11November
2011
CONTENTS
www.hokkaido-pedia.jpwww.hokkaido-pedia.jpwww.hokkaido-pedia.jp
What’s on .............................2
Living Hokkaido ....................3
The Great Outdoors .............4
Walk Talk .............................5
Luxury Zone .........................6
Relaxing Hot Spots...............7
Special Feature (steam locomotives) ............8
Time Travel Hokkaido.........10
Information .........................12
12 Information
Contactc/o Event Convention Pro Inc. Kitaguchi Yoshiya Bldg. 7F, Kita 7-jo Nishi 4-chome 8-3, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0807 Japan Tel: +81-11-299-5910 Fax: +81-11-299-5911 [email protected] http://www.hokkaido-pedia.jp
PublisherEvent Convention Pro Inc.
Editor in ChiefShinichi Hisamatsu
Contributing EditorDavid Barnett
TranslationToshiyuki YamaguchiKaori Yamada
WebmasterNoriko Kodaira
DesignTeruya Fujioka
Editorial AssistanceGaku Shoji
PrintingHokkaido Printing Planning Co., Ltd.
Support & CooperationAssoc. Prof. Mitsuhiro Kawamoto (Sapporo International University)intelligent Link Inc.and Others
Commissioned byHokkaido Government
11November
2011
What is HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia?
HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia is a monthly web magazine, whose title is based onthe meaning of a “walking encyclopedia of Hokkaido.” This tourism information booklet introduces the abundant nature, excellent environment, safe food and charming citizens of Hokkaido, an Asian resort area for high-end travelers from around the world. The tourism-related information is collected and released by members of Hokkaido’s international community.
Consulate-General of the United States of AmericaKita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821 JapanTel: +81-11-641-1115 Fax: +81-11-643-1283http://sapporo.usconsulate.gov/
Consulate-General of the Republic of KoreaKita 2-jo Nishi 12-chome 1-4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0002 JapanTel: +81-11-218-0288 Fax: +81-11-218-8158http://jpn-sapporo.mofat.go.kr/languages/as/jpn-sapporo/main/index.jsp
Consulate-General of the Russian FederationMinami 14-jo Nishi 12-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0914 JapanTel: +81-11-561-3171 Fax: +81-11-561-8897http://www1.odn.ne.jp/ruscons_sapporo/
Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of ChinaMinami 13-jo Nishi 23-chome 5-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0913 JapanTel: +81-11-563-5563 Fax: +81-11-563-1818http://sapporo.china-consulate.org/jpn/ (Japanese)
Australian ConsulateSapporo Center Bldg. 17F, Kita 5-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0005 JapanTel: +81-11-242-4381 Fax: +81-11-242-4383http://www.australia.or.jp/en/consular/sapporo/
Consulate-Generals
Information
Police
110
Emergency
119
Tourist Information
Sapporohttp://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/english/access/information.html
Hokkaidohttp://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/
JNTOhttp://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/hokkaido/
Emergency Hospital
Sapporo City General Hospitalhttp://www.city.sapporo.jp/foreign/index.html
Hokkaido University Hospitalhttp://www.huhp.hokudai.ac.jp/english/med01.html
Domestic Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL)http://www.jal.co.jp/
All Nippon Airways (ANA)https://www.ana.co.jp/
Hokkaido International Airlines (AIR DO)http://www.airdo.jp/ap/index.html
Skymark Airlines (SKYMARK)http://www.skymark.co.jp/ja/
International Airlines
Air China internationalhttp://www.airchina.jp/en/index.html
Korean Airhttp://www.koreanair.com/?rgn=jp&lang=jpn
Continental Airlineshttp://www.staralliance.com/en/
Cathay Pacific Airwayshttp://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_JP/homepage
Asahikawa Museum of Arthttp://www.dokyoi.pref.hokkaido.jp/hk-asamu/
Hospitals
Sapporo City General Hospitalhttp://www.city.sapporo.jp/city/english/index.html
Hokkaido University Hospitalhttp://www.huhp.hokudai.ac.jp/english/med01.html
Sapporo Medical University Hospitalhttp://web.sapmed.ac.jp/byoin/
Library
Sapporo Chuo Libraryhttp://www.city.sapporo.jp/toshokan/english/english.html
Foreign Currency Exchange
North Pacific Bankhttp://www.hokuyobank.co.jp/
Hokkaido Bankhttp://www.hokkaidobank.co.jp/service/foreigncash/index.html
Post Office
Sapporo Central Post Officehttp://www.japanpost.jp/
International Telephone
http://hokkaido.jp.currentlocaltimes.com/dialingcode.html
International Community
Sapporo International Communication Plazahttp://www.plaza-sapporo.or.jp/english/index_e.html
Major Conferences and Events
Jun. 1 to Nov. 30 Street of Demons’ Fire / Valley Replete with Fantasy and Mystery in Noboribetsu
Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 Fire festival of Iyomante (bear worshipping festival) in KushiroOct. 29 to Dec. 4 Sapporo Art StageOct. 31 to Nov. 3 Sapporo Chrysanthemum FestivalNov. 8 to 10 17th Small Engine Technology Conference (SETC2011)Nov. 11 to Dec. 25 Otaru Long ChristmasNov. 25 to Dec. 24 German Christmas Market in SapporoNov. 25 to Feb. 12 Sapporo White Illumination (Odori venue: Nov. 25 to Dec. 25) Dec. 1 to 25 Hakodate Christmas FantasyDec. 14 Hokkaido Festival of the Loyal Retainers in Sunagawa
(Gishi Sai)Dec. 20 to Mar. 31 Diamond Dust in KAWAYUJan. 21 to Feb. 26 Tokachigawa Swan Festival “Sairinka”Late Jan. to early Mar. Akan Ice Festival “Fuyu-hanabi”Late Jan. to late Mar. Lake Shikaribetsu KotanFeb. 6 to 12 Sapporo Snow Festival
HOKKAIDO
Asahikawa●
Notsuke●Akan●
●Abashiri
●Mombetsu
●
●
●
●●
●●
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●
●
Hakodate●
●Sapporo
●Kushiro
China Southern Airlineshttp://www.cs-air.jp/
Sakhalin Airlineshttp://www.satairlines.ru/index.php
Eva Airhttp://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/
International Airport
New Chitose Airporthttp://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/
Trains
JR Hokkaidohttp://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html
JR Information DeskJR Sapporo Station West Exit (8:30 – 19:00)New Chitose Airport Station (8:30 – 19:00)
Buses
Hokkaido Chuo Bushttp://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/sightseeing.en/
Ferry
Shin Nihonkai Ferryhttp://www.snf.jp/pdf/english.pdf
Taiheiyo Ferryhttp://www.taiheiyo-ferry.co.jp/english/index.html
MOL Ferryhttp://www.sunflower.co.jp/english/index.shtml
Tourist Agency
JTB Hokkaidohttp://www.jtb.co.jp/hokkaido/
Kinki Nippon Tourist Hokkaidohttp://www.knt.co.jp/kokusai/about.html
Nippon Travel Agencyhttp://www.nta.co.jp/hokkaido/
Car Rentals
JRhttp://www2.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/branch&id=82008&prefecture=1
Nippon Rent-A-Carhttp://www2.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/branch&id=23019&prefecture=1
TOYOTAhttp://www.toyotarentacar.net/english/
Art Galleries and Museums
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Arthttp://www.aurora-net.or.jp/art/dokinbi/
Historical Museum of Hokkaidohttp://www.hmh.pref.hokkaido.jp/
Historical Village of Hokkaidohttp://www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm
Migishi Kotaro Museum of Art, Hokkaidohttp://www.dokyoi.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/hk/mkb/
Wakkanai
Sarobetsu
Rebun
Rishiri
Niseko
ShikotsuNoboribetsu
ChitoseToya
Not long now before the skiing and snowboarding season is here! Before the season starts in earnest in December, Hokkaido’s natural-snow season begins on the slopes of Mt. Kurodake in Sounkyo, which are due to open as early as mid November, with the pistes of Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine, Mt. Racey, Sapporo Kokusai, Furano and Nakayama-toge following not far behind. We look forward to welcoming winter sports enthusiasts from around the world in time for the first snow of the season.
With the majority of the crops harvested and preparations for winter complete, the farmers and fishermen of Hokkaido can now look forward to the winter content in the knowledge that the food they have helped produce is – as always – of the finest quality. As we savor the delights Hokkaido's land and seas have to offer, let’s not forget to thank all those involved in bringing us the freshest, safest and most delicious food here in Hokkaido.
Thanks giving
First signs of winterFirst signs of winterFirst signs of winter
FREE
© Sapporo Tourist Association
Radiation Monitoring in Hokkaidohttp://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/sm/gat/zenndoumonita_eng.htm
Obihiro
2 What’s on
~
∼
Rental cycles (lake circumference 43 km; approx. 4 hours)Toya Rent-a-Cycle Tel. 0142-75-2406
How long have you lived in Sapporo?
