Eastern Hokkaido is amazingly gorgeous with its breathtaking flower parks and gardens. One of the flowers that can be frequently seen in the ground is the moss or creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) called shibazakura in Japanese. Its simple flowers are not only pretty but remarkably plentiful, densely populating the field. There are 2 parks in Hokkaido dedicated for shibazakura: Higashimokoto and Takinoue.
Tag: Hokkaido
Say Hokkaido With Flowers!
Hokkaido is a must-see place for nature lovers. I can say that I was really lucky to have lived in this part of Japan. Hokkaido is famous for its harsh and snowy winters, thus it’s a perfect spot for skiing and snow festivals. However, Hokkaido has still a lot to offer during spring, summer and autumn. May it be the tulips in spring, or the lavender fields in summer, or the cosmos in autumn, Hokkaido will surely be a beautiful destination with its floral landscape.
Spotting The Great Spotted Woodpecker In Obihiro
The great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is a medium-sized woodpecker with pied black and white plumage with a red patch on its lower belly. Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head. So I was so happy when I finally got an upclose photo of the woodpecker days before I leave Japan for good.
Meeting Kumamon
Kumamon is a mascot created by the local government of Kumamoto Prefecture in 2010 as a campaign drive by the region to draw more tourist when the bullet train Kyushu Shinkansen opened. He is a bear, about 1.5 metres (5ft) tall, with black glossy fur, circular red cheeks and wide, staring eyes. Kumamon was voted the most popular yuru-kyara in 2011.
The Search for Shima-Enaga
Listed as one of the cutest animals in Hokkaido, I was in pursuit of shima-enaga or the Hokkaido long-tailed tits. However, in the three weeks that I have been looking for this elusive bird, I have encountered 3 other species of birds.
Hill Billy Burger In Obihiro
All of us ordered the shop’s signature hillbilly burger which is consists of hamburger buns with chopped onions and celery, a slice of tomato and a pork patty in barbeque sauce and melted cheddar cheese. What I like about their burgers are the juiciness of the meat unlike the ones being served in the more famous burger joint here. More important than the the irrational Hawaiian theme of the shop is the highly recommended delicious taste of the burger that Hill Billy is offering.
All About Squirrels
The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a tree squirrel common throughout Asia and Europe. Their number have declined drastically in parts of Europe due to the introduction of another tree squirrel from North America, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
The Ethereal Blue Pond
The Blue Pond or Aoiike is an artificial pond created brought by the eruption of the nearby volcano Mt. Tokachi in 1988. The government decided to construct a dam on Biei River to protect the region from mudflows if ever the volcano erupts again. The accumulation of the water blocked by the dam in the forest lead to the formation of the blue pond.
Maple Trees In Winter
The tunnel of barren maple trees protruding from the thick snow is like a gate leading to somewhere magical. I guess this symbol of autumn is also worthy of a glance in winter.
Leap Year Snow
I don’t know but I am no longer enjoying the snow. Maybe it’s because the winter here in Hokkaido is quite long (nearly half the year). Or maybe because the rest of Japan is already enjoying the cherry blossoms. I can really feel why the word “Winter” in the “Game of Thrones” is so negative for the House of Starks (lol).
Birdwatching In Tokachi Part 2
To continue my story about our birdwatching in Tokachi yesterday, our next goal was to see sea eagles. We went to Toyokoro, Taiki and finally to Hiroo but to no avail, it was hard to catch a glimpse of this bird of prey.
Birdwatching In Tokachi Part 1
We started our birdwatching at the Satsunai Garden Onsen. Near the entrance of the onsen is the Satsunai River where many ducks are just chilling out in the cold water. The sight of the birds with the foggy water just made it magical.
Amoj In Wanderland 