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Enjoy Spring in Otaru,Minato Machi! Recommended places and events.

 

Otaru – Rusutsu – Niseko  April 19th 2019

Otaru city famous as a Hokkaido port town is not only filled with romantic streets but is also a town filled with nature.

Other charms are the Otaru sushi and sweets. You can enjoy sightseeing all year round.

This time we are going to recommend sightseeing spots and events that you can enjoy during the spring.

There will be little known places, and also spots popular with the locals during this season. During the cherry blossom season there will be sights to see and events to go to so you can get the most out of Otaru.

| Contents |

1. Otaru’s Recommended Spring Spots
 1-1. Secret Cherry Blossom Spots [Tenjo-ji]
 1-2. Sakura as far as the eye can see [Temiya Park]
 1-3. Local Rest Spot [Hiraiso Park]
 1-4. [Mysterious Waterfall] Only in Spring
 1-5. [The Takashima Ghost] Seeing it is a miracle! <
2. Recommended Otaru spots in Spring
2-1. Plum Wine Festival 2019
2-2. Otaru Festival
2-3. The 14th Peony Festival
3. Things to know about traveling in Otaru in Spring
 3-1. How is the spring weather in Otaru? How about the temperature!
 3-2. We recommend warm clothing!
Closing

1. Otaru’s Recommended Spring Spots

1-1. Secret Cherry Blossom Spots

天上寺

Picture provided by Otaru Sightseeing Association

Proceed from route 5’s Nyuusen Jujigai on the road towards the mountains and you will find Tenjo-ji a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot.
Tenjo-ji has about 30 Yoshino Cherry Tree”s which fully bloom by early May.

The reason that Tenjo-ji is so popular is its Japanese style appearance and cherry blossom which embody the feeling of spring. There are also statues, of Kanon, Rokujizo and Gokoushi which create a beautiful contrast with the cherry blossoms.

One step into Tenjo-ji and you will feel like you have entered a space of purity where you can feel truly relaxed.

As it is located away from the main sightseeing area, there are few visitors and it is still a secret cherry blossom spot.

1-2.Sakura as far as the eye can see [Temiya Park]

手宮公園

Picture provided by Otaru Sightseeing Association

Temiya Park located in Otaru is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot frequented by locals. From Mid- late May around 700 Ezoyama Sakura  and Yoshino Cherry trees will be in bloom.

Temiya Park is not just for cherry blossom viewing but is also home to the  the Kuri Forest known as the northern border and Temiyaryokuka Botanical Gardens.

We recommend enjoying cherry blossom viewing by taking a walk along the row of cherry blossom trees.
Temiya Park is located on top of a mountain, so you can enjoy looking down at Otaru and the cherry blossom from it.

Also Otaru is home to many wild birds  so you may be lucky enough to spot some wild birds whilst viewing the cherry blossoms.

1-3. Local Rest Spot [Hiraiso Park]

平磯公園

Picture provided by Otaru Sightseeing Association

The next location is Hiraiso Park a  famous cherry blossom viewing spot well loved by the locals just like Temiya Park.
Hiraiso Park  is home to about 100 Yoshino Cherry, Yae Sakura and Ezoyama Sakura.

During the cherry blossom season,the park is filled with people having Genghis Khan or walking through the park gazing at the cherry blossom.

In the middle of May all three varieties of Sakura will be in full bloom and is a recommended sight to see.

You will feel warm inside when you see all three cherry blossoms bloom at the same time.
If you walk a little you will come to the Hiraiso viewing platform where you can see views of Otaru.

The view at night also makes this place a popular date spot for the locals.

1-4. [Mysterious Waterfall] Only in Spring

A mysterious waterfall located in Otaru.

This is a famous cherry blossom spot, Gozensui Waterfall, located on a cliff to the south of Temiya Park.
It is located in Temiya Cave side alongside the Otaru Sea side road, and is so secluded that it is easy to pass by. 

Why is it known as the phantom waterfall? Well, this waterfall can only be seen when the snow melts or after heavy rain.  It is very elusive and can only be seen at certain times.

The force that the water flows also changes depending on the amount of water, so the waterfall always appears differently.
A lot of cars pass though this area, so if you are taking pictures please be careful.

1-5. [The Takashima Ghost] Seeing it is a miracle!

石狩湾の蜃気楼

Even among locals there are many people who have never seen the Takashima Ghost.
What do we mean by ghost?

During spring and summer only , a mirage appears  at Otaru’s Ishikari bay .
Due to this mirage the view of the opposite shore appears to change in size and length which lead it to be called the Takashima ghost.

It has even been referenced in old works of literature (Nishiezo nisshi and the Sainishiezo nisshi).

Both works were compiled by Takeshiro Matsuura who explored this area at the end of the Edo era.
These works of literature contains detailed accounts of the Takashima ghost.

Nowadays the Takashima ghost is famously known as a  “Haru no fuubutsushi” a spring poem.

