SINGAPORE>>SENTOSA

Sentosa is a popular island resort in Singapore. It is visited by some five million people a year. Sentosa is an island just off the southern coast of Singapore. It is formerly known by the rather unattractive name of Pulau Belakang Mati ("The Island After Death" in Malay) and the centrepiece of Britain's unsuccessful "Fortress Singapore" strategy in World War II, Sentosa has been rebranded and resculpted into one big tourist attraction, popular among Singaporeans as a quick island getaway. 

Attractions include a 2 km (1.2 mi) long sheltered beach, Fort Siloso, two golf courses, two five-star hotels, an enormous complex comprising a Universal Studios theme-park  Singapore's first casino, shopping malls and hotels. The island's coastline is marked by three beaches, each with its own distinct characteristics – Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Except enjoy the view of beach, tourists also can do some exciting recreational activities such as beach volleyball, wave-riding  cycling, rollerblading and kayaking.

Underwater World Singapore is an incredible one-stop destination for the family. The activities that the tourists can do at here are feed gentle rays and sharks, defy gravity feeding fishes through openings at the side of the MAGIC-T tank, spot masters of disguise like the amazing mimic octopus and others. Besides that, they also will provide some live performance such as  Meet-the-Dolphins and Fur Seals LIVE.



The another hot spot at Sentosa is Universal Studios Singapore. This is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore. It was a key component of Genting's bid for the right to build Singapore's second integrated resort. On 8 December 2006, the Singapore government announced that the consortium had won the bid. Construction of the theme park and the rest of the resort started on 19 April 2007. 

It is the second Universal Studios theme park to open in Asia and the first in Southeast Asia. Universal Parks and Resorts markets the park as a "one-of-its-kind theme park in Asia" and promises that the park will be the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years. This theme park have been divided to 7 theme zone such as Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away,and Madagascar. Each zone is based on a blockbuster movie or a television show, featuring their own unique attractions, character appearances, dining and shopping areas.  They hope they will gives their customers greatest excitement.


The next hot spot is MegaZip Adventure Park. MegaZip Adventure Park is an attraction on Imbiah Hill, Sentosa Island, Singapore. It was established by former British Army officer Alexander Blyth and opened to the public in September 2009. Its chief executive Mike Barclay called MegaZip Sentosa's first sports attraction. Here featuring the most extreme zip wires in Asia, an aerial rope course and a free-fall simulator, it's an experience that tourists 'll never forget. The others adventure game that provided by them are ClimbMax, ParaJump, MegaBounce and others. This places is most suitable to the tourists that love adventure.

REDANG ISLAND

Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts. Redang Airport is a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Changi Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).

The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.

The monsoon season on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia sets in towards end of October and lasts through till late February/Early March. Thus, the best time to visit the Redang Island is  in March and April especially for diving where visibility can hit 40m. It is not advisable to visit here at its peak of the monsoon season - that is, November till early January. The seas are rough and the boat and resort operators are closed between October and February.


There are a lot of thing can be do in the Redang Island, for example snorkeling. Tourists can choose to snorkeling at Teluk Kalong Kecil. It was about 10 minutes boat ride from the resort to reach a bay area with white sandy beach lined with palm trees. The boat did not stop at the beach, but just let the guests snorkeling in the ocean near the bay area. The views of the area are stunning with blue and green water surrounded by small rocky mountains of different shapes, and look to a tropical island of palm trees with a chalet resort, Redang Mutiara Resort. The the tourists can enjoy the sun and water at here.

Besides that, the tourists also can enjoy the Sunrise at Long Beach. Visitors and locals can get up in the early morning to enjoy stunning views of the beach. The tourists need to get ready by 6 am, and the sunrise will begin around 6:30 am. 
Except watching sunrise, a lot of people do jogging with their friends along the beach, some sit on the benches to wait for the sun to come out, few people play in the water during the sunrise, there also has some couples will wait for the sunrise to have their wedding photos. 

