Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Known affectionately as “Akapla,” Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza is an open public space facing Ekimae-dori Avenue in the heart of the city. With the historic Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office) as its backdrop, the plaza showcases one of Sapporo’s most iconic views, where history and modern city life blend beautifully.

The plaza is also a convenient starting point for trips beyond Sapporo. Highway buses such as the Kosoku Shakotan-go depart from nearby bus stops, offering easy access to romantic Otaru and the dramatic coastal scenery of Shakotan.

Soak in Sapporo’s lively atmosphere here, and let your journey carry you naturally from the city center toward Hokkaido’s vast and inspiring landscapes.

Step off the bus from Sapporo, and your Shakotan adventure begins right here.

Around the Bikuni area, you’ll find a lively cluster of local eateries serving incredibly fresh, seasonal seafood—just what you need to shake off the journey and recharge. In summer, Shakotan reaches its most delicious peak, as it becomes the season for uni (fresh sea urchin), often praised as a true “jewel of the sea.”

Savor the rich, creamy flavor of uni freshly harvested from the waters right in front of you—a melt-in-your-mouth experience not to be missed.

With your appetite satisfied, it’s time to set off toward the breathtaking coastline and the crystal-clear waters known worldwide as “Shakotan Blue.”

Located slightly away from Shakotan’s main sightseeing areas, the Yobetsu district charms visitors with the calm atmosphere of a traditional fishing village. After getting off at the nearest highway bus stop, your journey leads you to a welcoming place to rest and unwind.

As dusk slowly settles over the Sea of Japan, take in the changing colors of the water and sky. Savor freshly prepared seafood from the surrounding waters, and enjoy a peaceful night wrapped in gentle silence—perfect for easing travel fatigue and reconnecting with the rhythm of the sea.

Highly regarded as a culinary ryokan, Nagomi no Yado Iida is a destination where Shakotan’s rich sea and mountain flavors are brought to life by a devoted owner-chef who knows the region inside and out. Guests can indulge in exceptionally fresh seasonal seafood, including premium sea urchin and abalone, harvested from the waters just beyond the doorstep.

The inn itself is a beautifully renovated building with a history of over 100 years, originally constructed by a former fishing industry owner. Surrounded by the warmth and character of Hokkaido’s past, you can enjoy exquisite seafood cuisine and a deeply calming stay—where tradition, flavor, and quiet comfort come together.

This stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience lets you feel the legendary clarity of Shakotan Blue with your entire body—one of the absolute highlights of Shakotan sightseeing.

With careful instruction from an experienced guide and the use of highly stable boards, even first-time SUP participants can paddle out with confidence and ease.

Spend about 5 hours fully immersed in Shakotan’s spectacular seascape. From the water, you will glide along a rugged coastline of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, places rarely seen from land. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, the sea unveils countless shades of miraculous blue. Floating smoothly across the surface, take your time to enjoy an extraordinary ocean adventure that feels worlds away from everyday life.

After fully enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Shakotan Blue on your SUP adventure, treat yourself to a blissful pause at Misaki-no-Yu Shakotan, a breathtaking hot spring perched above the sea.

The open-air bath offers sweeping views of the vast Shakotan coastline and glowing sunsets stretching across the horizon. As you soak in the warm waters with the sea breeze on your skin, the gentle heat melts away the fatigue from your ocean activities, relaxing your body from the core.

Floating in the bath while gazing out at the panoramic sky and sea, you can reflect on the day’s unforgettable scenery from a new perspective. Refreshing both body and mind, this scenic hot spring is the perfect stop to elevate the satisfaction of your Shakotan journey.

This about 4-hour E-MTB (electric-assist mountain bike) experience takes you deep into Shakotan’s dense forests and across its rolling terrain.

Thanks to the powerful electric assistance, even steep climbs and rough gravel paths can be handled smoothly and with confidence. Riders of all fitness levels can enjoy the adventure at their own pace while fully immersing themselves in Shakotan’s untamed natural beauty.

On the downhill sections, feel the thrill of long, flowing descents as you glide across the land with the wind in your face. Fast, exhilarating, and deeply satisfying, this wild ride delivers a true sense of freedom and achievement in one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular outdoor settings.

A symbol of Otaru sightseeing, Otaru Canal reveals its most enchanting side from dusk onward. Along the waterway, nostalgic gas lamps glow softly while rows of solid stone warehouses are beautifully illuminated, their reflections shimmering on the canal’s surface and creating an atmosphere entirely different from daytime.

Stroll leisurely along the canal and you may feel as if you have stepped into a scene from a classic film. The interplay of light and shadow makes this one of Otaru’s most photogenic spots. With camera in hand, capture the unforgettable night views that linger both in memory and in photographs. Around Canal Plaza, seasonal events add warmth and liveliness to the evening, inviting visitors to linger a little longer.

UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is a lifestyle hotel created by reimagining one of Otaru’s iconic stone buildings with a contemporary sensibility. Surrounded by the romantic atmosphere of the canal area, the hotel offers a refined setting for a truly memorable night.

The welcoming lobby, complete with a fireplace, and the elegant bar serving dishes and drinks made with local ingredients, invite guests to do more than simply stay the night. Every detail is designed to let you fully enjoy the experience of staying itself.

Here, Otaru’s nostalgic charm blends seamlessly with warm, modern design. Relax, unwind, and savor a luxurious moment in this hidden retreat—an ideal place to heal from your journey and embrace the quiet elegance of the city.

As a meaningful finale to your journey, consider joining Horselogue, a unique About 2-hour experience that invites you to reflect on yourself through interaction with horses.

What is Horselogue? Horses are exceptionally sensitive to human emotions and states of mind, responding honestly and without pretense—acting as true mirrors of who we are. Through guided dialogue with the horses, this experience helps you become aware of unconscious habits, patterns of behavior, and inner responses, encouraging deep reflection and personal insight.

Supported by experienced coaches using an original method that blends Eastern philosophy with modern coaching techniques, you will explore these moments in the vast, calming nature of Hokkaido. Thought-provoking and quietly powerful, Horselogue offers a rare opportunity to step forward toward a renewed sense of self—an unforgettable and fitting climax to your travels.