In order for the mirage to be seen, many conditions need to be met.
There are many locals who have never seen the Takashima ghost, so if you see it whilst on your travels then you will be considered extremely lucky.

Please take a look at this related text.


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2. Recommended Spring Spots in Otaru

2-1. Otaru Plum Wine Festival 2019

おたる梅酒祭り2017

Picture provided by Otaru Sightseeing Association

An event where you can taste and compare recommended plum wines. Otaru Plum Wine Festival 2019 runs from April 19th to May 6th at Tanaka Sake Brewery.

There is a fantastic  selection of  Hokkaido plum wines as well as plum wines from all over the country and Hokkaido’s first sparking plum wine that you can buy and taste.

Our recommendation is the prized plum wine that will only be available during the festival period.

The  plum wine that is only available during the Otaru festival is considered to be very rare.
There is only  a limited number available, so it is only available while stocks last.

We will also show you how to really enjoy your plum wine. Take this chance to find the plum wine that is perfect for you.

2-2. Otaru Festival

おたる春祭り

Picture provided by Otaru Sightseeing Association

Held from May 24th – 26th Otaru Spring Festival is an event mainly based around food

As part of the event  we have incorporated the character Un-Gappa  for young children to enjoy. There will also be a bingo event for the younger ones to enjoy.
The schedule is action packed with  a karaoke competition, YOSAKOI SORAN dance parade, a food competition, and  an anime party in conjunction with the Otaru Anime Party.

2-3. The 14th Peony Festival

牡丹・芍薬まつり

Picture provided by Otaru Sightseeing Association

A historical building in Otaru Shukutsu. The old Aoyama Villa if calculated based on current costs, it would have had a construction cost of ¥3.5 billion is the home of the Peony (shaku-shaku) festival from May 25th to June30th.

Be greeted at the front of the building by a breathtaking red pine tree which is said to be more than 100 years old.

In the garden there are about 400 Peonies decorating the garden creating an air of elegance.
You can see peonies, cherry blossom, azalea, plum  and hydrangea in the gardens depending on the season.

The appearance of the garden varies depending on the season in which you visit.

3. Things to know about traveling in Otaru in Spring

3-1. How is the spring weather in Otaru? How about the temperature!

天気 イメージ

It is officially spring, but in Otaru the temperature is quite low and there tends to be a few chilly days.
The average temperature in April is 10.5℃ and the average temperature in May is 16.2 ℃ so there is still some snow on the road. deg

There will be puddles and areas difficult to walk through, so we recommend that you bring sturdy shoes with a non slip sole.
From late April to May trainers/ sneakers will be fine to use.

3-2. We recommend warm clothing!

冬小物 イメージ

If you are planning on doing sightseeing we suggest wearing a spring coat and long sleeve clothing.
In May it will be fine if you just carry a jacket with you.

As the wind can be quite chilly, bringing a wind proof jacket and gloves may be beneficial.

The morning and nights tend to be considerably chilly so if you are going out during these times, please dress accordingly.

Please take a look at this related text.


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Closing

So how about it? I hope we were able to explain to you what makes  Otaru Minatomachi such an attractive destination.

The spring in Otaru is a little cold, but it more than makes up for it with all of the wonderful things to see and do.
With the seasonally changing face of  Otaru and the feeling of nostalgia you get walking around, Otaru is a town you can really ejoy.

More Fun If You Know♪ The History of Slopes in Hakodate Motomachi and 3 Cafe Picks

函館の坂冒頭画像

The town of Hakodate, which opened port in the Bakumatsu period, prospered mainly at the foot of Hakodate sprawling from the left as seen from the Hakodate port.

Because of that, many tourist spots are along the slopes, such as the impressive western style building “Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward” and the “Motomachi Church Assembly” where churches of various religions are all lined up. Though Hakodate tourism might have been enjoyable, there are perhaps many visitors who were hassled by the peaks and valleys of these slopes.

However did you know that such slopes in the Motomachi Ward all have names? Perhaps knowing where their name came from would make your stroll through the neighborhood of Motomachi more fun.

On this occasion, we will introduce the origins of three slopes and cafes at which you can rest your weary feet.

Read more

A Must-Experience when visiting Otaru in Winter; the Highlights of the Otaru Snow Story!

小樽ゆき物語

Otaru City, Hokkaido.
Highly famous as a tourist trap throughout the year, with winter being the recommended season to experience what Otaru’s tourism has to offer.

For when it becomes winter, an event known as the “Otaru Snow Story” is held throughout the city. Glass art showcases, angelic illuminations… with its romantic designs, it offers an escape into a snow-capped land of fantasy, its alluring and ethereal beauty tempting visitors to forget reality.

On this occasion, please allow us to introduce in detail the “Otaru Snow Story”, its highlights and its locations and hosting period.

Read more

Going by JR makes it even more fun. The Charm of the Winter Eastern Hokkaido Railway.[PR]

Staring with the spectacular view of the drift ice that can only be seen in winter. Welcome to East Hokkaido. A world full of snow and ice, that you must see at least once in your life.

