in Japanese website and venues are not specified clearly too.
These are what I found.

Jan

• Asahikawa Zoo : Penguin Parade that starts from Mid December. Actual dates will depend on the snow fall that year. http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/ 
• Lake Toya Illumination Festival 
• Hakodate Illumination 1st Dec to end of Feb 
• Goryokaku dream  (五稜郭) is illumination event from Dec to end Feb in Goryokaku Park 
• Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
• Jozankei Yukisanmai held in mid Jan (13th Jan -15th Jan 2017, 21st Jan & 22nd Jan 2017)
  For more information, please check http://jozankei.jp/yukizanmai/1105
• Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/

Feb

• This is one of the biggest event of the year. Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from 1st Feb to 12th Feb 2018 with Odori Park and Susukino Park from 6th Feb to 12th Feb 2018
  For more information, please check http://www.snowfes.com/
• Hakodate Illumination 1st Dec to end of Feb 
• Goryokaku dream  (五稜郭) is illumination event from Dec to end Feb in Goryokaku Park 
• Hakodate Winter Festival Goryokaku Family event falls on weekend during mid Feb 
• Hakodate Ōnuma Snow & Ice Festival.  1st weekend during Feb. There will be snow sculptures, games and actitivies . 
• Esan Gokko Festival falls on Sunday during mid Feb. Gokko is a kind of fish and there will be different cooking method to taste this fish.  What is so special about this fish ? 0% fats, 100% Collagen! No scales, very good for complexion
  Time: 11:00 -
• Hakodate Imagane Snow Festival falls on 2nd weekend in Feb in Imagane town. There are games, dance, fireworks, free hot milk to be served. 
• Hakodate Shikabe Kanketsusen Park.
  Shikabe Kanketsusen Scallop event with free roasted scallop & scallop soup given falls in Mid Feb. 
• Hakodate Yakumo Winter Festival will fall on first weekend in Feb. There will be a 100m snow slide and many other different winter activities and games. ( opened on 4th Feb 2017 17:00-20:00 to 5th Feb 2017 9:45-15:00)
• Oyster and Leek festival ( しりうち味な合戦　冬の陣　カキVSニラまつり) falls in Mid Feb. These 2 ingredients are the specialities in Shiruchi town) and during this festival, there are dishes and fresh ingredients for sale.
  Time 9:30-13:30 or whilst stock last. 
• Shimokawa Ice Candle Museum 2nd weekend of Feb ( 17th-19th Feb 2017)  5,000 ice candles with different themes each year not to be missed.
• Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
• Jozankei Yukitoro held in mid Jan (1st-5th Feb 2017)
  For more information, please check http://jozankei.jp/yukitouro/50
• Lake Akan Ice Festival will be held 3rd Feb 2018 to 10th March 2018. Information not released yet. This festival is known as 阿寒湖氷上フェスティバル、「ＩＣＥ･愛す･阿寒『冬華美』」
• Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/  
• Abashiri Okhotsk Snow Festival. There are many interesting winter related activities and games during 2nd weekend of Feb, It was held between 10th-12th Feb 2017. 
• Abashiri Okhotsk Ryohyokan is the museum to experience and learn more about this super cold place which is near Russia. For more information please check  https://www.ryuhyokan.com/

Mar

• Hakodate Shikabe Kanketsusen Park.
  Shikabe Kanketsusen Anniversary 18th Mar 2017 10:00-13:00) Free admission 
• Shikabe free flow scallop event. Based on past years' record, it is usally held 1st Saturday in March. 
• Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
• Lake Akan Ice Festival will be held 3rd Feb 2018 to 10th March 2018. Information not released yet. This festival is known as 阿寒湖氷上フェスティバル、「ＩＣＥ･愛す･阿寒『冬華美』」
• Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/

