Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals, Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie" (the good life).
21.07.2023 - 08:36 / roughguides.com
Soya Hokkaido is among the northernmost regions in Japan. It’s an area of staggering natural beauty, with a duo of wildlife-rich islands – Rishiri and Rebun – to explore, as well as Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost city, and its enticing surrounds. Stupendous 360 vistas are seen from glorious viewpoints and walks in the area, including the famous Soya Hills White Path. Rough Guides brings you the perfect itinerary in Soya Hokkaido, Japan.
Though Hokkaido is the second largest of Japan’s islands, it’s also the least developed, which means pristine natural beauty, stellar outdoor activities, close-up encounters with wildlife and plenty of opportunity for meaningful cultural experiences and to meet the locals. Soya Hokkaido, at the island’s north, is a place of windswept capes and craggy coastlines, wonderful wildlife and vertiginous viewpoints. From epic mountain walks and glorious views to dazzling stargazing and getting that end-of-the-world feeling at Cape Soya, there’s plenty of fantastic things to do in Soya Hokkaido.
Trains to Wakkanai depart from Sapporo (5.5 hours), while flights service the city’s airport from both Sapporo (1 hour) and Tokyo (2 hours). From Wakkanai, ferries bring travellers to the islands of Rishiri and Rebun, and buses run to Cape Soya.
Start your itinerary in Soya Hokkaido, Japan on Rishiri Island, where there’s plenty of lovely scenery and colourful wildlife to admire. Begin with a visit to Himenuma Pond, a small lake with an easy and accessible walking trail along a decked path that traces the water’s edge (a 15–20-minute walk). As you stroll among the wildflowers and local plantlife, listen out for the calls of wild birds and pause at the viewpoint for incredible mountain vistas. The small gift shop sells prints of wildflowers by a local artist, which make the perfect souvenir.
Boardwalk around Himenuma Pond © Lily Crossley-Baxter
Next, make your way to Otatomari Numa; though technically a swamp, it looks like a small lake, with plenty of greenery along its shores to recommend it. And though the views of Mount Rishiri from the front of the lake are sublime, the main draw for many is the small café selling local seafood (try the freshly grilled scallops) and intriguing ice-cream flavours including rosehip and bamboo grass, both of which grow along the fringes of Otatomari Numa. When in Rome…
Finish up your first day in Soya Hokkaido with a trip to the hill of Shiroi Koibito (Numaura Observatory), which offers glorious views of Mount Rishiri – especially in clear weather. The mountain itself is a Hokkaido icon, and well known across the country because it graces the packaging of the popular Shiroi Koibito biscuit, often given as an omiyage in Japan. (For those not in the know,
Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals, Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie" (the good life).
It’s a culinary celebration no foodie will want to miss! The Elora Mill, one of Canada’s most coveted accommodations, is set to host the much-anticipated 20th Anniversary of Food Day Canada on August, 3, 2023. The event promises to be an extravaganza that will energize taste buds and show off the nation's incredible gastronomic heritage. During the event, the historic town of Elora, renowned for its scenic beauty and charm, will transform into a culinary haven, attracting food enthusiasts from across the province.
The Peninsula Tokyo is synonymous with impeccable service, spacious rooms and tasteful luxury, however in addition to this elegant guest experience, there are also many one-of-a-kind amenities and experiences that might surprise you. You’ll turn the corner in your hallway to see something unexpected or find a nook in your room that offers more than the eye perceives at first glance. For gourmets, there’s also a room service experience that gets a modern update for the discerning culinary traveler. Here are five things to experience at The Peninsula Tokyo that you won’t find elsewhere.
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