Night View from Mt Hakodate

Hakodate Itinerary: Things To Do For 2-Days in Hakodate

by | posted in: Hokkaido Japan | 0

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

A southern gateway to Hakodate, one of the port cities in Hokkaido. Read more on how to plan your one or two days Hakodate itinerary. My itinerary included!

Hakodate (函館市), one of Japan’s most underrated cities. This lovely city boasts a laid-back international atmosphere with mouth-watering fresh seafood. Spend one, two, or three days in Hakodate to wider your destination to southern Hokkaido. You’ll find Hakodate worth your visit.

Below two days Hakodate itinerary is highly recommended. It is ideal for those who love to get a good taste of Hakodate has to offer. My actual visit is one and half-day in Hakodate. After that, we were getting to Lake Toya at noon on the second day.

We have summarized our Hakodate trip with itinerary into this article. This Hakodate travel guide blog will include all the best things to do, food to eat, transportation guide, and money-saving tips. Hopefully, this Hakodate travel guide is helpful to plan on your coming Hakodate itinerary.

Hakodate Travel Tips: We recommended to stay nearby Hakodate Station for easy getting around and food hunting. The Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate is a minute’s walk from JR Hakodate Train Station. A cozy room with excellent service. One of the best-seller and Popular pick in Hakodate.

My Visit: Two Days Hakodate Itinerary

Before this, my visit to Hakodate keeps debating. We will keep changing the plan ever since I start planned for my Hokkaido trip. Compared with Sapporo, Hakodate does not offering a massive amount of things to do. Added, this city is located at southern Hokkaido. It required about 4 hours of express train journey from Sapporo with expensive transportation costs.

However, I am glad that I finally make the right decision. It not a bad idea to explore Hakodate. Most importantly, plan your Hokkaido itinerary properly. It can greatly save you some money.

Here are the best things to do in my Hakodate itinerary:

  • Arrived Hakodate. Check-in hotel and lunch with Lucky Pierrot Hamburger
  • Goryoyaku Tower and Park
  • Kanemori Red brick warehouses
  • Wandering around in Motomachi Street
  • Enjoy Night view in Mt Hakodate by Hakodateyama Ropeway
  • Eat the Hakodate specialty shio (salt) ramen
  • Next morning: Hakodate Morning Market. Have a seafood donburi (rice bowl) as breakfast.

Day 1: Japan’s Top Three Night View

Getting to Hakodate from Sapporo. Hakodate: Goryoyaku Tower and Park, Kanemori red brick warehouses, Mt. Hakodate

For long-distance travel, JR Pass is one of the important passes to save on the transportation fee. The most important thing to do when reached Sapporo is looked for JR Office.

To maximized on the 3 days JR Hokkaido Pass, we choose to depart from Sapporo in the morning. Thanks to the arrangement, we managed to arrived Hakodate before afternoon. Have a quick refresh after check-in to my accommodation in Hakodate. We are ready and excited exploring around.

Check out my stay in Smile Hotel Hakodate which strategic located nearby Hakodate station for easy moving around.

Lucky Pierrot Hamburger

Lucky Pierrot Hamburger

The first thing to do is looked for my lunch. We choose Lucky Pierrot Hamburger as our first meal in Hakodate. This popular burger shop is Hakodate homegrown fast food chain restaurant, offers unique burger in their menu. Try their Chinese Chicken Burger, served with deep fried chicken with sweet and spicy sauce.

Getting to Lucky Pierrot Hamburger: There are several restaurants in Hakodate. You can find at front of Hakodate station, Goryoukaku Park, nearby Kanemori red brick warehouse and more. Get the one suitable for your itinerary.

Goryokaku Fort: The Star Shaped Vista

Goryokaku Fort
Goryokaku Fort

Next, heading to Goryokaku Fort after the filling lunch. The old Goryakaku Fort is well known for its western star-shaped fort surrounded by a giant moat for defense. This fortress is built in the 1860s as a military installation.

Goryokaku Fort is now one of the best places to chill out in Hakodate. Moreover, it is also one of the best places for cherry blossom in Hokkaido with 1600 cherry trees surrounded during early of May.

Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park

It’s nice to take a stroll around Goryokaku Park. Fresh atmosphere, beautiful trees for green natural. Many locals bring their family or friends gathering at the park.

Former Hakodate Magistrate Office
Former Hakodate Magistrate Office

Hakodate Magistrate Office is the official government office of the Edo Shogunate. It has lots of interesting and informative exhibits on the magistrate and how this building was reconstructed.

Required to pay for ¥500 for the entrance. We did not enter this historical building and choose to wandering around in the park.

