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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Niikappu sharing quite a few of those!
In the heart of Japan’s northernmost island, lies a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered – Niikappu.
Like a colorful tapestry woven with natural wonders, cultural splendor, and culinary delights, Niikappu promises to unravel a world beyond your imagination.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Niikappu:
1. Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake located in the town of Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: – Take a boat tour to admire the beautiful views of the clear lake and the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: – The Ice Festival in February, where the lake is transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures and other frozen attractions.
Insider travel tips: – Consider staying at one of the nearby ryokans to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese cultural experience.
2. Mount Tarumae
A volcanic mountain located in the town of Niikappu on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
What to see or do: The main attraction is a hiking trail that leads visitors up to the summit. The route is around 3.
5 km long, with an elevation gain of 1,000 meters.
Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Shikotsu and the Pacific Ocean.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view from the summit of Mount Tarumae is not to be missed. On clear days, it is possible to see all the way to the city of Sapporo.
Additionally, visitors might encounter some wildlife on the hike, such as foxes and deer.
Insider travel tips: The best time to hike Mount Tarumae is between June and September when the weather is milder and there is less snow on the mountain.
However, visitors should still come prepared with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.
It is also worth noting that the parking lot near the trailhead can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Finally, visitors might want to consider a dip in one of the nearby hot springs, such as Lake Shikotsu Onsen, to soothe their tired muscles after the hike.
3. Jozankei
A hot spring town located in Niikappu, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the natural hot springs in the area, walk around the scenic forests and mountains, and participate in local festivals and events.
Don’t miss: Soak in the various hot springs such as Hoheikyo Onsen and Jozankei Onsen, visit the Jozankei Dam for stunning views, and attend the annual Jozankei Kamaboko Festival in August.
Insider travel tips: Try local Hokkaido delicacies like fresh seafood and dairy products, stay at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) for the ultimate Japanese experience, and visit during autumn for breathtaking fall foliage views.
4. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
A popular ski resort located in Niikappu, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: You can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. The resort offers a variety of courses for all levels of skiers or snowboarders, from beginners to advanced.
There are also several restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat or warm up.
Don’t miss: The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Take a ride on the gondola and enjoy the scenery.
Insider travel tips: It’s a good idea to rent equipment in advance to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking for a more quiet and peaceful experience, it’s best to avoid weekends and holidays.
Also, try the local specialty food called “Jingisukan” – grilled mutton that’s famous in Hokkaido.
5. Moerenuma Park
A park in Niikappu, Japan designed by renowned sculptor and artist Isamu Noguchi.
What to see or do: Visit the Glass Pyramid, which serves as the entrance to the park and offers a stunning view of the entire site.
Walk around the park to see the various sculptures and gardens, including the Sea Fountain and the Space Ball.
Don’t miss: The Hidamari restaurant, which is shaped like a giant sunflower and offers delicious Japanese cuisine.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park during the winter months to see it transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures and a snow slide.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothing! Also, consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the lush green lawns of the park.
6. Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Niikappu, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visit the main shrine building and explore the beautiful forested grounds. Take part in traditional Japanese prayers and ceremonies.
Don’t miss: The beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. To really experience the serenity of the shrine, try to visit during off-peak hours.
Remember to show respect for the religious customs and traditions during your visit.
7. Shiroi Koibito Park
A chocolate factory and theme park located in Niikappu, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see how chocolate is made at the factory, and explore the park’s various exhibitions and attractions, including a rose garden and a European-style village.
Don’t miss: Trying the park’s signature treat, Shiroi Koibito cookies, which are two thin butter cookies with white chocolate sandwiched in the middle.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early, as the park can get crowded later in the day. Also, bring some yen with you, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
Finally, consider taking the factory tour first, as it can get busy later in the day.
8. Odori Park
Odori Park is a beautiful public park located in the small town of Niikappu, in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the park and admire the picturesque scenery. The park features beautiful flower gardens, lush greenery and several walking paths.
There is also a small pond where visitors can rent boats and enjoy a relaxing boat ride.