Apr

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Hakodate Sakura Festival End of April to Golden week in May
  2 recommended places Hakodate Park and Goryokaku Park (五稜郭) also known as 5 star fort.
• Otaru Umeshu Festival holds mid Apr to early May ( 17th Apr-7th May 2017)
  Location: 田中酒造亀甲蔵（信香町2-2）、田中酒造本店（色内3丁目2-5）
  For more information, please refer to http://www.tanakashuzo.com/
• Otaru Railway history from 29 Apr - 17 July ( dates might change ). Huge collection of old trains used in Otaru. For more information, please click : https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/simin/sisetu/museum/  ( Only Japanese)
• Sapporo Jozaikei Salmon returning Festival from mid Apr to early May ( 27th Apr- 8th May 2016) . Estimated 400 salmons can be seen swimming backward to their birth place. 
• Sapporo Hiraoka Plum blossom Festival from end Apr to early May ( 29 Apr- 15 May 2016)  2017 confirmed dates has not been released. 
• Lake Akan Iomande's fire from 21st Apr 2017 to 30th Nov 2017
• Lake Akan opening ceremony on 29th Apr 2017 to celebrate spring and reopen of water activities

May

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Hakodate Sakura Festival End of April to Golden week in May
• Matsumae Sakura Festival 1st to 20th May ( Actual dates to be confirmed yearly)
• E San ( also known as Mountain Esan) Azalea Festival Mid to Early June ( Estimated 27 May to 4th June 2017) in E San Tsuzuji Park 
• Otaru Umeshu Festival holds mid Apr to early May ( 17th Apr-7th May 2017)
  Location: 田中酒造亀甲蔵（信香町2-2）、田中酒造本店（色内3丁目2-5）
  For more information, please refer to http://www.tanakashuzo.com/
• Sapporo Jozaikei Salmon returning Festival from mid Apr to early May ( 27th Apr- 8th May 2016) . Estimated 400 salmons can be seen swimming backward to their birth place. 
• Sapporo Hiraoka Plum blossom Festival from end Apr to early May ( 29 Apr- 15 May 2016)  2017 confirmed dates has not been released. 
• Sapporo Ramen show from mid May to end May ( 17th - 29th May 2016) 20 famous ramen stores will be gathered in Odori Park.
• Sapporo Rairaku Festival from mid May to end May. It will be held in two locations with music, performances etc.
  大通公園: 17th -28th May 2017
  川下公園 : 28 & 29th May 2017 
• Sapporo Moiwa day falls on last weekend of May. Free tour bus to Mt Moiwa and other events. ( 28th -31st May 2016)

Jun

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Toyako Manga.Anime Fair in Lake Toya  24th&25th June ( Dates might change yearly )
• E San ( also known as Mountain Esan) Azalea Festival Mid to Early June ( Estimated 27 May to 4th June 2017) in E San Tsuzuji Park 
• Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily. 
• Sapporo Tapas opens early June for 1 week. ( 4th-9th June 2016)
  For more information, please check http://www.sapporowalk.com/
• Yosako Soran is holding from 7th June to 11th June 2017
  For more information, please check http://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/
• Hokkaido Jingu Sapporo Festival usually from 14th June to 16 June. This is a big event not to be missed if you are in town.
  For informatio, please check http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/festival/index.html
• Sapporo Flower Carpet usually end June ( 22th - 25th 2017)
  Located near Sapporo station ,幌市北3条広場「アカプラ」
  For more information, please check http://www.sapporo-flowercarpet.com/
• Hana no Fiesta Sapporo usually end June to early July ( 25th June - 7th July 2016) at Odori Park
• Mt Oakan in Kushiro open for summer trekking and activities on 18th June 2017

