11November

2011

CONTENTS

www.hokkaido-pedia.jpwww.hokkaido-pedia.jpwww.hokkaido-pedia.jp

What’s on .............................2

Living Hokkaido ....................3

The Great Outdoors .............4

Walk Talk .............................5

Luxury Zone .........................6

Relaxing Hot Spots...............7

Special Feature (steam locomotives) ............8

Time Travel Hokkaido.........10

Information .........................12

12 Information

Contactc/o Event Convention Pro Inc. Kitaguchi Yoshiya Bldg. 7F, Kita 7-jo Nishi 4-chome 8-3, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0807 Japan Tel: +81-11-299-5910 Fax: +81-11-299-5911 hokkaido-pedia@ec-pro.co.jp http://www.hokkaido-pedia.jp

PublisherEvent Convention Pro Inc.

Editor in ChiefShinichi Hisamatsu

Contributing EditorDavid Barnett

TranslationToshiyuki YamaguchiKaori Yamada

WebmasterNoriko Kodaira

DesignTeruya Fujioka

Editorial AssistanceGaku Shoji

PrintingHokkaido Printing Planning Co., Ltd.

Support & CooperationAssoc. Prof. Mitsuhiro Kawamoto (Sapporo International University)intelligent Link Inc.and Others

Commissioned byHokkaido Government

11November

2011

What is HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia?

HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia is a monthly web magazine, whose title is based onthe meaning of a “walking encyclopedia of Hokkaido.” This tourism information booklet introduces the abundant nature, excellent environment, safe food and charming citizens of Hokkaido, an Asian resort area for high-end travelers from around the world. The tourism-related information is collected and released by members of Hokkaido’s international community.

Consulate-General of the United States of AmericaKita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821 JapanTel: +81-11-641-1115 Fax: +81-11-643-1283http://sapporo.usconsulate.gov/

Consulate-General of the Republic of KoreaKita 2-jo Nishi 12-chome 1-4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0002 JapanTel: +81-11-218-0288 Fax: +81-11-218-8158http://jpn-sapporo.mofat.go.kr/languages/as/jpn-sapporo/main/index.jsp

Consulate-General of the Russian FederationMinami 14-jo Nishi 12-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0914 JapanTel: +81-11-561-3171 Fax: +81-11-561-8897http://www1.odn.ne.jp/ruscons_sapporo/

Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of ChinaMinami 13-jo Nishi 23-chome 5-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0913 JapanTel: +81-11-563-5563 Fax: +81-11-563-1818http://sapporo.china-consulate.org/jpn/ (Japanese)

Australian ConsulateSapporo Center Bldg. 17F, Kita 5-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0005 JapanTel: +81-11-242-4381 Fax: +81-11-242-4383http://www.australia.or.jp/en/consular/sapporo/

Consulate-Generals

Information

Police

110

Emergency

119

Tourist Information

Sapporohttp://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/english/access/information.html

Hokkaidohttp://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/

JNTOhttp://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/hokkaido/

Emergency Hospital

Sapporo City General Hospitalhttp://www.city.sapporo.jp/foreign/index.html

Hokkaido University Hospitalhttp://www.huhp.hokudai.ac.jp/english/med01.html

Domestic Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL)http://www.jal.co.jp/

All Nippon Airways (ANA)https://www.ana.co.jp/

Hokkaido International Airlines (AIR DO)http://www.airdo.jp/ap/index.html

Skymark Airlines (SKYMARK)http://www.skymark.co.jp/ja/

International Airlines

Air China internationalhttp://www.airchina.jp/en/index.html

Korean Airhttp://www.koreanair.com/?rgn=jp&lang=jpn

Continental Airlineshttp://www.staralliance.com/en/

Cathay Pacific Airwayshttp://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_JP/homepage

Asahikawa Museum of Arthttp://www.dokyoi.pref.hokkaido.jp/hk-asamu/

Hospitals

Sapporo City General Hospitalhttp://www.city.sapporo.jp/city/english/index.html

Hokkaido University Hospitalhttp://www.huhp.hokudai.ac.jp/english/med01.html

Sapporo Medical University Hospitalhttp://web.sapmed.ac.jp/byoin/

Library

Sapporo Chuo Libraryhttp://www.city.sapporo.jp/toshokan/english/english.html

Foreign Currency Exchange

North Pacific Bankhttp://www.hokuyobank.co.jp/

Hokkaido Bankhttp://www.hokkaidobank.co.jp/service/foreigncash/index.html

Post Office

Sapporo Central Post Officehttp://www.japanpost.jp/

International Telephone

http://hokkaido.jp.currentlocaltimes.com/dialingcode.html

International Community

Sapporo International Communication Plazahttp://www.plaza-sapporo.or.jp/english/index_e.html

Major Conferences and Events

Jun. 1 to Nov. 30 Street of Demons’ Fire / Valley Replete with Fantasy and Mystery in Noboribetsu

Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 Fire festival of Iyomante (bear worshipping festival) in KushiroOct. 29 to Dec. 4 Sapporo Art StageOct. 31 to Nov. 3 Sapporo Chrysanthemum FestivalNov. 8 to 10 17th Small Engine Technology Conference (SETC2011)Nov. 11 to Dec. 25 Otaru Long ChristmasNov. 25 to Dec. 24 German Christmas Market in SapporoNov. 25 to Feb. 12 Sapporo White Illumination (Odori venue: Nov. 25 to Dec. 25) Dec. 1 to 25 Hakodate Christmas FantasyDec. 14 Hokkaido Festival of the Loyal Retainers in Sunagawa

(Gishi Sai)Dec. 20 to Mar. 31 Diamond Dust in KAWAYUJan. 21 to Feb. 26 Tokachigawa Swan Festival “Sairinka”Late Jan. to early Mar. Akan Ice Festival “Fuyu-hanabi”Late Jan. to late Mar. Lake Shikaribetsu KotanFeb. 6 to 12 Sapporo Snow Festival

HOKKAIDO

Asahikawa●

Notsuke●Akan●

●Abashiri

●Mombetsu

●

●

●

●●

●●

●

●

●

Hakodate●

●Sapporo

●Kushiro

China Southern Airlineshttp://www.cs-air.jp/

Sakhalin Airlineshttp://www.satairlines.ru/index.php

Eva Airhttp://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/

International Airport

New Chitose Airporthttp://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/

Trains

JR Hokkaidohttp://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html

JR Information DeskJR Sapporo Station West Exit (8:30 – 19:00)New Chitose Airport Station (8:30 – 19:00)

Buses

Hokkaido Chuo Bushttp://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/sightseeing.en/

Ferry

Shin Nihonkai Ferryhttp://www.snf.jp/pdf/english.pdf

Taiheiyo Ferryhttp://www.taiheiyo-ferry.co.jp/english/index.html

MOL Ferryhttp://www.sunflower.co.jp/english/index.shtml

Tourist Agency

JTB Hokkaidohttp://www.jtb.co.jp/hokkaido/

Kinki Nippon Tourist Hokkaidohttp://www.knt.co.jp/kokusai/about.html

Nippon Travel Agencyhttp://www.nta.co.jp/hokkaido/

Car Rentals

JRhttp://www2.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/branch&id=82008&prefecture=1

Nippon Rent-A-Carhttp://www2.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/branch&id=23019&prefecture=1

TOYOTAhttp://www.toyotarentacar.net/english/

Art Galleries and Museums

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Arthttp://www.aurora-net.or.jp/art/dokinbi/

Historical Museum of Hokkaidohttp://www.hmh.pref.hokkaido.jp/

Historical Village of Hokkaidohttp://www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm

Migishi Kotaro Museum of Art, Hokkaidohttp://www.dokyoi.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/hk/mkb/

Wakkanai

Sarobetsu

Rebun

Rishiri

Niseko

ShikotsuNoboribetsu

ChitoseToya

Not long now before the skiing and snowboarding season is here! Before the season starts in earnest in December, Hokkaido’s natural-snow season begins on the slopes of Mt. Kurodake in Sounkyo, which are due to open as early as mid November, with the pistes of Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine, Mt. Racey, Sapporo Kokusai, Furano and Nakayama-toge following not far behind. We look forward to welcoming winter sports enthusiasts from around the world in time for the first snow of the season.

With the majority of the crops harvested and preparations for winter complete, the farmers and fishermen of Hokkaido can now look forward to the winter content in the knowledge that the food they have helped produce is – as always – of the finest quality. As we savor the delights Hokkaido's land and seas have to offer, let’s not forget to thank all those involved in bringing us the freshest, safest and most delicious food here in Hokkaido.

Thanks giving

First signs of winterFirst signs of winterFirst signs of winter

FREE

© Sapporo Tourist Association

Radiation Monitoring in Hokkaidohttp://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/sm/gat/zenndoumonita_eng.htm

Obihiro

2 What’s on

～

∼

Rental cycles (lake circumference 43 km; approx. 4 hours)Toya Rent-a-Cycle Tel. 0142-75-2406

How long have you lived in Sapporo?

