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Chasing the Northern Lights: A Guide to Hokkaido’s Best Aurora Viewing Spots

If you’re a fan of the Northern Lights, Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world to catch this amazing natural phenomenon. Hokkaido is the second-largest island of Japan and is located in the northernmost part of the country, making it an ideal destination for anyone hoping to witness the Aurora Borealis. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best spots in Hokkaido for viewing the Northern Lights.

  1. Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of the best places in Hokkaido to see the Northern Lights. The park has a variety of activities to offer, including trekking, fishing, and hot springs. During the winter months, the park is covered in snow, which makes it even more magical when the Northern Lights appear in the sky.

  1. Lake Akan
Lake Akan

Located in eastern Hokkaido, Lake Akan is another fantastic location for viewing the Northern Lights. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and skiing. During the winter months, you can take a boat tour on the lake, which is a great way to see the Northern Lights. The tour takes about an hour and a half and is usually offered from late December to early March.

  1. Abashiri
Abashiri

Abashiri is a small city located on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. It’s known for its ice floes and is a popular spot for winter activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing. During the winter months, you can also catch the Northern Lights from Abashiri. The city has a few observation decks where you can watch the Aurora Borealis, including the Aurora Observatory and the Okhotsk Tower.

  1. Niseko
Niseko

Niseko is a popular ski resort located in western Hokkaido. It’s known for its excellent powder snow and is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. During the winter months, the resort also offers Northern Lights tours. The tour takes you to a remote location where you can watch the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. The tour is only offered on clear nights, so make sure to check the weather forecast before booking.

  1. Sounkyo Gorge
Sounkyo Gorge

Sounkyo Gorge is a beautiful canyon located in central Hokkaido. It’s known for its stunning waterfalls and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing. During the winter months, the gorge is covered in snow and is a great place to see the Northern Lights. There are several observation decks in the area where you can watch the Aurora Borealis, including the Ginga no Taki Falls Observation Deck and the Ryusei no Taki Falls Observation Deck.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights in Hokkaido

  1. Check the weather forecast: The Northern Lights are only visible on clear nights, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before heading out.
  2. Dress warmly: Hokkaido is one of the coldest regions in Japan, so make sure to dress warmly. It’s a good idea to wear layers and bring a hat, gloves, and a warm coat.
  3. Use a tripod: To take good photos of the Northern Lights, it’s important to use a tripod. This will help keep your camera steady and prevent blurry photos.
  4. Be patient: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so it’s impossible to predict exactly when they’ll appear. Be patient and stay outside for at least a few hours to increase your chances of seeing them.

In conclusion, Hokkaido is a fantastic destination for anyone hoping to see the Northern Lights. With its remote location, stunning natural landscapes, and relatively low light pollution, Hokkaido offers a unique and unforgettable experience for Aurora Borealis chasers. Whether you choose to visit Shiretoko National Park, Lake Akan, Abashiri, Niseko, or Sounkyo Gorge, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty of the Northern Lights.

One of the best things about chasing the Northern Lights in Hokkaido is that you can combine it with other winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and hot spring hopping. Hokkaido is known for its excellent powder snow, so if you’re a fan of winter sports, you won’t be disappointed. And after a long day of outdoor activities, you can relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen) and warm up your body.

In addition to the tips we mentioned earlier, here are a few more things to keep in mind when chasing the Northern Lights in Hokkaido:

  1. Be prepared to travel: Depending on where you’re staying, you may need to travel for several hours to reach the best Aurora viewing spots. Consider renting a car or joining a guided tour to make the most of your time.
  2. Book accommodations in advance: Winter is peak season in Hokkaido, and accommodations can fill up quickly. Make sure to book your hotel or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in advance.
  3. Try local cuisine: Hokkaido is known for its delicious food, including fresh seafood, meat dishes, and dairy products. Make sure to try local specialties like seafood donburi, miso ramen, and cheese tarts.
  4. Respect nature and local customs: Hokkaido is a pristine natural environment, and it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. Follow the Leave No Trace principles, and be courteous to other visitors and locals.

In summary, Hokkaido is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to see the Northern Lights. With its stunning landscapes, winter sports, and unique cultural experiences, Hokkaido offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that you’ll never forget. So pack your warm clothes, grab your camera, and get ready to chase the Aurora Borealis in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

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Hong Kong’s Traditional Medicine: Visiting Herbalists, Acupuncturists, and Healers

Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyscrapers, neon-lit streets, and mouth-watering cuisine. However, there is another side to this city that many tourists overlook: its traditional medicine practices.

For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat a variety of ailments, from headaches and colds to more serious conditions like cancer and diabetes. In Hong Kong, TCM is still a popular form of healthcare, with herbalists, acupuncturists, and other healers practicing their craft throughout the city.

If you’re interested in exploring Hong Kong’s traditional medicine scene, there are a few places you should definitely visit.

Wong Tai Sin Temple One of the most famous temples in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a Taoist deity who is believed to have healing powers.

Visitors to the temple can make offerings to the deity, receive a blessing from a monk, and even consult a fortune teller. But the real highlight for those interested in traditional medicine is the temple’s onsite clinic.

Here, visitors can receive a consultation with a TCM doctor, who will examine them and prescribe a custom herbal remedy. The clinic is free, though donations are encouraged.

Herbal Medicine Shops Throughout Hong Kong, you’ll find numerous shops selling traditional Chinese herbs and medicines. These shops are easy to spot, with their shelves lined with jars of dried roots, leaves, and other plant materials.

If you’re interested in trying out TCM for yourself, a visit to one of these shops is a must. The staff can help you select the right herbs for your needs, and they can even create custom blends based on your specific symptoms.