Goryokaku Tower Observatory
Goryokaku Tower Observatory

For the best view, go to Goryokaku Tower Observatory for the entire perfect star-shaped Goryakaku Park from above. The view of the park is stunningly beautiful. It gives a great view of the fort and surrounding Hakodate.

Admission cost about ¥900 for the access to 98 meters high of bird’s eye view. You can get the Goryokaku Tower Admission Ticket from Klook at cheaper price.

Getting to Goryokaku Fort: Many buses and trams can get you to the Goryokaku Fort. Access to Goryokaku Park from Hakodate station to Goryokaku Koen-mae stop. From there, walk another 10 minutes will get you to Goryoyaku Tower.

Kanemori Red brick Warehouse

Strolling at Kanemori Red brick Warehouse

Next, we were ready to explore the city center. Hakodate was one of the first ports open to foreign trade. So this explained the western-influenced facade of Kanemori red brick warehouse. It also one of the best places in Hakodate for a leisure visit.

Strolling along the Hakodate bay
Strolling along the Hakodate bay

Enjoy strolling along the Hakodate bay with a breathtaking view. Hopped on one of the shops selling souvenirs, fashion apparel, restaurants, and cafe. The famous Pastry Snaffle’s and Petite Merveille can be found at here.

Getting to Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse: From Jujigai tram station and walk for 5 minutes.

Motomachi: Historical Western Neighborhood

If you have time, consider include the visit to the historical Motomachi area. Several historical churches and western buildings are awaiting you to explore. The Russian Orthodox Church, Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, Hakodate Episcopal Church, Old British Consulate represents the Western Historical in Hakodate.

Getting to Motomachi: Take the tram and get off at Jujigai. Walk for 15 minutes uphill walk. 

Mount Hakodate: Million Dolar Night View

Night View from Mt Hakodate

We proceeded to Mt Hakodate for the unobstructed view of Hakodate. The Hakodate night view is voted as one of the world’s top three-night views. Celebrate your first night in Hakodate with the jewel-like nigh view on top of Mount Hakodate.

Make your way up to Mt Hakodate by the Hakodateyama Ropeway for 1780 yen. It is the most scenic way of getting up the peak at 334 meters. This attraction is extremely popular, so please arrive before the sunset and expected for the queuing time from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

See the breathtaking million-dollar night view of Hakodate from Mt. Hakodate Observation deck. Definitely worth the visit.

Getting to Mt. Hakodate: Access to Jujigai tram stop and walk for 10 minutes to the ropeway station. Take the 3 minutes ropeway ride to summit at ¥1280 for round trip. Alternative, Take the (#4) bus from Hakodate JR station directly to the summit at ¥400 with 30 minutes. 

Hakodate Shio Ramen From Ichimonji

Shio ramen from Ichimonji Hakodate Ramen
Shio ramen from Ichimonji Hakodate Ramen

Hakodate is famous for shio (salt) ramen. One of the must-try food when visiting Hakodate.

Our first day of Hakodate itinerary ended with one bowl shio ramen with home grow noodles. We went to Ichimonji Hakodate Ramen which specialty is shio ramen for our late dinner. The clear soup made from the chicken is very flavoury delicious. What a wonderful day!

Day 2: Hakodate Morning Market

Hakodate: Morning Market. Next, getting to Lake Toya from Hakodate 

Begin your second day with seafood donburi (rice bowl) as breakfast. A visit to Hakodate Morning Market is a must-do when visiting Hakodate. The night view at Mt. Hakodate and the morning market are the major attraction for staying one night in Hakodate.

Hakodate Morning Market

Hakodate Morning Market is located nearby Hakodate station with merely 5 minutes of walking distance. It starts opens as early as 5 a.m. and welcomes millions of locals and visitors every year.

Inside of Hakodate Morning Market
Inside of Hakodate Morning Market

Local produce and seafood such as scallop, sea urchins, salmon eggs, squids, crabs are fill up the whole market. Grab the famous Hokkaido scallop as souvenir. The price is very cheap compare to outside with a similar size and weight.

Squid Catching Challenge

Squid Catching Challenge in Hakodate Morning Market
Squid Catching Challenge in Hakodate Morning Market

You can try the squid catching challenge from the fishing pond. The chef will prepare the fresh sashimi from your catch.

Donburi Street at Hakodate Morning Market
Donburi Yokocho Ichiba / Donburi Street

Don’t miss the chance to try the local specialties at Donburi Yokocho Ichiba. It is a food alley arcade nearby the Hakodate morning market. Try the best donburi in Hokkaido at one of the seafood specialty shops here.