Jul

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Lake Toya Onsen Summer Festival  End July to Mid August
• Hakodate Harbour Fireworks Mid July ( 17th July 2016 Time:19:45)
• Hakodate Tram Appreciation Festival Last Sunday of July
  Updates can be found in their facebook : https://www.facebook.com/events/602714939760802/
• Hakodate Marine Festival End July ( 15th & 16th July 2017 ) at Fisheries and Oceans Hakodate http://www.marine-hakodate.jp/
• SL Hakodate Onemako ( Steam Locomotive SL函館大沼号) operates on weekends during end July to early August 
• Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily.
• Hana no Fiesta Sapporo usually end June to early July ( 25th June - 7th July 2016) at Odori Park
• Sapporo City Jazz is held on 2nd - 27th July 2017
  Details and information can be found here : http://sapporocityjazz.jp/
• Sapporo Music festival with different locations and events across July and August.  Music range from old folks, traditional classic to musical. However not much information was given except the titles. These information is available at the tourist centres. 
• Makomanai Music Firework Festival on 8th July 2017
  For more information, please check http://www.makomanai-hanabi.com/
• Sapporo Summer Festival from 20th July to  17th August 2017 with Beer Garden till 15th Aug 2017. Located at Odori Park
  For more information, please check http://sapporo-natsu.com/
• Sapporo Tanukikoji Festival is the shops along the stretch in Tanukikoji gathered together as there are crowds coming for so many summer events.
  For more information, please check http://www.tanukikoji.or.jp/
• Susukino food vendors too have their own event to match all the on going in Summer. However not much information was released. ( It was held on 21st & 22nd July 2016)
• Sapporo Culture Night is held on 21st July 2017
  For more information, please check http://www.culture-night.com/
• Lake Akan Natsukito from 1st July to 31st Aug 2017 with Marimo lights
  For more information, please view the pamphlet http://www.lake-akan.com/event
• Abashiri Kandou Asaichi 網走感動朝市 is morning market that you have to experience when you are there. It is held from mid July to mid Sept . Please check the link for the dates available ( scroll to the end of the page )  http://www.abakanko.jp/news/event/2016kandouasaichi.html
• Abashiri Okhotsk Summer Festival あばしりオホーツク夏まつり usually held last weekend of July. It was held 21st-24th July 2016. 

Aug

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Lake Toya Onsen Summer Festival  End July to Mid August
• Hakodate Celebration on opening Harbour Fireworks Early August ( 157th Anniversary on 1st-5th 2016 Time:19:45-21:00)
• SL Hakodate Onemako ( Steam Locomotive SL函館大沼号) operates on weekends during end July to early August 
• 13th August supposed to be the best night scenery in Hakodate. It is actually an event. 
• Hakodate Hachimangu  (函館八幡宮例大祭) 14th & 15th August, This is a big festival celebrating and carry the shrine
• Hakodate Yunokawa Summer Festival with fireworks usually held on 4th Saturday of August
• Shimokawa Udon Festival usually falls in last weekend of August ( 27th & 28 Aug 2017)
  http://www.shimokawa-time.net/event/udon/
• Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily. 
• Sapporo Summer Festival from 20th July to  17th August 2017 with Beer Garden till 15th Aug 2017. Located at Odori Park
  For more information, please check http://sapporo-natsu.com/
• Sapporo Music festival with different locations and events across July and August.  Music range from old folks, traditional classic to musical. However not much information was given except the titles. These information is available at the tourist centres.
• Sapporo Tanukikoji Festival is the shops along the stretch in Tanukikoji gathered together as there are crowds coming for so many summer events.
  For more information, please check http://www.tanukikoji.or.jp/
• Abashiri Kandou Asaichi&nbsp>網走感動朝市 is morning market that you have to experience when you are there. It is held from mid July to mid Sept . Please check the link for the dates available ( scroll to the end of the page )  http://www.abakanko.jp/news/event/2016kandouasaichi.html