This is actually my second term as consul here in Sapporo. I
was first posted here for a period of about two years and eight
months between 1995 and ’98, and then I returned in March last
year, so over 4 years in total. In addition to that I’ve also
worked at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate in
Osaka, so I’ve worked in Japan for about 12 years in total, now.
Where are you from originally, and what was your image of Hokkaido when you were growing up?
I’m originally from Sapporo’s sister city of Shenyang but to tell
the truth I didn’t know much about Hokkaido when I was
growing up. I’m not even sure why I became interested in
Japan. I began studying Japanese at quite an early age – at about
15 – so I probably started to become interested in Japan around
that time.
Is studying the Japanese language at such an age unusual in China?
I think mine was a quite a special case. You’re probably aware
that because of the Cultural Revolution in China in the ’60s and
’70s, education was sometimes not as smooth as it could have
been. During the latter years, universities began to open and
during that time I was one of the first students to enter university
and study Japanese.
What were your impressions of Sapporo and Hokkaido when you arrived for the first time?
I felt that some things about Hokkaido were just like in other
parts of Japan, but there were some characteristics that were
unique to Hokkaido – the sheer size of the place, for example.
Hokkaido covers an area of over 80,000 km2, which is about one
fifth of the whole of Japan. I read somewhere that you could fit
about 22 other prefectures of Japan into Hokkaido. And also the
amount of forest land here – about 70%.
What differences did you notice when you arrived for the second time?
Almost 13 years had passed since I was first posted here, so
naturally there were many changes. One of the most obvious
was the amount of Chinese visitors. There have always been
exchanges between China and Japan but not on the scale there is
now. At that time only about 1,000 visitors a year came from
China – mainly for business reasons. There were hardly any
individual tourists then, but last year there were 150,000. As
Governor Takahashi has pointed out, the number of Chinese
tourists has increased five fold in the last five years.
Another big change has been the number of direct flights to
and from China. From New Chitose Airport there are flights to
four cities now – Peking, Shanghai, Dairen and Shenyang.
3Living HokkaidoLiving HokkaidoLiving Hokkaido
What do Chinese tourists find appealing about Hokkaido?
The abundant and beautiful nature, the delicious seafood, the
high-level leisure facilities including skiing and golf and, of
course, the hot springs. There are a few hot springs in China but
not as many as here in Hokkaido. Because of this the hot-spring
culture is now spreading in China. At first, Chinese people were
reluctant to bathe together in the nude, but now things are
changing.
In what other ways does Hokkaido differ from your native Shenyang?
Although Shenyang, like Sapporo, is situated in the cold
northern region of the country, because of the climate change in
recent years there is not as much snow as there used to be.
During my first winter in Sapporo I was surprised at how much
snow there was – almost 80 cm once fell in one night!
How do you enjoy your life here, and what do you do in your spare time?
I like Hokkaido very much and have traveled extensively with
my work. However, because of the busy schedule I don’t get
chance to go far during my free time. In summer I enjoy driving
in the areas close to Sapporo – places I can get to comfortably in
one day. In the summer I drove to Furano to see the Belly
Button Festival, which was great, and if I get the chance I’d like
to go to Rishiri and Rebun.
The number of tourists from China has decreased this year as a result of the March 11th earthquake and subsequent events; do you have any advice to Chinese tourists thinking about coming to Hokkaido?
Almost 8 months have passed since the tsunami and although the
number of tourists dropped dramatically at first, things are
starting to get back to normal thanks to the efforts of the
governments of both Japan and China. There are more and more
passengers on the regular flights between China and Hokkaido,
and more charter flights are being operated. By 2015 it is hoped
that the number of tourists from China will reach 8 million. The
governments of Japan and Hokkaido are also doing all they can
to attract tourists from China – things like the new international
terminal at New Chitose Airport, and the great new facilities that
opened this year. The Chinese like traveling but until now they
haven’t had much chance. I love Hokkaido and what it has to
offer, and I’m sure many Chinese would love it too, if they got
the chance to come. It would be great if more Chinese tourists
came to see Hokkaido for themselves.
Lui Zhi JianConsulate of the People’s Republic of China in Sapporo
INTERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Now in his second spell as consul at the Chinese Consulate in Sapporo, Lui Zhi Jian talks to HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia about the changes he’s experienced in Sapporo, and his future expectations for Chinese citizens traveling to Hokkaido.
Odori venue: 38 days from Fri. Nov. 25 to Sun. Dec. 25, 2011Ekimae Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Minami 1-jo Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Illuminated from 16:30 to 22:00 (midnight on Dec. 23 to 25)
The German Christmas Market in Sapporo
is held in Odori Park West 2 to coincide
with the Sapporo White Illumination.
Numerous colorfully decorated stalls
selling Christmas goods are a treat to see,
and the German beer, sausages and spicy
mulled wine on sale provide a treat for the
taste buds, too. Other goods on sale
include original mugs, stained-glass lamps
and glassware and popular knickknacks
that cannot be found elsewhere. Enjoy the
romantic atmosphere of a German street
market as Sapporo enters the festive spirit.
This annual event was instigated
through Sapporo’s sister-city relationship
with Munich in Germany, and provides the
people of Sapporo with an opportunity to
sample some of Germany’s delicious
traditional dishes, sweets and cakes, as
Late November, and the white snowflakes
that begin to fall match perfectly with the
illuminations that sparkle in downtown
Sapporo. What’s more, the bustling
Christmas Market and the smell of mulled
wine add to the atmosphere and the
excitement of the festive season. Now a
familiar part of the early winter scenery,
this year the Sapporo White Illumination
celebrates its 31st anniversary with over
1,000 light bulbs in the Odori Park West-2
site alone, making it one of the largest such
events in Japan. Illuminated displays with
Christmas and cosmos themes fill the
Odori Park venue, with Ekimae Street to
the north and south, and Minami 1-jo Street
running east to west like strings of jewels,
as the roadside trees sparkle with light.
Out of the darkness comes … the lighting ceremony
In total darkness the countdown begins,
and on the count of zero there’s light – a
glow that illuminates downtown Sapporo
like the snow at this time of year –
accompanied by the appreciative gasps of
onlookers. Sapporo White Illumination is
held every year from mid November to
Christmas at the Odori Park site, and
between mid November and mid February
east-west along Minami 1-jo Street and
north-south along Ekimae Street as far as
Susukino.
Electric light displays include Santa,
snowmen and the like, but it’s not just the
kids that can enjoy the fun. Space-themed
images and flowers familiar to Sapporo,
such as lilac and lily of the valley,
“bloom” in the dark of the night. Lovers
stroll hand-in-hand amid Christmas trees
and heart-shaped decorations. Precious
memories of the time spent amid this
sparkling wonderland.
At the lighting ceremony (from 4:30
p.m. on November 25 in Odori W2), a
countdown event is planned with
greetings from the mayor. Other events
befitting of the colorful Christmas lights
and romantic mood also take place
throughout the period of the illuminations.
Odori Park’s West 3 and 4 blocks
are always bustling with people, and
with the main illumination venue
between West 1 and 4, those wishing to
spend a quieter time amid the lights
should head for West 8, where the
volume of pedestrians has greatly
subsided by 8 p.m., and the atmosphere
can be enjoyed in peace.
well as purchase seasonal gifts. Experience
the romantic atmosphere in collaboration
with Sapporo’s pure white snow and
glittering illuminations. The market opens
on the same day as the illuminations and
runs until Christmas Eve – Fri. Nov. 25 to
Sat. Dec. 24, 2011 – at the Odori Park
West-2 Sapporo Illumination venue.
http://www.sapporo-christmas.com/
Photos by Sapporo Tourist Association
German Christmas Market in Sapporo
2 What’s on
~
∼
Rental cycles (lake circumference 43 km; approx. 4 hours)Toya Rent-a-Cycle Tel. 0142-75-2406
How long have you lived in Sapporo?
This is actually my second term as consul here in Sapporo. I
was first posted here for a period of about two years and eight
months between 1995 and ’98, and then I returned in March last
year, so over 4 years in total. In addition to that I’ve also
worked at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate in
Osaka, so I’ve worked in Japan for about 12 years in total, now.
Where are you from originally, and what was your image of Hokkaido when you were growing up?
I’m originally from Sapporo’s sister city of Shenyang but to tell
the truth I didn’t know much about Hokkaido when I was
growing up. I’m not even sure why I became interested in
Japan. I began studying Japanese at quite an early age – at about
15 – so I probably started to become interested in Japan around
that time.
Is studying the Japanese language at such an age unusual in China?
