For a rich cultural experience, take a stroll through Ainu Kotan – a small village within Akan town which is home to about 120 Ainu people. Ainu is a population indigenous to the Hokkaido region who believe that every part of nature, such as mountains or animals, houses a spirit inside. Browse through the traditional Ainu handicrafts which you can get as souvenirs, or get a glimpse into how the Ainu are intricately intertwined with nature through year-round performances.
Numerous onsen resorts and hotels line the lakeshore, overlooking its waters. Enjoy the view from the comfort of your room, or take in the scenery while soaking your feet at one of the foot baths in front of the hotels. You can even get a different angle of the scenery by hopping onto a cruise that will take you out to the centre of the lake.
Those looking to stretch their legs a bit can take the Usuzan Ropeway up to nearby Mount Usu, which is an active volcano. Follow one of the walking trails and take in autumn colours at your own pace. The fresh air here is sure to revitalise your spirits.
Looking for that perfect snapshot? Make a stop at Silo Observatory for a panoramic view of the entire area. This vantage point offers a variety of workshops – try your hand at making soba, ice-cream, or even caramel! Those who want to appreciate Lake Toya from an even greater height can rent a helicopter for an unmatchable bird’s-eye view.
The hot springs in Noboribetsu draw their spring waters from the nearby Jigokudani (Hell Valley), which is a crater created by volcanic activities in the area. The steam vents and bubbling pools of mud create an intimidating sight that led to the area being dubbed as the “place where demons live”, hence the derivation of the name. Jigokudani features many motifs that play upon this name, and you will be sure to find many statues and figurines of oni (demons) around.
Further down from Jigokudani is Oyunuma, a large sulphurous pond with piping hot waters. It diverges into a river which flows through the forest, with steam wafting gently off the water surface as it dissipates into the woods. Visitors can stretch their legs in the river and let the peaceful tranquillity of the surrounding nature infuse their senses.
One will surely get hungry after all the sightseeing, so look out for some of the onsen tamago – eggs that are boiled in the onsen waters. Those who have tried onsen tamago elsewhere may expect the egg shells to have turned pitch black due to the sulphur in the onsen water while the colour of the shell of onsen tamago here remain largely unchanged. These eggs taste no less delicious with the egg yolk just on the right side of moist and chewy.
And good news for the hot spring egg lovers and those who would like to try them, there is a natural hot water pool named “egg hot water” in the middle of the hellish promenade. Here, you can cook as many hot spring eggs as you like!
For those looking for a simple day trip, take a stroll around this small and cosy onsen neighbourhood, and rest your feet at the free foot baths conveniently interspersed around the town. The roads here are flat and paved, making it a comfortable walk for all ages. Try to spot the kappa statues on the streets – the kappa, a creature from Japanese folklore, was named the town’s mascot because of its appearance in Jozankei’s local legends.
The prospect of traveling in Hokkaido may seem daunting at first, as many may think it a must to drive. However, this is not so – many of its best locations are surprisingly within reach by train and bus.
This treasure trove to the vast north boasts a dizzying array of places, each boasting their own individual charms. Every new location brings a prospect of new discovery, be it another face of Mother Nature, or a glimpse at age-old history. And at the end of another enlightening experience, let the hot springs lift the day’s weariness off your shoulders, so you may be ready for the next to come.
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