The Japan Goryokaku fort park in Hokkaido, was designed in 1855 by Takeda Hisaburō with a plan based on the work of the French architect Vauban. The Goryokaku fort was built by the Tokugawa shogunate to protect the Tsugaru Strait against a possible invasion by the Russian fleet. Goryōkaku is famous as the site of the last battle of the Boshin War (Goryokaku no Tatakai). The fighting lasted for a week (June 20-27, 1869).
Goryokaku Fort is shaped like a five-pointed star. This provided greater numbers of weapons emplacement on the fort walls than a traditional Japanese fortress, and minimized the number of blind spots where a cannon could not fire.
Today, Goryokaku is a park that has been declared as a Special Historical Site and is home to the Hakodate city museum. The grounds are a favorite spot for cherry-blossom viewing in spring. The park is surrounded by some 1,600 cherry trees, making the Goryokaku Park one of Hokkaido’s top cherry blossom viewing spots in springtime. In summer the park is fringed with lush greenery, which turns into a blazing scene of crimson foliage in the fall that is then blanketed with snow in the winter, creating an extremely beautiful vista for all seasons.
Goryokaku Park Sakura Cherry Blossoms
A magnificent panoramic view of the entire star-shaped park and surrounding moat unveils itself to visitors from the observation platform of the 107-meter Goryokaku Tower that was originally opened on December 1st, 1964. However the new tower was opened on April 1st, 2006.
Goryokaku Park Tower
Goryokaku Tower in height 107m, from the observatory Hakodate and Tsugaru Strait, Yokotsu mountain range of mountains, and you can see the view of the star that shines in a special historic site Goryokaku of the earth. Exhibition to have stand, exhibition space and "Goryokaku history corridor" that history can learn of Goryokaku, visible under the floor of tempered glass, taste mood in the air walk "see-through floor", original goods is complete you do not buy or was here It was "shop", and such as soft-serve ice cream and coffee to enjoy "cafe stand". Edges of the deep Shinsengumi Deputy-Hijikata Toshizo bronze image of the Goryokaku also been published.
Goryokaku Tower Entrance Fee
For Group - 30 or more
Adults: 900yen (810yen)
Junior and high school students: 680yen (610yen)
Elementary school students: 450yen (410yen)
Children under 5 is free
Goryokaku Tower Opening Hours
Goryokaku Tower isopen throughout the year
Apr. 21 - Oct. 20 8:00-19:00
Oct. 21 - Apr. 20 9:00-18:00
How To Get To Goryokaku Park
Getting to Goryokaku park can be by bus and by streetcar. If you travel by car please note that Goryokaku Tower itself doesn’t have a parking lot, you’ll have to use the nearby parking lots. Taking the Hakodate bus: Get off at the "Goryokaku Koen Iriguchi" Bus Stop and walk 7 minutes. If by travel Streetcar: Get off at the "Goryokaku koen mae" Bus stop and walk 15 minutes.
Getting to Goryokaku park From Hakodate Station (函館駅)
Car / taxi: Travel 15 minutes north-east from Hakodate Station.
Streetcar / tram: Get on the tram at the Hakodate Eki-mae (函館駅前) stop on the 'a' side (heading north). About 16 minutes later, get off at the Goryokaku Koen-mae (五稜郭公園前) stop and walk 15 minutes. Cost is 220 yen for adults, and 110 yen for children (All-day tram passes are 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children). The tower is easy to see through the buildings and the direction (north) is well signed to help you find your way.
Bus: Go to bus stop number 5 in front of the station. Use buses 5-1, 6-2, 59, 105, 130, or 106ループ27. Get off after about 12 minutes at Goryokaku Koen Iriguchi Stop (五稜郭公園入口) and lastly walk 5 minutes north-north-east. Cost is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children.
Tanukikoji is a shopping arcade in Sapporo Hokkaido Perfecture Japan, that has been in operation since the frontier time. There are a lot of shopping outlets to buy Hokkaido souvenirs!
Tanukikoji shopping street is the main shopping district in Sapporo and is about 1km-long with around 200 shops that stretches from east to west in downtown Sapporo. The roofed arcade begins at Nishi-1-chome and stops at Nishi-7-chome, which allow shopping regardless of the weather. The arcade was built up during the frontier period. In year 1869, when the Meiji government set up the Hokkaido Development Commission in Sapporo, merchant houses and restaurants started to settle there in what is known today as the Tanukikoji 2 and 3-chome areas. In 1873, the neighborhood became recognised as “Tanukikoji”. The arcade, which many tourists visit, features both old and new shops, souvenir shops, and karaoke bars.