Don’t miss: The famous “Odori Bridge,” which is a beautiful wooden pedestrian bridge that spans across the park’s pond. The bridge is a popular spot for photography and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Odori Park is during the summer months when the park is in full bloom.
9. Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is a zoo located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan. It is famous for its unique approach to animal viewing and is the most popular zoo in Japan.
What to see or do: The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including polar bears, penguins, red pandas, and more.
One of the main attractions of the zoo is the animal shows, featuring animals like penguins, seals, and birds of prey.
The zoo also has various exhibits, including the ‘Penguin Parade’ and the ‘Arctic Fox Pavilion,’ which both allow visitors to get up close to the animals.
Don’t miss: The zoo’s most famous attraction is the polar bear exhibit.
Visitors can watch the polar bears swim and play in the water through a glass tunnel, providing a truly unique viewing experience.
The ‘Night Zoo’ is another must-see. During this time, certain animal exhibits are open when they would typically be sleeping, allowing for a different perspective.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, as the zoo can get quite busy during peak season. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, as the zoo is quite large and requires a lot of walking.
Finally, be sure to try the local Hokkaido cuisine available at the various restaurants and food stalls within the zoo.
10. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is a world-renowned venue for ski jumping competitions, located in the town of Niikappu, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a lift to the top of the hill and enjoy panoramic views of the city of Sapporo from the observation deck.
In winter, they can watch ski jumping competitions by professional athletes, including the annual FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
Don’t miss: The view from the observation deck is breathtaking, offering visitors a stunning glimpse of the surrounding mountains and Sapporo city below.
The ski jumping competitions are exciting to watch, especially during the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, and provide a unique opportunity to experience an important part of Japanese winter sports culture.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes to navigate the stairs leading up to the observation deck.
As the stadium is located on top of a hill, it can be quite windy, so wearing a hat or scarf is also recommended.
It’s also worth noting that the lift to the observation deck can get quite busy during peak times, so visitors should plan ahead to avoid long queues.
11. Furano Wine Factory
Furano Wine Factory is a winery located in Niikappu town, on the southwest of Hokkaido island.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the factory and see the process of wine production, as well as sample a variety of wines produced on site.
Don’t miss: Make sure to try the Furano Wine Factory’s signature wines, such as Kerner and Pinot Noir, which are only available for purchase at the winery.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to bring a bottle opener if you plan on purchasing a bottled wine, as the winery doesn’t provide them.
It’s also recommended to visit in summer when the landscape surrounding the winery is beautifully lush and green.
12. Biei Blue Pond
The Biei Blue Pond is a man-made body of water located in the town of Niikappu, which is known for its strikingly vibrant blue color and unique formation.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pond or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and science behind its formation.
The area surrounding the pond is also home to several hiking trails, allowing for stunning views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the pond during the fall season, when the surrounding foliage burst into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold.
Insider travel tips: – Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, so plan accordingly.
13. Sapporo TV Tower
Niikappu is a small town located on the east coast of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its traditional hot springs and scenic views.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax in one of Niikappu’s many hot springs, such as the famous Koganeyu Onsen, which is said to have healing properties due to its high iron content.
The town also offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and beautiful coastal scenery to explore.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional Japanese hot spring bath, or onsen, surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Niikappu.
Insider travel tips: For a unique experience, try the “ashiyu” foot bath at one of Niikappu’s hot spring locations. It’s free to use and a great way to relax after a day of exploring.
Also, consider visiting in the fall season when the foliage is at its most vibrant.
14. Nijo Fish Market
Nijo Fish Market is a bustling fish market located in Niikappu, a small town in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: At Nijo Fish Market, visitors can watch local fishermen haul in their daily catch and browse stalls selling a variety of fresh seafood.
The market also features several restaurants serving up delicious seafood dishes.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try some of the market’s specialty dishes, such as seafood rice bowls, sushi, and sashimi. The market is also known for its scallops, crab, and salmon roe.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Many of the stalls close up by early afternoon, so plan on visiting for breakfast or lunch.
Additionally, be prepared for a bit of a seafood scent – the market is lively and bustling, but it can also be a bit pungent.