1. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring.

Noboribetsu

Photo: Noboribetsu Tourism Association

A recommended cherry blossom viewing spot in Noboribetsu is the road that stretches from JR Noboribetsu Station to the hot spring resort area.
You'll be greeted by a row of over 2000 cherry trees.

These cherry trees were reportedly planted in 1934 by local volunteers to commemorate the birth of Prince Akihito (the Emperor of the Heisei era), the eldest son of Emperor Showa.
Apparently, it took them two years to finish planting everything. It's truly breathtaking.

<Noboribetsu Cherry Blossom Avenue>
Address: 059-0463 Nakanobetsu-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido

Lake Toya

Photo courtesy of Toyako Town

Lake Toya is known as a hot spring resort.
The symbol of Lake Toya is undoubtedly Lake Toya itself, which stretches across the towns of Toya and the neighboring town of Sobetsu.

The view overlooking Lake Toya evokes the peaceful atmosphere of Hokkaido, and there are also eight scenic viewpoints around Lake Toya.

The best thing about the cherry blossoms at Lake Toya is undoubtedly the scenery created by the collaboration of Lake Toya and the cherry blossoms.
Lake Toya is beautiful all year round, but here are some recommended spots for spring.

<Lake Toya>
Address: 049-5600 Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Muroran

Photo courtesy of Muroran City

There are many famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Muroran City, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the row of cherry trees in Shukutsu Park.

Shukutsu Park is a park close to the sea with an observation deck where you can enjoy the view. The municipal aquarium is also just a 5-minute walk away.

<Shukutsu Park>
Address: 3 Shukutsu-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido 051-0036

2. Recommended viewpoint in Muroran: 1. Factory night view

Photo courtesy of Muroran City

The fantastical scenery of factory nightscapes, floating in the dark night, is sure to captivate people.
The popularity of factory nightscapes is so high that cruises are now organized specifically to view them, making them a nationwide trend.

You can enjoy that kind of factory night view in Muroran City as well.
Muroran City is known as an industrial city within Hokkaido, and it has several large factories.

What's more, you can see different factory nightscapes from multiple locations throughout the city.
First, let's look at the view from near the Shiratori Bay Observation Deck.

<Swan Bay Observation Deck>
Address: 17 Sakimori-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido 050-0055

Photo courtesy of Muroran City

Next up is a view of the factory nightscape from Shukutsu Park, which I also mentioned earlier as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
The factory night view, with the sea in between the foreground and background, has a sense of depth and offers a different atmosphere, don't you think?

There are also other spots to enjoy, such as the distant factory nightscapes, so try to find your favorite spot!

3. Recommended viewpoint in Muroran #2: Cape Chikyu

Photo courtesy of Muroran City

Cape Chikyu is a cape that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, beyond which the magnificent Pacific stretches out.

It's one of the most popular spots in Muroran, a city known for its beautiful scenery.
The unobstructed panoramic view is a place where you can feel the grandeur of the Earth. Depending on the weather, a fantastical scene of a sea of ​​clouds spreading out below the lighthouse may also appear.
Please do go and check it out!

Cape Chikyu
Address: 4-77 Bokoi Minami-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido 051-0003

4. Noboribetsu "Izumigen Park"

Photo courtesy of Noboribetsu Tourism Association

Noboribetsu is a hot spring resort where you can enjoy nine different types of springs, including sulfur springs and chloride springs.

It's one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, along with Lake Toya.
One spot where you can truly experience Noboribetsu's identity as a hot spring town is Izumigen Park. Inside the park is a geyser that erupts every three hours.
You can see plumes of steam rising and hot springs gushing out vigorously.

<Isengen Park>
Address: 059-0551 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido

5. Lake Toya Marathon

Photo courtesy of Toyako Town

The Lake Toya Marathon celebrated its 43rd edition in 2017.

This is a marathon officially sanctioned by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, and the course runs along the shores of Lake Toya.
In addition to the full marathon, a 10.5km course is available. There is also a 2km course for elementary school students, which can be taken by parents and children together.

Photo courtesy of Toyako Town

You can also enjoy a pre-tournament party the day before the competition if you register in advance.
Furthermore, if you complete the race, you will receive a certificate of completion on the day of the event. After the race, you can enjoy the hot springs at Lake Toya, which will instantly wash away your fatigue.

How about taking a run around Lake Toya in spring, when it's adorned with cherry blossoms?
Of course, cheering from the roadside is also welcome.

<Lake Toya Marathon>
Address: 142 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5721, Japan (Inside Toyako Tourist Information Center)
TEL: 0142-75-4400 (Lake Toya Marathon Executive Committee Secretariat)
Opening hours: 9: 00 to 17: 00
Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (Toyako Marathon Executive Committee Office)
Official website:http://www.toyako-marathon.jp/

6. What are the temperatures and weather like in the Noboribetsu, Toya, and Muroran areas in spring? What should I wear?

Photo courtesy of Toyako Town

The average temperature in Muroran City in April is 5.9 degrees Celsius, so even though it's spring, it's still quite chilly.

If you're visiting the Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, or Muroran area during this time of year, warm clothing such as a down jacket is a must.
You might want to bring a scarf and gloves as well.

In May, the average temperature rises significantly to 10.2 degrees Celsius, but it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings, so don't forget to bring a cardigan or other warm clothing.
Although it's located in southern Hokkaido, it's still quite cold in spring, so please be careful not to catch a cold.

Final thoughts

We've introduced some recommended spring spots in Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Muroran.
Spring is a very pleasant season because it's quite cool, and if you dress appropriately, it's a very comfortable time of year.

Also, since the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in early May, you can enjoy them during Golden Week.

Muroran City is a port city, so you can enjoy a colorful sightseeing experience with the pink of cherry blossoms, the green of fresh leaves, and the marine blue of the sea.

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