| Central Hokkaido
(Feb. 1999)
Central Hokkaido is well known for its mountains and hills. This issue we look at Asahikawa, Furano and onsens (hot springs) in northern and southern Daisetsuzan National Park. If you're looking for wilderness, hiking and camping, then Daisetsuzan National Park in the summer is ideal. This is the largest national park in Japan. Aside from spring, winter may be the best time: fewer visitors are about and you can soak amidst the falling snow. Asahikawa is a haven for lovers of noodles and of art! A crafts culture is developing in the region , with craftspeople moving to Asahikawa and its environs. Galleries offer fine crafts for your collection. Some would say Asahikawa ramen is a culinary work of art. Both the noodles and the broth differ from Sapporo ramen. Asahikawa ramen's noodles are thinner, and seafood is incorporated. Finally, the broth in Asahikawa is soy-sauce flavored, in contrast to Sapporo's miso broth. Those in pursuit of photographic enjoyment or sheer relaxation will appreciate Furano. There's much to capture on film and to see. You can also try sky and river sports such as ballooning and canoeing. Skiers and snowboarders shouldn't miss Furano Ski Resort, where World Cup alpine skiing events have been held several times. Asahikawa city Asahikawa ramen is renowned throughout Japan. The thin egg noodles curl in a seafood and soy broth. Crafts are also famous in Asahikawa, especially woodcrafts and Yukara-ori. Asahikawa Craft Design Association (0166-34-7918) will give you information on galleries and studios of craftsman working in Asahikawa. Yukara-ori Folk Craft Museum (Takadai Kamui-cho/0166-62-8811) exhibits Yukara weaving, in which wool is dyed with countless colors, spun and woven into textiles. The International Dyeing and Weaving Art Museum (0166-61-6161) near the Folk-craft Museum has collection of 18th- and 19th-centuries works from 60 countries. There are several places to study the history of Hokkaido. Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum (Hokumon-cho 11 chome/0166-51-2461) and Traditional Ainu Village (Arashiyama Park/0166-52-1541) exhibits many Ainu tools and artifacts. Asahikawa Heison Museum (Higashi Asahikawa Minami 1-jo 6-chome/0166-36-2323) exhibits materials from Hokkaido's pioneer era. Furano city Furano is well known among Japanese for the TV drama Kita-no-Kuni Kara (From the North). Thousands of Japanese tourists from Honshu visit during the summer. Hokkaidoans are not really interested in visiting places made famous on TV, though Furano is a fun place for those who want to enjoy sky and river sports as well as hiking. Hot-air ballooning is great for those who don't mind heights. During winter, the balloon flies without a rope and lands wherever it can. During summer, it's tethered and goes up and down. Xene recommends going during winter when you can enjoy not only the flight but also the pilot's work. 15,000/20 min. Info.: 0167-22-1311 (Alpine Visitor Center). The center provides other services such as Daisetsuzan trekking tours, a stargazer's trek, a hot spring tour and river canoeing. Hokkaido Adventure Tour provides thrilling rafting on the Sorachi River. 6,000/3-hour ride. Info.: 0167-52-3005. Furano Ski Resort is one of Hokkaido's finest ski grounds. World Cup alpine skiing events have been held here. 3,300/half day, 4,500/day, 2,700/3 PM to evening, and 1,900/evening. Info.: 0167-22-1111. Daisetsuzan National Park Sounkyo Gorge Sounkyo Route leads you to the northern part of the park. It takes about 2 hours to reach Sounkyo by bus from Asahikawa JR Sta. Less serious outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy Sounkyo Gorge, the hot springs at Sounkyo Onsen and sightseeing from a ropeway and a lift. Sounkyo Gorge is a river gorge stretching 