FUN CITY ABOVE the CLOUD>>GENTING HIGHLAND

Genting Highlands otherwise known as Resorts World Genting is a hill resort in Malaysia developed by Genting Group. It is nestled on a mountain peak within the Titiwangsa Mountains on the border between the states of Pahang and Selangor of Malaysia. Resorts World Genting is operated by Genting Malaysia Berhad which also operates Awana chain of resorts & hotels. It is accessible by car from Kuala Lumpur in one hour, or also accessible by a cable car called Genting Skyway which at its opening used to be the world's fastest and South East Asia's longest gondola lift.

One of the popular destination in Genting Highland is Outdoor and Indoor Theme Park. The cool mountain air makes it an exhilarating experience to enjoy the many rides at the Outdoor Theme Park. Whether taking leisure drives in the Antique car or experiencing the adrenaline pumping Space Shot, it's a magical adventure of fun and excitement for the whole family. The example of game facilities of outdoor theme park are thrill rides ( Rolling Thunder Mine Train, The Waves, Cyclone and others), family rides ( Monorail, Astro Fighter, Boating and others), and children rides ( Kiddie Rides,  Rodeo Rides, Fun land and others. In the other hand, the example of game facilities of indoor theme park are thrill rides ( Euro Express, Flying Dragon, 4D Motion Master and others), family Rides ( Rio Float, Reindeer Cruiser, Mini Train and others) and children rides ( Junior Bumper Car, Carosel, Ride de Paris and other).




Genting Highlands offers a mixed range of entertainment and leisure activities beyond its theme park and surrounding tourist attractions. Casinos are undoubtedly the biggest draw here, as Genting is the only licensed gambling spot in Malaysia on land. It is not unusual to find large crowds swarming the casinos daily, especially from late night till wee hours of the morning. The casinos admit only non-Muslims aged 21 and above with a formal dress code, but these restrictions are highly relaxed at most times. Gambling is a great way to lose your fortune overnight, as many locals can attest having whittled away their savings at blackjack, poker and baccarat. 

The Genting Highlands Strawberry Leisure Farm is a recent attraction in Gohtong Jaya town, located right opposite the Mawar and Bunga Raya Apartments a short distance away on foot from Seri Malaysia Hotel. It's a straight import from Kea Farm in Cameron Highlands, where strawberries have proliferated into a kitsch industry spanning jams, chocolates, cushions, toys and key chains. The strawberry farm is free to enter, but only half is occupied by plants; the rest are dedicated shopping and dining zones. Strawberries are not the only fruits propagated here; mushrooms, bean sprouts and flowers are cultivated in adjoining nurseries.

MILAN

Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital of Lombardy. The city proper has a population of about 1.35 million, while its urban area is the 5th largest in the EU and the largest in Italy with an estimated population of about 5.2 million.  Instead of that, Milan also represents as the "new" Italy. It is also is the most modern of all Italian cities, and it still keeps most of its past history intact. There are lot and a huge variety of things that the tourists can see in Milan such as  fine churches, old palaces, excellent museums, world class theaters and opera houses, cultural gems, striking buildings, sleek modern architectural works and lovely streets and squares. 


The first tourist destination at Milan is Milan Cathedral. Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan, Italy. It is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary Nascent)and it also is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan.It was took nearly six centuries to complete. It also is the fifth largest cathedral in the world and the largest in the Italian state territory. Today, the Cathedral of Milan is considered the most important work of gothic architecture in whole Italy. Even though it took a few hundred years to complete it, it was certainly worth the wait. Thus, the tourists must take the chance to visit to here.

The next destination is Castello Sforzesco. Castello Sforzesco is a castle in Milan, Italy, that used to be the seat and residence of the Duchy of Milan and one of the biggest citadels in Europe. With the invasion of Napoleon in Milan the Sforza Castle was heavily damaged, the troops of Napoleon used the frescoed halls as sleeping rooms and the interior courtyards as stables.Today the impressive halls of the Sforza Castle are used as art museums. It now houses several of the city's museums and art collections. Thus, the tourists can take this chance to see the historical places of Milan.

The popular public park at Milan is Giardini Pubblici. This park is officially known as the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. This park was created in 1782-1786 and the park is now the largest in the center of the city. Actually, Milan isn't exactly blessed with lots of green space, but the Giardini Pubblici (Public Gardens) is a welcome exception. Thus, the tourists can enjoy the nature environment at here. Besides that, tourists also can find some fantastic running courses at here. They can discover the historic sites and beautiful parks with the show-stopping route. 

