Travel to the untouched and well-preserved part of the Land of the Rising Sun and take a trip to the northern part of Japan. The second biggest island of the country, Hokkaido, is found at the northern part of the archipelago. Literally translates to the Northern Sea Circuit, Hokkaido remains to an integral part of Japan. It still boasts of pure Japanese traditions and culture which is something that modern cities like Tokyo and Kyoto cannot offer its tourists. A planned trip to this part of Japan will show tourists of the provincial Japanese life as well as the many undisturbed sites that can take tourists back to the imperial times.
Before heading to the Far East, you need to check if your passport is exempted from the Japanese visa or if you need to apply for one. Japan has given short-stay visa exemptions to 67 countries around the globe. Passport holders that are exempted from securing a visa may stay in Japan from 15 to 90 days, depending on the country of residence. However, passport holder that are not exempted must apply for a Japanese visa. Here are the requirements to secure a visa:
- Completed visa application form
- Filled out letter of guarantee
- Filled out letter of reason for invitation
- Full itinerary in Japan
- List of visa applicants
- Overview of company (if invited for a business trip)
- Current passport
- Couple of passport picture
A Trip to the Northern Part of Japan:
Hokkaido is biggest prefecture of Japan which means that there are many cities and towns that tourists can visit. Going to the island is very easy – it is just an hour’s plane ride from Tokyo. Daily plane trips are available from Narita Airport to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, the main airport of the capital of Hokkaido. When you plan to take a trip to the northern part of Japan make sure you arrange your flight itinerary with your travel agent.
Nakajima Park in Sapporo:
Sapporo is the most commercial and industrial part of Hokkaido. Being the prefecture’s capital, it is expected that the sights of Sapporo is somehow comparable to any concrete jungle of other countries.
However, since Sapporo is your only connection from Tokyo to Hokkaido, you are obliged to stay in the city and explore it for a day or two. One of the sights to see here is the Nakajima Park. This park is tucked in the center of the city and it boasts of natural forms and cultural buildings like a concert hall, an astronomical observatory, and a lake. A lot of tourists come here during the winter because there is a low-cost skiing lessons with free use of equipment.
A Day in Otaru:
Located west of Sapporo is a famous fishing village called Otaru. Travelling to Otaru is quite easy from Sapporo – just take the commuter line known as the Ishikari Line and the 30-minute train ride will take you along the coast of Ishikari Bay.
Once you reach Otaru, you will feel a bit nostalgic with old structures that are still well-preserved and well-visited by many tourists. Aside from old structures, Otaru also has many canals similar to Venice. One way to get around town is by a local boat that will take you to every canal in Otaru. After your scenic canal boat ride, do take slow walks along the cobblestoned paths that will lead you to either street food sellers or old Japanese stores. What is beautiful in Otaru is the contrast of the old Japanese architecture and the European-influenced buildings that create a different ambience. Before leaving Otaru, make sure to eat seafood ramen.
Motomachi Area and Mount Hakodate in Hakodate:
The island of Hokkaido might seem untouched from foreign influence but the Motomachi Area located in Hakodate is probably one that is heavily influenced by the Westerners. History dictates that Motomachi became a favourite resting place by influential and wealthy foreign residents.
For this reason, Motomachi has a lot of uniquely designed structures like Roman Catholic churches, Russian Church, British Consulate, and many more. Motomachi is located at the foot of Mount Hakodate so a quick visit to this area can be your starting point to hike the wonderful mountain. Atop the mountain is the best scenic view of the south of Hokkaido. If you do not want to hike the mountain by foot, you can opt to take the cable car to reach the viewing deck of the mountain.
Hell Valley and Oyonuma Pond in Noboribetsu:
Travel south from Sapporo to see the famous Hell Valley and Oyonuma Pond in Noboribetsu. Hell Valley isn’t like the Death Valley in California. It is not a barren piece of land but a landform that has numerous sulphuric acid deposits due to the nearby volcanic activities. Visitors who come to Hell Valley hike up the valley to see the steamy view of the hot springs and sulphuric vents. Those who take another 30-minute hike along the relatively flat trail reach the Oyonuma Pond, which is famous for its natural foot bath. The Oyonuma Pond is a flowing body of water where the hot sulphuric springs and the cold Oyonumagawa River water meet. This creates a mildly hot concoction of sulphuric and mineral water which is believed to be good for the skin and the body. Here you will see both locals and tourists sitting by the banks of the pond soaking their feet for a good 20 minutes.
Before leaving Noboribetsu, locals highly recommend staying at least a night in one of town’s traditional ryokan or inn. Most of the ryokans in this town have its own hot spring pool so if you don’t want to hike from Hell Valley to Oyonuma, you can spend a lazy afternoon in a nearby ryokan and privately enjoy a hot spring pool.
A Trip to the Northern Part of Japan – Go Now!
Japan isn’t all about new fashion trends and highly advanced gadgets; it is also about nature and the unassuming way of life. If you are interested to see this unique side of Japan, then prepare your documents for your Japanese tourist visa. Should you have any questions or need any assistance is getting a visa or getting an itinerary for the visa application, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
Go to Hokkaido and take a trip to the northern part of Japan!