15 km. Its huge boulders and six waterfalls are spectacular. The gorge in winter is a wonderous rift, covered with snow and ice. Depending on the season, rental bicycles are avaible. Paths lead hikers through virgin forests. Sounkyo Onsen is the midway point of the gorge. The many Japanese- and Western-style accommodations can meet every budget (Tourist Office, Onsen district/01658-5-3350). If you go in summer, hike Kurodake. For those tight on time, a ropeway and lift carry riders to 1,000 meters. From the lift, it takes about 1 hour to hike to the peak, for an awesome view. The ski course next to the lift is open until May. For those planning to camp in and hike the park, information about campsites is available at the onsen. Contact list below. Great Food, Great Onsen The Hotel Taisetsu's Kuishinbo Plan is great for those who want to enjoy a hot spring and a feast. For only 7,500 (per person, triple occupancy, plus tax), stay one night, savor the dinner set and enjoy an eat-all-you-can-eat feast from the food counter. The baths, both inside and outside the hotel, afford fine views of Soukyo Gorge. Plan a trip with your family and friends to escape from everyday stress! A free bus runs to the hotel from Asahikawa and Sapporo, too. There is an extra 1,000 charge per person for double occupancy, and a 1,500 surcharge the day before a holiday. Children under elementary school age pay only 4,500. In Sapporo, call 011-219-2661. Hotel Taisetsu, Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho/01658-5-3211. Asahidake and Tenninkyo The Asahidake / Tenninkyo Onsen area may be small, but it offers unbeatable wilderness hot springs. If you're planning to climb Asahidake in the summer, or to ski at Asahidake Ski Area, be aware that the ropeway which would carry you to the midpoint is under reconstruction and will reopen in June 2000. This means there are few visitors, so you're sure to find tranquility. During winter, an 8-km cross- country course is open around Asahidake Onsen. Enjoy skiing amidst Hokkiado's natural splendor. It takes about 1 hour by bus from Asahikawa JR station to Tenninkyo Onsen, and 1 hour 30 min. to Asahidake Onsen. For those staying at a hotel there, a free bus runs from Asahikawa JR Sta. Ask at your hotel for a bus ticket to take a free bus from the onsen to JR sta. (Asahidake Visitor Center/0166-97-2153). Daisetsuzan hot spring and hiking Information
Indispensable Information for Travel to Central and Eastern Hokkaido by JR Tip 1. Traveling between Asahikawa and Sapporo is cheap with a JR S-kippu (4,940/rd.). S-kippu Four (9,680/rd.) is useful for two or four people traveling together. The cheapest JR ticket between these locations is the Hiruwari-kippu (Daytime ticket: 4,420/rd. (9 AM to 5 PM). The trip takes only 1 hour 20 min. Tip 2. Furano Ski Resort is the best ski area in the Kamikawa district. World Cup alpine events have been held here several times. Try your technique on the World Cup course, it's pretty challenging. Awesome powder runs are available for various levels of skiers and boarders. Skip Furano is recommended: 4,400 from Asahikawa, 7,400 from Sapporo includes JR return ticket, bus ticket from Furano JR Sta. to the resort and lift day pass. Skip-tickets are available for other ski resorts. Ask at JR stations. Tip 3. Use a Do-to Free Kippu (only 13,250) to ride JR in Eastern Hokkaido as much as you like to for 7 days. Plan your travels over a bowl of famous Asahikawa ramen! Various JR/hot spring hotel packages are also available for groups, from 16,400. If you're headed to see the ryu-hyo (ice floes), start with the Okhotsk Ryuhyo train from Sapporo. With an Okhotsk Ryuhyo Passport (11,000 from Asahikawa, 13,900 from Sapporo, lasts 4 days), you can ride the futsuu (regular) train between Abashiri and