I think mine was a quite a special case. You’re probably aware
that because of the Cultural Revolution in China in the ’60s and
’70s, education was sometimes not as smooth as it could have
been. During the latter years, universities began to open and
during that time I was one of the first students to enter university
and study Japanese.
What were your impressions of Sapporo and Hokkaido when you arrived for the first time?
I felt that some things about Hokkaido were just like in other
parts of Japan, but there were some characteristics that were
unique to Hokkaido – the sheer size of the place, for example.
Hokkaido covers an area of over 80,000 km2, which is about one
fifth of the whole of Japan. I read somewhere that you could fit
about 22 other prefectures of Japan into Hokkaido. And also the
amount of forest land here – about 70%.
What differences did you notice when you arrived for the second time?
Almost 13 years had passed since I was first posted here, so
naturally there were many changes. One of the most obvious
was the amount of Chinese visitors. There have always been
exchanges between China and Japan but not on the scale there is
now. At that time only about 1,000 visitors a year came from
China – mainly for business reasons. There were hardly any
individual tourists then, but last year there were 150,000. As
Governor Takahashi has pointed out, the number of Chinese
tourists has increased five fold in the last five years.
Another big change has been the number of direct flights to
and from China. From New Chitose Airport there are flights to
four cities now – Peking, Shanghai, Dairen and Shenyang.
3Living HokkaidoLiving HokkaidoLiving Hokkaido
What do Chinese tourists find appealing about Hokkaido?
The abundant and beautiful nature, the delicious seafood, the
high-level leisure facilities including skiing and golf and, of
course, the hot springs. There are a few hot springs in China but
not as many as here in Hokkaido. Because of this the hot-spring
culture is now spreading in China. At first, Chinese people were
reluctant to bathe together in the nude, but now things are
changing.
In what other ways does Hokkaido differ from your native Shenyang?
Although Shenyang, like Sapporo, is situated in the cold
northern region of the country, because of the climate change in
recent years there is not as much snow as there used to be.
During my first winter in Sapporo I was surprised at how much
snow there was – almost 80 cm once fell in one night!
How do you enjoy your life here, and what do you do in your spare time?
I like Hokkaido very much and have traveled extensively with
my work. However, because of the busy schedule I don’t get
chance to go far during my free time. In summer I enjoy driving
in the areas close to Sapporo – places I can get to comfortably in
one day. In the summer I drove to Furano to see the Belly
Button Festival, which was great, and if I get the chance I’d like
to go to Rishiri and Rebun.
The number of tourists from China has decreased this year as a result of the March 11th earthquake and subsequent events; do you have any advice to Chinese tourists thinking about coming to Hokkaido?
Almost 8 months have passed since the tsunami and although the
number of tourists dropped dramatically at first, things are
starting to get back to normal thanks to the efforts of the
governments of both Japan and China. There are more and more
passengers on the regular flights between China and Hokkaido,
and more charter flights are being operated. By 2015 it is hoped
that the number of tourists from China will reach 8 million. The
governments of Japan and Hokkaido are also doing all they can
to attract tourists from China – things like the new international
terminal at New Chitose Airport, and the great new facilities that
opened this year. The Chinese like traveling but until now they
haven’t had much chance. I love Hokkaido and what it has to
offer, and I’m sure many Chinese would love it too, if they got
the chance to come. It would be great if more Chinese tourists
came to see Hokkaido for themselves.
Lui Zhi JianConsulate of the People’s Republic of China in Sapporo
INTERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Now in his second spell as consul at the Chinese Consulate in Sapporo, Lui Zhi Jian talks to HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia about the changes he’s experienced in Sapporo, and his future expectations for Chinese citizens traveling to Hokkaido.
Odori venue: 38 days from Fri. Nov. 25 to Sun. Dec. 25, 2011Ekimae Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Minami 1-jo Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Illuminated from 16:30 to 22:00 (midnight on Dec. 23 to 25)
The German Christmas Market in Sapporo
is held in Odori Park West 2 to coincide
with the Sapporo White Illumination.
Numerous colorfully decorated stalls
selling Christmas goods are a treat to see,
and the German beer, sausages and spicy
mulled wine on sale provide a treat for the
taste buds, too. Other goods on sale
include original mugs, stained-glass lamps
and glassware and popular knickknacks
that cannot be found elsewhere. Enjoy the
romantic atmosphere of a German street
market as Sapporo enters the festive spirit.
This annual event was instigated
through Sapporo’s sister-city relationship
with Munich in Germany, and provides the
people of Sapporo with an opportunity to
sample some of Germany’s delicious
traditional dishes, sweets and cakes, as
Late November, and the white snowflakes
that begin to fall match perfectly with the
illuminations that sparkle in downtown
Sapporo. What’s more, the bustling
Christmas Market and the smell of mulled
wine add to the atmosphere and the
excitement of the festive season. Now a
familiar part of the early winter scenery,
this year the Sapporo White Illumination
celebrates its 31st anniversary with over
1,000 light bulbs in the Odori Park West-2
site alone, making it one of the largest such
events in Japan. Illuminated displays with
Christmas and cosmos themes fill the
Odori Park venue, with Ekimae Street to
the north and south, and Minami 1-jo Street
running east to west like strings of jewels,
as the roadside trees sparkle with light.
Out of the darkness comes … the lighting ceremony
In total darkness the countdown begins,
and on the count of zero there’s light – a
glow that illuminates downtown Sapporo
like the snow at this time of year –
accompanied by the appreciative gasps of
onlookers. Sapporo White Illumination is
held every year from mid November to
Christmas at the Odori Park site, and
between mid November and mid February
east-west along Minami 1-jo Street and
north-south along Ekimae Street as far as
Susukino.
Electric light displays include Santa,
snowmen and the like, but it’s not just the
kids that can enjoy the fun. Space-themed
images and flowers familiar to Sapporo,
such as lilac and lily of the valley,
“bloom” in the dark of the night. Lovers
stroll hand-in-hand amid Christmas trees
and heart-shaped decorations. Precious
memories of the time spent amid this
sparkling wonderland.
At the lighting ceremony (from 4:30
p.m. on November 25 in Odori W2), a
countdown event is planned with
greetings from the mayor. Other events
befitting of the colorful Christmas lights
and romantic mood also take place
throughout the period of the illuminations.
Odori Park’s West 3 and 4 blocks
are always bustling with people, and
with the main illumination venue
between West 1 and 4, those wishing to
spend a quieter time amid the lights
should head for West 8, where the
volume of pedestrians has greatly
subsided by 8 p.m., and the atmosphere
can be enjoyed in peace.
well as purchase seasonal gifts. Experience
the romantic atmosphere in collaboration
with Sapporo’s pure white snow and
glittering illuminations. The market opens
on the same day as the illuminations and
runs until Christmas Eve – Fri. Nov. 25 to
Sat. Dec. 24, 2011 – at the Odori Park
West-2 Sapporo Illumination venue.
http://www.sapporo-christmas.com/
Photos by Sapporo Tourist Association
German Christmas Market in Sapporo
■Shikotsu-Toya National ParkShikotsu-Toya National Park■Shikotsu-Toya National Park
At 26 km long, Notsuke t 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is
Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the
south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the
Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes
place twice a year, every summer and place twice a year, every summer and
autumn, and the mysterious scenes of autumn, and the mysterious scenes of
the sailboats amid the fog are typical of the sailboats amid the fog are typical of
the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings
from the Satsumon period. from the Satsumon period.
Fishing from sailboats has continued Fishing from sailboats has continued
here for over 100 years since the Meiji here for over 100 years since the Meiji
period, with the boats utilizing the period, with the boats utilizing the
currents and the winds in their triangular currents and the winds in their triangular
sails to maneuver. This method of sails to maneuver. This method of
fishing is a type of trawling carried out fishing is a type of trawling carried out
by boats with just one crewmember.by boats with just one crewmember.
The marine-algae-covered 1- to The marine-algae-covered 1- to
3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula 3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula
provides an excellent habitat for the provides an excellent habitat for the
Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to
prevent the screws of motor boats prevent the screws of motor boats
damaging the shallow seabed habitats of damaging the shallow seabed habitats of
dense algae.dense algae.
Hokkai shrimps have a greenish- Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-
brown body with three white stripes, and brown body with three white stripes, and
turn a vivid shade of red when boiled turn a vivid shade of red when boiled
with salt, producing the perfect treat to with salt, producing the perfect treat to
compliment a glass or two of beer – a compliment a glass or two of beer – a
favorite part of the menu at many favorite part of the menu at many
izakayasizakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be
enjoyed by everyone, young or old. enjoyed by everyone, young or old.
The two fishing seasons from The two fishing seasons from
mid-June to the end of July and then mid-June to the end of July and then
from mid-October to mid-November are from mid-October to mid-November are
strictly observed to protect marine strictly observed to protect marine
resources.resources.