This is actually my second term as consul here in Sapporo. I

was first posted here for a period of about two years and eight

months between 1995 and ’98, and then I returned in March last

year, so over 4 years in total. In addition to that I’ve also

worked at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate in

Osaka, so I’ve worked in Japan for about 12 years in total, now.

Where are you from originally, and what was your image of Hokkaido when you were growing up?

I’m originally from Sapporo’s sister city of Shenyang but to tell

the truth I didn’t know much about Hokkaido when I was

growing up. I’m not even sure why I became interested in

Japan. I began studying Japanese at quite an early age – at about

15 – so I probably started to become interested in Japan around

that time.

Is studying the Japanese language at such an age unusual in China?

I think mine was a quite a special case. You’re probably aware

that because of the Cultural Revolution in China in the ’60s and

’70s, education was sometimes not as smooth as it could have

been. During the latter years, universities began to open and

during that time I was one of the first students to enter university

and study Japanese.

What were your impressions of Sapporo and Hokkaido when you arrived for the first time?

I felt that some things about Hokkaido were just like in other

parts of Japan, but there were some characteristics that were

unique to Hokkaido – the sheer size of the place, for example.

Hokkaido covers an area of over 80,000 km2, which is about one

fifth of the whole of Japan. I read somewhere that you could fit

about 22 other prefectures of Japan into Hokkaido. And also the

amount of forest land here – about 70%.

What differences did you notice when you arrived for the second time?

Almost 13 years had passed since I was first posted here, so

naturally there were many changes. One of the most obvious

was the amount of Chinese visitors. There have always been

exchanges between China and Japan but not on the scale there is

now. At that time only about 1,000 visitors a year came from

China – mainly for business reasons. There were hardly any

individual tourists then, but last year there were 150,000. As

Governor Takahashi has pointed out, the number of Chinese

tourists has increased five fold in the last five years.

Another big change has been the number of direct flights to

and from China. From New Chitose Airport there are flights to

four cities now – Peking, Shanghai, Dairen and Shenyang.

3Living HokkaidoLiving HokkaidoLiving Hokkaido

What do Chinese tourists find appealing about Hokkaido?

The abundant and beautiful nature, the delicious seafood, the

high-level leisure facilities including skiing and golf and, of

course, the hot springs. There are a few hot springs in China but

not as many as here in Hokkaido. Because of this the hot-spring

culture is now spreading in China. At first, Chinese people were

reluctant to bathe together in the nude, but now things are

changing.

In what other ways does Hokkaido differ from your native Shenyang?

Although Shenyang, like Sapporo, is situated in the cold

northern region of the country, because of the climate change in

recent years there is not as much snow as there used to be.

During my first winter in Sapporo I was surprised at how much

snow there was – almost 80 cm once fell in one night!

How do you enjoy your life here, and what do you do in your spare time?

I like Hokkaido very much and have traveled extensively with

my work. However, because of the busy schedule I don’t get

chance to go far during my free time. In summer I enjoy driving

in the areas close to Sapporo – places I can get to comfortably in

one day. In the summer I drove to Furano to see the Belly

Button Festival, which was great, and if I get the chance I’d like

to go to Rishiri and Rebun.

The number of tourists from China has decreased this year as a result of the March 11th earthquake and subsequent events; do you have any advice to Chinese tourists thinking about coming to Hokkaido?

Almost 8 months have passed since the tsunami and although the

number of tourists dropped dramatically at first, things are

starting to get back to normal thanks to the efforts of the

governments of both Japan and China. There are more and more

passengers on the regular flights between China and Hokkaido,

and more charter flights are being operated. By 2015 it is hoped

that the number of tourists from China will reach 8 million. The

governments of Japan and Hokkaido are also doing all they can

to attract tourists from China – things like the new international

terminal at New Chitose Airport, and the great new facilities that

opened this year. The Chinese like traveling but until now they

haven’t had much chance. I love Hokkaido and what it has to

offer, and I’m sure many Chinese would love it too, if they got

the chance to come. It would be great if more Chinese tourists

came to see Hokkaido for themselves.

Lui Zhi JianConsulate of the People’s Republic of China in Sapporo

INTERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Now in his second spell as consul at the Chinese Consulate in Sapporo, Lui Zhi Jian talks to HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia about the changes he’s experienced in Sapporo, and his future expectations for Chinese citizens traveling to Hokkaido.

Odori venue: 38 days from Fri. Nov. 25 to Sun. Dec. 25, 2011Ekimae Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Minami 1-jo Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Illuminated from 16:30 to 22:00 (midnight on Dec. 23 to 25)

The German Christmas Market in Sapporo

is held in Odori Park West 2 to coincide

with the Sapporo White Illumination.

Numerous colorfully decorated stalls

selling Christmas goods are a treat to see,

and the German beer, sausages and spicy

mulled wine on sale provide a treat for the

taste buds, too. Other goods on sale

include original mugs, stained-glass lamps

and glassware and popular knickknacks

that cannot be found elsewhere. Enjoy the

romantic atmosphere of a German street

market as Sapporo enters the festive spirit.

This annual event was instigated

through Sapporo’s sister-city relationship

with Munich in Germany, and provides the

people of Sapporo with an opportunity to

sample some of Germany’s delicious

traditional dishes, sweets and cakes, as

Late November, and the white snowflakes

that begin to fall match perfectly with the

illuminations that sparkle in downtown

Sapporo. What’s more, the bustling

Christmas Market and the smell of mulled

wine add to the atmosphere and the

excitement of the festive season. Now a

familiar part of the early winter scenery,

this year the Sapporo White Illumination

celebrates its 31st anniversary with over

1,000 light bulbs in the Odori Park West-2

site alone, making it one of the largest such

events in Japan. Illuminated displays with

Christmas and cosmos themes fill the

Odori Park venue, with Ekimae Street to

the north and south, and Minami 1-jo Street

running east to west like strings of jewels,

as the roadside trees sparkle with light.

Out of the darkness comes … the lighting ceremony

In total darkness the countdown begins,

and on the count of zero there’s light – a

glow that illuminates downtown Sapporo

like the snow at this time of year –

accompanied by the appreciative gasps of

onlookers. Sapporo White Illumination is

held every year from mid November to

Christmas at the Odori Park site, and

between mid November and mid February

east-west along Minami 1-jo Street and

north-south along Ekimae Street as far as

Susukino.

Electric light displays include Santa,

snowmen and the like, but it’s not just the

kids that can enjoy the fun. Space-themed

images and flowers familiar to Sapporo,

such as lilac and lily of the valley,

“bloom” in the dark of the night. Lovers

stroll hand-in-hand amid Christmas trees

and heart-shaped decorations. Precious

memories of the time spent amid this

sparkling wonderland.

At the lighting ceremony (from 4:30

p.m. on November 25 in Odori W2), a

countdown event is planned with

greetings from the mayor. Other events

befitting of the colorful Christmas lights

and romantic mood also take place

throughout the period of the illuminations.

Odori Park’s West 3 and 4 blocks

are always bustling with people, and

with the main illumination venue

between West 1 and 4, those wishing to

spend a quieter time amid the lights

should head for West 8, where the

volume of pedestrians has greatly

subsided by 8 p.m., and the atmosphere

can be enjoyed in peace.

well as purchase seasonal gifts. Experience

the romantic atmosphere in collaboration

with Sapporo’s pure white snow and

glittering illuminations. The market opens

on the same day as the illuminations and

runs until Christmas Eve – Fri. Nov. 25 to

Sat. Dec. 24, 2011 – at the Odori Park

West-2 Sapporo Illumination venue.

http://www.sapporo-christmas.com/

Photos by Sapporo Tourist Association

German Christmas Market in Sapporo

2 What’s on

～

∼

Rental cycles (lake circumference 43 km; approx. 4 hours)Toya Rent-a-Cycle Tel. 0142-75-2406

How long have you lived in Sapporo?

This is actually my second term as consul here in Sapporo. I

was first posted here for a period of about two years and eight

months between 1995 and ’98, and then I returned in March last

year, so over 4 years in total. In addition to that I’ve also

worked at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate in

Osaka, so I’ve worked in Japan for about 12 years in total, now.

Where are you from originally, and what was your image of Hokkaido when you were growing up?

I’m originally from Sapporo’s sister city of Shenyang but to tell

the truth I didn’t know much about Hokkaido when I was

growing up. I’m not even sure why I became interested in

Japan. I began studying Japanese at quite an early age – at about

15 – so I probably started to become interested in Japan around

that time.

Is studying the Japanese language at such an age unusual in China?

I think mine was a quite a special case. You’re probably aware

that because of the Cultural Revolution in China in the ’60s and

’70s, education was sometimes not as smooth as it could have

been. During the latter years, universities began to open and

during that time I was one of the first students to enter university

and study Japanese.

