Summer In Japan Hokkaido

It can start to get very hot in Japan right about now and when i used to live in Japan at this time of the year - i usually need my  blackhead treatment because we go out to the beach - very often.  So one summer - or the only summer i was there - the co-workers told me that they were heading out to Hokkaido to do the beach thing and I just had to go with them - it was hot and humid in Tokyo.

There are plenty of beaches in Hokkaido - but we chance upon this waterfall right in the middle of a trail.   The trail was quite steep and narrow - so if you ever see the fall, be careful.

Love the color of the water - and the rocks - it was pretty cool just sitting and watching the waterfall - quite calming in fact - if there weren’t so many people around and trying to take pictures.   We did managed to get in some snorkeling as well as lots of swimming before heading home.  Till today - i still cannot remember what the fall is called.  I’ll have to check with my ex - coworkers and see if the remember.

Lavender in Furano-Tomita Farm

My g/f who is currently in Hokkaido wrote on her facebook that she fell in love with the Lavender in Furano - Tomita Farm.  Ahhh! those were the days - and i remember Tomita Farm so fondly.  So i told her - don’t forget the Lavender ice cream and the gondolas and also those Hello Kitty in Purple and what about the Purple Snoopy i saw many years ago - are they still there..?

The season of Furano Lavender usually starts in the middle of June and ends around July because they cut them for the next season.  But from June to right till the end of August - one can see all sorts of bloom in Furano.

Snow Fest In Japan

The annual snow fest in Japan is held in Hokkaido this year.  My best girlfriend who works with the Toronto hotels would love to travel for the show and was afraid that she couldn’t get a room because of the snow fest.  The snow fest is one of the biggest show in Japan and given that it is entering it is entering its 61 yr - it is an overwhelming experience for even the Japanese much less a foreigner like you and I.

The snow fest will take place from Feb 6 to Feb 11 and if you haven’t booked your hotel yet - you better do it quick because it not only attracts the local but it’s well known internationally too.  I hear that more than 2 million ppl visits during these shows.   One can look forward to ice sculptures, stunning snow decoration and fixtures/buildings, lots of entertainment and of course sample Japan’s most wonderful and delicious cuisine.

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 by a group of high school students who sculpted six statues along the Odori Park and over the last 61 years, has grown into an international phenomenon rivaled only by Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and the Quebec Winter Carnival!

Mt Yotei @ Hokkaido

Hokkaido is another place in Japan that I loved very much.  Great for those who loves the outdoors.. but don’t go during the winter - winter is rather harsh .. in Hokkaido.  Love their water filters there .. as everything is just so clean .. and ready to drink.  Summer is a great time to visit Hokkaido .. because it doesn`t get humid or too hot.   That’s Mt Yotei that you see in the picture above. It has an active volcano located in Shikotsu - Toya National Park.  Also known as Yezo Fuji and is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan.

Some scenery on the way to Milk Kobo

One of the more popular summer tour destinations in Niseko is Milk Kobo in Higashiyama,(on the road to Niseko Hilton).

Horse-riding anyone?

Snow Castle In Hokkaido

I love Hokkaido .. and winter can be seen with people flocking in an outdoor hot spring. The japanese loves their hot springs.. if you don’t know by now and most of them have the most spectacular view of snowy mountains or icy lakes. And when it is snowing.. it is just like heaven but i guess once you are in a place that has got winter for 6 months.. you just might not find it that fabulous.

Hokkaido has loads of beautiful scenery and natural wonders to offer the tourists. Visit their two national parks - Daisetsuzan and Akan National Park .. and you will see what i mean by spectacular scenery. The beautiful lakes in Akan National Park is very famous.

Hokkaido is great for skiers and snowboarders during winter. The Sapporo Snow Fest is very famous for it snow and ice sculptures, all gigantic in structure.. and definitely a work of art. Traveling by car is prolly the best way in Hokkaido but in order to drive in japan.. i hear you’ve gotta get a special license…and all. Fines are also very steep in Japan.. so it is not really worth traveling by car. .. going by train.. seems to be how most ppl are traveling around and to Hokkaido. Taxis is a no-no in Japan.. they are way too expensive. Subways are aplenty.. and walking is another good resource around Hokkaido.