At 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is
Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the
south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the
Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes
place twice a year, every summer and
autumn, and the mysterious scenes of
the sailboats amid the fog are typical of
the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings
from the Satsumon period.
Fishing from sailboats has continued
here for over 100 years since the Meiji
period, with the boats utilizing the
currents and the winds in their triangular
sails to maneuver. This method of
fishing is a type of trawling carried out
by boats with just one crewmember.
The marine-algae-covered 1- to
3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula
provides an excellent habitat for the
Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to
prevent the screws of motor boats
damaging the shallow seabed habitats of
dense algae.
Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-
brown body with three white stripes, and
turn a vivid shade of red when boiled
with salt, producing the perfect treat to
compliment a glass or two of beer – a
favorite part of the menu at many
izakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be
enjoyed by everyone, young or old.
The two fishing seasons from
mid-June to the end of July and then
from mid-October to mid-November are
strictly observed to protect marine
resources.
Sosei River Park is a small oasis of
greenery created by the side of the Sosei
River as part of the project to join up the
two Sosei road underpasses at the start of
Route 5, which runs north from the
eastern side of the TV Tower in Sapporo.
Construction work on the underpass was
completed in March 2009, diverting the
bulk of traffic underground and paving
the way for easier pedestrian access
between the Tanuki Koji shopping arcade
and Nijo Market. The northern tip of the
park is at North 1 in front of the Chuo
Bus Terminal, with its bus services to and
from various regions in Hokkaido, and is
also close to the Sapporo Factory
shopping mall and not too far from the
Clock Tower and the tourist information
desk at the Sapporo International
Communication Plaza (3F, MN Bldg.
Kita 1-jo, Nishi 3-chome).
Head south along either bank of the
small stream and you’ll soon come to two
white bridges that cross the stream close
together. Closer inspection reveals the
bridges to be actually linked to create a
large circle in the middle of the park.
This is Snow Ring, an installation
designed by Kozo Nishino that
symbolizes the air and river water linking
north, south, east and west. However, an
aerial view of the ring, from the TV
tower perhaps, might actually prompt
onlookers to think this is effectively
“ground zero” of Sapporo, as street
blocks are numbers 1, 2, 3 and so on in
all directions from this point. Here,
you’re just a stone’s throw away from the
TV Tower, Odori Park and the Theatre de
Printemps, in which the Shiki Theater
Company is currently performing the
long-run Disney musical Lion King.
Oblivious to the traffic that passes
beneath, visitors to the park can enjoy the
riverside vegetation, including 200 young
lilac tress of which there are 30 different
varieties, as well as sculptures and objet
de art – many by one of Hokkaido’s most
famous contemporary sculptors Kan
Yasuda. Signs along the pathways point
out various nearby places of interest in
four languages. Other sights include a
statue of Kametaro Otomo – the creator
of the first irrigation and transport canal
in Sapporo, which later became the Sosei
River – and a small panel exhibition of
old photos at a rest point on the South-1
block of the park, showing historical
scenes from the river and its environs.
At the South-2 junction, cross the road
to the east of the park and head for the
Nijo Market, a labyrinth of
long-established stalls and shops selling
fresh seafood, fruit and the like. A
number of cafés and bars are located
across the street to the north, but why not
sample the wares at one of the small
eateries within the market, where the
fresh seafood is used to make reasonably
priced dishes that are second to none for
freshness and flavor. An alley of bars
amid the complex ensures that visitors
can experience the market atmosphere
whatever time of day or night they visit.
From the market, head back across the
park though the event plaza, which hosts
various attractions depending on the time
of day or season, and enter the Tanuki
Koji shopping arcade. Literally, “raccoon
dog alley,” the arcade is one of Sapporo’s
oldest commercial districts with a history
of over 120 years, and apparently got its
name from the antics of the cunning
ladies of the night, who gathered there
and cajoled free drinks from the bars’
male patrons. On the first two blocks
alone, you can find shops selling
Buddhist shrines, festival clothing,
kimonos, musical instruments and much,
much more, or why not get a personal
seal made of your name in Japanese
characters at the fascinating hanko shop? This covered arcade continues west for 8
blocks and then uncovered for another
two or so, with countless other interesting
establishments just waiting to be
discovered. But perhaps that’s for
another day. For now, let’s head back in
the direction from which we came,
deciding what to do next on the way –
and starting again from “zero.”
Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which, as the name suggests, includes
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, is blessed
with the stunningly beautiful scenery
created by the lakes, forests and volcanic
activity of Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, Mt.
Tarumae and the Showa Shinzan lava
dome, not to mention the hot-spring
resorts of Jozankei, Toyako, and
Noboribetsu. The shores of Lake
Shikotsu are popular among campers,
with the Morappu and Bifue campsites
providing the perfect location in which to
pitch a tent.
Nearby is Mt. Tarumae, a somma
volcano with an internal lava dome that
even now spews volcanic smoke.
Numerous alpine plants can be seen
between the 7th station and the summit.
Bifue Falls is a beautiful waterfall
surrounded by trees on a tributary of the
Chitose River, which flows into Lake
Shikotsu. Another small lake nearby, Lake
Okotanpe was formed when a river was
dammed by a volcanic eruption on Mt.
Eniwadake. From the roadside observatory,
the view of the blue lake surrounded by
green forests is quite stunning.
A little further afield close to
Noboribetsu Onsen is Oyunuma, a small
lake with a circumference of
approximately 1 km, formed from the
remains of a crater that appeared during
an eruption. A sulfur spring gushes from
the lakebed at a temperature of 132
degrees Celsius, and even the water that
flows in a small stream from the lake
remains at over 40 degrees, the perfect
temperature for a natural foot spa.
Designated a natural monument of Japan,
Noboribetsu Primeval Forest has various
footpaths where strolls can be enjoyed
and many wild animals can be seen.
Not far from Mt. Yotei is Hangetsu
Lake, a small crescent-shaped crater lake
that provides an oasis for hikers near the
Mt. Yotei trailhead. At the summit there’s
a 700-m-diameter, 200-m-deep crater that
is home to more than 130 varieties of
wild birds. There are 4 routes up Mt.
Yotei, each one taking between 4 and 6
hours to reach the summit.
Approximately an hour and a half up
the trail of Mt. Orofure, which spans the
borders of Sobetsu, Noboribetsu and
Shiraoi, various alpine plants can be seen
by the wayside, and the summit affords a
360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Yotei,
Lake Toya, Lake Kuttara and beyond.
■The sailboats at Notsuke PeninsulaThe sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula■The sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula
Hokkaido heritagehttp://www.hokkaidoisan.org
Access Shikotsuko Hot Spring(Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center) Approx. 80 min. by bus from Sapporo Station; 30 min. from central Chitose; or 55 min. from New Chitose Airport.
Toyako Hot Spring (Toyako Visitor Center, Volcano Science Museum) Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo
Toya Takarada Nature Experience House Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo
Mt. Yotei 2 hrs. 30 min. by JR train to Hirafu Station from Sapporo
4 The Great Outdoors 5Walk Talk
Sosei River Park, Nijo Market and Tanuki Koji areaShikotsu-Toya National Park Toyako Visitor Centerhttp://www.toyako-vc.jp/en/
©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association
©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association
Photos by Hokkaido Regional Environment Office (Ministry of the Environment)
Photos by Hokkaido Heritage Council
■Shikotsu-Toya National ParkShikotsu-Toya National Park■Shikotsu-Toya National Park
At 26 km long, Notsuke t 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is
Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the
south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the
Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes
place twice a year, every summer and place twice a year, every summer and
autumn, and the mysterious scenes of autumn, and the mysterious scenes of
the sailboats amid the fog are typical of the sailboats amid the fog are typical of
the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings
from the Satsumon period. from the Satsumon period.
Fishing from sailboats has continued Fishing from sailboats has continued
here for over 100 years since the Meiji here for over 100 years since the Meiji
period, with the boats utilizing the period, with the boats utilizing the
currents and the winds in their triangular currents and the winds in their triangular
sails to maneuver. This method of sails to maneuver. This method of
fishing is a type of trawling carried out fishing is a type of trawling carried out
by boats with just one crewmember.by boats with just one crewmember.
The marine-algae-covered 1- to The marine-algae-covered 1- to
3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula 3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula
provides an excellent habitat for the provides an excellent habitat for the
Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to
prevent the screws of motor boats prevent the screws of motor boats
damaging the shallow seabed habitats of damaging the shallow seabed habitats of
dense algae.dense algae.
Hokkai shrimps have a greenish- Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-
brown body with three white stripes, and brown body with three white stripes, and
turn a vivid shade of red when boiled turn a vivid shade of red when boiled
with salt, producing the perfect treat to with salt, producing the perfect treat to
compliment a glass or two of beer – a compliment a glass or two of beer – a
favorite part of the menu at many favorite part of the menu at many
izakayasizakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be
enjoyed by everyone, young or old. enjoyed by everyone, young or old.
