Early taste of winter in Asahikawa region in Hokkaido

Last weekend was a long weekend in Japan (November 3rd being Culture Day) so we headed to the center of the northern most island of Japan, Hokkaido prefecture called 旭川 (Asahikawa). What is Culture Day? https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2019/11/02/japan-autumn-wrap-up-rugby-world-cup-ancient-dress-up-festival-and-yet-another-public-holiday/ Fun facts about Asahikawa - 2nd most populated area in Hokkaido- famous for the northern most zoo, Asahikawa zoo- … Continue reading Early taste of winter in Asahikawa region in Hokkaido →

Bounties from the top to the bottom of Japan

Many international visitors come to Japan for various reasons from cherryblossom viewing or hanami in spring, hiking Mount Fuji in summer and the crimson falling leaves in autumn and skiing in winter. No matter the season, what everyone loves about Japan is food. One of my friends mentioned that you can eat quality pizza in … Continue reading Bounties from the top to the bottom of Japan →

Skiing in Niseko, onsen at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido

2022's last post from Native Expat is about the ski trip to Niseko and an onsen trip to Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido.

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido: A weekend in a steamy onsen demon town

For a couple of years, my husband has been dying to go to 🔥hell🔥; that is 地獄谷, Jigokudani or Hell Valley in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido (the northern island of Japan) famous for 温泉 (onsen, hot spring)♨. Japan has many famous onsen destinations but Noboribetsu is the most famous area in Hokkaido and is often highly ranked … Continue reading Noboribetsu, Hokkaido: A weekend in a steamy onsen demon town →