Shiretokoshari as much as you want. You can also ride for free on the Ryuhyo Norokko-go for free, a slow train from which you can observe ice floes. Also, Abashiri Prison Museum, Okhotsk Ice Floe Museum and several souvenir shops give discounts to holders of this pass. Ice floes can be seen until mid March. Events Feb.: Asahikawa Winter Festival Ice Sculpture Intel Competition - Asahikawa Sounkyo Hyoubaku Matsuri March: Snow Festival in Biei June: Tokachidake Opening - Shirogane and Tokachidake Onsen Strawberry Fiesta in Pippu - Pippu Ski Resort Flower Fiesta Asahikawa July: Lavender Festival - Nakafurano Asahikawa Live Jam Kamifurano Lavender Festival Kamikawa Shrine Festival - Asahikawa Biei Fire Festival Northern Hokkaido Sky Sports Festival - Touasa Sky Park Sounkyo Keikoku Fire Festival Asahikawa Summer Festival Hokkai Heso Festival - Furano Aug.: Higashikawa Photo Fiesta Asahikawa Summer Festival Tokachidake Fire Festival - Kamifurano Pippu Sunflower Giant Maze Sep.: Tokachidake Onsen Colored Leaf Festival Kotan Festival - Asahikawa Dec.: Tenninkyo Waterfall Festival Jan.: Higashikawa Ice Festival - Higashikawa Southern Hokkaido (Oct. 1998) Hakodate became the first international trade port, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki, to reopen to t he world after Japanfs self-imposed seclusion. A flotilla bore pioneers and their hopes and dreams, bringing vitality to this land and helping to create a town of abundant charms. As time goes by, the brightness keeps increasing. Now, the night view from Mt. Hakodate is counted as the one of the best three in the world. In this exotic town, catch a glimpse of history. Everyone feels welcome amidst the cozy atmosphere. This is the gateway to southern Hokkaido. Motomachi A dozen important Western-style buildings include the Old Public Hall and the Russian Orthodox Church, for streets steeped in an exotic atmosphere. Waterfront Waterfront warehouses were built at the end of the Meiji era. With the exteriors remaining as they were, they serve as tourists facilities for seafood restaurants, beer halls, gift shops, event halls and more. In this area you'll find the old Hakodate Meijikan Post Office, renovated as a popular shopping plaza. Morning Market The JR station area is famous for its vibrant morning market. There are about 510 shops there, full of fresh seafood and vegtables. Open from 4AM to noon. Residents and visitors can get a feel of the local color through the lively conversations of shopkeepers. At market restaurants, enjoy fresh seafood. Goryokaku This Western-style fort is a special historic remains. It speaks of the final turbulent days of the Tokugawa era. It has been transformed into a public park with rich greenery and 1,600 cherry trees. The 60-meter-high Goryokaku Tower commands a view of Mt. Hakodate and downtown Hakodate as well as of the Pentagonal Fort. Yunokawa One of the finest hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, Yunokawa is know for its 340 years as such as resort. Omori-hama is a beach beloved to Takuboku Ishikawa, a noted poet. Squid fishing lights make visitors feel nostalgic; peaceful sights soothe the heart. See Japan's first convent, where you can purchase famous confections and other goods produced by the nuns. Trappistine Convent. 