Dream Forest stands proudly as the fourth largest park in Seoul, right after the World Cup Park, Olympic Park, and Seoul Forest. It's more than just a green escape; it's woven into the daily life of 2.67 million residents across Gangbuk, Seongbuk, Do
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is often called the Northern Palace because it sits further north than its neighboring palaces: Changdeokgung, known as the Eastern Palace, and Gyeonghuigung, the Western Palace. Among all five grand palaces, Gyeon
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, the Seoul Museum of History stands as a unique beacon of the city's rich past and vibrant culture. Established in 2002 on the historic grounds of the former Gyeonghuigung Palace, this museum offers an immersive journey
The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts is a fascinating hub dedicated to preserving and evolving Korea's rich heritage of traditional music and dance. This national treasure is committed to showcasing and promoting the beauty of g
Shiroi Koibito Park, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, is a delightful theme park created by the local chocolate maestros at Ishiya. Their crown jewel is the Shiroi Koibito cookie: a scrumptious treat featuring two delicate butter cookies hugging a s
Curb Market, known as Sapporo Jōgai Ichiba in Japanese, is a bustling hub of activity where nearly 80 stores and restaurants stretch out along several blocks just beyond Sapporo's Central Wholesale Market. This is one of the city's largest public mar
Mount Moiwa, nestled among the small, forested peaks southwest of central Sapporo, is a must-visit gem. This mountain is a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike, thanks to its stunning observation deck perched at the summit. From here, you can
Constructed in 1936 as a holiday retreat for the Mitsui Partnership Company, this charming residence transitioned to the ownership of Hokkaido in 1953. Since then, it has played host to a variety of meetings and events, making it a hub of activity an
Nestled near the bustling heart of Sapporo, the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden (北海道大学植物園, Hokkaidō Daigaku Shokubutsuen) is a delightful escape that marries nature with academia. While primarily a hub for scientific research and education, this
The Ainu Museum is an outdoor gem that invites visitors to discover the rich culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Poroto, the museum's thatched-roof homes, known as "chise," form a charming s
The Clock Tower, or Tokeidai (時計台), proudly stands as a symbol of Sapporo. Built during the early days of Sapporo's growth in 1878, it originally served as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College. Just a few years later, in 1881, a clock im
The Hokkaido Shiki Theatre is a gem nestled in the heart of Japan, exclusively hosting the renowned Shiki Theatre Company. Famous for its spellbinding production of "The Lion King," this venue has seen the musical grace its stage over 10,000 times. I
Nijo Market (二条市場, Nijō Ichiba) in central Sapporo is a bustling hub that stretches over about a city block. It's a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking to snag some of the freshest local produce and seafood. Picture this: crabs, salmon
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, proudly claims the title of the birthplace of Japanese beer. Here in Sapporo, the well-loved Sapporo Beer has been crafted since 1877, making it one of the oldest and most cherished brews in the country. This le
Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園, Moerenuma Kōen) is a sprawling oasis on the outskirts of Sapporo that truly captures the imagination. Enveloped by a tranquil marsh, this park stretches approximately four kilometers around. It's a lush, green haven dotted wit
Nestled in the charming suburbs of Sapporo, the Historic Village of Hokkaido (開拓の村, Kaitaku no Mura) is a delightful open-air museum that transports you back in time. Imagine strolling through about 60 carefully preserved buildings, each telling tale
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Sado Island, the Sado Gold Mine stands as a testament to Japan's rich history in mining. With a legacy stretching over 400 years, from its inception in 1601 until its closure in 1989, this site has witnessed t
Niigata is a hidden gem that proudly offers some of Japan's finest sake, rice, and seafood. These culinary delights easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country. If you're eager to explore the local flavors and traditional crafts, m
Imagine stepping into a dreamscape, a place where the enchantment of medieval Europe meets the elegance of Byzantine architecture. Welcome to the Snow Museum in Asahikawa City, Japan. This extraordinary museum, designed with the delicate beauty of a
Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, the Asahikawa City Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich culture of the Ainu people. The museum brings history to life with an impressive array of lifelike models, vividly capturing the traditional lifest
Nestled in the serene Tokiwa Park of Asahikawa city, northern Hokkaido, the Hokkaidoritsu Asahikawa Bijutsukan is a gem waiting to be discovered. This museum is renowned for its impressive collection of wood-crafted artworks, a nod to Asahikawa's ric
Asahiyama Zoo has become the crown jewel of Asahikawa, overtaking the city's famed ramen and skiing as the ultimate attraction. By the end of 2007, more than 3 million visitors were expected to have passed through its gates. That's quite an achieveme
Fukushimagata Wetlands sprawls over an impressive 193 hectares, offering a sanctuary for a variety of endangered species. Named among Japan’s 100 greatest natural environments, this reserve is a haven for anyone with a love for birds and plants. It's
Shibata Castle, affectionately known as "Ayame Castle," stands proudly as the emblem of Shibata. This charming castle town has thrived for over 270 years, weaving a rich history into its cobblestone streets and scenic landscapes. As you wander throug
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Hokkaido, the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of sake brewing, a cornerstone of Japanese tradition. With a history stretching back 350 years, this museum is a t
The Sevenstar Tree (セブンスターの木) is an iconic oak perched on Patchwork Hill (パッチワークの丘) in the charming town of Biei, nestled in the southeastern corner of Asahikawa City. This majestic tree gained fame in 1976 when its image graced the package of the po
If you're looking for a fantastic day trip from Asahikawa, Tomita Farm should be high on your list. This 10-hectare lavender haven offers a serene escape with its stunningly arranged fields of purple blooms. The hills, adorned with meticulously manic
The sea of clouds in Tomamu, Hokkaido is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that can be witnessed in the morning. When you ascend to higher altitudes, on some days, you are treated to a magnificent spectacle. This captivating sight is an unforgettable
Renovated in June 2018, this enchanting aquarium is affectionately known as "Umigatari." It's a standout destination, boasting the largest collection of Magellanic penguins in all of Japan, and you can get up close and personal with these charming cr
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Asahikawa city, Ueno Farm is a delightful farm garden in Nagayama that's been cultivating beauty since 1906. Ms. Sayuki Ueno, an inspired gardener, crafted a unique Hokkaido-style garden that blends seamlessly wi
Tokamachi is home to a number of stunning rice terraces, but if you're pressed for time, the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces should be at the top of your list. Catching them early in the morning offers a magical sight: a sea of clouds gently weaving through
Nestled in the serene embrace of the Shogawa River Valley, the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama regions stretch across the picturesque mountains between Gifu and Toyama Prefectures. These enchanting areas, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 19
Imagine standing before a majestic 55-meter waterfall, its waters cascading with a roar, framed by towering basalt walls. As the water crashes onto the boulders below, it creates a symphony of nature's raw power. Spring is the most popular time to vi