We choose the Ebisuya Sushi Shokudo at Donburi street. It offers over wide varieties of seafood donburi up to 50 types. The seafood is so fresh and delicious. I start missing my Hakodate trip.

Getting to Hakodate Morning market: 5 minutes walk from JR Hakodate Station

After the filling breakfast, we packed our luggage and proceed for our next destination to Lake Toya. Consider the 4 hours JR train ride from Sapporo to Hakodate, spending one day in Hakodate without overnight maybe too rush. Try to allocate your itinerary by staying one night in Hakodate. Don’t miss the best night view in Mt Hakodate and visit on Hakodate Morning Market at the next day.

Our two days Hakodate itinerary is just nice and cover most of the must-visit attraction in Hakodate. We enjoy the food and attraction in Hakodate.

Where To Stay

Hakodate city view from Goryokaku Tower Observatory
Hakodate city view from Goryokaku Tower Observatory

Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate: One of the best sellers in Hakodate. Thanks to its strategic location and classic interior design. Friendly and professional staff are ready to help with any problem.

FAV Hotel Hakodate: Newly open and brand clean with good access to the Hakodate Station and morning market. Spacious and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel: Mid-range accommodation stays in Hakodate which strategic located nearby JR Hakodate station. Spacious rooms are available for triple or four-person stay. Very suitable for a group of families.

HakoBA Hakodate is highly recommended for mid-budget travelers when looking for where to stay in Hakodate on a budget. It is a historical building that transformed into an affordable accommodation with a sleek design.

More Hakodate accommodation options: Where To Stay in Hakodate: Best Hotels Pick

Transportation Guide: How To Get To Hakodate

First of all, traveling in Japan is not cheap especially for transportation. However, Japan offering a wide range of transportation pass to ease for foreign visitors for traveling around.

Depending on where is your departure city and itinerary planning. The transportation cost to Hakodate is not cheap. The single way from Sapporo to Hakodate already cost about ¥8630. Therefore, it is best to get the JR pass to save on transportation expenses.

From Tokyo To Hakodate

By Shinkansen: Get the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass at ¥26,000 for 6 days flexible usage within the 14 days. This pass allows the Shinkansen usage between Tokyo to Hakodate which greatly saves a lot of money. Added, take the unlimited on the JR Hokkaido Lines (Southern Hokkaido) and JR East Lines (Kanto and Tohoku areas). If Hokkaido is part of your whole Japan visit, it is worth to consider the Whole Japan JR Pass.

The 4-hour bullet train journey from Tokyo Station will get you to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Lastly, change to Hakodate station on Hakodate Liner or Super Hokoto Limited Express with 20 minutes.

From Sapporo To Hakodate

By JR train: For long-distance travel, consider get the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass which valid 3, 5, 7 consecutive days or flexible 4 days. This pass included unlimited rides on JR trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) and JR buses. A single journey of JR train from Sapporo to Hakodate already costs about ¥8630. So this pass will pay off if you plan to travel for long distances and access to major famous attractions in Hokkaido.

Hokuto and Super Hokuto train depart hourly from Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station, with approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of the train journey.

By Highway Bus: The journey took about 5 and a half hours for the bus journey between Sapporo and Hakodate.

Rental Car: Most of the Hokkaido’s attractions are spreading around. Renting a car and getting around Hokkaido by self-driving is another great option when visiting Hokkaido. Drive at your own pace and exploring the beauty of Hokkaido freely. Visit RentalCars.com for car rental information at Hokkaido.

Getting Around in Hakodate

One day or two-day transportation pass is available for visiting Hakodate. A one day pass for trams is only ¥600. While one or two days pass for both trams and buses will cost you ¥1000/¥1700. Most of the attractions in Hakdote can be reach by walking. We will recommended buy the one-day trams pass if you take tram more than 3 times. We were getting the one-day tram pass for the first day during my two days Hakodate itinerary

Alternative, biking is extremely popular among locals and tourists without spending too much on transportation. Do check with your hotel for free bicycle usage.

Overall: Two days in Hakodate

A day trip to Hakodate is too rush as you might miss the Hakodate morning market and night view at Mt. Hakodate. These two attractions are the must-go when visiting Hakodate.

While Hakodate is not the last stop for our Hokkaido trip after this two days Hakodate itinerary. Keep reading for our next adventure at Mt. Usu and amazing stay at Lake Toya.

Lastly, this 2 days Hakodate itinerary is part of our travel blog post to Hokkaido. If you are interested, please continue to read on for more detail on the best place to visit in Hokkaido.

How To Plan Your Hokkaido Trip On Budget: Travel Guide, Itinerary & Money Saving Tips!