346, Kami-yunokawa, Hakodate. (0138)57-2839. Maruyama Store This is one of the shops where you can buy crab and melon. It's the only one that has a booth for you. In front of the shop you can try raw or grilled scallops, squid, sea urchin and more. Reasonable prices. Many foreign tourists have found this place and enjoyed (on Asaichi Odori, in front of Nissan Renta-car) 22-2, Otemachi, Hakodate. (0138)27-3111. Penguin's Valley This is a secret place for you. Pass by the Foreigner's Cemetery and, at the end of the street, you'll come to a wonderful seafood restaurant. Great view of sunset. Soon the brilliant lights of squid fishing boats line up. 22-26, Irifune-cho, Hakodate. Tel. (0138)27-6231. October28 If you know what you're looking for, this is a place to check out. No table charge, a wide variety of drinks, and delicious food. The home-made ham, the spaghetti, it's all so incredible. It's also quite reasonable. The owner (creator of the famous ika-odori dance), his lovely wife and their cute dog make for cozy atmosphere. Matsukaze 7-11. Tel.0138-24-2805. 19:00-25:00. Closed Sun. Hiyorikan An amazing mixture of Japanese and European culture seen from a unique Hakodate perspective. Hiyorikan comprises all of Hakodate- traditional and modern, legendary and trivial. If you want to sense the originality of this beautiful city, you know where to go: Hiyorikan. Motomachi 10-13. Tel.0138-27-2685. 9:00-18:00. Closed Mon. Raj Morita The first Indian curry restaurant in Hokkaido. With spices and herbs brought directly from the exotic country, the excellent chef introduces to us the mystical and delicious world of first-class Indian cuisine. If you want to try some hot and exuberantly flavored food, try Raj Morita; it will bring you the satisfaction of a superb meal and original Indian atmosphere. Honcho 32-29. 0138-56-1991. 11:30-23:00. Closed some Wed. Katjusha When it gets cold, some drink tea, some drink whisky, but Russians drink Vodka. The reason to go to Katjusha is not only the exclusive vodka collection, but also the delicious Russian cuisine, featuring traditional appetizers and an abundant choice of entrees. Friendly staff, spacious dining area. Definitely tasty! Yanagawa12-13 0138-54-3751 11:00-22:00 Closed Mon. The Streetcar Hakodate's streetcars, the first in Hokkaido, still operate as a convenient means of transportation for residents and visitors. A Day Pass (\1,000) is available at the Tourist Information Center and the booth in front of Hokkaido Takushoku Bank (by JR Sta.). The pass, which comes with a squid-shaped holder, allows discounts at participating restaurants and shops. Suginoko A reasonable izakaya (Japanese pub) with a relaxed atmosphere. Famous for the wide variety of cocktails and delicious traditional Hakodate food. Suginoko is patronized mainly by Hakodate residents attracted by the colorful personality of the owner, Mr.Sugime, who is widely recognized as a fist-class professional bartender. It's worth seeing. Wakamatsu19-16. Tel. 0138-23-4577. 17:30-24:00. Closed Tue. Crawford Inn Onuma A beautiful American-style hotel by a lake. All furniture is imported from the U.S. to make you feel like you're in America. Comfortable rooms and warming dishes ease your stress. You can enjoy golf, tennis, horseback riding, cycling, canoeing, skiing, fishing, bird watching, and the hot spring. Adults \6,000/twin, \5,000/triple, child \4,500/twin, \3,500/triple. Contact : (0138)67-2964. Aun-Dou People say that if a song becomes popular in Hokkaido it soon is known all over the country. Hakodate is a crucial part of this process. For the last ten years everything concerning music of any possible genre in Hakodate has come through here. This is where all the music lovers and curious audiophiles gather. A spacious hall with a big piano and lots of memories. Drinks- from 500 yen. Matsukaze 8-6. Tel. 0138-22-6360. 