Hokkaido
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Hokkaido - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
9 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
An excellent resource for information about the Ainu, this museum remains sadly unknown to many Japanese. Ainu artifacts, such as shoes of salmon skin, water containers made from animal bladders, and heavy blue-and-black embroidered coats, are on display, as well as implements used in iyomante, an Ainu ritual that sent the spirit of the bear back to the nonhuman world. There is an hour-long movie in English and a selection of tapes with traditional Ainu chants and songs.
61 Nibutani, Nibutani, Hokkaido, 055-0101, Japan0145-72–2892Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥400, ¥700 joint ticket with Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Archive, Closed Dec. 16–Jan. 15, and Mon. Nov. 16–Apr. 15, Apr. 16–Nov. 15, daily 9–4:30; Nov 16.–Apr. 15, Tues.–Sun. 9–4:30; closed Dec. 16–Jan. 15 -
2. Hell Valley
A volcanic crater in a bow-shaped valley, Jigokudani has hundreds of multicolored geysers pulsing like the heartbeat of Earth itself. Not to worry, though; the walkways to photo-ops have handrails and are very safe. It's a short walk from all Noboribetsu hotels and well worth a look. There's no admission fee or formal open hours, but parking is ¥500 during the day.
Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, 059-0551, JapanSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
3. Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum
This small but important museum puts a spotlight on Ainu clothing and other items used in sacred rites, all of it collected by the late prominent Ainu activist and Nibutani resident Shigeru Kayano. Until his death in 2006, Kayano traveled extensively, and the archive contains presents to the Ainu from other indigenous peoples. The museum is across the main road from the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum.
79-4 Nibutani, Nibutani, Hokkaido, 055-0101, Japan0145-72–3215Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥400, ¥700 joint ticket with Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum, Closed irregularly Dec.–Mar., Apr. 16–Nov. 15 daily 9–5, Nov. 16–Apr. 15 by appointment -
4. Nishiyama Crater Trail
A fire station, a school, and houses stand at crazy angles amid the solidified ash flows where the 2000 eruption reached the edges of Toyako Onsen. See it all from boardwalks that wind up into the still-steaming hills. It's an impressive scene of what can happen when you live next to a volcano. As a bonus, there are views both of the lake to the north and the ocean to the south. There's also a whole series of boardwalks, mountain trails, and short stretches of roads that were cut off after the eruption. Access is from just behind the Toyako Onsen Visitor Center.
3--4--5 Takashaga-dori, Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, 049-5721, JapanSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a touristy, culture park that's a good year round option for families with budding ninjas. There's a village of merchant houses, samurai residences, and shrines that are manned by numerous staff dressed as geisha, samurai, merchants, innkeepers, and ninjas. The shows are in Japanese, but international families will enjoy many of the activities including a disorientating ninja maze house, and posing for photos with the performers. If you'd like to dress up in Edo period costumes then stop by the Utsuro-kan to embrace your warrior spirit. The park is located just off the main road connecting Noboribetsu Station with Noboribetsu Onsen and is easily accessible by bus from the Noboribetsu Station (¥190) or taxi.
53--1 Naka, Noboribets-cho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, 059-0463, Japan0143-83--3311Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥1,900 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Shikotsuko-Toya National Park
Mountains, forests, hot springs, caldera lakes, and volcanoes are virtually in Sapporo's backyard, less than an hour's drive away. Route 230 passes the large hot-spring village of Jozankei, then the mountains close in and the road climbs 2,742 feet to Nakayama Pass. On a clear day the view from the top is classic Hokkaido: farmland with the majestic Mt. Yotei in its midst, and on the southern horizon lie Lake Toya's volcanic crater and Noboribetsu hot springs, where the earth steams, rumbles, and erupts. If you are unsure how to navigate Japan's bus system, rent a car to take this in.
Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, Japan -
7. Showa Shinzan
During an earthquake in 1943, Showa Shinsan rose suddenly from a farmer's wheat field. Kept secret during the Pacific War as a potentially unlucky sign, it continued growing to its present height of 1,306 feet by 1945. It's on private land, but a cable-car ride (¥1,800 round-trip) up the eastern flank of Mt. Usu provides great views of the mountain, Lake Toya, and Funka Bay. Avoid the Showa Shinza Bear Ranch near the base—a depressing tourist attraction.
-
8. Toyako Onsen
Gazing up at the town-sponsored fireworks from a rooftop hot spring after a relaxing soak in the thermal waters and a pleasant dinner of local specialties—this is why thousands of Japanese come to this small lakeside town throughout the year. From April 28 to October 31, the 20-minute fireworks display is likely to be the highlight of your stay. A waterside walk in front of the wall of hotels is relaxing before the bus tours arrive in late afternoon.
Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, Japan -
9. Volcanic Science Museum
A rumbling sound track and shaking floors re-create the area's 1977 and 2000 volcanic eruptions in this small information center. Although there's a good explanation of the science involved in this place where eruptions happen roughly every 30 years, the museum is less useful in describing the impact on the lives of locals. This museum shares a building with the Toyako Onsen Visitor Center.
142--5 Toyako-Onsen, Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, 049-5721, Japan0142-75–2555Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
