Highlights from my most recent Japan trip back in September 2024. This trip would is my 4th time in Japan. Starting in Sapporo I went to Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Nagasaki, Hakata, Beppu, Kagoshima, Atami, and then ending in Tokyo. Kyushu was my highlight of the trip especially Nagasaki, as it was a new region I had yet to explore.

##Sapporo Coming back to Sapporo during the summer was definitely the right play as Japanese summers are usually brutal. I had previously gone to Sapporo in the dead of winter when it was snowing so seeing mountains full of trees and greenery is refreshing. I visited a few popular sights around Sapporo and basically took it easy to relax at various parks and historical sights.

Around Sapporo I took a couple of day trips to Asahikawa, Otaru, and Yoichi (for the whiskey distillery)

Furano Melon (Melons were in seasons)

Sapporo Clock Tower at Night (great night life around)

Moerenuma Park

Scenic Train ride to Asahikawa

Mt. Moiwa Observatory at Night (best night view in Sapporo)

Sapporo City during the day (as seen from Mt. Maruyama)

Otaru Historical Warehouse

Otaru City (thought this looked nice)

Otaru Music Box Museum (I could spend all day here)

Nikka Yoichi Distillery

Nikka Yoichi Distillery Sign

Noboribetsu

Along the way to Hakodate I stopped at Noboribetsu, a region known for it’s hell hot spring and parks.

Hell Hot Springs

Hell Hot Springs from a close walkway

Lake Kuttara

Hell Ramen

Hakodate

Hakodate is a port city that has many historical and small city quirks with a relaxed atmosphere. Arriving in Hakodate via the Super Hokuto Express train, I started my sightseeing at Onuma National Park. It was listed as a new top view of Japan for it’s natural island formations and views of Mt Komagatake. Luckily the city is small so transportation was less of an issue. You could realistically walk through all the main sightseeing locations (minus Gorykaku, and Onuma)

At the tip of Hakodate is another top three night of Japan, Mt. Hakodate, which on that night was very crowded. However, I met a great group of friends from Germany and Austria trying to similarly get off of Mt. Hakodate. We ate at Lucky Pierrot a local burger chain which honestly was one of the better burgers I’ve had from Japan (Japanese hamburgers are a hit or miss). Other than that, Hakodate was charming, laid back, and fantastic to visit.

Mt. Komagtake from Onuma Park

Gorykaku Fort as seen from Gorykaku Tower

Hakodate City from Mt. Hakodate Sunset (before the crowds)

Hakodate City from Mt. Hakodate Night

Cape Tachimachi - yes you have to walk through a cemetery to get here

Cemetery near Cape Tachimachi

Hakodate Slopes (they’re famous for slopes)

Overall the Hokkaido region in general is one of my favorite based on scenery and nature so easily accessible. It is quite touristy in many locations, but it’s popular for a reason.

Nagasaki

Flying in from Hakodate I landed in Nagasaki, I can definitely say this is one of my favorite cities in all of Japan. Minus the fact it was 36C almost every day, the views, culture, people, and food are some of best I’ve experienced in Japan. Nagasaki’s topography places many houses and parks on hilly but picturesque locations. Surprisingly few tourists visit Nagasaki, most destinations were filled with school trips, and the occasional Japanese road-tripper (especially at Nabekanmuri Park!)

If you like Irozuku this is the city to take all of your dream shots and fulfill your anime pilgrimage.

Nagasaki Mt. Inasa

Nagasaki Peace Park

Nagasaki Glover Garden

Nagasaki Mt. Nabekanmuri Park

Chinatown

Kyushu Shinkansen

I took a day trip to Takeo-onsen to see Mifuneyama Rakuen. After I got back to Nagasaki I was able to catch a dragon dance in front of the station at night.

Minfuneyama Rakuen (near Takeo-Onsen Station)

Takeo-Onsen Shrine

LaLaport Fukuoka Gundam Statue