The two fishing seasons from The two fishing seasons from
mid-June to the end of July and then mid-June to the end of July and then
from mid-October to mid-November are from mid-October to mid-November are
strictly observed to protect marine strictly observed to protect marine
resources.resources.
At 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is
Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the
south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the
Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes
place twice a year, every summer and
autumn, and the mysterious scenes of
the sailboats amid the fog are typical of
the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings
from the Satsumon period.
Fishing from sailboats has continued
here for over 100 years since the Meiji
period, with the boats utilizing the
currents and the winds in their triangular
sails to maneuver. This method of
fishing is a type of trawling carried out
by boats with just one crewmember.
The marine-algae-covered 1- to
3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula
provides an excellent habitat for the
Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to
prevent the screws of motor boats
damaging the shallow seabed habitats of
dense algae.
Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-
brown body with three white stripes, and
turn a vivid shade of red when boiled
with salt, producing the perfect treat to
compliment a glass or two of beer – a
favorite part of the menu at many
izakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be
enjoyed by everyone, young or old.
The two fishing seasons from
mid-June to the end of July and then
from mid-October to mid-November are
strictly observed to protect marine
resources.
Sosei River Park is a small oasis of
greenery created by the side of the Sosei
River as part of the project to join up the
two Sosei road underpasses at the start of
Route 5, which runs north from the
eastern side of the TV Tower in Sapporo.
Construction work on the underpass was
completed in March 2009, diverting the
bulk of traffic underground and paving
the way for easier pedestrian access
between the Tanuki Koji shopping arcade
and Nijo Market. The northern tip of the
park is at North 1 in front of the Chuo
Bus Terminal, with its bus services to and
from various regions in Hokkaido, and is
also close to the Sapporo Factory
shopping mall and not too far from the
Clock Tower and the tourist information
desk at the Sapporo International
Communication Plaza (3F, MN Bldg.
Kita 1-jo, Nishi 3-chome).
Head south along either bank of the
small stream and you’ll soon come to two
white bridges that cross the stream close
together. Closer inspection reveals the
bridges to be actually linked to create a
large circle in the middle of the park.
This is Snow Ring, an installation
designed by Kozo Nishino that
symbolizes the air and river water linking
north, south, east and west. However, an
aerial view of the ring, from the TV
tower perhaps, might actually prompt
onlookers to think this is effectively
“ground zero” of Sapporo, as street
blocks are numbers 1, 2, 3 and so on in
all directions from this point. Here,
you’re just a stone’s throw away from the
TV Tower, Odori Park and the Theatre de
Printemps, in which the Shiki Theater
Company is currently performing the
long-run Disney musical Lion King.
Oblivious to the traffic that passes
beneath, visitors to the park can enjoy the
riverside vegetation, including 200 young
lilac tress of which there are 30 different
varieties, as well as sculptures and objet
de art – many by one of Hokkaido’s most
famous contemporary sculptors Kan
Yasuda. Signs along the pathways point
out various nearby places of interest in
four languages. Other sights include a
statue of Kametaro Otomo – the creator
of the first irrigation and transport canal
in Sapporo, which later became the Sosei
River – and a small panel exhibition of
old photos at a rest point on the South-1
block of the park, showing historical
scenes from the river and its environs.
At the South-2 junction, cross the road
to the east of the park and head for the
Nijo Market, a labyrinth of
long-established stalls and shops selling
fresh seafood, fruit and the like. A
number of cafés and bars are located
across the street to the north, but why not
sample the wares at one of the small
eateries within the market, where the
fresh seafood is used to make reasonably
priced dishes that are second to none for
freshness and flavor. An alley of bars
amid the complex ensures that visitors
can experience the market atmosphere
whatever time of day or night they visit.
From the market, head back across the
park though the event plaza, which hosts
various attractions depending on the time
of day or season, and enter the Tanuki
Koji shopping arcade. Literally, “raccoon
dog alley,” the arcade is one of Sapporo’s
oldest commercial districts with a history
of over 120 years, and apparently got its
name from the antics of the cunning
ladies of the night, who gathered there
and cajoled free drinks from the bars’
male patrons. On the first two blocks
alone, you can find shops selling
Buddhist shrines, festival clothing,
kimonos, musical instruments and much,
much more, or why not get a personal
seal made of your name in Japanese
characters at the fascinating hanko shop? This covered arcade continues west for 8
blocks and then uncovered for another
two or so, with countless other interesting
establishments just waiting to be
discovered. But perhaps that’s for
another day. For now, let’s head back in
the direction from which we came,
deciding what to do next on the way –
and starting again from “zero.”
Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which, as the name suggests, includes
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, is blessed
with the stunningly beautiful scenery
created by the lakes, forests and volcanic
activity of Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, Mt.
Tarumae and the Showa Shinzan lava
dome, not to mention the hot-spring
resorts of Jozankei, Toyako, and
Noboribetsu. The shores of Lake
Shikotsu are popular among campers,
with the Morappu and Bifue campsites
providing the perfect location in which to
pitch a tent.
Nearby is Mt. Tarumae, a somma
volcano with an internal lava dome that
even now spews volcanic smoke.
Numerous alpine plants can be seen
between the 7th station and the summit.
Bifue Falls is a beautiful waterfall
surrounded by trees on a tributary of the
Chitose River, which flows into Lake
Shikotsu. Another small lake nearby, Lake
Okotanpe was formed when a river was
dammed by a volcanic eruption on Mt.
Eniwadake. From the roadside observatory,
the view of the blue lake surrounded by
green forests is quite stunning.
A little further afield close to
Noboribetsu Onsen is Oyunuma, a small
lake with a circumference of
approximately 1 km, formed from the
remains of a crater that appeared during
an eruption. A sulfur spring gushes from
the lakebed at a temperature of 132
degrees Celsius, and even the water that
flows in a small stream from the lake
remains at over 40 degrees, the perfect
temperature for a natural foot spa.
Designated a natural monument of Japan,
Noboribetsu Primeval Forest has various
footpaths where strolls can be enjoyed
and many wild animals can be seen.
Not far from Mt. Yotei is Hangetsu
Lake, a small crescent-shaped crater lake
that provides an oasis for hikers near the
Mt. Yotei trailhead. At the summit there’s
a 700-m-diameter, 200-m-deep crater that
is home to more than 130 varieties of
wild birds. There are 4 routes up Mt.
Yotei, each one taking between 4 and 6
hours to reach the summit.
Approximately an hour and a half up
the trail of Mt. Orofure, which spans the
borders of Sobetsu, Noboribetsu and
Shiraoi, various alpine plants can be seen
by the wayside, and the summit affords a
360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Yotei,
Lake Toya, Lake Kuttara and beyond.
■The sailboats at Notsuke PeninsulaThe sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula■The sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula
Hokkaido heritagehttp://www.hokkaidoisan.org
Access Shikotsuko Hot Spring(Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center) Approx. 80 min. by bus from Sapporo Station; 30 min. from central Chitose; or 55 min. from New Chitose Airport.
Toyako Hot Spring (Toyako Visitor Center, Volcano Science Museum) Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo
Toya Takarada Nature Experience House Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo
Mt. Yotei 2 hrs. 30 min. by JR train to Hirafu Station from Sapporo
4 The Great Outdoors 5Walk Talk
Sosei River Park, Nijo Market and Tanuki Koji areaShikotsu-Toya National Park Toyako Visitor Centerhttp://www.toyako-vc.jp/en/
©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association
©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association
Photos by Hokkaido Regional Environment Office (Ministry of the Environment)
Photos by Hokkaido Heritage Council
6 Luxury Zone 7Relaxing Hot Spots
With 9 varieties of hot springs gushing
from the surrounding hills, Noboribetsu is
one of Japan’s most famous spa resorts.
Of the 2,000 or so hot-spring resorts
throughout the nation, Noboribetsu Onsen
has been chosen as “Japan’s number one”
by professionals from the tourism
industry, in terms of all-round satisfaction
regarding service, hospitality and
spring-water quality. In recent years the
number of overseas visitors from places
like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea has
also been increasing.
Nine varieties of springs gush out
10,000 tons of water each day, with
temperatures ranging from 45 to 90°C.
One of the rarest spa resorts in the
world – a veritable hot-spring paradise.
Jigokudani (Hell Valley)Just a couple of minutes walk from the
center of the Noboribetsu Spa town,
boiling water, steam and volcanic gases
spew from the ground amid a pungent
smell of sulfur – a glimpse of hell amid
a hot-tub heaven.
Enma Daio (Great King Yama)The good are shown to heaven with the
face of compassion; the bad are passed
judgment to hell with the face of wrath.