What were your impressions of Sapporo and Hokkaido when you arrived for the first time?

I felt that some things about Hokkaido were just like in other

parts of Japan, but there were some characteristics that were

unique to Hokkaido – the sheer size of the place, for example.

Hokkaido covers an area of over 80,000 km2, which is about one

fifth of the whole of Japan. I read somewhere that you could fit

about 22 other prefectures of Japan into Hokkaido. And also the

amount of forest land here – about 70%.

What differences did you notice when you arrived for the second time?

Almost 13 years had passed since I was first posted here, so

naturally there were many changes. One of the most obvious

was the amount of Chinese visitors. There have always been

exchanges between China and Japan but not on the scale there is

now. At that time only about 1,000 visitors a year came from

China – mainly for business reasons. There were hardly any

individual tourists then, but last year there were 150,000. As

Governor Takahashi has pointed out, the number of Chinese

tourists has increased five fold in the last five years.

Another big change has been the number of direct flights to

and from China. From New Chitose Airport there are flights to

four cities now – Peking, Shanghai, Dairen and Shenyang.

3Living HokkaidoLiving HokkaidoLiving Hokkaido

What do Chinese tourists find appealing about Hokkaido?

The abundant and beautiful nature, the delicious seafood, the

high-level leisure facilities including skiing and golf and, of

course, the hot springs. There are a few hot springs in China but

not as many as here in Hokkaido. Because of this the hot-spring

culture is now spreading in China. At first, Chinese people were

reluctant to bathe together in the nude, but now things are

changing.

In what other ways does Hokkaido differ from your native Shenyang?

Although Shenyang, like Sapporo, is situated in the cold

northern region of the country, because of the climate change in

recent years there is not as much snow as there used to be.

During my first winter in Sapporo I was surprised at how much

snow there was – almost 80 cm once fell in one night!

How do you enjoy your life here, and what do you do in your spare time?

I like Hokkaido very much and have traveled extensively with

my work. However, because of the busy schedule I don’t get

chance to go far during my free time. In summer I enjoy driving

in the areas close to Sapporo – places I can get to comfortably in

one day. In the summer I drove to Furano to see the Belly

Button Festival, which was great, and if I get the chance I’d like

to go to Rishiri and Rebun.

The number of tourists from China has decreased this year as a result of the March 11th earthquake and subsequent events; do you have any advice to Chinese tourists thinking about coming to Hokkaido?

Almost 8 months have passed since the tsunami and although the

number of tourists dropped dramatically at first, things are

starting to get back to normal thanks to the efforts of the

governments of both Japan and China. There are more and more

passengers on the regular flights between China and Hokkaido,

and more charter flights are being operated. By 2015 it is hoped

that the number of tourists from China will reach 8 million. The

governments of Japan and Hokkaido are also doing all they can

to attract tourists from China – things like the new international

terminal at New Chitose Airport, and the great new facilities that

opened this year. The Chinese like traveling but until now they

haven’t had much chance. I love Hokkaido and what it has to

offer, and I’m sure many Chinese would love it too, if they got

the chance to come. It would be great if more Chinese tourists

came to see Hokkaido for themselves.

Lui Zhi JianConsulate of the People’s Republic of China in Sapporo

INTERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Now in his second spell as consul at the Chinese Consulate in Sapporo, Lui Zhi Jian talks to HOKKAIDO Walk-a-pedia about the changes he’s experienced in Sapporo, and his future expectations for Chinese citizens traveling to Hokkaido.

Odori venue: 38 days from Fri. Nov. 25 to Sun. Dec. 25, 2011Ekimae Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Minami 1-jo Street venue: 80 days from Fri. Nov. 25, 2011 to Sun. Feb. 12, 2012Illuminated from 16:30 to 22:00 (midnight on Dec. 23 to 25)

The German Christmas Market in Sapporo

is held in Odori Park West 2 to coincide

with the Sapporo White Illumination.

Numerous colorfully decorated stalls

selling Christmas goods are a treat to see,

and the German beer, sausages and spicy

mulled wine on sale provide a treat for the

taste buds, too. Other goods on sale

include original mugs, stained-glass lamps

and glassware and popular knickknacks

that cannot be found elsewhere. Enjoy the

romantic atmosphere of a German street

market as Sapporo enters the festive spirit.

This annual event was instigated

through Sapporo’s sister-city relationship

with Munich in Germany, and provides the

people of Sapporo with an opportunity to

sample some of Germany’s delicious

traditional dishes, sweets and cakes, as

Late November, and the white snowflakes

that begin to fall match perfectly with the

illuminations that sparkle in downtown

Sapporo. What’s more, the bustling

Christmas Market and the smell of mulled

wine add to the atmosphere and the

excitement of the festive season. Now a

familiar part of the early winter scenery,

this year the Sapporo White Illumination

celebrates its 31st anniversary with over

1,000 light bulbs in the Odori Park West-2

site alone, making it one of the largest such

events in Japan. Illuminated displays with

Christmas and cosmos themes fill the

Odori Park venue, with Ekimae Street to

the north and south, and Minami 1-jo Street

running east to west like strings of jewels,

as the roadside trees sparkle with light.

Out of the darkness comes … the lighting ceremony

In total darkness the countdown begins,

and on the count of zero there’s light – a

glow that illuminates downtown Sapporo

like the snow at this time of year –

accompanied by the appreciative gasps of

onlookers. Sapporo White Illumination is

held every year from mid November to

Christmas at the Odori Park site, and

between mid November and mid February

east-west along Minami 1-jo Street and

north-south along Ekimae Street as far as

Susukino.

Electric light displays include Santa,

snowmen and the like, but it’s not just the

kids that can enjoy the fun. Space-themed

images and flowers familiar to Sapporo,

such as lilac and lily of the valley,

“bloom” in the dark of the night. Lovers

stroll hand-in-hand amid Christmas trees

and heart-shaped decorations. Precious

memories of the time spent amid this

sparkling wonderland.

At the lighting ceremony (from 4:30

p.m. on November 25 in Odori W2), a

countdown event is planned with

greetings from the mayor. Other events

befitting of the colorful Christmas lights

and romantic mood also take place

throughout the period of the illuminations.

Odori Park’s West 3 and 4 blocks

are always bustling with people, and

with the main illumination venue

between West 1 and 4, those wishing to

spend a quieter time amid the lights

should head for West 8, where the

volume of pedestrians has greatly

subsided by 8 p.m., and the atmosphere

can be enjoyed in peace.

well as purchase seasonal gifts. Experience

the romantic atmosphere in collaboration

with Sapporo’s pure white snow and

glittering illuminations. The market opens

on the same day as the illuminations and

runs until Christmas Eve – Fri. Nov. 25 to

Sat. Dec. 24, 2011 – at the Odori Park

West-2 Sapporo Illumination venue.

http://www.sapporo-christmas.com/

Photos by Sapporo Tourist Association

German Christmas Market in Sapporo

■Shikotsu-Toya National ParkShikotsu-Toya National Park■Shikotsu-Toya National Park

At 26 km long, Notsuke t 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is

Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the

south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the

Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes

place twice a year, every summer and place twice a year, every summer and

autumn, and the mysterious scenes of autumn, and the mysterious scenes of

the sailboats amid the fog are typical of the sailboats amid the fog are typical of

the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings

from the Satsumon period. from the Satsumon period.

Fishing from sailboats has continued Fishing from sailboats has continued

here for over 100 years since the Meiji here for over 100 years since the Meiji

period, with the boats utilizing the period, with the boats utilizing the

currents and the winds in their triangular currents and the winds in their triangular

sails to maneuver. This method of sails to maneuver. This method of

fishing is a type of trawling carried out fishing is a type of trawling carried out

by boats with just one crewmember.by boats with just one crewmember.

The marine-algae-covered 1- to The marine-algae-covered 1- to

3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula 3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula

provides an excellent habitat for the provides an excellent habitat for the

Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to

prevent the screws of motor boats prevent the screws of motor boats

damaging the shallow seabed habitats of damaging the shallow seabed habitats of

dense algae.dense algae.

Hokkai shrimps have a greenish- Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-

brown body with three white stripes, and brown body with three white stripes, and

turn a vivid shade of red when boiled turn a vivid shade of red when boiled

with salt, producing the perfect treat to with salt, producing the perfect treat to

compliment a glass or two of beer – a compliment a glass or two of beer – a

favorite part of the menu at many favorite part of the menu at many

izakayasizakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be

enjoyed by everyone, young or old. enjoyed by everyone, young or old.

The two fishing seasons from The two fishing seasons from

mid-June to the end of July and then mid-June to the end of July and then

from mid-October to mid-November are from mid-October to mid-November are

strictly observed to protect marine strictly observed to protect marine

resources.resources.

At 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is

Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the

south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the

Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes

place twice a year, every summer and

autumn, and the mysterious scenes of

the sailboats amid the fog are typical of

the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings

from the Satsumon period.