How To Get To Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
The Tanuki Koji shopping arcade is located at Minami 2 & 3-jo Nishi 1-chom ~ 7-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, which is about 5-minute walk from Odori Station on the Subway Namboku, Tozai and Toho Lines and 3-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Subway Namboku Line.
Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade What To Buy
At the center, Lane 4 leads to the subway station, which connects to a collection of underground shopping malls. Fashion boutiques are especially popular, and they sell everything from name-brand Western designs to traditional cotton or silk kimonos.
You will be able to find old and traditional merchants selling kimonos, tea or incense side by side with modern stores specializing in computers and software or state-of -the-art electronics and digital cameras - all of which lends it a bazaar-like quality. Many items for sale here are even cheaper than in the 100 yen shops. Check out the Donki’s Store for strange merchandise. Plenty of games centre and coffee shops.
Wood carvings are another popular product in Hokkaido, which might want to consider buying. Many of them are produced by the Ainu and take animal shapes like bears, deer and owls. These and other handmade items are available in the boutiques of Sapporo as well as in museum and hotel gift shops.
Tanuki Koji Outlet
Shopping
Fresh food
Tea · Tofu · Other Processed Food
Alcohol / rice
Confectionery · Bakery
Bento / Delight
Food supermarket
Fruit
Women's Fashion
Men's Fashion
Kimono
School uniform
Clothing
Shoes / shoes
Bags / Accessories / Accessories
Clock / glasses
Jewelry · precious metal
Books · stationery · seal
Music / video
Hobbies / Toys
Flower shop
Furniture · Interior · Bedding
Electric Appliance · Personal Computer
Sports
Tableware / kitchenware
Miscellaneous goods
Tobacco · Smoking article
Medicine · Cosmetics
Barber · Beauty Equipment
Automobiles / Bicycles
Fuel
Convenience store
Discount
Recycle shop
100 Yen shop
Department store
Overall supermarket
Antique
Pet Shop Accommodation and sightseeing
Hotels and Inns
Travel agency
Sightseeing souvenir
Other
Living
Medical / welfare
Finance · Insurance
Education · Learning
Nursery · Kindergarten
Other
Food and beverage
Japanese food
Western food
Italian · French
China
Asian
International cuisine
Cafe · sweets
sushi
Udon, Soba, Ramen
Yakiniku · Yakinba
Izakaya
Bar · Snack
Fast food
Takeaway / home delivery
Service
Photo
Flower · Gardening
A pet
Cleaning / cleaning
Beauty · Beauty
Various rental
mobile phone
Newspaper · printing publication
Repair / maintenance
Health · Bath
amusement
Sacred Buddhist Temple
Ceremonial hall / hall
Other
karaoke
Renting hall
Parking Lot
Movie theater
House
Real estate
Construction and construction
Other
Other
Manufacturing · Processing
Agricultural forestry
Other
Shiroi Koibito Park (meaning white lover, 白い 恋人 パーク) is an entertainment park where visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including observation of their Ishiya white chocolate cookies production line, cookies making at the Cookie craft Studio, Ishiya’s original sweets at café, Chocolate Time Tunnel, World Chorus Theater, Shiroi Koibito Railway, Old-style Children’s Toy Box, Rose Garden, Sapporo Mechanical Clock Tower and etc.
Shiroi Koibito Park (白い 恋人 パーク) is a fantastic place based on the ideals of deliciousness, fun and stories of sweets from a bygone era. In addition to housing the Ishiya patisserie Shiroi Koibito chocolate fFactory where this well-known Hokkaido confectionery is produced, the park also has a cafe to allow visitors to savor Ishiya’s original sweets, the Cookiecraft Studio (where budding confectioners can try their hand at making their own Shiroi Koibito cookies), a toy exhibition room and the Rose Garden. The things visitors see, taste and experience here will make for truly “sweet”memories!
Sapporo Station To Shiroi Koibito Park
Sapporo Station To Shiroi Koibito Park
Ishiya Shiroi Koibito park chocolate factory in Sapporo location address is Japan, 〒063-0052 Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo, Nishi Ward, 宮の沢２−２−１１−３６.
How To Go To Shiroi Koibito Park From Sapporo Station
Take the Tozai line and head for Miyanosawa, which is the last stop.
When you get off at Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai Subway Line, which is approx. 20 min. from Odori Station.
Take the walkway towards the Supermarket ahead and exit to the surface ,
continue North till you come to a junction and look to your right, a
Huge Grey building is visible (Approx. 7 min. on foot from Miyanosawa Station). That is Shiroi
Kobita Chocolate factory with its beautiful garden.
