Hokkaido is famous for its magnificent nature and delicious food, but there are actually many unusual tourist spots that can only be found in Hokkaido. This article introduces some unique spots that can only be found in Hokkaido. If you are interested in traveling outside of the standard spots, please check it out!
Former Japan National Railways Tenmiya Line（旧国鉄手宮線）
The former Japan National Railways Temmiya Line is a railroad facility that was abandoned in 1985. Although the line was closed due to a decrease in the number of passengers, it is a popular photo spot because of the rare experience of walking on the tracks. It is easily accessible, only a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station, and is also used as a venue for various events.
Makomanai Takino Cemetery （真駒内滝野霊園）
Makomanai Takino Cemetery is one of the largest park cemeteries in Hokkaido, located in Sapporo, and has become a famous tourist attraction due to the much talked about “Atama Daibutsu”created by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando in 2016. In the summer time, lavender flowers bloom around the Atama Daibutsu, creating a unique view that can only be seen here.
Makomanai Takino Cemetery is also famous for its rows of moai statues. The largest moai statue stands 9.5 meters high, and the sight of the moai standing side by side in the vast grounds is a sight to behold. Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park is also nearby, so it is recommended to head there together to enjoy the nature and flowers of Hokkaido.
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden （函館市熱帯植物園）
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in Hakodate’s Yunokawa Hot Springs. Approximately 300 species of plants are cultivated here, including many rare plants that can only be found in tropical countries.
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is also famous for its bathing monkeys, which can be seen relaxing in the hot springs from December to May. There is also a footbath in the park, so please use it to soak your body after a walk.
Hoheikyo Onsen Hot Spring（豊平峡温泉）
Hoheikyo Onsen is one of the few bathing facilities in Japan where the spring water is 100% free-flowing. It is also known as the “hot spring of beautiful skin” because it makes your skin smooth and smooth. The open-air bath in the midst of nature is large enough to accommodate up to 100 people! The spaciousness of the baths will make you feel more relaxed as you stretch out your legs and soak in the hot spring water.
The Indian curry at the adjoining cafeteria has an authentic taste and offers many unusual curry dishes. Many people come to the onsen for the curry. It takes 80 minutes from Sapporo Station to Hoheikyo Onsen by bus, but those who love hot springs and curry should definitely visit this place.
Hokkaido Ramen Dojo (北海道ラーメン道場)
At Hokkaido Ramen Dojo in New Chitose Airport, you can enjoy local ramen from all over Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is home to a variety of delicious gourmet foods, and ramen is one of the most popular. In particular, Sapporo’s miso ramen, Asahikawa’s soy sauce ramen, and Hakodate’s salt ramen are known as “Hokkaido’s three best ramen,” and Hokkaido Ramen Dojo is the place to try all of these popular ramen.
All the famous restaurants are gathered here, so you can be sure that all of them are delicious. Also, since it is located at New Chitose Airport, it is easy to access while waiting for a flight or as soon as you arrive in Hokkaido. If you can eat a lot, why don’t you try to conquer the three major ramen restaurants in Hokkaido?
Noboribetsu Bear Park (のぼりべつクマ牧場)
Noboribetsu Bear Park is a rare ranch that keeps about 100 Hokkaido brown bears. The Hokkaido brown bear is the largest land animal in Japan and lives only in Hokkaido. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of seeing the bears at close range through glass and feeding them, which cannot be experienced in other zoos.
Noboribetsu Bear Park is reached by gondola in the center of Noboribetsu Onsen. The scenery from the window is breathtaking, with autumn leaves in fall and snow in winter, and you will feel excited on the way to the Noboribetsu Bear Park.
Umi Hachikyo Head Office （ 海味 はちきょう 本店）
Hachikyo is a popular restaurant visited daily by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s signature dish, “Ganso Tsukko Meshi (original tsukko rice),” is topped one after another with salmon roe that falls out of the bowl with a lively shout.
Not only does it offer plenty of delicious salmon roe, but it also includes an element of entertainment, making it the perfect place to dine for a memorable trip. The atmosphere of the restaurant is designed in the image of a banya where fishermen gather, making it a great choice for those who want to experience the atmosphere of Hokkaido.