19:00-25:00. Open every day. Onuma Quasi-National Park, Onuma Against the backdrop of majestic Mt. Komagatake, the scenery of this natural park changes with the seasons. Onuma, the largest of three lakes here, boasts 126 islets of all sizes, showcasing a scenic beauty that is characteristically Japanese. Just 40 minutes' drive from Hakodate. Mt. Komagatake, seen from Mori One of Japan's most famous mountains, Komagatake represents Onuma Qusai-National Park. Its several peaks include Sawara-dake and Kengamine. Smoke wafts from its crater. The mountain rises 600 m above sea level and features natural gardens of alpine plants. From Onuma's northern shore, a seven-kilometer climbing path affords access to the peak in about two and a half hours. Mt. Esan This 618m-high active volcano has thrust up from the Pacific Ocean. The summit commands a panoramic view of the Shimokita Peninsula and the Hidaka Mountains. It is known as a scenic spot for viewing azaleas. Matsumae Castle, Matsumae Matsumae is the only castle town in Hokkaido. It boasts a history of 500 years and is represented by Matsumae Castle, the last castle to be built in Japan, completed in 1854. The main gate to the donjon is a national important cultural property. The grounds are known for the 7,000 cherry trees which bloom for a month from the end of April. Trappist Monastery, Kamiiso The first monastery in Japan. It stands on a hill overlooking the Tsugaru Straits, a solemn example of Gothic redbrick architecture. Hot Springs on the Oshima Peninsula Every city, town and village on Oshima has at least one hot spring. Yunokawa Hot Spring in Hakodate is celebrated in Japan. In Oshamanbe, Futamata offers steaming, mineral-rich waters, unique to Oshamanbe and Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. Shiriuchi is the oldest hot spring resort in Hokkaido, dating back eight centuries. The outdoor bath of Todohokke's Mizunashi Springs is beside the ocean. Events
Eastern Hokkaido (Dec. 1998) The awesome natural splendor of the Do-to district is the perfect cure for the urban blues. This area can be divided into three parts: Tokachi, the Okhotsk coast, and the Kushiro to Nemuro coast. We introduced Tokachi in Xene #5. The area east of Tokachi is recognized as a vast wilderness with a punishing climate. Snow blankets the ground in winter. Only those hardy enough to brave the cold will find the ultimate reward: contact with the heart of nature. This is the real Hokkaido. Experience the nature's vastness, is harsh climate, and the warmhearted people who call it home. Nothing better displays the wonder of this northern island. Marshland Here we find marshlands registered under the Ramsar treaty of international wetland protection. Kushiro and Kiritappu marshes both are so registered. The former is famous for Japanese crane, which come in winter. Other wild animals and plants are seen, too. Sunset at Kushiro Mash is beautiful whatever the season. The place is precious not just for its beauty, but as a habitat where creatures can live in unspoiled surroundings. This is where people can ponder what is means to live with nature. These marsh is close to Kushiro city. Ice Floes Ice floes are the biggest attraction in the Sea of Okhotsk, whose surface turns into a snow field. When ice floes arrive, the sound of the waves stops and silence rules. A northern fox walks across moonlit floes, an incomparable sight. Years ago, fishermen begrudged the floes as they brought an end to each fishing season. But the ice floes were found to bring a rich harvest. With them come huge amounts of plankton, which attracts fish. It is said that the ice floes have been getting smaller in scale recently, possibly because of global warming. Watching the wonder of the ice floes, why not stop and rethink our reliance on cars and energy? Ice floes reach the Okhotsk coast in February. Seafood The ocean nurtures crab, oyster, fish, seaweed and more! Savor these seafoods. Fresh fish is best as sashimi. And don't leave without trying the crab at least once. Local specialties: crab (Kushiro, Nemuro), oyster (Akkeshi). Lake Akan, Mashu and Kussharo The several lakes in this area include Akan, Mashu, and Kussharo. Also famous are hot springs