Getting there may be a little tricky as there was not much signage to
Shiroi Koibito Park. Just remember to walk towards "Cheria", which is an
Education Centre. When you emerge from the front of Cheria, cross the
road and you can't miss the Chocolate Factory building.
Alternative, you can also take a bus from JR Sapporo Bus Terminal (Otaru direction) and get off at the Nishimachi kita 20-chome bus stop. (Chuo bus or JR bus).
Ishiya Chocolate Factory Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park Review
Shiroi Koibito Park Opening Hours
Opening hours: 9:00～18:00 （Last Admittance:17:00 , Shop Closing Time:19:00）
*Subject to occasional change, including during the year-end and New Year holidays
Ishiya Chocolate Factory Entrance Fee
Ishiya Chocolate Factory Entrance Fee
High school students and older
General : ￥600 / Groups of 20 or more : ￥500
Junior high school students and younger General : ￥200 / Groups of 20 or more : ￥150
*Free Admission for Infants Aged Three or Younger.
*No Pets Allowed.
Below are the collections of visitors' reviews:
Ishiya Patisserie Shiroi Koibito
"Fun to all through of the buildings. You can
go to the base of the clock tower and get your tickets for the Shiroi Koibito park day trip. There are all sort of memorabilia from cups
and containers related to drinking chocolate over the last few 100
years. You also get to see the factory productions and how they churn out
the famous Shiroi Koibito white lover cookies. The garden grounds are amazing and great
for children, especially the numerous collection of mini doll houses
for the kids to play with. The day trip finishes with a choral
performance of their mannequin bakers singing at the top of the building
overlooking the grounds."
"This is the place where thousands of thousands of the famous 白色恋人 cookies are made, having originated here in Hokkaido. This place can be
easily access via Tōzai Line (Miyanosawa Station) about 7 stations from
Odori Station. Upon arrival at Miyanosawa Station, just follow the sign
all the way for about 5-10mins."
Ishiya Chocolate Factory At Sapporo
"The exterior of the Shiroi Koibito park (白い 恋人 パーク) is like a fantasy place, with beautiful
architectures and many scenic spots, great for photo-taking! Inside the
park, there is a large shop selling the famous shiroi koibito white lover 白い恋人 chocolates, cookies,
candies and souvenirs. Also they have scheduled candy-making sessions
too. Interesting place to visit!"
"If you love cookies with chocolate, then this is definitely a place you must visit! Shiroi Koibito park is also the location of the Ishiya
Chocolate Factory in Sapporo, one of the oldest and most famous Chocolate Factory
in Hokkaido and also Japan, well known for their famous white lover cookies and
sweets. The tour is quite interesting and enjoyable with beautiful
chocolate cup collection. The tour trip also shows the history of the factory and
how their famous Shiroi Koibito white lover cookies are made. The park itself offers beautiful mini
houses with lots of flowers and photo opportunity sites. There is also a show
from the tower and balconies that happens at specific schedule
throughout the day. The gift shop offers their famous treats and fresh
drinks for visitors to enjoy and bring home. A must visit site in
Sapporo!"
Ishiya Chocolate Review
"It was like one of the attractions in Sapporo but you can buy Shiroi
Koibito cookies anywhere in Japan (especially at the airport shops)."
"This is Ishiya patisserie Shiroi Koibito, where they make the famous white lover 白色恋人 cookie. Love this place
with the beautiful lush roses and magnificent exterior with intricate
details. We paid to walk through the production line but my kids did not want to make a cookie, so no comment on that. Many
pictures opportunities and in the cold weather, enjoyed the chocolate
soft cream ice-cream outdoor too. Parking is free."
"We visited this place thinking that it
would just be a chocolate factory showing their history and how the
chocolates were made. But we were so wrong! This place had so much more
things. The rose garden and toy museum were one of them. My favourite
place was the one where we could see through a glass panel and look at
how our favourite white chocolate cookies were made! Overall, this is a great place
for families with kids to visit."
"Before exiting the station, get a map
from the control station (see photo). Yes, they even printed them in
colours. There are some signages fixed onto the lamp posts once you exit
the station. So keep a lookout. The cookie-making class is conducted in
mass so be early (arrive in the morning if you are keen to participate)
because they have a schedule for that. I enjoy watching the cookie
production. There's even a mailing service for your cookie at the retail
store! But the service is not available during the weekend when I was
there."
DisneySea is the world only theme park in Japan Tokyo. The Tokyo DisneySea is located at the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, just outside Tokyo.
DisneySea is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses Disney characters and themes from The Walt Disney Company, unfolded on September 4, year 2001, at a cost of 335 billion yen. Tokyo DisneySea drew an approximately 14 million visitors in year 2013, making it the third most traveled to theme park in the world.