Enma Daio is an imposing figure 4
meters wide, 8 meters long and 6 meters
high. His eyes light up, his tusks are
bared, his red mouth opens, his arms are
raised and his roars echo around – The
number one float in Japan.
Lake Kuttara A circular caldera lake, 8 km in
circumference, which is known to be
one of the clearest in Japan. The
mystery and beauty of the lake seems to
draw you closer to it.
Noboribetsu Bear ParkThe world’s largest bear park, with over
100 of the magnificent beasts exhibited
in various ways, including a human cage
that enables visitors to experience the
thrill of being in the bears’ midst. The
park also includes a specialist bear
museum to learn more about the
animals, and Yukara-no Sato in which
Ainu lifestyles are reproduced.
Noboribetsu Date Historical Village A theme park in which the culture,
streets and lifestyles of the people of the
Edo period in Hokkaido are reproduced
for the enjoyment of visitors.
Ninety-four wooden buildings
reproduced in spacious grounds, as well
as ninja shows and other interesting
attractions for all the family.
Marine Park NIXEA spacious aquarium facility based
around European-style streetscapes and
the NIXE Castle, which is modeled on
an actual castle that exists in Denmark.
Attractions include an 8-m-high “Crystal
Tower” tank that houses Napoleon Fish,
an aqua-tunnel through which visitors
can walk on the “sea bed” while
watching the fish swim all around, as
well as penguin parades, dolphin and
seal shows and much, much more.
Major hotels Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu
Special suites offering 100 m2 of luxury
and a 10th-floor view.
All rooms come complete with baths
with views, enabling guests to relax in
style while taking in the sights of the
abundant natural surroundings. Enjoy
fine cuisine in the privacy of your own
room as well as other luxuries, including
your own personal bedrock baths, salons,
and breakfast room-service free of
charge.
Takinoya
Rooms with their own spacious, private
outdoor baths filled with Noboribetsu’s
turbid water, which leaves bathers’ skin
as smooth as silk, as well as windows
that overlook the garden or the foot of the
mountain. Everything, from the baths to
the rooms, the cuisine and the scenery is
of the highest quality. The tastefully
fitted grand bathhouse, with its trees and
rocks, is supplied by no less than 4
different spring sources (3 different
sources in the female bathhouse).
Attention to detail and safety enable the
elderly to bathe in comfort.
Located on top of the 625-m-high Mt. Poromoi, The Windsor Hotel overlooks
Lake Toya to the east and Uchiura Bay to the west. Room rates start from around
40,000 yen per night, with suites from 100,000 to 1,360,000 yen per night. Many
of the hotel’s guests are from among the wealthier echelons of Hong Kong and Singapore.
The 11-story building with basement floor is 50 meters tall and 215 meters long
and has 398 guest rooms. The total floor space of 28,474 square meters includes
restaurants, bars and a bakery, as well as a hot-spring bath, spa, pool and esthetic
salon, and the grounds boast a private golf course (or private ski piste in winter).
The Windsor Hotel TOYA was the venue for the 34th G8 Summit held in the
summer of 2008.
The residential resort hotel overlooking Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay
The Windsor Hotel TOYAThe Windsor Hotel TOYA The Windsor Hotel TOYA Hokkaido’s top-brand summit hotel
Situated on a peak overlooking Lake
Toya and Uchiura Bay, the hotel is
surrounded by breathtaking natural
beauty, perfect for both physical and
mental relaxation. All rooms
command panoramic views of the
lake or the sea, and the finest quality
furniture, interiors, linen, amenities
and lighting create a feeling of
luxury that’s second to none.
Presidential Suite Two 230-m2 suites, one facing the lake and the other the ocean, each with a walk-in closet large enough to house the wardrobes of long-stay guests, and fitted with the latest audio-visual entertainment system worthy of the suite’s name. Fine details ensure an atmosphere of total splendor. Access is via a special doorway in a marble corridor, which also connects the two suites via an inner courtyard to create the Grand Presidential Suite made up of both spaces. The ultimate privacy and security guaranteed.Lake view ¥735,000 Ocean view ¥630,000 Grand Presidential Suite 500 m2 ¥1,365,000
Michel Bras Toya Japon The Bras specialty, gargouillou and many other dishes that bring out the distinctive flavors of fresh vegetables, seafood and meat are particularly suited to the Japanese taste. Chefs who trained under Bras himself recreate the style of the flagship restaurant here with Hokkaido ingredients. Every November, Bras and other staff from France arrive in Japan to hold a special fair.
Arashiyama Kitcho Internationally renowned as one of Japan’s most prominent traditional restaurants, Kitcho originates from the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and is widely regarded as being the best of its kind. As expected, the creations of Kunio Tokuoka, master of the flagship establishment and one of the younger members of Japanese cuisine’s elite, never fail to bring out the best of the potential of Hokkaido’s ingredients.
Restaurants
French & Italian Gilligan’s Island A kitchen equipped to accommodate both Italian and French cuisine, providing the best of both worlds. Breakfasts are particularly special, as the morning sun fills the large windows while guests enjoy perfectly cooked eggs and homemade ham … with champagne. Lunchtime and dinner menus include a choice of full-course or a-la-carte dishes.
Teppanyaki Out of Africa Offering fresh delicacies from the seas around Hokkaido and specially selected ingredients from throughout Japan. Enjoy a new twist in the teppanyaki restaurant image, with an urban atmosphere reminiscent of New York. Watch in delight as the chef prepares meat and seafood before your very eyes.
AccessBy trainApprox. 100 min. from Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, then 40 min. by free shuttle bus from Toya Station
By carApprox. 2 hours from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport Free parking for 342 carshttp://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/
Bloom Spa ToyaEnjoy a broad range of treatment amid the relaxing surroundings of the spa
facilities. Experience the delights of a full-body oil massage complete with
comforting aromatic therapy.
Pool and outdoor activities A spacious all-weather indoor pool complete with Jacuzzi, tanning salon and
thermal chamber (low temperature sauna), as well as tennis courts and a
private golf course known as The Windsor Great Peak of TOYA ensure that
guests are never far from somewhere to play. The adjacent national park also
provides opportunities for mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, canoeing,
rafting, paragliding, bird watching and much, much more.
One of Japan’s most prominent hot-spring heavens p p p g
Noboribetsu Onsen Noboribetsu Tourism Associationhttp://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/eng/Tel. 0143-84-3311
AccessSapporo Noboribetsu: approx. 80 min. by JR express train New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Station: approx. 50 min. by JR express train (transfer at Minami Chitose JR Noboribetsu Station Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 15 min. by bus New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 60 min. by bus
Photos by the Windsor Hotels International Co., Ltd.Photos by Noboribetsu Tourism Association
6 Luxury Zone 7Relaxing Hot Spots
With 9 varieties of hot springs gushing
from the surrounding hills, Noboribetsu is
one of Japan’s most famous spa resorts.
Of the 2,000 or so hot-spring resorts
throughout the nation, Noboribetsu Onsen
has been chosen as “Japan’s number one”
by professionals from the tourism
industry, in terms of all-round satisfaction
regarding service, hospitality and
spring-water quality. In recent years the
number of overseas visitors from places
like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea has
also been increasing.
Nine varieties of springs gush out
10,000 tons of water each day, with
temperatures ranging from 45 to 90°C.
One of the rarest spa resorts in the
world – a veritable hot-spring paradise.
Jigokudani (Hell Valley)Just a couple of minutes walk from the
center of the Noboribetsu Spa town,
boiling water, steam and volcanic gases
spew from the ground amid a pungent
smell of sulfur – a glimpse of hell amid
a hot-tub heaven.
Enma Daio (Great King Yama)The good are shown to heaven with the
face of compassion; the bad are passed
judgment to hell with the face of wrath.
Enma Daio is an imposing figure 4
meters wide, 8 meters long and 6 meters
high. His eyes light up, his tusks are
bared, his red mouth opens, his arms are
raised and his roars echo around – The
number one float in Japan.
Lake Kuttara A circular caldera lake, 8 km in
circumference, which is known to be
one of the clearest in Japan. The
mystery and beauty of the lake seems to
draw you closer to it.
Noboribetsu Bear ParkThe world’s largest bear park, with over
100 of the magnificent beasts exhibited
in various ways, including a human cage
that enables visitors to experience the
thrill of being in the bears’ midst. The
park also includes a specialist bear
museum to learn more about the
animals, and Yukara-no Sato in which
Ainu lifestyles are reproduced.
Noboribetsu Date Historical Village A theme park in which the culture,
streets and lifestyles of the people of the
Edo period in Hokkaido are reproduced
for the enjoyment of visitors.
Ninety-four wooden buildings
reproduced in spacious grounds, as well
as ninja shows and other interesting
attractions for all the family.
Marine Park NIXEA spacious aquarium facility based
around European-style streetscapes and
the NIXE Castle, which is modeled on
an actual castle that exists in Denmark.