Fishing from sailboats has continued

here for over 100 years since the Meiji

period, with the boats utilizing the

currents and the winds in their triangular

sails to maneuver. This method of

fishing is a type of trawling carried out

by boats with just one crewmember.

The marine-algae-covered 1- to

3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula

provides an excellent habitat for the

Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to

prevent the screws of motor boats

damaging the shallow seabed habitats of

dense algae.

Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-

brown body with three white stripes, and

turn a vivid shade of red when boiled

with salt, producing the perfect treat to

compliment a glass or two of beer – a

favorite part of the menu at many

izakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be

enjoyed by everyone, young or old.

The two fishing seasons from

mid-June to the end of July and then

from mid-October to mid-November are

strictly observed to protect marine

resources.

Sosei River Park is a small oasis of

greenery created by the side of the Sosei

River as part of the project to join up the

two Sosei road underpasses at the start of

Route 5, which runs north from the

eastern side of the TV Tower in Sapporo.

Construction work on the underpass was

completed in March 2009, diverting the

bulk of traffic underground and paving

the way for easier pedestrian access

between the Tanuki Koji shopping arcade

and Nijo Market. The northern tip of the

park is at North 1 in front of the Chuo

Bus Terminal, with its bus services to and

from various regions in Hokkaido, and is

also close to the Sapporo Factory

shopping mall and not too far from the

Clock Tower and the tourist information

desk at the Sapporo International

Communication Plaza (3F, MN Bldg.

Kita 1-jo, Nishi 3-chome).

Head south along either bank of the

small stream and you’ll soon come to two

white bridges that cross the stream close

together. Closer inspection reveals the

bridges to be actually linked to create a

large circle in the middle of the park.

This is Snow Ring, an installation

designed by Kozo Nishino that

symbolizes the air and river water linking

north, south, east and west. However, an

aerial view of the ring, from the TV

tower perhaps, might actually prompt

onlookers to think this is effectively

“ground zero” of Sapporo, as street

blocks are numbers 1, 2, 3 and so on in

all directions from this point. Here,

you’re just a stone’s throw away from the

TV Tower, Odori Park and the Theatre de

Printemps, in which the Shiki Theater

Company is currently performing the

long-run Disney musical Lion King.

Oblivious to the traffic that passes

beneath, visitors to the park can enjoy the

riverside vegetation, including 200 young

lilac tress of which there are 30 different

varieties, as well as sculptures and objet

de art – many by one of Hokkaido’s most

famous contemporary sculptors Kan

Yasuda. Signs along the pathways point

out various nearby places of interest in

four languages. Other sights include a

statue of Kametaro Otomo – the creator

of the first irrigation and transport canal

in Sapporo, which later became the Sosei

River – and a small panel exhibition of

old photos at a rest point on the South-1

block of the park, showing historical

scenes from the river and its environs.

At the South-2 junction, cross the road

to the east of the park and head for the

Nijo Market, a labyrinth of

long-established stalls and shops selling

fresh seafood, fruit and the like. A

number of cafés and bars are located

across the street to the north, but why not

sample the wares at one of the small

eateries within the market, where the

fresh seafood is used to make reasonably

priced dishes that are second to none for

freshness and flavor. An alley of bars

amid the complex ensures that visitors

can experience the market atmosphere

whatever time of day or night they visit.

From the market, head back across the

park though the event plaza, which hosts

various attractions depending on the time

of day or season, and enter the Tanuki

Koji shopping arcade. Literally, “raccoon

dog alley,” the arcade is one of Sapporo’s

oldest commercial districts with a history

of over 120 years, and apparently got its

name from the antics of the cunning

ladies of the night, who gathered there

and cajoled free drinks from the bars’

male patrons. On the first two blocks

alone, you can find shops selling

Buddhist shrines, festival clothing,

kimonos, musical instruments and much,

much more, or why not get a personal

seal made of your name in Japanese

characters at the fascinating hanko shop? This covered arcade continues west for 8

blocks and then uncovered for another

two or so, with countless other interesting

establishments just waiting to be

discovered. But perhaps that’s for

another day. For now, let’s head back in

the direction from which we came,

deciding what to do next on the way –

and starting again from “zero.”

Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which, as the name suggests, includes

Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, is blessed

with the stunningly beautiful scenery

created by the lakes, forests and volcanic

activity of Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, Mt.

Tarumae and the Showa Shinzan lava

dome, not to mention the hot-spring

resorts of Jozankei, Toyako, and

Noboribetsu. The shores of Lake

Shikotsu are popular among campers,

with the Morappu and Bifue campsites

providing the perfect location in which to

pitch a tent.

Nearby is Mt. Tarumae, a somma

volcano with an internal lava dome that

even now spews volcanic smoke.

Numerous alpine plants can be seen

between the 7th station and the summit.

Bifue Falls is a beautiful waterfall

surrounded by trees on a tributary of the

Chitose River, which flows into Lake

Shikotsu. Another small lake nearby, Lake

Okotanpe was formed when a river was

dammed by a volcanic eruption on Mt.

Eniwadake. From the roadside observatory,

the view of the blue lake surrounded by

green forests is quite stunning.

A little further afield close to

Noboribetsu Onsen is Oyunuma, a small

lake with a circumference of

approximately 1 km, formed from the

remains of a crater that appeared during

an eruption. A sulfur spring gushes from

the lakebed at a temperature of 132

degrees Celsius, and even the water that

flows in a small stream from the lake

remains at over 40 degrees, the perfect

temperature for a natural foot spa.

Designated a natural monument of Japan,

Noboribetsu Primeval Forest has various

footpaths where strolls can be enjoyed

and many wild animals can be seen.

Not far from Mt. Yotei is Hangetsu

Lake, a small crescent-shaped crater lake

that provides an oasis for hikers near the

Mt. Yotei trailhead. At the summit there’s

a 700-m-diameter, 200-m-deep crater that

is home to more than 130 varieties of

wild birds. There are 4 routes up Mt.

Yotei, each one taking between 4 and 6

hours to reach the summit.

Approximately an hour and a half up

the trail of Mt. Orofure, which spans the

borders of Sobetsu, Noboribetsu and

Shiraoi, various alpine plants can be seen

by the wayside, and the summit affords a

360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Yotei,

Lake Toya, Lake Kuttara and beyond.

■The sailboats at Notsuke PeninsulaThe sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula■The sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula

Hokkaido heritagehttp://www.hokkaidoisan.org

Access Shikotsuko Hot Spring（Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center） Approx. 80 min. by bus from Sapporo Station; 30 min. from central Chitose; or 55 min. from New Chitose Airport.

Toyako Hot Spring (Toyako Visitor Center, Volcano Science Museum) Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Toya Takarada Nature Experience House Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Mt. Yotei 2 hrs. 30 min. by JR train to Hirafu Station from Sapporo

4 The Great Outdoors 5Walk Talk

Sosei River Park, Nijo Market and Tanuki Koji areaShikotsu-Toya National Park Toyako Visitor Centerhttp://www.toyako-vc.jp/en/

©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association

©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association

Photos by Hokkaido Regional Environment Office (Ministry of the Environment)

Photos by Hokkaido Heritage Council

■Shikotsu-Toya National ParkShikotsu-Toya National Park■Shikotsu-Toya National Park

At 26 km long, Notsuke t 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is

Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the

south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the

Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes

place twice a year, every summer and place twice a year, every summer and

autumn, and the mysterious scenes of autumn, and the mysterious scenes of

the sailboats amid the fog are typical of the sailboats amid the fog are typical of

the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings

from the Satsumon period. from the Satsumon period.

Fishing from sailboats has continued Fishing from sailboats has continued

here for over 100 years since the Meiji here for over 100 years since the Meiji

period, with the boats utilizing the period, with the boats utilizing the

currents and the winds in their triangular currents and the winds in their triangular

sails to maneuver. This method of sails to maneuver. This method of

fishing is a type of trawling carried out fishing is a type of trawling carried out

by boats with just one crewmember.by boats with just one crewmember.

The marine-algae-covered 1- to The marine-algae-covered 1- to

3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula 3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula

provides an excellent habitat for the provides an excellent habitat for the

Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to

prevent the screws of motor boats prevent the screws of motor boats

damaging the shallow seabed habitats of damaging the shallow seabed habitats of

dense algae.dense algae.

Hokkai shrimps have a greenish- Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-

brown body with three white stripes, and brown body with three white stripes, and

turn a vivid shade of red when boiled turn a vivid shade of red when boiled

with salt, producing the perfect treat to with salt, producing the perfect treat to

compliment a glass or two of beer – a compliment a glass or two of beer – a

favorite part of the menu at many favorite part of the menu at many

izakayasizakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be

enjoyed by everyone, young or old. enjoyed by everyone, young or old.