Tokyo DisneySea was the 2nd theme park build at the Tokyo Disney Resort and the 9th Disney theme park of the eleven worldwide to open. Tokyo DisneySea was the fastest theme park in the world to reach the milestone of 10 million guests, in 307 days after its grand opening beating the Universal Studios Japan, a previous record holder of 338 days after its opening.
Tokyo DisneySea is built up of seven themed ports of call, namely the Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront that were inspired by the myths and legends of the sea. While suitable for all ages, Tokyo DisneySea was also designed specifically to appeal grown up visitors as compare to Tokyo Disneyland.
Recommended Disney Sea Tokyo Attractions For All Ages
Broadway Music Theatre
Located at the American Waterfront, free lottery ticket may be required for reserve seat which can be obtained at Biglietteria. Expect long queue if you don't have reserve seat. Make sure you check the performance schedule and the instructions given together with the DisneySea map.
Disney Sea Tokyo Attractions - Broadway Music Theatre
DisneySea Transit Steamer Line
Also located at the American Waterfront, this steamer line takes you from the dock nearest to the entrance of the Park, all the way to the farthest port of Lost River Delta and back to the port. With this relaxing voyage, it is a quick way to fully enjoy the ever changing landscape of DisneySea.
DisneySea Electric Railway
Located at the American Waterfront beside the Broadway Music Theatre, ride above the bustle, you will see the beautiful
harbor and end up at Port Discovery.
A quick way to and fro between American Waterfront and Port
Discovery, where you can try the Aquatopia ride.
Aquatopia
Located at the Port
Discovery, the watercraft travels around the experimental pool, and there
is no typical course. You'll spin around and twirl off in unpredictable
directions that may surprise you.
Journey To The Center Of The Earth
At the Mysterious Island, Journey to the Center of the Earth uses stagecraft, light, sound, heat,
and motion to create a multi-sensory experience basing on the Jules
Verne novel of the similar name.
20000 Leagues Under The Sea
Also at the Mysterious Island, board one of Captain Nemo's powerful submarine boats and submerge underwater to see beautiful display along the journey.
Mermaid Lagoon Theater
Located at the Mermaid Lagoon, which is beside the Mysterious Island. Mermaid Lagoon Theater is showing a musical concert about the kingdom under the sea. Talking about the story of little mermaid,
Ariel, who dreams
of becoming human. The short concert will enchant you with popular songs from Disney’s The
Little Mermaid such as “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea". Enjoy
this show with music, visuals of the little mermaid swimming above you and dynamic performances!
Disney Sea World Japan -Mermaid Lagoon Theater
Sindbad's Storybook Voyage
Located at the Arabian Coast, take the indoor boat to see the story of Sindbad. During the journey, you will see moving dolls and amazing displays that will captivate you. The Magic Lamp Theater
Also at the Arabian Coast,
the "greatest magician in the world," Shaban (real person), present his
performance together with his partner, the popular Genie (using 3D film
effects). Coupled with the chair effect, it will get you involved in
this musical performance.
Last but not least, there are also many trilling rides attractions at the DisneySea Japan Theme Park that are not for the faint hearted. So you are looking for more thrills do try them out.
Journey To The Center of The Earth DisneySea Review
This post is about the Journey To The Center of The Earth DisneySea review. Journey to the Center of the Earth is one of the attractions in Tokyo DisneySea. It is partially dark ride and partially thrill ride, and is unique to DisneySea.
Journey to the Center of the Earth uses stagecraft, light, sound, heat, and motion to create a multi-sensory experience basing on the Jules Verne novel of the similar name.
Journey To The Center of The Earth DisneySea Review
Lets see what others have to say:
"There are some creepy creatures but only one major drop on Journey. I'd say it's pretty mild, 6 year old loved it."
"I don't even feel the drop on Journey; it's at the end and curved."
"In the attraction, there will be a part whereby you look right and it is raining. During that scene, there will be a lightning with a loud crackling sound. That part gets me often."
"The drop is short but the vehicle gains speed(75km p/h) the drop is steep and you WILL feel airtime (pretty big). Before the drop, the vehicle curves in darkness but you shoot out of the volcano eventually. DO NOT MISS THIS RIDE!!!"
"In the day it might be scarier only because for the brief 2-3 seconds you can see how high you are then back into the tunnel you go. At night your eyes won't have time to really adjust to the dim lighting to notice how high you really are."
"This ride was great, and the monster was actually really scary."
"This ride is so amazing, DON'T miss it."
"This ride is deeply detailed and quiet amazing but a little too short for my taste."
