Hokkaido Travel Guide
179 sightseeing spots · Japan
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Top Spots in Hokkaido
ROJIYU KYOTO ‐路地湯 京都‐
kyoto,
⭐ 4.9ROJIYU KYOTO offers an authentic Japanese bathing experience in the heart of Kyoto, blending traditional sento (public bathhouse) culture with modern comfort. This hidden gem invites travelers to unwind in natural hot spring waters after a day of temple hopping and exploring the ancient capital. The intimate atmosphere and carefully designed bathing spaces provide a peaceful retreat where you can experience a cherished aspect of local Japanese lifestyle.
Mount Kurama
kyoto,
⭐ 4.8Mount Kurama is a sacred mountain located in the northern hills of Kyoto, famous for its mystical atmosphere and the historic Kurama-dera Temple perched along its slopes. The mountain is steeped in legend as the childhood training ground of the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune and is believed to be a spiritual power spot with unique cosmic energy. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike through ancient cedar forests, natural hot springs in the nearby village, and the atmospheric fire festival held every October.
Otagi Nenbutsuji
kyoto,
⭐ 4.7Otagi Nenbutsuji is a hidden temple in the Arashiyama mountains featuring over 1,200 unique stone statues of rakan (Buddhist disciples), each carved with distinct and often whimsical expressions by amateur sculptors. Wandering through this peaceful moss-covered temple grounds feels like discovering a secret sculpture garden, where you'll encounter statues playing instruments, practicing sports, or simply smiling. The enchanting atmosphere and photogenic stone figures make this off-the-beaten-path temple one of Kyoto's most charming surprises.
matcha roastery
kyoto,
⭐ 4.7Discover the art of Japanese tea at this unique matcha roastery, where traditional tea-making techniques meet modern craftsmanship. Watch skilled artisans carefully roast and stone-grind premium tea leaves into the finest matcha powder, and learn about the centuries-old processes that create Japan's most iconic beverage. The intimate setting offers visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at matcha production, with opportunities to sample freshly ground matcha and purchase authentic products directly from the source.
Shirakawa Canal
kyoto,
⭐ 4.7Shirakawa Canal is a picturesque waterway in Kyoto lined with weeping willow trees and traditional machiya townhouses, offering one of the city's most photogenic scenes. The canal path, known as the Shirakawa Minami-dori, is especially enchanting during cherry blossom season when sakura petals drift along the water. This charming area in the Gion district provides a peaceful escape and captures the essence of old Kyoto with its stone-paved streets and intimate atmosphere.
Hokkaido Jingu
sapporo,
⭐ 4.6Hokkaido Jingu is Sapporo's most important Shinto shrine, nestled in a serene forest within Maruyama Park. Founded in 1869, this spiritual sanctuary enshrines the protective deities of Hokkaido and offers visitors a peaceful escape with its beautiful wooden architecture and tree-lined pathways. The shrine is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in late April and autumn when the surrounding forest bursts into vibrant colors.
Hotel Yuraku Kyoyasaka
kyoto,
⭐ 4.6Hotel Yuraku Kyoyasaka offers comfortable accommodations in a convenient location, providing easy access to Kyoto's famous temples, shrines, and traditional districts. The hotel combines modern amenities with warm Japanese hospitality, making it an ideal base for exploring the ancient capital. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms and attentive service that caters to both leisure and business travelers.
Hokkaido Shrine Mikado
sapporo,
⭐ 4.6Hokkaido Shrine Mikado is a serene Shinto shrine that offers visitors a peaceful retreat into traditional Japanese spirituality. The shrine features classic wooden architecture surrounded by natural beauty, providing an authentic cultural experience away from the tourist crowds. It's an ideal spot for those seeking to understand local religious customs and enjoy moments of quiet reflection.
函館山
Hakodate,
⭐ 4.6This iconic 334-meter mountain overlooking Hakodate offers one of Japan's three greatest night views, featuring the stunning sight of city lights framed by two bays. The scenic ropeway provides easy access to the summit, where visitors enjoy panoramic vistas of the cityscape, surrounding mountains, and coastal landscape. Its breathtaking beauty and accessibility make it Hakodate's most visited attraction.
Shiretoko National Park
斜里町, 北海道
⭐ 4.6Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Hokkaido, offers visitors a rare glimpse of Japan's untouched wilderness where mountains dramatically meet the Sea of Okhotsk. The park's highlight is the Shiretoko Five Lakes area, featuring well-maintained elevated boardwalks that wind through ancient forests and past pristine lakes with stunning mountain backdrops. Depending on the season, visitors can witness unique natural phenomena from winter drift ice and majestic Steller's sea eagles to summer's lush bamboo grass meadows and possible brown bear sightings.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
kyoto,
⭐ 4.6The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1869 when the capital moved to Tokyo. Set within spacious park grounds, the palace showcases stunning traditional Japanese architecture with elegant wooden buildings, pristine gravel courtyards, and meticulously maintained gardens. Visitors can explore the ceremonial halls and witness the refined aesthetic that defined imperial life during the Heian period and beyond.
On’nenai Mokudō boardwalk
釧路市, 北海道
⭐ 4.6On'nenai Mokudō is a scenic boardwalk trail that winds through pristine marshland, offering visitors an accessible way to explore Kushiro's unique wetland ecosystem. The flat, well-maintained wooden pathway features viewing platforms and benches where you can observe diverse wildlife including Japanese cranes, sika deer, and seasonal fireflies. With multilingual interpretive panels and educational quizzes along the route, this free attraction provides an intimate look at Hokkaido's natural beauty year-round.