The two fishing seasons from The two fishing seasons from

mid-June to the end of July and then mid-June to the end of July and then

from mid-October to mid-November are from mid-October to mid-November are

strictly observed to protect marine strictly observed to protect marine

resources.resources.

At 26 km long, Notsuke Peninsula on the Sea of Okhotsk coast is

Japan’s largest sand spit, and to the

south of it is Notsuke Bay. Here, the

Hokkai shrimp fishing season takes

place twice a year, every summer and

autumn, and the mysterious scenes of

the sailboats amid the fog are typical of

the area, as are the nearby pit dwellings

from the Satsumon period.

Fishing from sailboats has continued

here for over 100 years since the Meiji

period, with the boats utilizing the

currents and the winds in their triangular

sails to maneuver. This method of

fishing is a type of trawling carried out

by boats with just one crewmember.

The marine-algae-covered 1- to

3-m-deep water off Notsuke Peninsula

provides an excellent habitat for the

Hokkai shrimp. The sailboats are used to

prevent the screws of motor boats

damaging the shallow seabed habitats of

dense algae.

Hokkai shrimps have a greenish-

brown body with three white stripes, and

turn a vivid shade of red when boiled

with salt, producing the perfect treat to

compliment a glass or two of beer – a

favorite part of the menu at many

izakayas in Hokkaido. Indeed, cooked in various ways, Hokkai shrimps can be

enjoyed by everyone, young or old.

The two fishing seasons from

mid-June to the end of July and then

from mid-October to mid-November are

strictly observed to protect marine

resources.

Sosei River Park is a small oasis of

greenery created by the side of the Sosei

River as part of the project to join up the

two Sosei road underpasses at the start of

Route 5, which runs north from the

eastern side of the TV Tower in Sapporo.

Construction work on the underpass was

completed in March 2009, diverting the

bulk of traffic underground and paving

the way for easier pedestrian access

between the Tanuki Koji shopping arcade

and Nijo Market. The northern tip of the

park is at North 1 in front of the Chuo

Bus Terminal, with its bus services to and

from various regions in Hokkaido, and is

also close to the Sapporo Factory

shopping mall and not too far from the

Clock Tower and the tourist information

desk at the Sapporo International

Communication Plaza (3F, MN Bldg.

Kita 1-jo, Nishi 3-chome).

Head south along either bank of the

small stream and you’ll soon come to two

white bridges that cross the stream close

together. Closer inspection reveals the

bridges to be actually linked to create a

large circle in the middle of the park.

This is Snow Ring, an installation

designed by Kozo Nishino that

symbolizes the air and river water linking

north, south, east and west. However, an

aerial view of the ring, from the TV

tower perhaps, might actually prompt

onlookers to think this is effectively

“ground zero” of Sapporo, as street

blocks are numbers 1, 2, 3 and so on in

all directions from this point. Here,

you’re just a stone’s throw away from the

TV Tower, Odori Park and the Theatre de

Printemps, in which the Shiki Theater

Company is currently performing the

long-run Disney musical Lion King.

Oblivious to the traffic that passes

beneath, visitors to the park can enjoy the

riverside vegetation, including 200 young

lilac tress of which there are 30 different

varieties, as well as sculptures and objet

de art – many by one of Hokkaido’s most

famous contemporary sculptors Kan

Yasuda. Signs along the pathways point

out various nearby places of interest in

four languages. Other sights include a

statue of Kametaro Otomo – the creator

of the first irrigation and transport canal

in Sapporo, which later became the Sosei

River – and a small panel exhibition of

old photos at a rest point on the South-1

block of the park, showing historical

scenes from the river and its environs.

At the South-2 junction, cross the road

to the east of the park and head for the

Nijo Market, a labyrinth of

long-established stalls and shops selling

fresh seafood, fruit and the like. A

number of cafés and bars are located

across the street to the north, but why not

sample the wares at one of the small

eateries within the market, where the

fresh seafood is used to make reasonably

priced dishes that are second to none for

freshness and flavor. An alley of bars

amid the complex ensures that visitors

can experience the market atmosphere

whatever time of day or night they visit.

From the market, head back across the

park though the event plaza, which hosts

various attractions depending on the time

of day or season, and enter the Tanuki

Koji shopping arcade. Literally, “raccoon

dog alley,” the arcade is one of Sapporo’s

oldest commercial districts with a history

of over 120 years, and apparently got its

name from the antics of the cunning

ladies of the night, who gathered there

and cajoled free drinks from the bars’

male patrons. On the first two blocks

alone, you can find shops selling

Buddhist shrines, festival clothing,

kimonos, musical instruments and much,

much more, or why not get a personal

seal made of your name in Japanese

characters at the fascinating hanko shop? This covered arcade continues west for 8

blocks and then uncovered for another

two or so, with countless other interesting

establishments just waiting to be

discovered. But perhaps that’s for

another day. For now, let’s head back in

the direction from which we came,

deciding what to do next on the way –

and starting again from “zero.”

Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which, as the name suggests, includes

Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, is blessed

with the stunningly beautiful scenery

created by the lakes, forests and volcanic

activity of Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, Mt.

Tarumae and the Showa Shinzan lava

dome, not to mention the hot-spring

resorts of Jozankei, Toyako, and

Noboribetsu. The shores of Lake

Shikotsu are popular among campers,

with the Morappu and Bifue campsites

providing the perfect location in which to

pitch a tent.

Nearby is Mt. Tarumae, a somma

volcano with an internal lava dome that

even now spews volcanic smoke.

Numerous alpine plants can be seen

between the 7th station and the summit.

Bifue Falls is a beautiful waterfall

surrounded by trees on a tributary of the

Chitose River, which flows into Lake

Shikotsu. Another small lake nearby, Lake

Okotanpe was formed when a river was

dammed by a volcanic eruption on Mt.

Eniwadake. From the roadside observatory,

the view of the blue lake surrounded by

green forests is quite stunning.

A little further afield close to

Noboribetsu Onsen is Oyunuma, a small

lake with a circumference of

approximately 1 km, formed from the

remains of a crater that appeared during

an eruption. A sulfur spring gushes from

the lakebed at a temperature of 132

degrees Celsius, and even the water that

flows in a small stream from the lake

remains at over 40 degrees, the perfect

temperature for a natural foot spa.

Designated a natural monument of Japan,

Noboribetsu Primeval Forest has various

footpaths where strolls can be enjoyed

and many wild animals can be seen.

Not far from Mt. Yotei is Hangetsu

Lake, a small crescent-shaped crater lake

that provides an oasis for hikers near the

Mt. Yotei trailhead. At the summit there’s

a 700-m-diameter, 200-m-deep crater that

is home to more than 130 varieties of

wild birds. There are 4 routes up Mt.

Yotei, each one taking between 4 and 6

hours to reach the summit.

Approximately an hour and a half up

the trail of Mt. Orofure, which spans the

borders of Sobetsu, Noboribetsu and

Shiraoi, various alpine plants can be seen

by the wayside, and the summit affords a

360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Yotei,

Lake Toya, Lake Kuttara and beyond.

■The sailboats at Notsuke PeninsulaThe sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula■The sailboats at Notsuke Peninsula

Hokkaido heritagehttp://www.hokkaidoisan.org

Access Shikotsuko Hot Spring（Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center） Approx. 80 min. by bus from Sapporo Station; 30 min. from central Chitose; or 55 min. from New Chitose Airport.

Toyako Hot Spring (Toyako Visitor Center, Volcano Science Museum) Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Toya Takarada Nature Experience House Approx. 2 hours by car from Sapporo

Mt. Yotei 2 hrs. 30 min. by JR train to Hirafu Station from Sapporo

4 The Great Outdoors 5Walk Talk

Sosei River Park, Nijo Market and Tanuki Koji areaShikotsu-Toya National Park Toyako Visitor Centerhttp://www.toyako-vc.jp/en/

©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association

©Sapporo Parks and Greenery Association

Photos by Hokkaido Regional Environment Office (Ministry of the Environment)

Photos by Hokkaido Heritage Council

6 Luxury Zone 7Relaxing Hot Spots

With 9 varieties of hot springs gushing

from the surrounding hills, Noboribetsu is

one of Japan’s most famous spa resorts.

Of the 2,000 or so hot-spring resorts

throughout the nation, Noboribetsu Onsen

has been chosen as “Japan’s number one”

by professionals from the tourism

industry, in terms of all-round satisfaction

regarding service, hospitality and

spring-water quality. In recent years the

number of overseas visitors from places

like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea has

also been increasing.

Nine varieties of springs gush out

10,000 tons of water each day, with

temperatures ranging from 45 to 90°C.

One of the rarest spa resorts in the

world – a veritable hot-spring paradise.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)Just a couple of minutes walk from the

center of the Noboribetsu Spa town,

boiling water, steam and volcanic gases

spew from the ground amid a pungent

smell of sulfur – a glimpse of hell amid

a hot-tub heaven.

Enma Daio (Great King Yama)The good are shown to heaven with the

face of compassion; the bad are passed

judgment to hell with the face of wrath.