One of the famous market is Piazza Duomo. Piazza del Duomo is the main piazza  of Milan, Italy. It is named after, and dominated by, the Milan Cathedral . The piazza marks the center of the city, both in a geographic sense and because of its importance from an artistic, cultural, and social point of view. Duomo is the major square in Milan and one of the most renowned tourist sites in Italy’s capital of fashion and business. It features the Duomo Cathedral, Royal Palace and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is located in the city center and is easily reached by the metropolitan railway. At the square tourists can visit luxurious shops and charming restaurants with inviting settings and excellent cuisine.

LONDON

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It is also is the largest city, urban zone and metropolitan area in the United Kingdom. It is located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennial. Since at least the 19th century, the name London has also referred to the metropolis developed around this core. London is a popular center for tourism. It is attracts over 14 million international visitors per year, thus Europe had become the most visited city. Instead of that, London also attracts 27 million overnight-stay visitors every year.

One of the popular tourist attraction at London is The London Eye. It is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames in London, England. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Instead of that,  the Eye also described by its operators as "the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel". At here, the tourists can see the first ever 3D aerial footage of London as well as witness the world famous London New Year’s Eve fireworks in a breathtaking journey across the city. This will let the tourist have a memorable trip at London.

The National Gallery is another popular tourist attraction at London. The National Gallery is an art museum on Trafalgar Square, London. It is founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The Gallery is an exempt charity, and a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Its collection belongs to the public of the United Kingdom and entry to the main collection is free of charge. It is the fourth most visited art museum in the world, after the Musée du Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum. Besides that, the pictures in the collection belong to the public and admission to see them is free. There also will provides some activities such as special exhibitions, lectures, video and audio-visual programmes, guided tours and holiday events for children and adults.

Next tourists attraction places is Tower of London. It is also call as the Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress. It is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England, United Kingdom. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. At here, the tourists can discover the history of a royal palace.

The Camden Markets is one of the most famous market at London. It is the fourth-most popular visitor attraction in London, attracting approximately 100,000 people each weekend.The Camden markets are a number of adjoining large retail markets in Camden Town near the Hampstead Road Lock of the Regent's Canal . It is often collectively named as "Camden Market" or "Camden Lock". It is open 7 days per week. Camden  Market comprises stalls and shops selling everything from vintage clothing to hand-made jewellery and artwork to gifts, music and more. There's also food stalls and fast food shop that offering a large variety of cuisines.

The special food that must try at London is Pie and Mash with Liquor Sauce. The pie is mash with liquor sauce, a minced-beef meat pie and mashed potatoes ladled with a (nonalcoholic) thin green parsley sauce. , This is traditional cockney comfort food served in century. Next special food is Bacon Butty. It is a sandwich of bacon and white bread. Thick, meaty back bacon, white bread, and the English mustard, HP sauce, or ketchup is the ingredient of Bacon Butty .Instead of that, it's also is a pretty common on-the-go budget breakfast among many a London office worker.Toasted Cheese Sandwich is another type of special snacks at London. It also called as "Cheese Toastie," this is, simply, a grilled cheese sandwich. But this particular toastie, from a stall called Kappacasein in Borough Market, isn't just any grilled cheese, of course, but the one once famously called "the platonic ideal of grilled cheese" by superfan Ruth Reichl. Kappacasein's sandwich is made with chopped leeks, onions, and garlic, all melted together between slices of sourdough bread baked by Poilâne, the world-renowned Parisian bakery .

THAILAND>>BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and the most populous city of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply  Krung Thep . The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometers (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in Central Thailand, and has a population of over eight million, or 12.6 percent of the country's population. Over fourteen million people (22.2 percent) live within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region, making Bangkok an extreme primate city, dwarfing Thailand's other urban centers in terms of importance.

Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destination cities. It is ranked third in international visitors in MasterCard's Global Destination Cities Index, after London and Paris, with 12.2 million visitors projected to arrive in 2012. It also ranks third in international visitor spending, with 19.3 billion dollars projected for 2012, after London and New York. Euro-monitor International ranked Bangkok fifth in its Top City Destinations Ranking for 2010.Bangkok has also been named "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure magazine's survey of its readers for three consecutive years since 2010.

The Grand Palace is one of the tourist destination at Bangkok. The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style. If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace. It is the city's most famous landmark. It is built in 1782 and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. Now, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

The most popular shopping street at Bangkok is Chatuchak Weekend Market.This is paradise for bargain hunters.This is also is one of the world's largest weekend markets that contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. The things that can find at here are handicrafts , furniture, second hand clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, international home decor, musical instruments , fresh fruit juice or feast on delicious Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, barbecue chicken, noodles and sweets. There are almost everything can be found here at a bargaining local price and not a tourist price. Instead of that, most vendors also come from local factories. 

Bangkok also famous with its spa and wellness. The places that recommended to tourists to enjoy the spa is Pai Spa. It is located in the main house of Baan Rambuttri, the Last Kahabadee Traditional Thai House in Banglumpoo. It is aged over 140 years. Thus, they are professional in this area. They are offering massage , spa and training academy. They also will make sure that the services and facilities that provided to their customer is in high quality. For example, the spa menu that provided by them are Sensual Massage Program,  Body Treatment Program, Facial Treatment Program, Absolute Wellness Package and Baby Foot Therapy. Their customers can choose the package that are most favorite my them.

The first special food that must be try at Bangkok is Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup).

A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chili  galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce shapes this classic soup, giving it its legendary herbal kick. Succulent fresh prawns and straw mushrooms lend it body. A versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal. It will gives the tourists sour-spicy-hot taste. Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) is another traditional food. It is make by Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shredded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar. It will gives the tourists a releasing and rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavor that's not easily forgotten. 

SEOUL

Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A mega city with a population of more than 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world. The Seoul Capital Area, which includes the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province, is the world's second largest metropolitan area with over 25.6 million people, home to over half of South Koreans along with 632,000 international residents.

Insa-dong is one of the most popular destination at Seoul. To experience the traditional culture of Korea while remaining in the heart of the city, try Insa-dong. With art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art dealers, traditional tea houses, and traditional restaurants, it is simply the place in Seoul for tourists wanting to experience traditional Korea. The area is especially good for finding antiques in- old paintings, ceramics, wooden vessels, and antique furniture can all be found in abundance at Insa-dong. The 70 or so art galleries in the area also make Insa-dong ideal as a cultural space.

Namdaemun Market is greatest marketplace. It is a truly massive, all-inclusive marketplace for clothing, children's wear, accessories, shoes, kitchen items, regional specialty items, imported items, and more. The market offers a wide range of merchandise at affordable  prices, and most stores act as both retailers and wholesalers. The market has managed retain the feel of a traditional marketplace, which lends it a very earthy appeal- the stores and stalls offer much to see, making the market ideal not only for shoppers but for sightseers as well. Most stores at Namdaemun Market only open for certain hours according to their own needs, so it's a good idea to plan a trip ahead of time according to the desired items.

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located in the center of Seoul. It is 265m above sea level. While is has a relatively low elevation, the surrounding areas make the view a fantastic one, which explains the popularity of the mountain as a resting place for Seoul's citizens. At the top of Mt. Namsan are the Palgakjeong Pavilion, Seoul Tower, and a marine aquarium, and on the way up are the Namsan Library, fountain, and botanical garden. The summit can be reached by taking the hiking trail or by riding a cable car. A breathtaking view of Seoul can be had at the Palgakjeong Pavilion, and tourists who climb the Seoul Tower (479.7m above sea level) are rewarded further with a view that reaches as far as the sea at Incheon's harbor. When night falls, a view of Seoul's twinkling lights and neon signs unlike any other can be enjoyed at Mt. Namsan.

