Thursday, January 31, 2019

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan: Things to Do

Indian woman in red winter coat and head wrapped in colorful scarf, posing against the backdrop of winter in Japan.
Updated Version

Located in southwestern Hokkaido (THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO) and roughly a two-hour drive from Hilton Niseko Village, Noboribetsu is part of Iburi Subprefecture and sits within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Known for its volcanic activity and natural hot springs, this small town is a popular wellness destination. Snowy winters add a magical touch to its rugged terrain shaped by past eruptions. 

 

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Village

This 25-year-old theme park recreates the Edo Period (1603–1867) - a significant era in Japanese history. Though often linked with Emperor Meiji, the Edo era actually preceded his reign and was defined by samurai rule under the Tokugawa Shogunate, before Japan began modernizing (NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA).

The village itself was stunning. Covered in snow, it felt like stepping into a historic postcard. After enjoying the scenic setting, we explored the Ninja Maze House. One room had twisting panels and slanted floors - it felt like we were inside a rocking boat! Personally, not something I’d rave about, but part of the experience nonetheless.

Indian woman with a cup of coffee posing in Japan winter.

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Village outside view during winter.

Indian woman posing on the stairs in a sightseeing Japanese village in Japan during winter.

Samurai Show
We queued with the other tourists for the Samurai show. It started off strong with swordplay and dramatic action, but ten minutes in, the novelty wore off. The repetition and intense noise felt overwhelming. Although the crowd seemed captivated, I was just waiting for it to end.
Samurai in covered attire and long sword during a sword show in Japan.
Oiran Show
Held in another theatre, the Oiran Show portrayed the social life of Edo-era courtesans. There was audience participation, a few laughs, and a lighter mood. Was it great? Not quite. Entertaining in parts, but overall, I felt those 40 minutes could’ve been spent elsewhere.

Japanese performer in Kimono performing during a cultural show in Japan on the stage.
Lunch Meal
Just a short walk away, we found a self-service restaurant offering a cook-your-own steamboat meal, and help yourself to rice porridge, miso soup and drinks. Simple, hearty, and perfect for warming up in the winter chill. Honestly, I had no complaints.
Raw pork slices, wrapped in plastic on a plastic oblong plate for Japanese hotpot meal.

Seafood items and veggies in a round serving tray for a Japanese steamboat meal.

A small white bowl of Japanese rice porridge with seaweed strips.


Steamboat pot with seafood and veggies cooking for a Japanese traditional meal.

Bear Park (Noboribetsu Onsen-cho)

Our next stop involved a cable car ride to the top of a 550-meter-high mountain, followed by 20 steps to the viewing area. But with winter in full force, I gave the outdoor bear enclosures a pass, though having a glance and headed to the indoor Brown Bear Museum instead.

 

Known as the only bear specialist museum in the world, it features 500 specimens covering both the biological and historical aspects of bears. I was genuinely impressed and enjoyed snapping photos with the lifelike bear exhibits.

Brown big bear at outdoor park during winter in Bear Park, Noboribetsu, Japan.

Wall poster display of various types of bear in indoor bear park, Japan.




Overnight Hotel Stay
Room - We stayed in a traditional Japanese-style room with futon bedding; a quilted mattress laid directly on the tatami floor. It was a cosy, meaningful experience. Everything was spotless and comfortably equipped.
Indian woman in kimono, seated at the traditional Japanese table in a Japan hotel.

Traditional Japanese tables with fixture in a Japan Hotel.

Futon, Japanese traditional bed laid on the floor in a Japan Hotel.
Onsen Bath - An onsen bath is a traditional Japanese hot spring bath filled with naturally heated, mineral-rich water from volcanic sources. It’s known for soothing muscle aches and offering peaceful moments of calm. But guess what? I gave it a pass. While men and women bathe separately, the nude bathing wasn’t something I felt ready for. Just didn’t fancy being in my birthday suit around strangers.

 

Dinner - Dinner was a feast! Think unlimited seafood, loads of crab, and a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine. A true spread for every appetite.

 

Breakfast - Surprisingly, I preferred the breakfast buffet. A gentler, lighter meal with egg varieties, porridge with Japanese condiments, and an array of Japanese desserts I tried for the first time. Small portions, but I sampled as much as I could fit.




A tray of salmon pieces in creamy sauce with veggies in a tray for a Japanese buffet.

Bacon and egg fried rice on a oblong big plate for a Japanese buffet meal.



Raw seafood cuts for a buffet meal in a Japanese exclusive Hotel in a Japan.


A small bowl of red bean porridge with white rice balls Japanese dessert.


White Japanese rice flour balls in cupcake white casing during a buffet in Japan.

Next up: Sapporo! 

No comments:

Post a Comment

5 Simple Mental Health Tips for Daily Well-Being

Mental health awareness has grown significantly, but it remains a major challenge in the fast-paced 21st century. This issue affects not onl...