Autumn Hokkaido travelling guide – Japan

Supersilly Traveller 4 Comments

Repost with updated information.

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.” – John Donne.

Unlike Sakura (cherry blossom), which comes in Southern Japan first, Koyo (autumn leaves) starts in Northern Japan. Autumn in Hokkaido usually arrives around mid September on the highlands. While moving to the southern part of the country, it slowly changes every leaf on its way, to a colourful flower. In this harvest season, the Japanese traditionally go out for Momijigari (autumn leaves viewing). Momjigari is also called as Kanpukai in Hokkaido. There are many breathtaking locations for autumn leaves viewing in Hokkaido. Below is a travelling guide with information on the sites, along with the best seasonal seafood to enjoy during autumn. (more…)

Himawari no Sato (北竜町ひまわりの里) Day trip – Sunflower field Hokkaido

Supersilly Traveller Leave a comment

Imagine a clear blue sky with the sun shining bright and yellow. You see the love of your life standing at a distance, surrounded by a field of beautiful sunflowers. Music playing in the background as you start running towards each other.

Sounds like the screenplay of a romantic movie? It doesn’t have to be. You can experience this yourself at  Himawari no Sato (ひまわりの里), a vast floral garden with over a million sunflowers. It is located in Hokuryu-cho, a sleepy town in western Hokkaido dotted with sunflower and sunflower motifs. Himawari no Sato is a great place for a summer day trip from Sapporo, Asahikawa or Furano. Read along to know more about this fascinating world of more than million shining suns.  

(more…)

Apple picking

Fruit picking at ten best orchards – Hokkaido

Supersilly Traveller Leave a comment

Every year from spring to autumn, Hokkaido beams with colourful nature and fresh agricultural produce. Fruits grown here are known for their delectable taste not just in Japan, but also overseas. Fruit farms in Hokkaido, offer a great way of enjoying nature’s candies by letting you pick your own fruits. Fruit picking or fruit hunting, is a popular harvest season activity among many Japanese families. The sheer joy of eating those freshly plucked juicy treats always takes me back to my childhood days, when I used to sneak into my neighbours yard to eat mangoes. Read along to get all the information on fruit picking and some of the best orchards in Hokkaido to visit.

(more…)

Asahiyama zoo redpanda

Asahiyama Zoo – Asahikawa

Supersilly Traveller Leave a comment

As a child, going to the zoo during summer holidays was always an exciting event. Then, I grew up and this exciting activity was not so likeable any more. Now, I am a mum and I suppose zoo trips are going to be a regular event until my little bub grows up. Recently, we were invited by some of the fellow parents for a trip to the Asahiyama zoo in Asahikawa. The Asahiyama zoo the most famous zoo in Hokkaido. I heard a lot about the Asahiyama zoo and I was keen on revisiting my favourite childhood venture. Its popularity along with an easy accessibility by public transport, makes it a good day trip destination for mum and dads with kids and kids free adults alike.

(more…)

Hokkaido’s largest lily garden- Onze Harukayama Yurien Otaru

Supersilly Traveller 5 Comments

Otaru is one of my favourite spots for a day tour from Sapporo in all seasons.  This old town of Hokkaido is known for its glass works, sushi, ski resorts, and a romantic canal giving it a feel of Venice. However, all this while I never knew about a secret that Otaru holds. It has the largest lily garden in Hokkaido, and probably one of the biggest in the country. The Onze Harukyama Yurien (lily garden) opens only for one short month in summer. In 2013, to attract more business, Snow cruise Onze ski resort in Otaru started this garden. Easy accessibility along with a view of stunning flowers with the Ishikari bay, makes the Onze Harukayama Lily garden, a great site for a quick visit.

(more…)