Takikawa Canola Flower Festival

Takikawa Canola Flower Festival: Hokkaido Flower Trip

by | posted in: Hokkaido Japan | 0

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Read more on how to get to Takikawa Canola Flower Festival during the blooming season. One of the amazing flower festival when visited Hokkaido in May.

Spring in Hokkaido is heralded by the blooming of several flowers. Sakura, lilac, tulips, canola, pink moss phlox and more are celebrate spring to the season. Don’t forget to plan a trip to the flower field when visiting Hokkaido in spring or summer.

Nanohana, also known as canola flower is one of the spring flowers in bright yellow color. It is popularly used for producing canola oil for healthy cooking purposes. This yellow plant is developed by a Canadian researcher. It is widely used as a replacement for rapeseed flowers which were toxic to the human body. The weather and soil in the Ebeotsu district are very suitable for canola flower. As a result, Takikawa is home of the largest canola flower field in Japan. It is now with more than 60 flower fields in Takikawa.

Nowadays, Takikawa Canola Flower Festival is one of the popular flower festival in Hokkaido. It is honoring the blooming season in late May every year. Subsequently, the flower field is opened to the public for mesmerized the beauty of canola flower.

Best Time For Canola Flower Blossom

Nanohana, also known as Canola Flower
Nanohana, also known as Canola Flower

Hokkaido start welcomes the canola flower from May. These lovely flowers are full blooming from mid to late May. Therefore, this is also the best time to celebrate the Canola Flower Festival. During this period, thousands of visitors will come to Takikawa to see the nanohana in full bloom.

That is to say, the exact date of the festival is decided based on the flower blossoming condition every year. But it normally will be held on weekend during late May.

Meanwhile, please remember to check on the latest update on the event. (Official Takikawa website: Click Here)

My Visit to Takikawa Canola Flower Festival

Takikawa Canola Flower Festival (滝川菜の花祭)
Takikawa Canola Flower Festival (滝川菜の花祭)

Takikawa Canola Flower Festival (滝川菜の花祭) is one of the popular activities in Takikawa. Several activities and events are lined up for locals and international visitors to join the celebration.

Read more on my visit to Takikawa Canola Flower Festival by public transport. It is also part of my Hokkaido flower trip beside the famous Shibazakura in Takinoue park.

Transportation Guide: How To Get To Takikawa Canola Flower Festival

First of all, the festival venue is not located near the city. The flower fields are scattered around in Ebeotsu district. Added, it keeps changing to avoid planting the same type of crops in the same place. As a result, you can have a different view of the canola flower field every year.

Takikawa Nanohanar Festival

The best transportation option is getting to the canola flower field by self-driving. Alternative, it is advisable to visit Takikawa during Canola Flower Festival. Transportation arrangements with shuttle service are provided with a minor charge. Certainly, this is a good option for travelers who rely on public transport.

From Asahikawa To Takikawa

Furano Biei Rail Ticket
Furano Biei Rail Ticket

Next, getting to Takikawa is pretty straight forward. JR trains and buses are connected between Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Takikawa. Generally, trains are faster compare with bus but cost more.

Well, we did some survey before our trip. As per my Hokkaido itinerary, the best and cheapest transportation option is getting Furano Biei Rail Ticket. This transportation pass will cover my return train journey from Sapporo to Asahikawa. Added, it provided unlimited train ride in Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Takikawa area within 4 consecutive days.

Thanks to this pass, my return train journey from Asahikawa to Takikawa was included.

Best Transportation Pass: Furano Biei Rail Ticket
  • Only available from mid/end of April to end of October
  • Valid for four consecutive days
  • Unlimited ride of local and rapid train in Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Takikawa area
  • Round trip from Sapporo to any unlimited area as above

    • From Takikawa Station To Nanohana Festival

    Takikawa Canola Flower Transportation Set Ticket
    Takikawa Canola Flower Transportation Set Ticket

    Once we reached Takikawa station, there was Takikawa Tourist Information Counter run by friendly locals. This is a special information counter set up during the Takikawa Canola Flower Festival.

    A friendly lady with English spoken explained on the transportation information on how to get to there. She advise us to get the transportation set ticket with 1600 yen. This combo ticket will provided return bus journey from Takikawa station to Canola Flower Festival. Besides, it also included a nanohana taxi ride for the canola flower tour.

    Canola Flower Tour
    Canola Flower Tour

    First of all, we hopped on the chuo bus from Takikawa station as per instruction. Next, we were got off at Ebeotsu Chuo Dori stop.

