At Shiretoko, the north-eastern part of Hokkaido, brown bears roam free on the mountains overlooking the Sea of Okhostk and Stellars Sea Eagle fly above the deep blue ocean full of whales and dolphins. The Shiretoko peninsula is the home of Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO world heritage centre to protect the diverse and unique wildlife. It was one of the first settlements for the Ainu people in Hokkaido and now my favourite getaway when I want to be surrounded by mountains and sea. There is a lot more to Shiretoko than wildlife watching, so read along to know what awaits in this remote sanctuary.
Rebun Island – The undiscovered retreat of Hokkaido
Second in the series of secret islands in Hokkaido, is Rebun. With a tiny population of 2000 residents, Rebun island is a sibling of Rishiri. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, it boasts secluded mountains with gentle hilly curves decorated with wild flowers in the warmer season. Deliciously fresh seafood adds an extraordinary zing to this faraway land. Low altitudes and fewer mountains makes it much easier to trek and to witness the greens and blues of the island. There are plenty of places in Rebun, where you can feast your eyes on nature’s chemistry; below are some of the top spots.
Rishiri Island – The undiscovered retreat of Hokkaido
Ever dreamt of spending summer, on a remote island, where the four elements of nature meet? Where you get pure air to breath, peaceful and cold blue sea for a swim, dormant volcanoes a constant reminder of the fire burning within the Earth and isles covered with rare flora and fauna. Hokkaido is such a place where summer lasts for a very short period, but when it does it is nature at its best. In this summer series, I am going to talk about the unfrequented islands on the northernmost frontiers of Hokkaido which are quietly tucked away from mainland’s hustle and bustle. Rishiri is one such island, a true bliss for nature lovers.
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Best of what to eat when in Hokkaido
Before moving to Hokkaido, I was uncertain about many things. One of them was “What will I get to eat?”. Even though, I was familiar with the conventional Japanese food, moving to Hokkaido was a different ball game. My partner eased my fears by reassuring me that food in Hokkaido is very good and I will love it. After moving I found out, he was wrong. The food in Hokkaido is not just good, it is phenomenal. Undoubtedly, Hokkaido is famous for its seafood and milk, but it is not just about seafood donburi and softserve ice creams. Hokkaido’s rich soil and cold weather yields the finest quality of fresh produce, which is well exploited by the chefs here to produce world-class cuisines. Here is my list of food you should not miss when you are in Hokkaido. (more…)
Top Eight Ski Resorts – Hokkaido
I was standing on top of a snowy mountain, digging my feet in the snow to avoid sliding down. My stomach was full of fluttering butterflies but I wasn’t afraid, I knew I would fall soon after I let go of my grip. Instead, I felt happy, the feeling of standing up to myself and thinking I can do it even though I knew I couldn’t. Maybe it was the adrenaline, or maybe it was the majestic view of the sprawling city painted white with snow. With these emotions I attempted my first Ski experience last winter with countless falls sprinkled with fleeting moments of success. I am glad I live in Hokkaido, which becomes a big polar playground every winter, where you can come to bury you worries deep in the snow. If you are a skiing/snowboarding pro or a neophyte, there is something for everyone here. This is my list of the top eight ski resorts in Hokkaido where you can slide your way to white happiness.