resorts. These are tucked into mysterious mountains which are sacred to the Ainu. Many fold tales relate to the peaks in the area. Linger for a few days to properly appreciate the hot spring resorts. If you go to Lake Kussharo, be on the lookout for Kusshi, this lake's version of Nessie (the Loch Ness monster). Accessible by bus from Kitami, Kushiro or Abashiri. Kushiro Kushiro city Kushiro Marsh has a different face in each of the four seasons. It is registered under the Ramsar wetland conservation accord. In the winter, Japanese cranes dance in courtship amidst the marsh's desolate beauty. Japan may have the world's fastest trains, but Kushiro has Japan's slowest train: the Norokko-go, a sightseeing train. It runs through the marsh in summer. Four boardwalks offer closer access to nature. But the best view is from Hosooka Marsh Observatory, where sunsets turn the marsh to crimson. For wildlife lovers, Onnenai Visitors Center (0154-65-2323) is recommended. Kushiro city is three and half hours from Sapporo by JR, or 40 minutes by air. In downtown Kushiro there are plenty of great Japanese and Western-style bars and restaurants to choose from. During the day, hop onto the Kururin, a free bus which circles the city. Besides Kushiro Marsh, the city is close to Akan National Park, Akkeshi Hokkaido Natural Park, Notsuke/Furen Hokkaido Natural Park and Nemuro, the eastern most city of Hokkaido. For details, contact the tourist information centers at Kushiro JR Station (0154-22-8294), Kushiro Airport (0154-57-8304) and Fisherman's Wharf MOO (0154-23-0600). There is also a telephone information line (0154-24-2400). MOO A new shopping center on the Kushiro River features seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, a fitness center and an indoor garden. Buses depart to Lake Akan, Abashiri, Nemuro, Obihiro and Sapporo. Shops: Open 10AM to 7PM (Oct. to July). Restaurants: Open 11AM to 10PM. Ten minutes from JR Station. 2-4 Nishiki-cho, Kushiro-shi/0154-23-0600. The Seven Dwarf's A lovely restaurant that serves what they call "hearth cookery," or dishes prepared as if at the fireplace. In the frigid winter of Kushiro, they'll warm body and soul. The interior is quaintly decorated with corn, to make you feel as if a Dwarf might actually show up. Recommended is the Russian pot pie (garushoku, \1,280): beef stew with bread dough on top. But what's really recommended is the home-made bread. It comes out of oven between 6:30PM and 7PM and quickly sells out. Call to reserve a loaf. SD Bldg., 8-chome, Sakae-machi. Open 5PM - 11:30PM (weekdays), -12:30AM (Sat.), -10:30PM (Sun.)\(0154)24-4744. Nemuro Nemuro city Nemuro is Japan's easternmost city, where the land is blessed with rich forests, lakes, marshes and fields of wildflowers in summer. Here you will find one of the few places in Hokkaido where nature remains untouched. Wilderness lovers can spot Ezo deer, Ezo fox, Blakiston's owl and white-tailed sea eagle. Winter sees the arrival of Japanese crane and seals, and over 10,000 swans fly to lakes on the Nemuro Peninsula. Two hours by JR or 3 hours by bus from Kushiro. From Sapporo, 6 hours by JR, 8.5 hours by bus. Nemuro Tourism Information Center/01532-4-3104. East Harbor Hotel A hotel this gorgeous could only have equally splendid views. Treat yourself or that special someone. Fine restaurants serve the freshest seafood from Nemuro. Single room: 5,000 from Nov.1 to Apr. 28, 7,000 from Apr. 29 to Oct. 31. Twin/Double room: 10,000 from Nov.1 to April 28, 14,000 from April 29 to Oct. 31. Deluxe room: 20,000 from Nov.1 to Apr. 28, 27,000 from Apr. 29 to Oct. 31. An 8-min walk from Nemuro JR Station. 