Sept

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Hakodate Airport Fair on Saturday in Mid Sept 
• Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily. 
• Sapporo Autumn Fair usually held early Sept to early Oct ( 9th Sept -1st Oct 2016) There are plenty of different local foods available. 
• Moere Fireworks. Limited tickets due to crowd control.
  For more information: http://www.moere.jp/
• Kamo Historical walking trail tour  Only available from end Sept to Oct
  For more information, please check http://kamo-nostalgia.sakura.ne.jp/
• Lake Akan Senbon Taimatsu. Hokkaido Origin Ainu night walk with torches blessing the environment. It will be held 1st sept to 28th Oct 2017.
  For more information, please view the pamphlet http://www.lake-akan.com/event
• Abashiri 7 gods festival  あばしり七福神まつりusually during 1st weekend of Sept. It should be on 2nd & 3rd Sept 2017
• Abashiri Agriculture festival あばしり「うみ」と「大地」の収穫祭 with different food available. This is one of the summer activities locals love to join. Last Saturday of Sept and it should be on 24th Sept 2017
• Abashiri Notoroko Sangosoa Matsuri is another food festival with scallops and oysters. It was held on 10th & 11th Sept 2016 based on this pamphlet  http://abashiri.jp/tabinavi/01events/event_sangosoamtsuri.html
• Abashiri Sunflower Light Up 大曲湖畔園地ひまわり畑ライトアップ is a big event in Abashiri during summer.It was held on 17th -24th Sept 2016.  For more information please check  https://www.himawaribatake.net/abashiri.php
• Abashiri Kandou Asaichi 網走感動朝市 is morning market that you have to experience when you are there. It is held from mid July to mid Sept . Please check the link for the dates available ( scroll to the end of the page )  http://www.abakanko.jp/news/event/2016kandouasaichi.html

Oct

• Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
  Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. 
• Hakodate Ōnuma Quasi-National Park Maple Festival on Mid Oct usually from Fri to Sunday. The walkathon will also fall on the same period of time. 
• Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily. 
• Sapporo Autumn Fair usually held early Sept to early Oct ( 9th Sept -1st Oct 2016) There are plenty of different local foods available. 
• Kamo Historical walking trail tour  Only available from end Sept to Oct
• For more information, please check http://kamo-nostalgia.sakura.ne.jp/
• Lake Akan Senbon Taimatsu. Hokkaido Origin Ainu night walk with torches blessing the environment. It will be held 1st sept to 28th Oct 2017.
  For more information, please view the pamphlet http://www.lake-akan.com/event
• Lake Akan Marimo Festival 8th-10th Oct 2017. Information not released yet. 

Nov

• Hakodate Moheji Salmon Festival on 3rd Nov. As the wild salmons swim back, there will be a festival celebrating with cooked and fresh salmon for sales and other related activities
• Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival usually 1st week of November. ( 1st-3rd Nov 2016) at Sapporo City Link
• Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
• Sapporo Christmass from end Nov to Christmas eve ( 25th Nov -24th Dec 2016)
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/

Dec

•  Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 1st-25th Dec with a 18m tall christmas tree
  More information can be found here: http://www.hakonavi.ne.jp/xmasfantasy/index.html
• Hakodate Illumination 1st Dec to end of Feb 
• Goryokaku dream  (五稜郭) is illumination event from Dec to end Feb in Goryokaku Park >
• Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
• Sapporo Christmass from end Nov to Christmas eve ( 25th Nov -24th Dec 2016)
  For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
• Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/

Beer museum and many more in Naebo

Visit Beer museum to understand the history and have a taste of beer. It is an interesting experience.  The pictures will say it all.

 

Please note that there is Ario Mall which is a family shopping mall just next to it. You can visit Akachanhonpo the one stop baby items supermart.

From JR Naebo 苗穂 station, you can also visit JR train depot museum
Website: http://www.jrh-zaidan.or.jp/business/page01.html
In Japanese.

It is free but it is not always open. It is only open every second and fourth Saturday every month. From May to August, it is opened every first , second and fourth Saturday.

Another factory that you might be keen will be Snow brand milk factory and history museum. This has needed to make reservation before hand. You can ask your hotel to make reservation for you as only telecommunication reservation is allowed.
Website: http://www.meg-snow.com/fun/factory/sapporo.html
Map to the factory : http://www.meg-snow.com/fun/factory/p-sapporo.html

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade is a very long stretch of traditional shopping lane with very long history from Meiji era. It is approximately 1 km and so long that each section is divided by roads that connect the city. 