    From there, a special shuttle service, called nanohana taxi was running busy. This nanohana taxi will bring visitors for a special flower tour before heading to the festival venue. Enjoy the canola flower tour journey with the best viewing of canola flower.

    Takikawa Canola Flower Festival Event

    Walking Path At The Canola Flower Field

    There was a walking path built along the flower field to the festival venue. Enjoy the stroll while viewing the beautiful flower field.

    The view of yellow canola flower is so magnificent! Like an endless golden canola sea, stretching on as far as eyes can see.

    Celebration in Takikawa Canola Flower Festival

    The festival event is not too big. Few food stalls, souvenir stalls, and photo booth were allocated to celebrate the flower festival. The main venue of the Canola festival was elected at the largest canola flower field. In other words, the venue will be change each year.

    Takikawa Canola Flower Observation Deck
    Takikawa Canola Flower Observation Deck

    Added, an observation deck is built in the middle. Therefore, visitors can look over to the canola flower field from above. The yellow canola flowers together with blue sky will take your breath away.

    The View of Canola Flower With Mountain
    The View of Canola Flower With Mountain

    The view of yellow canola flower with snowy mountain and clear blue sky is absolutely amazing! Enjoy your time to take photo with the canola flower field.

    Overall: Day Trip To Takikawa Canola Flower Festival

    All in all, we spend about 2 to 3 hours in Takikawa Canola Flower Festival. My flower trip in Takikawa was ended with Jingisukan Daikokuya in Asahikawa.

    In short, May may not a good timing for lavender in Furano. But you really can’t miss the great opportunity for Shibazakura and Canola Flower Festival. One of the must do in Hokkaido if you are coming during May.

    Read more on my shibazakura flower trip to Takinoue Park, lovely moss phlox covered the hill like pink carpet.

    Where To Stay in Asahikawa

    JR Inn Asahikawa
    JR Inn Asahikawa. Photo Credit: Booking.com

    To sum up, Asahikawa is a great base to explore the nearby area like Furano, Biei, and Takikawa. We highly recommended stay at hotels nearby Asahikawa JR station.

    There are many hotels with different price range for your consideration. Get the best one to suit your budget and requirement.

    Pink carpet covered the hill with shibazakura

    Shibazakura Takinoue Park: Day Trip With Public Transport

    by | posted in: Hokkaido Japan | 0

    Last updated on September 14th, 2024

    Visit Shibazakura blossom park for pink moss phloxes is a must if you are visiting Hokkaido around the end of May. Read on how to plan your day trip to Shibazakura Takinoue Park with public transport.

    No doubt, Japan love flower so much. Japan is filled with multiple flower season through the year, from spring to summer. In Hokkaido, there is a time-limited flower blossom event that spread over the hill like a pink carpet. The flower is known as “Moss Phlox”, become the next main event after the famous cherry blossom in Japan is over.

    From mid to end of May, many visitors are coming to see the gorgeous flower park, filled with vibrant pink Shibazakura covered the whole hillside. It is one of the must-visit if you are visiting Hokkaido in the right timing.

    This spectacular flower field is one of the must-do for me after my cherry blossom trip in Kansai two years ago. The dazzling beauty of sakura blossom is one of the most memorable trips for me. I wish to mesmerized again by the beauty of nature with Shibazakura, one of the popular spring flower in Japan.

    Best Time For Shibazakura Blossom

    Shibazakura

    In general, the shape of shibazakura looks pretty similar to sakura. Shibazakura has 5 petals and occasionally 4 or 6 petals. Some say you will have good luck if you see the 4 petals pink moss phlox flower.

    Compare with cherry blossom, shibazakura is slightly better with longer lifespan. The blossom time is about few weeks, started in May. So, you are allowed to see these violet/pink/white flowers for a month.

    The perfect timing is the end of May for the truly amazing sights for this pink, purple, white flower fully blossom, covering the whole hillside. Their official website will give daily updates starting May on the blossom status so that you can estimate your visit.

    Shibazakura Park in Hokkaido

    Shibazakura Takinoue Park
    Shibazakura Takinoue Park in Hokkaido

    There are two famous places in Hokkaido with the amazing shibazakura field: Higashimokoto Park in Ozora and Takinoue Park in Takinoue town. Both are paradise for this pink moss phlox and celebrates the beautiful flowers with shibazakura Festival in spring. Unfortunately, limited public transport is available to reach both of the shibazakura park. Self-driving is the best transportation if you wish to mesmerized the pink moss phlox.

