Hokkaido, Japan is Winter Wonderland of the East

Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō) is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country.

With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.

Despite being Japan's second largest island Hokkaido remains its least populated region and it retains a distinct frontier feel, partly explained by the fact that it has only relatively recently come under true Japanese control. Both in climate and culture this stunning island represents a refreshingly different side to Japan, unique among the country's many jewels.

Most of Hokkaido was settled by the Japanese within the last 100 years, compared to the thousands of years of Japanese history and pre-history. Before that it was only inhabited by the hunter-gatherer Ainu culture. As a result, its architecture and cities are much more modern, and mostly based on western-like grid layouts.

How to get to Hokkaido (source: Wikitravel)

By plane

Sapporo's Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's sole international gateway of significance, with flights to Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Busan. However, there are only limited international flights and most visitors will need to transit through hubs such as Tokyo and Osaka. The route between Tokyo and Sapporo is, in terms of capacity and planes flown daily, the busiest in the world. (Note that Narita Airport and Haneda Airport are quite far apart from each other, so make sure you factor in at least 3 hours travelling time between airports in Tokyo.)
In addition, there are a few international flights (mostly from Seoul and Taipei) to both Asahikawa and Hakodate.

By train

Hokkaido is not (yet) linked to the Shinkansen high speed network, but night sleeper trains from Tokyo are a popular option.
Another way to access Hokkaido by rail is the Hakucho and Super Hakucho limited express service between Aomori and Hakodate (2 hours, unreserved seat, ¥4,970 one way). There are nine trains per day.
When the Seishun 18 Ticket is effective, it can be used on Hakucho limited express trains between Kanita and Kikonai, making it possible to cross between Honshu and Hokkaido for as little as ¥2,000. However, because of the scarcity of local trains around Aomori and Hakodate, scheduling such a trip can be a bit of a hassle.

By ferry

Ferries are mostly popular among people bringing their own cars to Hokkaido.
Ferries from Hakodate link to northern ports in Tohoku, including Aomori and the Shimokita Peninsula.
Otaru provides links to Maizuru (near Kyoto) and Seoul.
Tomakomai connects with Akita, Niigata, Tsuruga, and sometimes Maizuru.
Wakkanai has ferries to Russia.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015  No comment

The Real Deal Ninja Training in Japan

Photo by k teezy

Akame, Japan is a tiny village and the home to a spectacular string of waterfalls known as "48 waterfalls".  This is where iconic, elite Japanese spies used to train for centuries.

This ancient village is also home to an elegant, three-tiered 16th-century castle known as the White Phoenix, which perches on a hill overlooking the town. Today, it's open to public with a display of artifacts from the legendary shogun named Takigawa Katsutoshi, who ruled the region in the distant past.  The man was in command of ninjas to settle with his political issues.

Not far down the hill, situated is the Iga Ninja Museum which was built about 50 years ago to showcase the history of the region’s renowned inhabitants. It resembles a typical ninja’s house, with features such as revolving doors, hidden rooms and secret exits so they could escape intruders and keep weapons safe.

Akame opened its ninja-training school only three years ago, recreating some of the ways that ninjas learnt and practiced their skills. Most ninjas started their training as young as six or seven, according to Professor Hiroshi Ikeda, who has dedicated a large part of his academic life to studying ninjutsu, the martial art of stealth and strategy.

The Akame 48 waterfalls are a collective name for a string of waterfalls flowing through Akame-cho, Nabari, Mie. In Japan, more than 1300 years ago, a legendary holy man named En no gyoja was active. It is said the name Akame (red eye) derives from a legend that he met Fudo-myoo (God of Fire) riding a red-eyed ox. It is also said the "48" was chosen to represent "Many."

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There are various waterfalls in Akame. Among them, five large falls, "Fudo," "Senju," "Nunobiki," "Ninai" and "Biwa" are popular under the name of "Amake Five Waterfalls." A recreational path about 4 km long along the waterfalls is used as a hiking path to enjoy walking while listening to the sound of waterfalls. The path is famous for its different aspects according to the season, from cherry blossoms in spring through tender green in early summer, colored leaves in autumn to frozen falls in winter. The place is also a habitat for giant salamanders, which are Natural Monument of Japan. You may be able to see them swimming in the river when walking between spring and autumn.

The village is one of the highest rated destination in Japan not only for local Japanese tourists but also by non-Japanese tourists as well.

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Friday, March 07, 2014  No comment

Beppu Onsen Hot Springs in Japan is the Best in the World

What could be better than soaking in a natural hot springs during a cold winter season?  If you love hot springs, Beppu Onsen is the heaven on earth, and you should add it to the list of places to visit in your life time.

Onsen is Japanese for hot springs, and the city of Beppu located in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan is a home to eight hot springs area know as "Beppu Hatto"

More than 2,900 hot springs in Beppu generate more volume of hot steamy water, rich in mineral, than any other place in the world.  Yellowstone National Park does have more thermal spring water but it is preserved in its natural setting.

The city of Beppu being scenically located next to the ocean, the view is magnificent.  During the prime season the city can host 60,000 travelers from all over the world

The heat generated from these hot springs is more than unbearable, and it can reach temperature of 150 C.  That's much hotter than boiling water.  Each springs control the temperature slightly at varying level, so you won't have a problem that suits your preference.

Then there is famous tour called, "Jigoku Meguri" (Hell tour) which takes you to eight unique hot springs with a minimum temperature of 90C.

The eight hells of hot springs in Beppu

• Umi-Jigoku (Sea Hell)
• Oniishibozu-Jigoku (Oniishi Shaven Head Hell)
• Yama-Jigoku (Mountain Hell)
• Kamado-Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell)
• Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell)
• Shiraike-Jigoku (White Pond Hell)
• Tatsumaki-Jigoku (Tornado Hell)
• Chinoike-Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)

How to Get There

Beppu Onsen is accessible by plane, train, car, and boat.  Wikitravel has an excellent resource on the transportation.

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Tuesday, February 04, 2014  No comment

Sapporo Snow Festival 2014 - 65 Years of History

The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is on of the Japan's largest winter event, celebrating it's 65th anniversary this year.

About two million visitors all around the world visit the event to the fantastic magic world of snow and ice in Sapporo.  The event features three sites (Odori, Susukino and Tsu Dome) each with its uniquely theme presentation, lasting 7 days.

Amazingly the even first started off when high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park back in 1950.  Now, it has developed into one of the most renowned  snow festival in the world.

Odori Park is situated in the middle of downtown Sapporo and is the the main festival site.  It attracts some of the worlds best snow and ice sculptors.

Tsu Dome site features large snow slides and a snow rafting area right outside the dome.  And inside dome welcomes families and children with a large number of attractions and fun games.

Lastly, Susukino Site is where you get to see amazing array of large scale ice sculptures and witness the ice queen.  An ice sculpture contest is held at the site as well.

For 2014, the event will be hosted from Feb. 5 - Feb. 11.

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Thursday, January 30, 2014  No comment