Though you will find many tourism shops around, there are interesting shops in every section. 

Daiso Sapporo Central : 北海道札幌市中央区南二条西２丁目富樫ビル１Ｆ

If you are looking for Daiso, walk towards Tanukikoji 2 or Tanuki covered shopping street 2. You will pass by a pet shop on the right, an owl pancake shop with real living owls just next to the Pachinko and ABC mart that sells shoes. At the traffic light towards Tanuki street 1, before crossing the road, turn left, you will see Daiso logo at the next junction. 

Susukino

Susukino is the never sleeping town where you can find good food, ramen museum, 24 hours shopping mall and hotels.

This is one of the important area in Sapporo City can be either be reached by walking from Sapporo station or subway.

In Winter, it will be filled with Singaporeans that you will feel at home!! Wahahahahaha!!
Especially for us who stay in apartment surrounded by Japanese, it is quite warm to feel in the midst of Singlish.

If you are looking for the snow crab, there is a moving 3D snow crab signboard which you will not miss in Susukino. Please note that there is another new branch near Sapporo station.

Furano Lavender

Furano famous for lavender in end July and also the expensive melon!

If you travelling period does not meet the full bloom of lavender, they have a greenhouse for you to visit.

During end of July every year, they have will different decoration to attract vistors again and again. There will also be food fair while you are walking in the area.

There is a few farms that you can visit if you have time. We spent the whole day just in one farm area!
Website: http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/
English available.
The English map : http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/farm/

Direction: http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/access/
In English and map is available.
Please take note that there is a special train " Norokko" from Furano station and early reservation is highly recommended, alight at the second stop : Lavender Farm Station.

Recommendation: Furano is also famous for factory visits, during July, you can board their day tour bus to visit the factories. A trip to Biel is also in one of the day tour if you are not driving.

If you are driving, you can actually even travel to see Blue pond, patchwork road and paroname road in Biel.

Please also take note that in January to April, Furano is a ski area too. You can also visit the hot spring resorts in Furano.

Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo

I came to know this zoo from a movie with the same title. It showed about how Asahiyama zoo was about to end operation due to finance in red and how the staff actually sat down and discussed, rebuilt  and redeveloped the whole zoo with interesting 360 degree view concept as what they are now. It was later awarded as Japan Number One zoo with such concept and after that many zoos and aquariums started to use the same display concept too.

I love the penguin enclosure as the penguins can stand just next to you just separated by an transparent acrylic wall. They also have a step up platform for the kids to view without the obstraction of the wall. This is also a very huge range of different types of penguins. The staff are around if you need to ask questions too. Simple English is still ok for most.

Every animal enclosure, there will bond to have surprises. With 800 animals and more ( due to new borns) , 150 specimens.  The hippo was also swimming just next to us on ground floor and when we went to basement, you can see how hippo moved around and had fun!

Website : http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
English site available.

3 things you must know of Asahiyama Zoo 

1.  Asahiyama Zoo has its own train called " Asahiyama Zoo Go - 旭山動物園号" which only operates during a certain time and month.  Book the reserved seats the first thing you reach Japan or Hokkaido as this is in high demand for both locals and tourists.
   
   Website and pictures of the train :http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/travel/asahiyamazoo/
   In Japanese
   Operation day and time : http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/travel/asahiyamazoo/access.html
   In Japanese
   
2. Penguin Parade also known as Penguin March which usually start from mid Dec till end of March when there is constant heavy snow. Standing in the midst of snowing or thick snow, it can be challenging for kids but an amazing life experience.  This is very well known in Japan. If your travelling period does not fall within this period, you might want to consider Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe ( Information can be found in a post titled the same).
   
