Northern Japan: Part 1

Spring Journey Through Northern Japan: Hokkaido and Northern Honshu

This spring, I traveled through Northern Japan, exploring both the northern reaches of Honshu and the island of Hokkaido. From spectacular cherry blossoms to snow-capped mountains, historic parks, and vibrant cities, the journey offered some of the most beautiful scenery I have experienced in Japan.

Hakodate: Hokkaido’s Southern Gateway

Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate serves as the main gateway connecting Japan’s northern island to the mainland of Honshu. Known for its stunning natural scenery, hot springs, and fresh seafood, Hakodate was a highlight of my trip.


I visited in late April, during the peak of cherry blossom season. The city was awash in shades of pink, creating a magical spring atmosphere.


One of the most memorable experiences was taking the ropeway up the mountains overlooking the city. From above, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Hakodate Bay, forests dotted with cherry blossoms, and distant snow-capped peaks that reminded us winter had not fully left Northern Japan.


Another unforgettable stop was Goryokaku,the famous star-shaped fort that has been transformed into a public park. Walking beneath thousands of blooming cherry trees was like stepping into a painting. The combination of historic architecture and vibrant sakura created one of the most beautiful spring scenes of the entire trip.


Hakodate perfectly blends nature, history, and seasonal beauty, making it an ideal introduction to Hokkaido.

Sapporo: The Vibrant Capital of Hokkaido

Sapporo, the capital and largest city of Hokkaido, is famous for its festivals, beer, and outstanding food. Although my visit did not coincide with the city’s famous winter Snow Festival, I was fortunate to experience a lively street food festival where I sampled local beer and some of Hokkaido’s renowned fresh seafood. The festive atmosphere, filled with locals and visitors enjoying food and music, gave me a taste of Sapporo’s vibrant culture.

One of my favorite travel moments came unexpectedly. While riding a bus, I struck up a conversation with a local photographer who quickly realized that I was passionate about photography. He recommended that I visit the Sapporo TV Tower, telling me it was one of the best places in the city for landscape photography. Following his advice, I was rewarded with sweeping views that helped me appreciate the scale and beauty of Sapporo.



Travel is not only about scenic views; it is also about gaining a glimpse into other cultures and the kindness of the people you meet along the way. To learn more about Hokkaido’s history, I visited the historic Former Hokkaido Goverment Office,  commonly known as the Red Brick Building. The museum offered fascinating exhibits on the region’s development, including displays about the indigenous Ainu people and the early Japanese settlers who shaped Hokkaido’s modern identity.


Walking through the former governor’s office and exploring the exhibits provided not only historical context but also a deeper understanding of the people who call Hokkaido home today.


The visit also produced one of the more memorable stories of the trip. While attempting to purchase a ticket, I somehow managed to break the ticket machine. I’ll spare you the details of exactly how that happened. Unfortunately, there was no staff member in sight, and I stood there wondering what to do. After a few minutes, a couple emerged from the museum. Seeing my predicament, they stopped to help. Rather than simply pointing me in the right direction, they went out of their way to find someone who could assist and get the machine working again.


It was a small act of kindness, but one that left a lasting impression. Moments like these remind me that travel is not just about the places we visit. It is also about the generosity, patience, and humanity we encounter along the way. In many ways, that brief interaction taught me as much about Japan as any museum exhibit could.



Photo Gallery 

Hakodate






SAPPORO 


 








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