Attractions include an 8-m-high “Crystal
Tower” tank that houses Napoleon Fish,
an aqua-tunnel through which visitors
can walk on the “sea bed” while
watching the fish swim all around, as
well as penguin parades, dolphin and
seal shows and much, much more.
Major hotels Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu
Special suites offering 100 m2 of luxury
and a 10th-floor view.
All rooms come complete with baths
with views, enabling guests to relax in
style while taking in the sights of the
abundant natural surroundings. Enjoy
fine cuisine in the privacy of your own
room as well as other luxuries, including
your own personal bedrock baths, salons,
and breakfast room-service free of
charge.
Takinoya
Rooms with their own spacious, private
outdoor baths filled with Noboribetsu’s
turbid water, which leaves bathers’ skin
as smooth as silk, as well as windows
that overlook the garden or the foot of the
mountain. Everything, from the baths to
the rooms, the cuisine and the scenery is
of the highest quality. The tastefully
fitted grand bathhouse, with its trees and
rocks, is supplied by no less than 4
different spring sources (3 different
sources in the female bathhouse).
Attention to detail and safety enable the
elderly to bathe in comfort.
Located on top of the 625-m-high Mt. Poromoi, The Windsor Hotel overlooks
Lake Toya to the east and Uchiura Bay to the west. Room rates start from around
40,000 yen per night, with suites from 100,000 to 1,360,000 yen per night. Many
of the hotel’s guests are from among the wealthier echelons of Hong Kong and Singapore.
The 11-story building with basement floor is 50 meters tall and 215 meters long
and has 398 guest rooms. The total floor space of 28,474 square meters includes
restaurants, bars and a bakery, as well as a hot-spring bath, spa, pool and esthetic
salon, and the grounds boast a private golf course (or private ski piste in winter).
The Windsor Hotel TOYA was the venue for the 34th G8 Summit held in the
summer of 2008.
The residential resort hotel overlooking Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay
The Windsor Hotel TOYAThe Windsor Hotel TOYA The Windsor Hotel TOYA Hokkaido’s top-brand summit hotel
Situated on a peak overlooking Lake
Toya and Uchiura Bay, the hotel is
surrounded by breathtaking natural
beauty, perfect for both physical and
mental relaxation. All rooms
command panoramic views of the
lake or the sea, and the finest quality
furniture, interiors, linen, amenities
and lighting create a feeling of
luxury that’s second to none.
Presidential Suite Two 230-m2 suites, one facing the lake and the other the ocean, each with a walk-in closet large enough to house the wardrobes of long-stay guests, and fitted with the latest audio-visual entertainment system worthy of the suite’s name. Fine details ensure an atmosphere of total splendor. Access is via a special doorway in a marble corridor, which also connects the two suites via an inner courtyard to create the Grand Presidential Suite made up of both spaces. The ultimate privacy and security guaranteed.Lake view ¥735,000 Ocean view ¥630,000 Grand Presidential Suite 500 m2 ¥1,365,000
Michel Bras Toya Japon The Bras specialty, gargouillou and many other dishes that bring out the distinctive flavors of fresh vegetables, seafood and meat are particularly suited to the Japanese taste. Chefs who trained under Bras himself recreate the style of the flagship restaurant here with Hokkaido ingredients. Every November, Bras and other staff from France arrive in Japan to hold a special fair.
Arashiyama Kitcho Internationally renowned as one of Japan’s most prominent traditional restaurants, Kitcho originates from the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and is widely regarded as being the best of its kind. As expected, the creations of Kunio Tokuoka, master of the flagship establishment and one of the younger members of Japanese cuisine’s elite, never fail to bring out the best of the potential of Hokkaido’s ingredients.
Restaurants
French & Italian Gilligan’s Island A kitchen equipped to accommodate both Italian and French cuisine, providing the best of both worlds. Breakfasts are particularly special, as the morning sun fills the large windows while guests enjoy perfectly cooked eggs and homemade ham … with champagne. Lunchtime and dinner menus include a choice of full-course or a-la-carte dishes.
Teppanyaki Out of Africa Offering fresh delicacies from the seas around Hokkaido and specially selected ingredients from throughout Japan. Enjoy a new twist in the teppanyaki restaurant image, with an urban atmosphere reminiscent of New York. Watch in delight as the chef prepares meat and seafood before your very eyes.
AccessBy trainApprox. 100 min. from Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, then 40 min. by free shuttle bus from Toya Station
By carApprox. 2 hours from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport Free parking for 342 carshttp://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/
Bloom Spa ToyaEnjoy a broad range of treatment amid the relaxing surroundings of the spa
facilities. Experience the delights of a full-body oil massage complete with
comforting aromatic therapy.
Pool and outdoor activities A spacious all-weather indoor pool complete with Jacuzzi, tanning salon and
thermal chamber (low temperature sauna), as well as tennis courts and a
private golf course known as The Windsor Great Peak of TOYA ensure that
guests are never far from somewhere to play. The adjacent national park also
provides opportunities for mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, canoeing,
rafting, paragliding, bird watching and much, much more.
One of Japan’s most prominent hot-spring heavens p p p g
Noboribetsu Onsen Noboribetsu Tourism Associationhttp://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/eng/Tel. 0143-84-3311
AccessSapporo Noboribetsu: approx. 80 min. by JR express train New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Station: approx. 50 min. by JR express train (transfer at Minami Chitose JR Noboribetsu Station Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 15 min. by bus New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 60 min. by bus
Photos by the Windsor Hotels International Co., Ltd.Photos by Noboribetsu Tourism Association
8 9Special Feature Special Feature
JR Hokkaido currently has two steam
locomotives in service – the C11-171
and the C11-207, both of which were
brought out of retirement in response to
railway enthusiasts’ calls to restore
services, which resumed in 1999 and
2000, respectively.
A total of 381 C11-type steam
engines were produced throughout the
whole of Japan between 1932 and
1947. These small-tank locomotives
were highly maneuverable and were
used throughout Japan on local lines
and for regional services as they could
be used in both forward and reverse
directions on local lines that were not
equipped with turntable devices. The
histories of both these engines are
documented below.
JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives
History of the C11-171
1940 Produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company
1942 Assigned to the Shumarinai Engine Depot on the Shinmei Line between Fukagawa and Nayoro
1954 Assigned to the Oshamanbe Engine Depot, operating on the Setana Line
1973 Undergoes its final inspection at the Naebo Workshop
1975 Transferred to the Kushiro Engine Depot before finally being decommissioned on the Shibetsu Line. In November, loaned out free of charge to the town of Shibecha to be statically preserved in Sakura Children’s Park.
Nov. 1998 Transferred from Shibecha to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work
Apr. 1999 Restoration completed May 1999 Operation of Suzuran-go services
begin on the Rumoi Line between Fukagawa and Rumoi
History of the C11-207
1941 Produced at the Hitachi Manufacturing Plant in Kasado
1945 Assigned to the Shizunai Engine Depot (used on the Hidaka Line)
1961-‘73 Assigned to depots in Muroran, Shizunai, Tomakomai, Oiwake and Oshamanbe (used on the Hidaka and Setana Lines)
1974 Final service on the Setana Line before being decommissioned the same year
1975 Loaned out free of charge to the town of Shizunai
1999 Transferred to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work
2000 Revival debut on October 7, operating between Sapporo and Niseko
Four seasons of JR Hokkaido steam locomotives Autumn Niseko
Period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between September 17 and November 3, 2011 Area of operation: Sapporo – Otaru – Kutchan – Rankoshi (1 round-trip per day)
Scheduled period of operation: Jan. 21 to Mar. 11 and Mar. 17 to 20, 2012Area of operation: Kushiro – Shibecha (one round-trip per day) ※ Between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen on Jan. 21 & 22 and Mar. 19 & 20)
Scheduled period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between December 3 and 25, 2011Area of operation: Hakodate – Onuma Quasi-National Park (two round-trips per day)
Services in the Niseko region begin as the autumn leaves are turning color. Carriage
interiors are of period design from the ’20s, with varnished walls and wood-trimmed
seats.
Departs from Sapporo Station at 8:31 and passes through Teine before the Sea of
Japan appears on the right. After Otaru, the scenery changes to that of the mountains,
as smoke bellows from the engine as it makes its way up the incline before descending
into Yoichi, the gateway to the Shakotan Peninsula. Delicious seafood delights can be
enjoyed around Yoichi Station, and Kakizaki Shoten is particularly recommended.
From grilled-fish dishes to rice topped with delicious, fresh seafood – always a varied
menu available. Nearby is the Nikka Whisky Distillery, where tours and tasting can be
enjoyed.
After departing from Yoichi, countless orchards come into view as the train heads
towards Niki, the fruit town, where apples, grapes and other fruits can be picked
within walking distance of the station.