The special food that must eat at here is Kimchi. Cabbages and other vegetables are soaked in salt water, then seasoned with different spices before being fermented. There are many different types of kimchi, such as cabbage kimchi (the most common), cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi, cubed radish kimchi, green onion kimchi, and more. It is a health food filled with vitamins, minerals, and more. Bibimbap is another special food. This is a dish made by mixing rice with various other cooked vegetables. Great for experiencing different vegetables, pleasing to the eye, and full of nutrients. Jeonju's variation of bibimbap is most famous.
It is follow by Naengmyeon (Buckwheat noodles in a cold broth). The noodles served in cold beef broth- the soup is refreshing. There is also bibim naengmyeon, which doesn't have soup but is mixed with red pepper paste instead. Rice cakes in sauce (tteokbokki) is another traditional food at Korea.The dish is the perfect fuel for the fast-paced Korean lifestyle, tteok are glutinous tubular rice cakes, usually submerged in gochujang, a red chilli pepper sauce. Tteok are the chips of Korea  and they're sold at every food stall and eaten standing up.

PARIS

 Paris  is the capital and largest city of France. It is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region. The city of Paris, within its administrative limits , has a population of about 2,230,000. Its metropolitan area is one of the largest population centers in Europe, with more than 12 million inhabitants.An important settlement for more than two millennial  Paris had become, by the 12th century, one of Europe's foremost centers of learning and the arts and the largest city in the Western world until the turn of the 18th century. Paris is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centers and its influences in politics, education, entertainment, media, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.

Paris offers the largest concentration  of tourist attractions in France, and possibly in Europe. Besides some of the world's most famous museums  its has a vibrant historic city center  a beautiful rivers cape  and extensive range of historic monuments, including cathedrals, chapels and palaces, plus one of the most famous nightlife scenes in the world.  For example, The Louvre  is one of the popular tourist attractions at Paris. It also is one of the world's great art galleries, with masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa  and works by almost all the greatest painters. The Louvre is also a major museum, with an exceptionally rich collection of antiquities and artifacts  including Egyptian mummies, Classical bronzes, and artifacts from round the world.

Another most recognize tourist attractions is Eiffel tower.The tower has become the most prominent symbol of both Paris and France, often in the establishing shot of films set in the city.More than 200,000,000 people have visited the tower since its construction in 1889,including 6,719,200 in 2006. The tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world. The Tower has three levels, and there are restaurants on the first and the second. Most visitors use the elevators  to the first and second levels, though there are stairs for the very energetic. Access to the top is by elevator only. Though elevators were part of the original structure, those in use today are modern replacements, and fully compliant with twenty-first century safety standards.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) is one of the historic sites that most travel by the tourist. It is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. This also is a popular landmark at Paris. The basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. This also is a double monument, political and cultural, both a national penance for the supposed excesses of the Second Empire and socialist Paris Commune of 1871. The tourists like to come here to watching the sunrise and sunset. Besides that, a climb to the top of the dome provides an excellent view of Paris this is because it is the second-highest viewpoint after the Eiffel Tower. Most of the tourists are surprise with the view at here.


Besides museums and monuments, shopping in Paris also attracts millions of visitors each year.
Thus, I will pick few top Paris shopping districts that are most attracts visitors to discuss more. Avenue des Champs Elysées is a good example. This is the most well known shopping street in Paris, although it is now mainly restaurants, cafes, fast food chains, banks, offices and cinemas. However, it is still a place to go with some big store chains and the big Virgin Mega store  The tourists can easily find the thing that they are looking for, such as cinemas, cafes  restaurants, books, CD's and DVD's shops , clothes shops (Gap, Zara, , accessories shops (Louis Vuitton), nice supermarket  or toy shop and others. Another good example is Boulevard Haussmann. It is located between Chaussée d'Antin et Havre Caumartin metro stations in the 9th area, behind the Paris Opera. This is also is the places where the famous Printemps and Galeries Lafayettes department stores are standing. The visitors can find the cosmetics, fashion and home accessories at here. Instead of that, the design of this building also special because each floor has a thematic.