Let’s imagine that you do visit, how will you travel around. That is something that many prospective visitors worry about. Snow filled roads are difficult to handle in a rent-a-car.

 

Which is why propose that you use JR for your winter travels.  Not just as a mode of transportation, but with JR there are many ways to enjoy your trip.

That is why, we will show the different way in which you can enjoy your JR trip.
Read more

Is this really Japan?! Top 10 Handpicked Exquisite Snow-white Hokkaido Vistas That Can Only Be Seen in Winter

純白のマイルドセブンの丘

When talking about the premier season to visit Hokkaido, summer is without a doubt the go-to answer. Summer, the king of all seasons, where rolling grasslands encompass the visible horizon in a blanket of living green. Summer, where fields of flower bloom wildly under the mercies of the sun, shining like stars that have fallen to the earth.

Yet in the cold, silver court of wintertime Hokkaido, where everything seems motionless in white save for the whisper-soft snowflakes that fall from the sky, are you aware of supremely beautiful spots that await you?

Supremely beautiful spots that can only be seen precisely because of the current season, and never in the summer?

Are you aware of these gems hidden in ice?

With that, please allow us to introduce the top 10 handpicked exquisite wintertime Hokkaido vistas that we would very much love for you to see and experience at least once in your life.

Read more

What should you actually do when touring through Shiretoko? Here’s a little show-and-tell on Shiretoko’s sights and ways of enjoying them!

知床の観光イメージ

The season for summer traveling is just around the corner! For those who are nature enthusiasts, a great many of them might be thinking “This year I’ll definitely go and visit Shiretoko!”
With that said however, you might also hear a lot of confusion and uncertainty from people who do not know how to properly enjoy Shiretoko; “where should we go?”- “Umm, the Shiretoko Go Lakes?” are usually the way these things go.
So to amend that, today we will introduce several ways to enjoy Shiretoko’s beautiful locale, list its most famous hot spots and guide you to a smattering of trial experiences on offer!
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Hakodate’s Hidden Gems: Several Great Sightseeing Spots for a Daylong Drive

トラピスチヌ修道院

Hakodate: One of the Hokkaido’s leading sightseeing spots.
A rich selection of guidebooks has been prepared for the many tourists who visit Hakodate every year.

However, many of them leave you unsure where exactly to go or in what order you should visit, and the ones who do suggest an itinerary mostly stick to the most standard, iconic spots.

That’s why I’ve put together this plan for a one-day drive through Hakodate, touring some sightseeing spots off the beaten path.
The plan is just about the same one I’ve used on one of my own day trips to Hakodate.

If you stick to the same order, you should be able to hit every spot in just one day, but there are a few spots where you’ll need to make reservations in advance, so be careful.

The drive mostly sticks to the outskirts of Hakodate, so there’s a decent amount of mileage involved. Remember to drive safely, and have fun enjoying what Hakodate has to offer!

Contents
1. Hakodate Carl Raymond House Motomachi
2. Hasegawa Store
3. Trappistine Convent
4. Carl Raymond Headquarters Factory
5. Hakodate Wine Vineyard Main Store
6. New Hakodate Hokuto Station
7. Hokuto Fishery
8. Trappistine Monastery
9. Michi no Eki Misogi no Sato Kikonai
10. Hotel Seabreeze (Hotel Umi no Kaze)
In Closing

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Autumn in Hakodate: sights and events rich in history and tastes

a statue -not quite Napoleon- but close

Once summer in Hakodate is gone, so is the heat; and a pleasant season begins. If you are going to visit Hakodate in autumn, it is a good idea to first go for a walk through the city, which you can expect to be imbued by the colors of the season. The leaves on the trees lining the streets and parks turn a vibrant shade of red.

How about a walk through the popular sightseeing areas and the western district? In the western district the Hakodate Orthodox Church is a well-known sight, but actually the area comprises many temples and shrines too that are also worth exploring.

Hakodate is fortunate to be surrounded by seas and mountains that both are sources of an abundance of delicious food. A gourmet event is held during the autumn’s harvest period. In addition, I will also introduce other charms of Hakodate in autumn, describe its climate and given some clothing suggestions.
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From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo by rental car: recommended locations along Lake Shikotsu

view of Lake Shikotsu

From New Chitose Airport—the “gateway to Hokkaido”—to Sapporo it takes only about 50 minutes if you go in a straight line over the Hokkaido Expressway. However, if you’re renting a car at New Chitose Airport and have some time to spare; I recommend not heading straight for Sapporo, but instead to take a route along Lake Shikotsu, where there are several sights worth seeing.

It’s a bit of a detour, but it’s a nice drive with an abundance of nature and a typical Hokkaido-ish feel to it. A few Chitose sightseeing spots await you as well, so let’s see check this route out!

Here I will introduce sightseeing waypoints along Lake Shikotsu in the order they are passed when driving the route from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo.
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