July 2019

JAPAN SPECIAL: Revisit Hakodate and Warm Yourself Up in Noboribetsu

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  • JAPAN SPECIAL: Revisit Hakodate and Warm Yourself Up in Noboribetsu
    • JAPAN SPECIAL: Revisit Hakodate and Warm Yourself Up in Noboribetsu

    Considered as the gateway to Hokkaido, Hakodate is a city located in the southern tip of the prefecture. It was one of the first city ports to open up to international traders in the 19th century. This resulted in its rapid industrialization, which also brought in different cultures and religions.

    Today, Hakodate is a lively city that encapsulates the traditions of both Japanese and Western cultures.

    Choosing the best spots to visit in Hakodate is no easy task. This city is bursting with remnants of the past that include historical buildings, beautiful landscapes, fresh food, and one of the most beautiful night views in all of Japan.

    Follow us on our adventure as we discover the religious tracks in Hakodate along with other attraction and spots to visit.

    Weather

    Hakodate is cool (literally) during the summer (June to August) and roughly cold in the winter (December to February). Make sure to bring proper winter clothes if you’re planning to visit Hakodate during this time of the year.

    How to get here:

    Hakodate is a one-hour plane ride from Tokyo and a four-hour train ride via the Shinkansen. Japan Airlines flies twice daily from Manila to Tokyo (Narita Airport).

    Tramcar

    Aside from taxi, bus, and private car, using the streetcar or tramcar is another option to get around the city. It runs every 10 minutes during the day and can take you to most of the main tourist spots. The fare for the tramcar costs between ¥200 and ¥250 per ride, or ¥600 for a whole day pass.

     

    Welcome to Noboribetsu

    A place rich in history, natural sceneries, and interesting attractions, Noboribetsu is our secret spot for this trip to Japan.

    It is known as the most popular onsen area in Hokkaido and is known for having the best natural therapeutic waters in Japan. Located in the southwest region of Hokkaido, Noboribetsu can be reached via private car or JR train. You can take a plane ride from Tokyo to Chitose airport in Hokkaido for about an hour and a half before taking the JR train to Noboribetsu.

    Where to Go in Hakodate and Noboribetsu

    JAPAN TRAVEL: Fort Goryokaku in Hakodate, A Historical Star-Shaped Citadel
    The star-shaped Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate, Japan is not just for made for viewing pleasure—it holds importance in the city’s history as it was strategically built in 1864 to reduce blind spots in gun battles for defense.
    Ainu Village (Porotokotan)
    The first two houses hold a free traditional show every hour where you can see the practices of the Ainu way of life.
    Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Village (Edo Wonderland) in Japan
    One of the highlights of a trip to Hokkaido is visiting the historical theme park – Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Village or Edo Wonderland.
    Oyunuma River Natural Foot bath
    One way to cap off a long day of touring is to soak your feet in a natural hot spring.
    Hell Valley (Jigokudan) in Noboribetsu, Japan
    Ever wonder why it is called Hell Valley? It’s because this place is rumored to be occupied by oni or Japanese demons!
    Miyago Fruit Farm in Hokkaido, Japan
    Do you like apples?
    Onuma Quasi National Park in Hakodate, Japan
    No one would have thought that unbelievably picturesque park is the result of an eruption that took place 30,000 years ago.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate Morning Market Offers Fresh Seafood and Produce Daily
    The Hakodate Morning Market is the best place to go to early in the morning where you can buy fresh seafood and vegetables. Its also where you can have a taste of their fresh seafood donburi!
    Share Star in Hakodate, Japan
    It's a mall that's more than a mall!
    Trappistine Convent in Hakodate, Japan
    In 1898, eight nuns from France founded the oldest convent in Japan -- the Trappistine Convent.
    Tobetsu Trappist Monastery in Hokkaido, Japan
    Less than an hour away from Hakodate town proper is the Tobetsu Trappist Monastery, which was built in 1907.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Motomachi Roman Catholic Church in Hakodate
    Built by Priest Marin in 1877, the Roman Catholic Church in the Motomachi District is also recognized as the first wooden church.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Mt. Hakodate is One of the World’s Best Night Views
    Mt. Hakodate is a 334-meter-high mountain in Japan which can be reached via ropeway, car or bus. It is located between two seas and is cited as having one of the best night views in Japan, and it was given a three-star rating by Michelin Green Guide Japon.

    Where to Eat in Hakodate and Noboribetsu

    Noboribetsu Enma Yakisoba
    Make sure you order the Yakisoba set menu with kimchi and miso soup.
    Ton-etsu in Hakodate, Japan
    Ton-etsu is a tonkatsu restaurant that has been using two ways of cooking tonkatsu.
    Hasegawa Store in Hakodate, Japan: A Convenience Store Chain Famous for Bentos
    Try their Yakitori Bento!
    Lucky Pierott in Hakodate, Japan
    This burger chain in Hakodate has been making a buzz not only with the locals but also with foreign tourists. Lucky Pierrot boasts 17 outlets in Hakodate alone, with each having different themes, setting them apart from other restaurants.

    Where to Stay in Hakodate and Noboribetsu

    Takinoya in Noboribetsu, Japan
    A highly luxurious ryokan (Japanese hotel) in Noboribetsu, Hotel Takinoya is located in the onsen (Japanese hot spring) resort area in Southern Hokkaido.
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