The waiting queue has two regions. The first region has you going your way past makeshift laboratories with items apparently taken from old expeditions. This queue ends at one of several large elevators, which transport you at down below the earth's surface. Once the Journey to the Center of the Earth elevator send you on a descending trip down to the earth's core with special sound effects. You will have to wait to board a unique subterranean six passengers mining vehicle to travel through the tunnels. Along the way, you will see crystal caverns, unusual creatures, and a variety of special effects that unexpected for the eyes.
During the ride, you will encounter monsters, which provides the highlight of the ride, a combination punch of effects that culminates with the suddenly shakes and volcano's eruption launching you out of the mountain for a high-speed ride around the caldera of the ancient volcano.
The vehicle travel smoothly at a variety of speeds, from slow, "sightseeing" tempo all the way to up roller coaster quick, and the whole duration is only about 3 mins. There is only one major Journey to The Center of The Earth DisneySea drop. Journey to the center of the earth ride drop height is only a couple of seconds at about 75 km/hr, which makes it a mini roller coaster for beginner that suit majority of people. Nevertheless, do take take note of the boarding restrictions:
* WARNING! To ride, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure.
* Expectant mothers and persons of advanced age should not ride.
* Guests who do not meet the height requirement (117 cm) may not ride.
The Japan Tokyo Mt Fuji Gotemba Premium Outlet is one of the largest scale premium outlet in Japan. The Gotemba premium outlet is an clustered mall located in Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan, near Mount Fuji.
It
was opened on July 13, 2000, and contains over 200 stores across two zones, East and West. The mall is
managed by Mitsubishi Estate Simon Co., Ltd., a joint venture between
Mitsubishi Estate and Simon Property Group.
Gotemba premium
outlet is near to popular hot spring, Hakone and Mount Fuji. You will be
able to enjoy the magnificent view of the Mt Fuji there.
Mt Fuji Gotemba Premium Outlet Tour Review
"Don't miss this when you're in Tokyo. It offers outlet shopping of mid to high-end products. Warning: self-control required."
Japan Tokyo Mt Fuji Gotemba Premium Outlet Tour Review
"Most brands are available here. Enjoy shopping"
"I am not a shopping person but can see quite a number of people bringing large luggage bags to do shopping. Lots of branded name shops around but what attracted my wife most are the "local" made in Japan leather goods, which we thought were very good value for money. Quality without the price."
"Spent around 4 hours in that outlet during a rainy day. No problem, as there is a roof which enables to go around without getting wet."
"The place contains a lot of branded items with good value. There are two buildings (you have to cross a bridge to get to the other). There's also a prayer room for Muslims."
"If you love to shop, then this a heaven for you. Branded goods are all around with good price. Most will offer tax free but of course some don't. Breezy weather as it was quite near Mt Fuji."
"There are many shops both japan and western shops brand product such as cloth, bag, toy and many things. If you have a thousand to 10 thousand, you will be happy to enjoy shopping there."
Gotemba Premium Outlet Shuttle Bus
There are
also direct buses from Tokyo station, Ikebukuro station and Shinjuku
station, which makes traveling to Gotemba premium outlet very
convenient. The traveling time will takes approximately 70 to 100 mins.
Tokyo Area
Fare
Duration
Shinjuku
Highway
Terminal
JR bus
Kanto / Odakyu
Hakone Highway
bus
One-way
1650 yen
100 mins
Ikebukuro
Sta. West Exit
(Metropolitan
Ikebukuro)
Kokusai
Kogyo bus
Tokyo Sta. Nihonbashi Exit
JR bus
Kanto
Shinagawa
Sta. Konan Exit
Keihin
Kyuko bus
Yokohama
Royal Park Hotel
Fujikyuko
bus
Shinagawa
Sta. West Exit
*Operates
on weekends, public hoidays.
Odakyu
Hakone Highway
bus
Round trip
2880 yen
Hakone, Kawaguchiko Area
Fare
Duration
Gora
Sta.
Hakone-Tozan
bus
One-way
990 yen
70 mins
Hakone-Yumoto
Sta.
Hakone-Tozan
bus
One-way
1280 yen
KawaguchikoSta.
Fujiyuko
bus
One-way
1510 yen
95 mins
Gotemba Premium Outlet Review Store Listing
Gotemba Premium Outlet Review
The
premium outlet consists of world top branded and Japan own branded
stuffs. Gotemba has more that 200 stores, more than 100 fashion clothing
stores and more than 40 stores are fashion merchandise products. Others
also include sports brand like Nike, Adidas, etc., household products
and eating houses.
Remember to grab hold of the Gotemba premium outlet map before you start shopping.