Acupuncture Clinics Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, and there are many clinics throughout Hong Kong that offer this practice. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, with the goal of restoring balance and promoting healing.

If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, there are plenty of clinics to choose from. Just be sure to do your research and find a reputable practitioner.

Bone-Setting Healers Another form of traditional medicine you may encounter in Hong Kong is bone-setting. This practice involves manipulating the bones and joints to relieve pain and promote healing.

There are many bone-setting healers throughout Hong Kong, and their services are often sought out by athletes and those with chronic pain. Again, it’s important to find a reputable practitioner, as bone-setting can be risky if done incorrectly.

Visiting Hong Kong’s traditional medicine practitioners is a unique and fascinating experience, and it’s a great way to learn more about the city’s rich culture and history. Whether you’re looking to try out TCM for yourself or simply want to learn more about this ancient practice, Hong Kong is the perfect destination for a traditional medicine adventure.

As you explore Hong Kong’s traditional medicine scene, you may also want to learn more about the principles behind TCM. At its core, TCM is based on the idea that the body has a natural balance of yin and yang, and that illness occurs when this balance is disrupted. The goal of TCM is to restore this balance through various techniques, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and massage.

While TCM may seem mysterious to those unfamiliar with it, many of its practices have been studied and proven effective in modern scientific research. For example, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, while certain herbal remedies have been found to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Of course, as with any form of healthcare, it’s important to approach TCM with an open mind and to do your research before trying any new treatment. It’s also important to remember that TCM is meant to be used in conjunction with Western medicine, rather than as a replacement for it.

If you’re interested in learning more about TCM, there are a few museums and exhibitions in Hong Kong that offer a deeper look into this ancient practice. For example, the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences features exhibits on TCM, as well as Western medicine and healthcare in Hong Kong.

Overall, a visit to Hong Kong’s traditional medicine practitioners is a fascinating and unique experience that is well worth exploring. Whether you’re looking to try out acupuncture, consult a TCM doctor, or simply learn more about this ancient practice, Hong Kong offers a wealth of opportunities to delve into the world of traditional medicine.

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The Best Things to do in Sapporo: A Guide to Japan’s Northern Capital

Sapporo, the capital city of Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is a winter wonderland that boasts a fascinating mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities. As the largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo offers a variety of experiences that cater to different interests and ages. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Sapporo has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Sapporo.

  1. Explore Odori Park
Odori Park

Odori Park, a 1.5-kilometer-long park located in the heart of Sapporo, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The park is known for its lush greenery, beautiful flowers, and stunning fountains. During the winter months, Odori Park transforms into a winter wonderland with the Sapporo Snow Festival taking place. The Snow Festival is an annual event that features snow and ice sculptures from around the world. The festival attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of the largest winter festivals in the world.

  1. Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo Beer Museum

If you’re a beer lover, then the Sapporo Beer Museum is a must-visit. The museum is located in the historic Sapporo Brewery and offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of beer in Japan. The museum features exhibits on the brewing process, the history of beer in Japan, and a tasting room where you can sample some of Sapporo’s famous brews.

  1. Try Sapporo’s famous ramen
Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, a hearty bowl of noodles, vegetables, and meat in a savory miso broth. There are many ramen shops in Sapporo, but some of the most popular include Ichiran, Sumire, and Sapporo Ramen Republic, a collection of eight ramen shops in one location. Be prepared to wait in line, as these shops are very popular with locals and tourists alike.

  1. Go skiing or snowboarding
Sapporo Teine

Hokkaido is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, and Sapporo is no exception. The city is surrounded by several ski resorts, including Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, which hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, and Bankei Ski Area, which offers night skiing. If you’re a beginner, there are also several ski schools in the area that offer lessons for all ages.

  1. Visit the Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine

The Hokkaido Shrine, located in Maruyama Park, is a Shinto shrine that dates back to 1869. The shrine is dedicated to the souls of the Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken and is one of the most important shrines in Hokkaido. The shrine features several buildings, including the Main Hall, which is designated as a national important cultural property.

  1. Explore the Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space

The Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space is a network of underground shopping malls and pedestrian walkways that connect many of the major buildings in Sapporo. The space is particularly popular during the winter months when the cold temperatures make it difficult to walk outside. The underground space features shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater.

  1. See the Clock Tower
Sapporo clock tower

The Clock Tower, located in the city center, is one of the most famous landmarks in Sapporo. The tower was built in 1878 and served as the city’s first public clock. Today, the tower is a museum that showcases the history of Sapporo and its development over the years.

  1. Take a day trip to Otaru
Otaru

Otaru, a quaint port town located 30 minutes by train from Sapporo, is a popular day trip destination for visitors to the area. The town is known for its charming canal area, which is lined with historic buildings that now house cafes, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can also visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, which features an extensive collection of music boxes from around the world.

  1. Enjoy a hot spring (onsen) experience
Jozankei Onsen

There are several hot springs (onsen) near Sapporo where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural mineral-rich waters. One popular option is Jozankei Onsen, located about an hour’s drive from Sapporo. The onsen features several outdoor baths with views of the surrounding mountains and is particularly popular during the fall foliage season.

  1. Take a stroll through the Susukino entertainment district
Susukino

Susukino is the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido and features a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The district is particularly popular with visitors looking to experience Sapporo’s nightlife. During the winter months, the area is also home to the Susukino Ice Festival, which features ice sculptures and light displays.

In conclusion, Sapporo is a fascinating city that offers a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history and culture, trying new foods, or enjoying winter sports, Sapporo has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head to Japan’s northern capital for a trip that you won’t soon forget!

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