3. Different season to Asahiyama Zoo will encounter different experience and it is worth going more than just once. 

Direction: Take JR to Asahigawa station - 旭川駅. Just outside of the train station, the bus stop to Asahiyama Zoo is right near the entrance.  ( Do not note the Train station is ASAHIKAWA and the zoo is ASAHIYAMA)

Bus lane 6 with bus number: 旭山動物園線41・42・47番

This is the map where you can find the bus lane and other attractions that you can visit on bus. 

http://www.asahikawa-denkikidou.jp/h27%20bus%20information.pdf

This is taken from the zoo website on how to reach destination:  http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/generalinformation/d053767.html

Tickets : Adults' ticket is 820yen each, while kids below 16 are free ( secondary school students and below are free). It is worth buying the annual pass if you intended to return for at least a second time. 

Recommendation: I would suggest a 3 days 2 night trip to Asahiyama Zoo during winter. Plan the arrival day to go Asahikawa Ramen village and then zoo on the second day morning. It can be a whole day event or half a day after penguin march, then follow by other attractions. 3rd day can be either Asahikawa's attractions or a step over Takikawa Science centre on the way back to Sapporo. 

Below are photos taken in end July. 

Sapporo Science Center

Sapporo Science Center

Just when we were planning to go, there was an emergency closure due to suspect of leakage. By the time, they reopened, we were due to return home. 

This is just next to Sunpizza Aquarium and Shin Sapporo station. 
It is a worth going place for the children. 

There is a package for both Sunpizza Aquarium and Sapporo Science center. Kids below secondary school students are free. 

Website : http://www.ssc.slp.or.jp/museum
In Japanese only.

This is website by Sapporo City 
http://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/find/recreational/sapporo-science-center/?lang=en
In English 

Hobetsu Museum

Hobetsu Museum
We cancelled one of the trips to Asahiyama Zoo for this as we saw a pamphlet in the tourism center. We travelled to Mukawa station to find out that there is only 2 buses per day,  9.25am and 5.45pm. We walked a long distant to a small hotel( 四季の館 道の駅、温泉ほか) and after making enquiries how to go about , we found out 1 way cab fare is 20,000yen ( about SGD $270). That would mean spending SGD$540 to and fro.

It would be an interesting museum to visit as from what we saw, it was the exact location where they found dinosaur bones.  There is an indoor museum with an outdoor park where dinosaur displays are showed. The sad part is not much information could be found.

We even checked if there was any day tour or coach, to our dismay, none. This museum can only be accessed via driving.

Website :  http://www.town.mukawa.lg.jp/2410.htm
English available.

How the dinosaur is being found : http://www.town.mukawa.lg.jp/2411.htm

Places we planned but didn't go.

Hokkaido University Museum

It is temporarily closed for quakeproofing from April 2015 to July 2016. Its renewal open is scheduled in July 2016 with renewed exhibitions.
Website: http://www.museum.hokudai.ac.jp/english/index.html
In English 

 Asahiyama Zoo

We planned for 2 trips to Asahiyama Zoo but cancelled one to go to another place, while the other trip was cancelled due to heavy snow. A day trip is recommended in Summer or Autumn but it is recommended to stay over during winter. 

I will add a post on this based on my previous trips. 

Website : http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
English available. 


Hobetsu Museum

It would be an interesting museum to visit as from what we saw, it was the exact location where they found dinosaur bones.  There is an indoor museum with an outdoor park where dinosaur displays are showed. The sad part is not much information could be found.


Website :  http://www.town.mukawa.lg.jp/2410.htm
English available.

I will post more about this museum. 


Sapporo Science Center

Just when we were planning to go, there was an emergency closure due to suspect of leakage. By the time, they reopened, we were due to return home. 

Website : http://www.ssc.slp.or.jp/museum

I will post more about this museum. 


Others 

We cancelled all our ski day trips that we could visit in Sapporo city as children preferred playing snow than skiing or tubing. 

I have planned a trip for winter event in Tomamu but decided to cancel it as the snow amount was not that huge to be able to see the winter effect and also for the long 6 hours 2 way trip back and fro. I think I rather stay in Sapporo city for better winter experience. 