    How To Get To Shibazakura Higashimokoto Park

    Shibazakura Higashimokoto Park is the most beautiful shibazakura park in Hokkaido. Lies at the foot of Mt. Mokoto, Higashimokoto Park planted with shibazakura with about 100,000 square meters.
    The only concern is that Higashimokoto Park is further away, which located in eastern Hokkaido. From Sapporo, it required at least 6 hours of driving or 5.30 hours of express JR train to the closest town, Abashiri. It is best to stay one night in Abashiri and proceed to Higashimokoto Park at the next day. The entrance fee costs 500 yen.

    Self-driving: 45-minute drive from Abashiri city center or a 30-minute drive from Memanbetsu Airport. Take a look at RentalCars.com if you are planning for self-driving in Hokkaido. Compare various of rental car company with the best price guarantee.

    Taxi: Expect about 10,000 JPY for a one-way taxi ride from Abashiri station.

    Public Transport: The nearest JR station is Abashiri station and you need to get on 50 minutes bus to Higashimokoto bus stop. From there, about 10 minutes by taxi to reach Higashimokoto Park. There is a seasonal shuttle bus during the Shibazakura festival with reservation required. Alternative, get to JR Higashimokoto station and change for 6 minutes taxi rides.

    How To Get to Shibazakura Takinoue Park

    Shibazakura Takinoue Park located in Takinoue town which is about two hours from Asahikawa. No rail service is connected to Takinoue town and you have to rely on buses or self-driving.

    Rental Car: Easiest option with lots of freedom. It took about 2 hours driving distance from Asahikawa. Don’t forgot to get the best price from RentalCars.com.

    Public Transport: Dohoku bus is the only direct bus service that departs from Sapporo/Asahikawa to Takinoue Park.

    Day Tour From Sapporo

    Alternatively, there are tours run by Japan Club Tourism International Inc and Klook which take you to Hokkaido Takinoue Shibazakura Park and Kamiyubetsu Tulips Day Tour. One of the popular tour in Hokkaido during May, so please reserve your seat in advance!

    My Visit To Takinoue Park

    My Hokkaido trip was planned a year ago. The travel time is around the end of May and looking forward to visiting the Shibazakura in Hokkaido. Hopefully, my travel time is the best timing to see the impressive landscape view with pink Moss Phlox.

    After consideration, we decided to visit Takinoeu Park instead of Higashimokoto Park due to the distance and ease of itinerary planning. Most importantly, there is public transport by the Tohoku bus from Asahikawa during the Shibazakura season. The actual visit to Takinoue Park during the third weekend of May. The timing was so perfect as the blossom was well on the way with festivals were scheduled.

    Getting to Takinoue Park With Public Transport

    Getting To Shibazakura Takinoue Park with Chuo Bus
    Chuo Bus Information for Shibazakura Takinoue Park

    Since only two of us and will not be driving. So we choose to take the self-visit to Takinoue Park with Dohoku bus from Asahikawa. Limited buses and information for getting to Shibazakua Takinoue Park with public transport. It took us some effort to find the necessary information and detail about the bus schedule.

    Above is the express bus information on 2017 to Takinoue Park from Sapporo or Ashikawa. We have double-checked with Asahikawa Tourism Center and it is running during our visit in May. The journey to Takinoue Park with the Dohoku bus cost us ¥5000 per person.

    From Asahikawa To Takinoue Park

    Getting To Takinoue Park by Public Transport

    The Dohoku bus office is located opposite of Asahikawa JR station. And it located close to my hotel stay in Asahikawa, JR Inn Asahikawa. The most important thing for me is getting the bus ticket to Takinoue Park once I reached Asahikawa. I successfully booked a seat one day before at the Dohoku office. I even have the backup plan if the bus ticket has been sold out. Luckily everything is so smooth as per planned.

    Take note: Seat reservation required. Please make sure you booked the seat at least one day before.

    The express bus ticket from Asahikawa to Takinoue Park cost about 5000 yen. We choose to take the earlier bus at 9:15 and return at 13:24. The visiting time is about 2 hours follow the bus schedule. At next morning, we boarded the express bus in front of the Dohoku office. The bus driver will double confirm and check on your bus ticket before boarding. The seating is clean and comfortable.

    Shibazakura Blossom Festival in Takinoue Park

    The bus journey took about 2 hours from Asahikawa to Takinoue park. All the passengers were getting down at the Takinoue bus stop, which required about 5 minutes walk to the Takinoue Park. From far, you can see the incredible pinky hillside of Takinoue park featuring millions of pink shibazakura spreading as far as eyes can see.