Once Mt. Yotei is in sight, Kutchan is not far away, then on to Niseko. A day-trip
onsen facility and rental bicycle shop can be found near Niseko Station, where those
who alight the train have three hours of free time before the return journey. Those
who remain aboard will reach the final station at Rankoshi at 12.27.
Services are operated to coincide with the period in which the Hakodate Christmas
Fantasy event is held. Crewmembers on the train wear Santa outfits to add to the
festive mood.
The journey from Hakodate to Onuma takes approximately one hour, providing excellent views of Mt. Komagatake and the Konuma lake on the way. After arriving at
Onuma, try the famous Onuma dumplings or take the Twinkle Bus for a sightseeing
tour around the park.
Winter Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
Winter Wetlands
White steam bellowing amid the pure white snow of the Kushiro Wetlands makes for
spectacular scenery, with “double heading” operation of two steam locomotives on
some days.
Outside is bitterly cold but inside the carriages are warmed with coal stoves; dried
squid snacks sold on the train can be heated on the stoves to enjoy along the way.
The train departs from Kushiro but before boarding, head to the Washo Market in
front of the station for a hearty feast: buy a bowl of rice and top it up with delicious
seafood from the stalls to make your own original dish. Not long after departing
from Kushiro Station, the train passes over Kushiro River, and in cold weather the
vapor rises from the river, creating a mysterious scene popular among the
photographers who gather there to capture the image.
In no time at all the train enters the Kushiro Wetlands, following the river as it
winds through the marshes. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Senmo Line
between Kushiro and Abashiri, most of which cannot be seen from the road. If
you’re lucky you may see a crane or two, or foxes or other wild animals. Kayanuma
Station along the route is known for being visited by cranes.
At the terminus station in Shibecha, the Twinkle Bus operates to coincide with the
arrival of the train, providing passengers with an opportunity to head on to Lake
Mashu, Kawayu Onsen or Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula
Every spring and summer, services operate amid the lush green surroundings of Mt.
Komagatake in southern Hokkaido.
As the train leaves Hakodate and begins the long ascent from the city, smoke
bellows from the engine as it powers up the hill. At the top, Lake Konuma and Mt.
Komagatake in the background come into view. From there to the terminus in Mori,
the shape of the majestic mountain continues to change with each angle from which it
is viewed. Passengers who alight at Onuma Koen Station can enjoy a stroll or take a
Twinkle Bus tour around the park.
The terminus station is in the town of Mori, which faces Funka Bay. The platform
is close to the sea, and on clear days Mt. Yotei can be seen across the bay. Here you
can enjoy the local delicacy of ikameshi – squid stuffed with flavored rice, which is also available as a hugely popular packed lunch at the station, and often wins prizes at
national competitions. Before the journey home, watch as they replenish the engine’s
water and prepare the train for the return trip.
On the way back to Hakodate, the train takes a different route as far as Onuma, via
Shikabe, and the views of Mt. Komagatake from the window differ again. As the
name suggests, Nagareyama Onsen Station en-route is a station close to a hot spring,
and passengers alighting here can enjoy the view of Mt. Komagatake from an
open-air bath.
Spring and summer Hakodate – Onuma
Scheduled period of operation: usually from late Apr. to early May and again from mid-July to mid-Aug. Scheduled area of operation: Hakodate – Mori (1 round-trip per day)
Days and times of services may differ;
please check the latest information on JR
Hokkaido’s website.
Reservations are required on all the steam
locomotives introduced here; tickets can be
purchased in advance at JR stations and
travel centers.
Special Hokkaido rail passes enable
overseas visitors to travel on all steam
locomotives. Hokkaido rail passes are
available for 3-, 5- or 7-day periods or for 4
days of your choice during a 10-day period.
For details, visit the websites below
English: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.htmlTraditional Chinese: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/chinese/index.htmlSimplified Chinese: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/cn/index.htmlKorean:http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/korean/index.html
© Hokkaido Railway Company
© Hokkaido Railway Company
© Hokkaido Railway Company
Kushiro
8 9Special Feature Special Feature
JR Hokkaido currently has two steam
locomotives in service – the C11-171
and the C11-207, both of which were
brought out of retirement in response to
railway enthusiasts’ calls to restore
services, which resumed in 1999 and
2000, respectively.
A total of 381 C11-type steam
engines were produced throughout the
whole of Japan between 1932 and
1947. These small-tank locomotives
were highly maneuverable and were
used throughout Japan on local lines
and for regional services as they could
be used in both forward and reverse
directions on local lines that were not
equipped with turntable devices. The
histories of both these engines are
documented below.
JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives
History of the C11-171
1940 Produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company
1942 Assigned to the Shumarinai Engine Depot on the Shinmei Line between Fukagawa and Nayoro
1954 Assigned to the Oshamanbe Engine Depot, operating on the Setana Line
1973 Undergoes its final inspection at the Naebo Workshop
1975 Transferred to the Kushiro Engine Depot before finally being decommissioned on the Shibetsu Line. In November, loaned out free of charge to the town of Shibecha to be statically preserved in Sakura Children’s Park.
Nov. 1998 Transferred from Shibecha to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work
Apr. 1999 Restoration completed May 1999 Operation of Suzuran-go services
begin on the Rumoi Line between Fukagawa and Rumoi
History of the C11-207
1941 Produced at the Hitachi Manufacturing Plant in Kasado
1945 Assigned to the Shizunai Engine Depot (used on the Hidaka Line)
1961-‘73 Assigned to depots in Muroran, Shizunai, Tomakomai, Oiwake and Oshamanbe (used on the Hidaka and Setana Lines)
1974 Final service on the Setana Line before being decommissioned the same year
1975 Loaned out free of charge to the town of Shizunai
1999 Transferred to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work
2000 Revival debut on October 7, operating between Sapporo and Niseko
Four seasons of JR Hokkaido steam locomotives Autumn Niseko
Period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between September 17 and November 3, 2011 Area of operation: Sapporo – Otaru – Kutchan – Rankoshi (1 round-trip per day)
Scheduled period of operation: Jan. 21 to Mar. 11 and Mar. 17 to 20, 2012Area of operation: Kushiro – Shibecha (one round-trip per day) ※ Between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen on Jan. 21 & 22 and Mar. 19 & 20)
Scheduled period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between December 3 and 25, 2011Area of operation: Hakodate – Onuma Quasi-National Park (two round-trips per day)
Services in the Niseko region begin as the autumn leaves are turning color. Carriage
interiors are of period design from the ’20s, with varnished walls and wood-trimmed
seats.
Departs from Sapporo Station at 8:31 and passes through Teine before the Sea of
Japan appears on the right. After Otaru, the scenery changes to that of the mountains,
as smoke bellows from the engine as it makes its way up the incline before descending
into Yoichi, the gateway to the Shakotan Peninsula. Delicious seafood delights can be
enjoyed around Yoichi Station, and Kakizaki Shoten is particularly recommended.
From grilled-fish dishes to rice topped with delicious, fresh seafood – always a varied
menu available. Nearby is the Nikka Whisky Distillery, where tours and tasting can be
enjoyed.
After departing from Yoichi, countless orchards come into view as the train heads
towards Niki, the fruit town, where apples, grapes and other fruits can be picked
within walking distance of the station.
Once Mt. Yotei is in sight, Kutchan is not far away, then on to Niseko. A day-trip
onsen facility and rental bicycle shop can be found near Niseko Station, where those
who alight the train have three hours of free time before the return journey. Those
who remain aboard will reach the final station at Rankoshi at 12.27.
Services are operated to coincide with the period in which the Hakodate Christmas
Fantasy event is held. Crewmembers on the train wear Santa outfits to add to the
festive mood.
The journey from Hakodate to Onuma takes approximately one hour, providing excellent views of Mt. Komagatake and the Konuma lake on the way. After arriving at
Onuma, try the famous Onuma dumplings or take the Twinkle Bus for a sightseeing
tour around the park.
Winter Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
Winter Wetlands
White steam bellowing amid the pure white snow of the Kushiro Wetlands makes for
spectacular scenery, with “double heading” operation of two steam locomotives on
some days.
Outside is bitterly cold but inside the carriages are warmed with coal stoves; dried
squid snacks sold on the train can be heated on the stoves to enjoy along the way.
The train departs from Kushiro but before boarding, head to the Washo Market in
front of the station for a hearty feast: buy a bowl of rice and top it up with delicious
seafood from the stalls to make your own original dish. Not long after departing
from Kushiro Station, the train passes over Kushiro River, and in cold weather the
vapor rises from the river, creating a mysterious scene popular among the
photographers who gather there to capture the image.
In no time at all the train enters the Kushiro Wetlands, following the river as it
winds through the marshes. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Senmo Line
between Kushiro and Abashi