Enma Daio is an imposing figure 4

meters wide, 8 meters long and 6 meters

high. His eyes light up, his tusks are

bared, his red mouth opens, his arms are

raised and his roars echo around – The

number one float in Japan.

Lake Kuttara A circular caldera lake, 8 km in

circumference, which is known to be

one of the clearest in Japan. The

mystery and beauty of the lake seems to

draw you closer to it.

Noboribetsu Bear ParkThe world’s largest bear park, with over

100 of the magnificent beasts exhibited

in various ways, including a human cage

that enables visitors to experience the

thrill of being in the bears’ midst. The

park also includes a specialist bear

museum to learn more about the

animals, and Yukara-no Sato in which

Ainu lifestyles are reproduced.

Noboribetsu Date Historical Village A theme park in which the culture,

streets and lifestyles of the people of the

Edo period in Hokkaido are reproduced

for the enjoyment of visitors.

Ninety-four wooden buildings

reproduced in spacious grounds, as well

as ninja shows and other interesting

attractions for all the family.

Marine Park NIXEA spacious aquarium facility based

around European-style streetscapes and

the NIXE Castle, which is modeled on

an actual castle that exists in Denmark.

Attractions include an 8-m-high “Crystal

Tower” tank that houses Napoleon Fish,

an aqua-tunnel through which visitors

can walk on the “sea bed” while

watching the fish swim all around, as

well as penguin parades, dolphin and

seal shows and much, much more.

Major hotels Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu

Special suites offering 100 m2 of luxury

and a 10th-floor view.

All rooms come complete with baths

with views, enabling guests to relax in

style while taking in the sights of the

abundant natural surroundings. Enjoy

fine cuisine in the privacy of your own

room as well as other luxuries, including

your own personal bedrock baths, salons,

and breakfast room-service free of

charge.

Takinoya

Rooms with their own spacious, private

outdoor baths filled with Noboribetsu’s

turbid water, which leaves bathers’ skin

as smooth as silk, as well as windows

that overlook the garden or the foot of the

mountain. Everything, from the baths to

the rooms, the cuisine and the scenery is

of the highest quality. The tastefully

fitted grand bathhouse, with its trees and

rocks, is supplied by no less than 4

different spring sources (3 different

sources in the female bathhouse).

Attention to detail and safety enable the

elderly to bathe in comfort.

Located on top of the 625-m-high Mt. Poromoi, The Windsor Hotel overlooks

Lake Toya to the east and Uchiura Bay to the west. Room rates start from around

40,000 yen per night, with suites from 100,000 to 1,360,000 yen per night. Many

of the hotel’s guests are from among the wealthier echelons of Hong Kong and Singapore.

The 11-story building with basement floor is 50 meters tall and 215 meters long

and has 398 guest rooms. The total floor space of 28,474 square meters includes

restaurants, bars and a bakery, as well as a hot-spring bath, spa, pool and esthetic

salon, and the grounds boast a private golf course (or private ski piste in winter).

The Windsor Hotel TOYA was the venue for the 34th G8 Summit held in the

summer of 2008.

The residential resort hotel overlooking Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay

The Windsor Hotel TOYAThe Windsor Hotel TOYA　The Windsor Hotel TOYA　Hokkaido’s top-brand summit hotel

Situated on a peak overlooking Lake

Toya and Uchiura Bay, the hotel is

surrounded by breathtaking natural

beauty, perfect for both physical and

mental relaxation. All rooms

command panoramic views of the

lake or the sea, and the finest quality

furniture, interiors, linen, amenities

and lighting create a feeling of

luxury that’s second to none.

Presidential Suite Two 230-m2 suites, one facing the lake and the other the ocean, each with a walk-in closet large enough to house the wardrobes of long-stay guests, and fitted with the latest audio-visual entertainment system worthy of the suite’s name. Fine details ensure an atmosphere of total splendor. Access is via a special doorway in a marble corridor, which also connects the two suites via an inner courtyard to create the Grand Presidential Suite made up of both spaces. The ultimate privacy and security guaranteed.Lake view ¥735,000 Ocean view ¥630,000 Grand Presidential Suite 500 m2 ¥1,365,000

Michel Bras Toya Japon The Bras specialty, gargouillou and many other dishes that bring out the distinctive flavors of fresh vegetables, seafood and meat are particularly suited to the Japanese taste. Chefs who trained under Bras himself recreate the style of the flagship restaurant here with Hokkaido ingredients. Every November, Bras and other staff from France arrive in Japan to hold a special fair.

Arashiyama Kitcho Internationally renowned as one of Japan’s most prominent traditional restaurants, Kitcho originates from the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and is widely regarded as being the best of its kind. As expected, the creations of Kunio Tokuoka, master of the flagship establishment and one of the younger members of Japanese cuisine’s elite, never fail to bring out the best of the potential of Hokkaido’s ingredients.

Restaurants

French & Italian Gilligan’s Island A kitchen equipped to accommodate both Italian and French cuisine, providing the best of both worlds. Breakfasts are particularly special, as the morning sun fills the large windows while guests enjoy perfectly cooked eggs and homemade ham … with champagne. Lunchtime and dinner menus include a choice of full-course or a-la-carte dishes.

Teppanyaki Out of Africa Offering fresh delicacies from the seas around Hokkaido and specially selected ingredients from throughout Japan. Enjoy a new twist in the teppanyaki restaurant image, with an urban atmosphere reminiscent of New York. Watch in delight as the chef prepares meat and seafood before your very eyes.

AccessBy trainApprox. 100 min. from Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, then 40 min. by free shuttle bus from Toya Station

By carApprox. 2 hours from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport Free parking for 342 carshttp://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/

Bloom Spa ToyaEnjoy a broad range of treatment amid the relaxing surroundings of the spa

facilities. Experience the delights of a full-body oil massage complete with

comforting aromatic therapy.

Pool and outdoor activities A spacious all-weather indoor pool complete with Jacuzzi, tanning salon and

thermal chamber (low temperature sauna), as well as tennis courts and a

private golf course known as The Windsor Great Peak of TOYA ensure that

guests are never far from somewhere to play. The adjacent national park also

provides opportunities for mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, canoeing,

rafting, paragliding, bird watching and much, much more.

One of Japan’s most prominent hot-spring heavens p p p g

Noboribetsu Onsen Noboribetsu Tourism Associationhttp://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/eng/Tel. 0143-84-3311

AccessSapporo Noboribetsu: approx. 80 min. by JR express train　New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Station: approx. 50 min. by JR express train （transfer at Minami Chitose JR Noboribetsu Station Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 15 min. by bus New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 60 min. by bus

Photos by the Windsor Hotels International Co., Ltd.Photos by Noboribetsu Tourism Association

6 Luxury Zone 7Relaxing Hot Spots

With 9 varieties of hot springs gushing

from the surrounding hills, Noboribetsu is

one of Japan’s most famous spa resorts.

Of the 2,000 or so hot-spring resorts

throughout the nation, Noboribetsu Onsen

has been chosen as “Japan’s number one”

by professionals from the tourism

industry, in terms of all-round satisfaction

regarding service, hospitality and

spring-water quality. In recent years the

number of overseas visitors from places

like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea has

also been increasing.

Nine varieties of springs gush out

10,000 tons of water each day, with

temperatures ranging from 45 to 90°C.

One of the rarest spa resorts in the

world – a veritable hot-spring paradise.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)Just a couple of minutes walk from the

center of the Noboribetsu Spa town,

boiling water, steam and volcanic gases

spew from the ground amid a pungent

smell of sulfur – a glimpse of hell amid

a hot-tub heaven.

Enma Daio (Great King Yama)The good are shown to heaven with the

face of compassion; the bad are passed

judgment to hell with the face of wrath.

Enma Daio is an imposing figure 4

meters wide, 8 meters long and 6 meters

high. His eyes light up, his tusks are

bared, his red mouth opens, his arms are

raised and his roars echo around – The

number one float in Japan.

Lake Kuttara A circular caldera lake, 8 km in

circumference, which is known to be

one of the clearest in Japan. The

mystery and beauty of the lake seems to

draw you closer to it.

Noboribetsu Bear ParkThe world’s largest bear park, with over

100 of the magnificent beasts exhibited

in various ways, including a human cage

that enables visitors to experience the

thrill of being in the bears’ midst. The

park also includes a specialist bear

museum to learn more about the

animals, and Yukara-no Sato in which

Ainu lifestyles are reproduced.

Noboribetsu Date Historical Village A theme park in which the culture,

streets and lifestyles of the people of the

Edo period in Hokkaido are reproduced

for the enjoyment of visitors.

Ninety-four wooden buildings

reproduced in spacious grounds, as well

as ninja shows and other interesting

attractions for all the family.

Marine Park NIXEA spacious aquarium facility based

around European-style streetscapes and

the NIXE Castle, which is modeled on

an actual castle that exists in Denmark.