1-26 Kohwa-cho, Nemuro-shi/01532-4-1515. Abashiri Abashiri city Abashiri is the southernmost limit of ice floes in the northern hemisphere, providing an ideal location to experience this awesome natural phenomenon. The sound of the jostling ice is a frightening testament to the power of nature. For updates on when to see the floes, consult the Internet at http://www.ohotuku26.or.jp. Mt. Tento offers a sweeping 360-degree view of the Okhotsk. The three museums here introduce the history, nature and culture of the area. In warmer seasons, Abashiri is paradise for campers and hikers. Lake Saroma and Lake Nottori are tinted red in late September, due to the growth of glasswort. The Shiretoko area is surrounded by wilderness and dotted with hot springs. Swans mob Lake Tohfutsu from November to April. All of these places can be reached by bus and rail from Abashiri city, which makes an ideal base for voyages in the Okhotsk region. Access to Abashiri from Sapporo is 5 hours by rail or 45 min. by plane. Abashiri Tourism Information Center The center adjoins Abashiri JR Station. It offers information on Abashiri city and the entire Okhotsk area. Brochures available in English, Korean and Tiwanese. Open 9AM to 5PM/0152-43-4261. Abashiri Prison Museum Japan's most hardened criminals trembled at the thought of being sent to Abashiri Prison, "the jail at the end of the world." In an unforgiving wilderness, winter temperatures dropped below minus 15 degrees. The jail was used for the hundred years ending in 1984. The inmates played an important role in Hokkaido's development, building early infrastructure and engaging in agriculture. Restored buildings show how the inmates lived, exhibit items related to the history of criminal law and include letters and diaries. Open all year, 8AM to 6PM (Apr. to Oct.), 9AM to 5PM (Nov. to Mar). 1,050/adult, 730/ college and high school, 520/jr. high and under. 10 min. from Abashiri JR Station by bus or taxi. Info.: 0152-45-2411. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum If you want to see ice floes, there's no better place. The upstairs affords a 360-degree view of ice stretching over the ocean clear to the horizon. In seasons without ice floes, you can experience them at the ice floe exhibition or hi-vision multi screen theater. For real-time udates, access:http://www.ohotuku26.or.jp/organization/abasiri/abasiri.html. The museum is 10 minutes by car from Abashiri Station /(0152)43-5951. Kitami Kitami City Kitami is famous as an old mint producing city. Early in the Showa era, more than 70% of the world's mint was produced here. Remains from these days are seen in the city. One is a memorial honoring minister Piason, the first minister in Hokkaido. You can learn about long-ago relations between Hokkaido and the U.S. There are many shops for herbs and aromatherapy. Today's Kitami is represented by solar energy. The city gets more sunshine than anywhere else in Japan. Many research projects and international conferences have taken place here, making this city a leader in this field. The famous solar-car race will be coming again soon. When it happens, be there to glimpse the future. In October, Kitami holds a chrysanthemum festival, one of biggest and oldest of such festivals in Hokkaido. If you love flowers or gardening, it's well worth a look. One of the highlights is 1,000 chrysanthemum spread like a carpet. To understand Japanese thinking, you must come into contact with the chrysanthemum. Piason Memorial Hall 15 minutes by walk from JR Kitami Station. 4-28, 7-chome, Saiwai-cho, Open 10AM - 4PM, Close Mon and days after holidays, Dec. 30 - Jan. 6, Free admission. (0157)23-2546 Kitami Mint Memorial Hall 10 minutes by walk from JR Kitami Station. 