    Entrance ticket is about ¥500. As soon as you enter Takinoue park, you will be impressed by the beautiful scene which extending like a velvet carpet. Indeed a very lovely place to visit. Thanks to the effort of peoples who love to play with nature. Their hard work have turn the hillside of Takinoue Park into a magical place. The brightly pink shibazakura is a stunning sight to behold.

    Pink carpet covered the hill at Takinoue Park

    Enjoy leisure time walking through the gently-sloped pathways and capture the best moment with amazing sight. The hill is awash in shades of pink, which looks like a pink carpet covered the hill. No word can describe such beauty of nature.

    Strolling along the winding path with your leisure. And breathe a sweet smell of shibazakura filling in the air. Don’t forget to choose the right path and taking photo surrounding especially from the top of the hill. The panorama vista of shibazakura from above is amazing!

    Shibazakura Festival at Takinoue Park

    Enjoy and sit down for a light lunch or snack. Locals were having a relaxing time with picnicking at the foothills. You can also have a bird eye view of Shibazakura from above by helicopter. The cost is about 5000 yen per adult for a 5-minute ride.

    Shibazakura Soft Ice Cream

    Shibazakura Ice Cream

    The limited-edition soft serve ice cream inspire from Shibazakura was sold at the park. The cherry flavor and light pink color enhance the feeling of spring. One of the must-try if you are visiting shibazakura park.

    Two hours was just nice for us to enjoy the beauty of the flower. But we wish to stay longer to mesmerized the beauty of shibazakura. Unfortunately, we had to catch my bus back to Asahikawa from the same bus stop at Takinoue town as per scheduled.

    Overall: Day Trip To Takinoue Park For Shibazakura Blossom

    Shibazakura Blossom in Takinoue Park

    It is worthwhile to visit the shibazakura park if you are traveling to Hokkaido during May/June time. It is the best timing for such a beautiful scene.

    Even though many visitors to Hokkaido don’t know much of its spring beauty, in my opinion, it is arguably beautiful and worth a visit. The view is so breathtaking and magnificent. Absolutely must go when visiting Hokkaido in May.

    Where to Stay When Visiting Takinoue Park

    Asahikawa JR Station
    Best Hotel near Asahikawa JR Station

    Asahikawa is the nearest town with rail and buses well connected. From Sapporo to Asahikawa with express JR train and getting to Takinoue Park with bus. The best recommendation is staying nearby Asahikawa JR station to ease for moving around. There are AEON Mall, supermarkets and restaurants nearby with Asahikawa ekimae.

    Here are the few recommended hotel located nearby Asahikawa JR Ekimae for your consideration.

    Higher range: Superb strategic located opposite or beside Asahikawa station.

    Economy mid-range: High CP value in reasonable price range. Less than 5 minutes walk from Asahikawa station.

    Getting to Takinoue Park by Dohoku bus
  • The best visiting time is end of May for full bloom
  • Four buses per day depart from Sapporo or Asahikawa.
  • For the day-tripper, it is advisable to get the first and second buses.
  • Visiting time is around 2 hours to 5 hours

    • Board from Sapporo,
  • Going: 7:00, 9:45, 14:50, 17:5.Return: 7:44, 9:14, 13:44, 16:58
  • Bus journey 4 hours 30 minutes

    • Board from Asahikawa,
  • Going: 9:15, 12:45, 16:06, 15:30. Return: 7:24, 9:39, 13:24, 16:58
  • Bus journey 2 hours.
    • Waves splashing with freezing sea wind when strolling around Jeju Aurum.

    Jeju Aurum Hotel Review: Fantastic Ocean View Pension

    by | posted in: Jeju Island, South Korea | 0

    Last updated on April 27th, 2024

    My Jeju Aurum hotel review, lava rock oceanfront pension with fantastic sea view. Highly recommended for those look for retreat from a hectic life and relax in Jeju Island.

    Thousands of hotels or holiday home available in Jeju Island. Finding the perfect stay is one of the head-ache questions to most of the travelers. Depend on your preference, some travelers will look for accommodation with public transport accessible, closer to the Jeju must-visit attraction, or perfect gateway with a luxury stay in a 5-star hotel.

    We decided to look for a hotel or pension with sea view, closer to the ocean as much as possible yet still within our budget. Thanks to the effort, we found Jeju Aurum, a true hidden gem with lava rock beachfront pension in Seogwipo.

    Follow us on below article for our Jeju Aurum hotel review. And you will know why we love Jeju Aurum so much. It is the best accommodation to stay during our 6 day road trip in Jeju.

    How To Get To Jeju Aurum

    Located nearby Seogwipo city with less than 5 minutes’ drive, Jeju Aurum is one of the popular choices for holiday homestay in Jeju Island. It required 70 minutes of driving journey if you choose to come directly from Jeju Airport.