Attractions include an 8-m-high “Crystal

Tower” tank that houses Napoleon Fish,

an aqua-tunnel through which visitors

can walk on the “sea bed” while

watching the fish swim all around, as

well as penguin parades, dolphin and

seal shows and much, much more.

Major hotels Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu

Special suites offering 100 m2 of luxury

and a 10th-floor view.

All rooms come complete with baths

with views, enabling guests to relax in

style while taking in the sights of the

abundant natural surroundings. Enjoy

fine cuisine in the privacy of your own

room as well as other luxuries, including

your own personal bedrock baths, salons,

and breakfast room-service free of

charge.

Takinoya

Rooms with their own spacious, private

outdoor baths filled with Noboribetsu’s

turbid water, which leaves bathers’ skin

as smooth as silk, as well as windows

that overlook the garden or the foot of the

mountain. Everything, from the baths to

the rooms, the cuisine and the scenery is

of the highest quality. The tastefully

fitted grand bathhouse, with its trees and

rocks, is supplied by no less than 4

different spring sources (3 different

sources in the female bathhouse).

Attention to detail and safety enable the

elderly to bathe in comfort.

Located on top of the 625-m-high Mt. Poromoi, The Windsor Hotel overlooks

Lake Toya to the east and Uchiura Bay to the west. Room rates start from around

40,000 yen per night, with suites from 100,000 to 1,360,000 yen per night. Many

of the hotel’s guests are from among the wealthier echelons of Hong Kong and Singapore.

The 11-story building with basement floor is 50 meters tall and 215 meters long

and has 398 guest rooms. The total floor space of 28,474 square meters includes

restaurants, bars and a bakery, as well as a hot-spring bath, spa, pool and esthetic

salon, and the grounds boast a private golf course (or private ski piste in winter).

The Windsor Hotel TOYA was the venue for the 34th G8 Summit held in the

summer of 2008.

The residential resort hotel overlooking Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay

The Windsor Hotel TOYAThe Windsor Hotel TOYA　The Windsor Hotel TOYA　Hokkaido’s top-brand summit hotel

Situated on a peak overlooking Lake

Toya and Uchiura Bay, the hotel is

surrounded by breathtaking natural

beauty, perfect for both physical and

mental relaxation. All rooms

command panoramic views of the

lake or the sea, and the finest quality

furniture, interiors, linen, amenities

and lighting create a feeling of

luxury that’s second to none.

Presidential Suite Two 230-m2 suites, one facing the lake and the other the ocean, each with a walk-in closet large enough to house the wardrobes of long-stay guests, and fitted with the latest audio-visual entertainment system worthy of the suite’s name. Fine details ensure an atmosphere of total splendor. Access is via a special doorway in a marble corridor, which also connects the two suites via an inner courtyard to create the Grand Presidential Suite made up of both spaces. The ultimate privacy and security guaranteed.Lake view ¥735,000 Ocean view ¥630,000 Grand Presidential Suite 500 m2 ¥1,365,000

Michel Bras Toya Japon The Bras specialty, gargouillou and many other dishes that bring out the distinctive flavors of fresh vegetables, seafood and meat are particularly suited to the Japanese taste. Chefs who trained under Bras himself recreate the style of the flagship restaurant here with Hokkaido ingredients. Every November, Bras and other staff from France arrive in Japan to hold a special fair.

Arashiyama Kitcho Internationally renowned as one of Japan’s most prominent traditional restaurants, Kitcho originates from the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and is widely regarded as being the best of its kind. As expected, the creations of Kunio Tokuoka, master of the flagship establishment and one of the younger members of Japanese cuisine’s elite, never fail to bring out the best of the potential of Hokkaido’s ingredients.

Restaurants

French & Italian Gilligan’s Island A kitchen equipped to accommodate both Italian and French cuisine, providing the best of both worlds. Breakfasts are particularly special, as the morning sun fills the large windows while guests enjoy perfectly cooked eggs and homemade ham … with champagne. Lunchtime and dinner menus include a choice of full-course or a-la-carte dishes.

Teppanyaki Out of Africa Offering fresh delicacies from the seas around Hokkaido and specially selected ingredients from throughout Japan. Enjoy a new twist in the teppanyaki restaurant image, with an urban atmosphere reminiscent of New York. Watch in delight as the chef prepares meat and seafood before your very eyes.

AccessBy trainApprox. 100 min. from Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, then 40 min. by free shuttle bus from Toya Station

By carApprox. 2 hours from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport Free parking for 342 carshttp://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/

Bloom Spa ToyaEnjoy a broad range of treatment amid the relaxing surroundings of the spa

facilities. Experience the delights of a full-body oil massage complete with

comforting aromatic therapy.

Pool and outdoor activities A spacious all-weather indoor pool complete with Jacuzzi, tanning salon and

thermal chamber (low temperature sauna), as well as tennis courts and a

private golf course known as The Windsor Great Peak of TOYA ensure that

guests are never far from somewhere to play. The adjacent national park also

provides opportunities for mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, canoeing,

rafting, paragliding, bird watching and much, much more.

One of Japan’s most prominent hot-spring heavens p p p g

Noboribetsu Onsen Noboribetsu Tourism Associationhttp://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/eng/Tel. 0143-84-3311

AccessSapporo Noboribetsu: approx. 80 min. by JR express train　New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Station: approx. 50 min. by JR express train （transfer at Minami Chitose JR Noboribetsu Station Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 15 min. by bus New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Spa: approx. 60 min. by bus

Photos by the Windsor Hotels International Co., Ltd.Photos by Noboribetsu Tourism Association

8 9Special Feature Special Feature

JR Hokkaido currently has two steam

locomotives in service – the C11-171

and the C11-207, both of which were

brought out of retirement in response to

railway enthusiasts’ calls to restore

services, which resumed in 1999 and

2000, respectively.

A total of 381 C11-type steam

engines were produced throughout the

whole of Japan between 1932 and

1947. These small-tank locomotives

were highly maneuverable and were

used throughout Japan on local lines

and for regional services as they could

be used in both forward and reverse

directions on local lines that were not

equipped with turntable devices. The

histories of both these engines are

documented below.

JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives

History of the C11-171

1940 Produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company

1942 Assigned to the Shumarinai Engine Depot on the Shinmei Line between Fukagawa and Nayoro

1954 Assigned to the Oshamanbe Engine Depot, operating on the Setana Line

1973 Undergoes its final inspection at the Naebo Workshop

1975 Transferred to the Kushiro Engine Depot before finally being decommissioned on the Shibetsu Line. In November, loaned out free of charge to the town of Shibecha to be statically preserved in Sakura Children’s Park.

Nov. 1998 Transferred from Shibecha to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work

Apr. 1999 Restoration completed May 1999 Operation of Suzuran-go services

begin on the Rumoi Line between Fukagawa and Rumoi

History of the C11-207

1941 Produced at the Hitachi Manufacturing Plant in Kasado

1945 Assigned to the Shizunai Engine Depot (used on the Hidaka Line)

1961-‘73 Assigned to depots in Muroran, Shizunai, Tomakomai, Oiwake and Oshamanbe (used on the Hidaka and Setana Lines)

1974 Final service on the Setana Line before being decommissioned the same year

1975 Loaned out free of charge to the town of Shizunai

1999 Transferred to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work

2000 Revival debut on October 7, operating between Sapporo and Niseko

Four seasons of JR Hokkaido steam locomotives Autumn Niseko

Period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between September 17 and November 3, 2011 Area of operation: Sapporo – Otaru – Kutchan – Rankoshi (1 round-trip per day)

Scheduled period of operation: Jan. 21 to Mar. 11 and Mar. 17 to 20, 2012Area of operation: Kushiro – Shibecha (one round-trip per day) 　※ Between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen on Jan. 21 & 22 and Mar. 19 & 20)

Scheduled period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between December 3 and 25, 2011Area of operation: Hakodate – Onuma Quasi-National Park (two round-trips per day)

Services in the Niseko region begin as the autumn leaves are turning color. Carriage

interiors are of period design from the ’20s, with varnished walls and wood-trimmed

seats.

Departs from Sapporo Station at 8:31 and passes through Teine before the Sea of

Japan appears on the right. After Otaru, the scenery changes to that of the mountains,

as smoke bellows from the engine as it makes its way up the incline before descending

into Yoichi, the gateway to the Shakotan Peninsula. Delicious seafood delights can be

enjoyed around Yoichi Station, and Kakizaki Shoten is particularly recommended.

From grilled-fish dishes to rice topped with delicious, fresh seafood – always a varied

menu available. Nearby is the Nikka Whisky Distillery, where tours and tasting can be

enjoyed.

After departing from Yoichi, countless orchards come into view as the train heads

towards Niki, the fruit town, where apples, grapes and other fruits can be picked

within walking distance of the station.