Nijo Fish Market & Curb market

Nijo Fish Market is an easier place to go compared to Curb Market. It is in Odori , just exit of Bus center mae ( Subway Tozai line).

Check out the snow crab, sashimi, sashimi topped rice! You can also buy fruits , fresh abalone too.
As we walked pass, the young lady even asked the children to stop as she scooped out the cooked snow crab! She was preparing for the guests who chose their snow crab and sitting behind the store, in their own resturant.

Webiste:  http://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/find/shops/nijo_fish_market/?lang=en
In English

Curb Market also known as Crab market ;

札幌市中央卸売 札幌場外市場

Website: 

札幌市中央卸売 札幌場外市場

In English

When you reach JR SOEN ( 桑園） station, ask the train staff for a map for easier reference. 

Turn left then turn right where you see taxi stand. Walk till you see a petrol kiosk, cross over to it then turn right. You will pass a vegetable fruit store. It has cheap deals, grab if you are cooking or going home soon! Just walk straight and you will reach Curb market.  This is less crowded due to location. 

Please note that once you exit JR Soen station, you will see a sushi shop, it is cheap and very good! You can eat till you are very full yet the amount to be paid is really amazing! The lunch set deal is not to be  missed too. Just behind this sushi store is Can-do, the 100 yen; not a big one but good for grabs on the move. 

Sapporo TV Tower

When you visit Odori or even Nijo Market, walk over to Sapporo TV Tower. It is a place to visit all year round. In summer, you can just sit in front of the Tower and see pigeons fly. They have Beer festival in July, White illumination in December.

It is always magnificent to see a city from a high bird eye view especially after sunset!
You will also see so many Singaporeans here in winter that you wondered if Singapore had moved....

Takikawa Children science center

Takikawa Children Science Center (滝川博物館 こども科学館)  is a local science center meant for the children in the city of Takikawa. It is actually more than just for children. We saw a large collection of dinosaur skeletons!! This is by far the only one we managed to visit.

There is another area to take note! They would have animated presentation with a physical globe to explain how the plates moved and how country like Hawaii was created,etc.  The only disadvantage is that all in Japanese and the adult needed to be able to recognise the geographical positions to know what are the countries presented.

You can consider buying annual pass as it is really not much difference from a day ticket. The children's annual pass is the same price as a day ticket.

As it was a weekday when we visited, we had the whole science center to ourselves and the staff came specially to inform us when they have shows or experiments. They asked if we could speak in Japanese or they would try their best to explain in English and I felt touched by this gesture and attitude. They even slow down in speaking for me to translate to my children.

Website : http://www.city.takikawa.hokkaido.jp/260kyouiku/05bijyutsu/k-museum.html
Only in Japanese

Direction :
From JR Takikawa station, facing the road turn right to  Central bus terminal  ( 中央バスターミナル)
There are a few buses that passes thru.

・【歌志内線】（赤平昭和・宮下町行き） 

　・【滝川美唄線】【滝川奈井江線】（奈井江高校・美唄駅前行き）

　　　→＜開発局前＞Kaihatsukyokumae alight, walk for 5 mins. 


　・【滝芦線】【砂芦線】（芦別行き）

　　　→＜文化センタ ー入口＞ Buka Centa Iriguchi ( Cultural Center entrance) alight , walk for 10 mins. 

Please remember to check the bus timetable to and fro to ensure that you are able to travel back. Frequency was every 45 mins.
We took the bus to Cultural Center Entrance and really walked in the snow to the science center.

The bus stop that you will alight in a metal shelter with wild grass around. Cross the road, you will see Softbank ( Telco shop , the return bus stop is right in front of Softbank), Petrol kiosk right in front. Bikkuri Donkey Takigawa びっくりドンキー 滝川店 ( family restaurant in brown ) will just be on the right of the kiosk.

Cross the road towards Bikkuri Donkey Takigawa びっくりドンキー 滝川店 , follow the pavement. You will walk pass Tsutaya Movie Rental , Tsuruha Drug store and also (公)滝川市立高等看護学院 further down. After about 5 mins, you will see signboard to turn right. First thing that would catch your eye is 滝川市こども科学館分館 which is standing at the corner before turning right.  Walk to the next traffic light, turn left. It is the second building which is behind a small park.