    Newly renovated at 2017, Jeju Aurum is hosted by Mr. Kim and his lovely wife. Together they running the holiday home and lovely cafe at the premise.

    We booked for a double room in Jeju Aurum during our second day while exploring the southern coast of Jeju Island. After visited some of the must-go in Seogwipo, we decided to go to Jeju Aurum for resting during the evening.

    Follow the GPS, we drove from busy street into the narrow curvy road through a neighborhood to reach the pension.

    Jeju Aurum, Seogwipo: Check Hotel Rate Here

    Address: 24, Bomok-ro 64beon-gil, Seogwipo, Jeju Island 63599, South Korea

    Oceanfront Holiday Home Surrounded with Palm Tree

    Jeju Aurum

    Once we reached Jeju Aurum, we immediately fall in love with this cozy pension. This property is surrounded by palm trees with beautiful ocean just in front, divided by a road. Mr. Kim welcomed us with the most warm welcome and introduced us with good English about him and his lovely pension.

    Firstly, the check-in process is smooth and easy. Mr. Kim preferred for cash and it is not an issue for us. He promised that we won’t disappointed for our room, with the most beautiful sea view.

    There are a few blocks of building in Jeju Aurum. Our room is on the second floor nearby cafe with no lift available. So we need to carry our luggage to our room.

    Double Room in Jeju Aurum

    The double room is smaller than expected with a queen size bed in the middle. It comes with overlooking balcony with large glass doors, gave an unobstructed view of the ocean. The beds were very cozy and the linens were clean.

    While the bathroom is huge with a small bath towel provided. Bring along your toiletries as it is common that not provided for Korean style pension. However, no kettle in the room but you can take drinking water at the common kitchen downstairs with water dispenser provided. The kitchen is ready if you want to heat up or cook for your meal.

    Overall we are satisfied with the room especially for the fantastic coastal view across from the balcony.

    Olle Trail Route 6

    Vuew at Olle trail Route 6

    After that, we can’t wait to go for a short walk at the Olle trail 6, the most beautiful walking trail in Jeju Island. Jeju Aurum is located in the middle of Olle trail 6, and we choose to stroll along the sea follow the coastal road.

    Waves splashing with freezing sea wind. The location is perfect for a leisure and relaxed stay.

    Amazing Sunrise and Sunset View

    Sun set at viewing platform at Olle trail 6

    There is a nice café with a viewing platform at the end of the route. We climbed up to the viewing platform to enjoy the amazing sunset. The view is breath-taking! After the evening walk, we drove to a restaurant nearby for dinner.

    Sun Rise at Jeju Aurum

    At the next day, we wake up in the early morning for the amazing sunrise view at the lava rock beach in front of the Jeju Aurum. So incredible! There is nothing better than this.

    Breakfast at Jeju Aurum

    Breakfast in Jeju Aurum

    We paid for ₩3000 for breakfast at the café. It is a simple and healthy breakfast with toast, cake, salad, fruits, orange juice, and milk available.

    During checkout, Mr. Kim even ask for any help or advice needed for traveling next. We are appreciated for the offer and he treats his guest with a warming heart. One night stay in Jeju Aurum is too short and I definitely will come back for a longer stay if visiting Jeju Island again.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros: Above all with photo attached. In short, friendly host, fantastic sea view in front of the ocean, value for money.

    Cons: Possible due to the seafront location, there are lots of flies or mosquito flying around. So remember to close your door and mosquito nets. The location can be difficult to reach via public transport with bus stop is located 5-10 minutes away from Jeju Aurum. So it’s better to rent a car or call for a taxi. If you need help to look for a rental car, remember to compare at RentalCars from Booking.com for the best price guarantee. We rented our car from AJ Rent-a-Car through RentalCars for 6 days road trip in Jeju.

    Overall: Jeju Aurum Hotel Review

    Sea View from Balcony Jeju Aurum

    Jeju Aurum is well worth for the nature, sea view with reasonable price. We stayed at four different hotels when visited Jeju. So far Jeju Aurum is the most favorite hotel during our Jeju road trip.

    It was exactly what it stated, in front ocean with amazing sea view. You can meet the spool of dolphins if you are lucky. Of course, there is room for improvement but bear in mind this is a pension. You can go for a 5-star hotel if you look for professional service.

    All in all, with the price offer featuring with fantastic ocean view, Jeju Aurum is one of the best accommodation stay in Jeju Island. Limited rooms so please book as earlier as possible. Check the price and rooms available at here. (Check room availability)

    Continue Read on My Jeju Road Trip Itinerary

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