Once Mt. Yotei is in sight, Kutchan is not far away, then on to Niseko. A day-trip

onsen facility and rental bicycle shop can be found near Niseko Station, where those

who alight the train have three hours of free time before the return journey. Those

who remain aboard will reach the final station at Rankoshi at 12.27.

Services are operated to coincide with the period in which the Hakodate Christmas

Fantasy event is held. Crewmembers on the train wear Santa outfits to add to the

festive mood.

The journey from Hakodate to Onuma takes approximately one hour, providing excellent views of Mt. Komagatake and the Konuma lake on the way. After arriving at

Onuma, try the famous Onuma dumplings or take the Twinkle Bus for a sightseeing

tour around the park.

Winter Hakodate Christmas Fantasy

Winter Wetlands

White steam bellowing amid the pure white snow of the Kushiro Wetlands makes for

spectacular scenery, with “double heading” operation of two steam locomotives on

some days.

Outside is bitterly cold but inside the carriages are warmed with coal stoves; dried

squid snacks sold on the train can be heated on the stoves to enjoy along the way.

The train departs from Kushiro but before boarding, head to the Washo Market in

front of the station for a hearty feast: buy a bowl of rice and top it up with delicious

seafood from the stalls to make your own original dish. Not long after departing

from Kushiro Station, the train passes over Kushiro River, and in cold weather the

vapor rises from the river, creating a mysterious scene popular among the

photographers who gather there to capture the image.

In no time at all the train enters the Kushiro Wetlands, following the river as it

winds through the marshes. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Senmo Line

between Kushiro and Abashiri, most of which cannot be seen from the road. If

you’re lucky you may see a crane or two, or foxes or other wild animals. Kayanuma

Station along the route is known for being visited by cranes.

At the terminus station in Shibecha, the Twinkle Bus operates to coincide with the

arrival of the train, providing passengers with an opportunity to head on to Lake

Mashu, Kawayu Onsen or Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula

Every spring and summer, services operate amid the lush green surroundings of Mt.

Komagatake in southern Hokkaido.

As the train leaves Hakodate and begins the long ascent from the city, smoke

bellows from the engine as it powers up the hill. At the top, Lake Konuma and Mt.

Komagatake in the background come into view. From there to the terminus in Mori,

the shape of the majestic mountain continues to change with each angle from which it

is viewed. Passengers who alight at Onuma Koen Station can enjoy a stroll or take a

Twinkle Bus tour around the park.

The terminus station is in the town of Mori, which faces Funka Bay. The platform

is close to the sea, and on clear days Mt. Yotei can be seen across the bay. Here you

can enjoy the local delicacy of ikameshi – squid stuffed with flavored rice, which is also available as a hugely popular packed lunch at the station, and often wins prizes at

national competitions. Before the journey home, watch as they replenish the engine’s

water and prepare the train for the return trip.

On the way back to Hakodate, the train takes a different route as far as Onuma, via

Shikabe, and the views of Mt. Komagatake from the window differ again. As the

name suggests, Nagareyama Onsen Station en-route is a station close to a hot spring,

and passengers alighting here can enjoy the view of Mt. Komagatake from an

open-air bath.

Spring and summer Hakodate – Onuma

Scheduled period of operation: usually from late Apr. to early May and again from mid-July to mid-Aug. Scheduled area of operation: Hakodate – Mori (1 round-trip per day)

Days and times of services may differ;

please check the latest information on JR

Hokkaido’s website.

Reservations are required on all the steam

locomotives introduced here; tickets can be

purchased in advance at JR stations and

travel centers.

Special Hokkaido rail passes enable

overseas visitors to travel on all steam

locomotives. Hokkaido rail passes are

available for 3-, 5- or 7-day periods or for 4

days of your choice during a 10-day period.

For details, visit the websites below

English: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.htmlTraditional Chinese: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/chinese/index.htmlSimplified Chinese: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/cn/index.htmlKorean:http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/korean/index.html

© Hokkaido Railway Company

© Hokkaido Railway Company

© Hokkaido Railway Company

Kushiro

8 9Special Feature Special Feature

JR Hokkaido currently has two steam

locomotives in service – the C11-171

and the C11-207, both of which were

brought out of retirement in response to

railway enthusiasts’ calls to restore

services, which resumed in 1999 and

2000, respectively.

A total of 381 C11-type steam

engines were produced throughout the

whole of Japan between 1932 and

1947. These small-tank locomotives

were highly maneuverable and were

used throughout Japan on local lines

and for regional services as they could

be used in both forward and reverse

directions on local lines that were not

equipped with turntable devices. The

histories of both these engines are

documented below.

JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives JR Hokkaido Steam Locomotives

History of the C11-171

1940 Produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company

1942 Assigned to the Shumarinai Engine Depot on the Shinmei Line between Fukagawa and Nayoro

1954 Assigned to the Oshamanbe Engine Depot, operating on the Setana Line

1973 Undergoes its final inspection at the Naebo Workshop

1975 Transferred to the Kushiro Engine Depot before finally being decommissioned on the Shibetsu Line. In November, loaned out free of charge to the town of Shibecha to be statically preserved in Sakura Children’s Park.

Nov. 1998 Transferred from Shibecha to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work

Apr. 1999 Restoration completed May 1999 Operation of Suzuran-go services

begin on the Rumoi Line between Fukagawa and Rumoi

History of the C11-207

1941 Produced at the Hitachi Manufacturing Plant in Kasado

1945 Assigned to the Shizunai Engine Depot (used on the Hidaka Line)

1961-‘73 Assigned to depots in Muroran, Shizunai, Tomakomai, Oiwake and Oshamanbe (used on the Hidaka and Setana Lines)

1974 Final service on the Setana Line before being decommissioned the same year

1975 Loaned out free of charge to the town of Shizunai

1999 Transferred to the Naebo Workshop to begin restoration work

2000 Revival debut on October 7, operating between Sapporo and Niseko

Four seasons of JR Hokkaido steam locomotives Autumn Niseko

Period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between September 17 and November 3, 2011 Area of operation: Sapporo – Otaru – Kutchan – Rankoshi (1 round-trip per day)

Scheduled period of operation: Jan. 21 to Mar. 11 and Mar. 17 to 20, 2012Area of operation: Kushiro – Shibecha (one round-trip per day) 　※ Between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen on Jan. 21 & 22 and Mar. 19 & 20)

Scheduled period of operation: every Sat., Sun. and public holiday between December 3 and 25, 2011Area of operation: Hakodate – Onuma Quasi-National Park (two round-trips per day)

Services in the Niseko region begin as the autumn leaves are turning color. Carriage

interiors are of period design from the ’20s, with varnished walls and wood-trimmed

seats.

Departs from Sapporo Station at 8:31 and passes through Teine before the Sea of

Japan appears on the right. After Otaru, the scenery changes to that of the mountains,

as smoke bellows from the engine as it makes its way up the incline before descending

into Yoichi, the gateway to the Shakotan Peninsula. Delicious seafood delights can be

enjoyed around Yoichi Station, and Kakizaki Shoten is particularly recommended.

From grilled-fish dishes to rice topped with delicious, fresh seafood – always a varied

menu available. Nearby is the Nikka Whisky Distillery, where tours and tasting can be

enjoyed.

After departing from Yoichi, countless orchards come into view as the train heads

towards Niki, the fruit town, where apples, grapes and other fruits can be picked

within walking distance of the station.

Once Mt. Yotei is in sight, Kutchan is not far away, then on to Niseko. A day-trip

onsen facility and rental bicycle shop can be found near Niseko Station, where those

who alight the train have three hours of free time before the return journey. Those

who remain aboard will reach the final station at Rankoshi at 12.27.

Services are operated to coincide with the period in which the Hakodate Christmas

Fantasy event is held. Crewmembers on the train wear Santa outfits to add to the

festive mood.

The journey from Hakodate to Onuma takes approximately one hour, providing excellent views of Mt. Komagatake and the Konuma lake on the way. After arriving at

Onuma, try the famous Onuma dumplings or take the Twinkle Bus for a sightseeing

tour around the park.

Winter Hakodate Christmas Fantasy

Winter Wetlands

White steam bellowing amid the pure white snow of the Kushiro Wetlands makes for

spectacular scenery, with “double heading” operation of two steam locomotives on

some days.

Outside is bitterly cold but inside the carriages are warmed with coal stoves; dried

squid snacks sold on the train can be heated on the stoves to enjoy along the way.

The train departs from Kushiro but before boarding, head to the Washo Market in

front of the station for a hearty feast: buy a bowl of rice and top it up with delicious

seafood from the stalls to make your own original dish. Not long after departing

from Kushiro Station, the train passes over Kushiro River, and in cold weather the

vapor rises from the river, creating a mysterious scene popular among the

photographers who gather there to capture the image.

In no time at all the train enters the Kushiro Wetlands, following the river as it

winds through the marshes. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Senmo Line

between Kushiro and Abashi