Something to note. When you stepped out of train station, this seemed to be a deserted town, the first mall you will see with a bowling pin is very run down. This mall has its glorious period long ago. Now Daiso is in it! So if you have time to spare while waiting for bus or train, you can cross over the road.

This is the mall : http://nationalmaclord.web.fc2.com/annex/shop/seiyu/takikawa.html


If you are travelling between Sapporo and Asahikawa, this can be a stop over for the children.  Or you can stay over in Asahikawa and plan a day for it too.

　 

Otaru Canal and Otaru aquarium

Otaru is famous for the scenic port city and Otaru canal just 10 minutes away from the Otaru station.
Otaru can be a day trip with morning market, aquarium and trip to canal too.

Start the day early and give yourself a treat to fresh seafood and then visit Otaru Aquarium before visiting Otaru Canal.

Otaru Aquarium ends early at 4pm during winter and at 5pm for the rest of the year.
Website: http://otaru-aq.jp/page-2236/

If you are going during Winter, 2-4pm will be a good time to see sunset. After sunset, it will be difficult to take nice photos. It can be a slow walk from Otaru station to Minami Otaru station. There are museums, cafes and interesting shops along the stretch of old houses.

The walking map for Otaru can be found here:
http://otaru.gr.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/280319_en.pdf
https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/sisei_tokei/otaru/foreigner/otaru-map.html

Walking down from Otaru station, there is an interesting bread shop with long history along the way. A small bread shop near North Pacific Bank, just at the traffic light towards Miyakodori shopping street. If you are looking for chinese food, there is an authentic chinese restaurant HAO restaurant.

Without kids or night off, looking for pubs, there is one just next to Otaru Furukawa. It has band performance during the weekend. An interesting cafe/pub/shop to explore. There is a ice cream lamp in front of the shop and half of the shop is a concept retail store. We love the toilet.... for this, you have to check it out yourself to know why!! Kekekeke!

There are a few hotels to consider if you are planning to stay in Otaru.

• Ginrinso 
• Hotel Sonia which is facing the canal
• Otaru Furukawa , Japanese style hotel facing canal

Old railway track 

Otaru Canal

Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE

Noboribetsu is famous for Bear Park, Marine Park and Onsen resort. I chose Marine Park NIXE as it is one of the only two themed parks that have Penguin march. Asahiyama Zoo only has during mid winter while Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE is able to see all year round except days when it is too hot.

The first thing you will notice of this park when you are near Noboribetsu station, is the castle! It is a walking distant from the JR station.

Though it is not a big park, just by following the show schedules, you will spend a whole full day there. I will go again as it is very fun and interesting!! Just note that the crowds in the park are mostly from Taiwan and therefore, in their brief explanations, you will hear some simple chinese.  During penguin march in the morning at 11am, they even have staff with English information standing near the trainer who is explaining in Japanese.

Website: http://www.nixe.co.jp/
English language available

Direction, At JR Noboribetsu station, turn right till you see the signboard to turn left or walk towards the castle. Just follow the wall till there are signboards to turn right and to the main entrance. Walking will take 5-10mins.

Kids below 5 are free.

We had a special gift from the dolphin show as the staff actually came running to me and asked if I was keen to watch the dolphin rehearsal! Please note, there are two groups of dolphins performing : Hourglass dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins only perform at 1.30pm show, the rest of the shows are by hourglass dolphins.We missed the 1.30pm as we went lunch and the rehearsal was by bottlenose dolphins! We were so lucky! More information : http://www.nixe.co.jp/iruka-show/

Iconic Castle 

Fur seals and baby seal

 Penguin march 

 

Penguin March 

 Penguin March 

Baby penguin enjoying the parade 

Dolphin show

Sardine illumination show

 Dancing dolphins