7-28, 1-chome, Minami Naka-cho, Open 9:30AM - 4:30PM, Close Mon and days after holidays, Dec. 30 - Jan. 6, Free admission. (0157)23-6200 Acommodations in Kushiro (0154) Kushiro Castle Hotel, 2 Ohkawa-cho/43-2111 Kushiro Zennikkuu Hotel, 3-7 Nishiki-cho/31-4111 Kushiro Pacific Hotel, 2-6 Sakae-cho/24-8811 Kushiro Hill Top Hotel, 3 Sakuragaoka/91-6407 Kushiro Prince Hotel, 7-1 Saiwai-cho/31-1111 Kushiro Central Hotel , 4 Kawakami-cho/23-3311 Hotel North City 6 Suehiro-cho/25-6111 Acommodations in Nemuro (01532) Ryokan Ohnoya, 2-24 Tokiwa-cho/3-3185 Nemuro Grand Hotel Bekkan, 4-1 Hiranai-cho/4-3211 Nemuro Grand Hotel 2-2 Taisho-cho/4-6611 East Harbor Hotel, 1-26 Kohwa-cho/4-1515 Business Hotel Sanyoukan, 1-21 Taisho-cho/4-2408 Minshuku Shima no Ie, 7-17 Hanazono-cho/4-1177 Nemuro Ekuhasi no Yado, 2-64 Sikisima-cho/4-4498 Acommodations in Abashiri (0152) City: Minshuku Ranpu, Shinmachi/43-3928 Hotel Sun Abashiri, Shinmachi/43-3155 Abashiri Green Hotel, Shinmachi/43-2891 Hotel-Sun-Park S2W4/44-3131 Abashiri Central Hotel, S2W3/44-5151 Sea Side House, 2 Dai-cho/43-2408 Lake Abashiri: Kohan-Soh, Yohito/48-2011 Hotel Abashiriko, Soh Yohito/48-2311 Abashiri Grand Hotel, Yohito/48-3211 Acommodations in Kitami (0157) Kitami Tokyu Inn, W2 Ohdohri/61-0109 Hotel Kurobe, N7W1/23-2251 Kitami Piason Hotel, N3W3/25-1000 Kitami Tohwa Hotel, N5W6/24-2511 Kitami Century Hotel, 113 Kohen-Cho/23-1011 Bell Classic Kitami, N6W1/31-1200 Travel Tips ₯ You can travel by bus, JR train, air, or even bicycle, according to your budget. ₯ The best sources of travel information are the tourist information centers, found at stations and airports. Call up or stop by and ask about hotels or other accommodations to suit your plans and budget. ₯ There various price ranges for accommodations, but be aware that some cheaper places are closed in winter. It's better to check before you set out. ₯ Pamphlets published by city offices offer lots of useful information, sometimes more than guidebooks give. ₯ And don't forget something to warm: a thick jacket, gloves, warm socks and a hat. The area sees blizzardy lows of minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter. Events Dec. - Feb.: Kushiro Winter Festival (many events) - Kushiro Jan.: The earliest sunrise (about 6:50AM) of new year in Japan (free hot drinks) - Nosappu Cape, Nemuro The Aurora ice floe cruiser runs until April - Abashiri Feb.: Kushiro Ice Festival (until Feb.) - Kushiro Kitami Winter Festival (snow and ice sculptures, and illumination) - Kitami Nimuoro Winter Festival (winter camping and outdoor sports) - Nemuro Attaka Abashiri On-the-Ice Festival (many events on a frozen lake) - Abashiri Okhotsk Ice Floe Nottori Land (snow mobiling, parasailing and other winter sports) - Abashiri Kushiro Marshland Sled Dog Contest - Kushiro Okhotsk Ice Floe Festival (snow and ice sculptures, Ainu festival and fireworks) - Abashiri May: Mt. Tento Cherry Blossom Festival - Abashiri Kushiro Tulip Fair (50,000 tulips!) - Kushiro June: Lake Akan Fireworks Display - Akan July: Kushiro Mist Festiestival (laser show in the mist, and other attractions) - Kushiro Kitami Bonchi Festival (5,000 people dancing traditional dances, and a parade) - Kitami Abashiri Okhotsk Summer Festival (3,000-person parade, fireworks) - Abashiri Orochon Fire Festival (traditional Ainu ritual) - Abashiri Kushiro Port Festival (parades, fireworks and songs by fishermen) - Kushiro Aug.: Konpira Shrine (one of the three biggest festivals in Hokkaido, a mobile shrine carried by 60 people) - Nemuro Sand Art Festival - Nemuro Nemuro Port Festival (dance by 1,000 people, fireworks and more) - Kushiro Sep.: Nemuro Crab Festival (eat as much crab as you want) - Nemuro Sango-so Festival (eat good food and see red glasswort) - Abashiri Sanma Festival (eat delicious raw mackerel pike) - Nemuro Oct.: Kiku Festival (one of the biggest chrysanthemum shows: dolls decorated with chrysanthemum, bonsai, flower contest) - Kitami Iomonte (Ainu Bear Festival, until Dec.) - Lake Akan |