Bread (le pain) is a staple of French eating and region’s specialties. Paris has the finest pastry chefs and bakers of bread. Baguette is one of the traditional food of Paris that make with bread. There is a long skinny loaf of bread with a crisp crust and soft but not too soft inside. It is a simple snacks at Paris, in relaxed French homes it’s just put on the table and everyone can simply tears a piece off for himself or herself. Croque Monsieur/Madame is one of a best dishes that can eat at lunch or dinner. This is the French version of the grilled cheese sandwich, a croque monsieur is a grilled sandwich with cheese and ham . The “madame” adds a sunny-side-up egg to the top. These are often available from crepe stands, so can be eaten as a snack or (for larger ones) as a more complete meal with a salad. Macarons is another famous dessert in Paris. French macarons are light cookies that sandwich a layer of icing. This is made with egg whites. In addition being dainty and delicious, they’re usually extremely brightly colored. The most famous macarons come from the shop that started it all, Laduree in Paris.
 

JAPAN (HOKKAIDO)>>LAND of the RISING RUN

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun". Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country. With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.

Mt. E-san is one of the popular hot spring in Hokkaido. Mt. E-san is located in the southeast of the Kameda-hanto Peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean from the south of Hokkaido, is an active volcano 618 meters above sea level. At the foot of Mt. E-san is the Esan-onsen Hot Spring, a popular attraction since the latter half of the 19th century, it is renowned for its distinctive wine-red colored water. At the Todohokke Village Lighthouse Family Museum on the northern side, visitors can marvel at the constellations glittering on the ceiling, and compare the blasts of different foghorns, including those used by lighthouses to warn passing ships of hazards.

Another tourists destination is Kushiro Marsh. Kushiro Marsh stretches out to the north of Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido. This is a huge marsh with an overall area of 183 square kilometers, and was the first Japanese marshland registered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Two thousand varieties of animals and plants live there, including Hokkaido deer and the white-tailed sea eagle. In summer, all sorts of wild flowers bloom, while in winter it is home to Japanese cranes, a designated special natural monument.Observation points for viewing the wide marshland have been set up in the surrounding hills. A sightseeing walkway has been built at the marsh observatory in Kushiro so that you can walk around the marsh. In summer, the sightseeing train Norokko shows visitors the marsh as it slowly makes its way from Kushiro Station to Shibecha Station. There are also plenty of other ways to enjoy the marsh, such as canoeing for 9 kilometers down the river from Lake Toro-ko to Hoso'oka, looking down at the marsh from 50 meters above ground in a hot air balloon, or while riding a 'dosanko,' a Hokkaido-bred horse.






Odori Avenue Park also is one of the popular tourist attraction. Odori Avenue Park stretches from east to west in the center of the city, and is a symbol of the city - full of art objects, fountains, lilac and acacia plants and lots of flowerbeds. Odori Avenue Park is more than 1,400 meters long. In summer it is full of beer gardens, while in winter it becomes the location for a snow festival. During the festival, this big park is lined with magnificent snow statues and beautiful ice statues.






Seafood is most popular at Hokkaido. Tourists are attracted from all over the country to Hokkaido's rich variety of fresh fish and processed seafood. This delicious bounty includes crab, scallops, sea urchins, salmon roe, salmon, herring, flounder, cod, arabesque green lings  squid, octopus, shrimp, abalone, surf clams and kelp. Harvested from the northern seas, these seafood products have exquisite taste and flavor, and are rated among the best of their type. The crab in particular is exceptional. Depending on the season and location, we can enjoy Queen crab, Horsehair crab, Red king crab or Blue king crab. When in season, they are heavy for their size and rich in flavor whether boiled in brine or prepared as sashimi. The sea urchins feed on kelp and the sashimi is so delicious  must try it at least once.We will not find such rich and mellow sweetness anywhere but in Hokkaido. 

Ishikari-nabe and the Genghis Khan nabe (pot) are another typical dish of Hokkaido. It is making use of fresh salmon from head to tail.

The name comes from the Ishikari-gawa River, famed for its salmon catch, and the same dish is known as tokachi-nabe in the Obihiro area. Chunks of salmon are stewed with vegetables, tofu and konnyaku (devil's tongue) in kelp stock flavored with miso.

 Locally produced potatoes and cabbage add to the delicious flavor of this hearty dish, so we can indulge in the tastes of Hokkaido from both the sea and the land. 
The Genghis Khan nabe (pot) is a special helmet-shaped pan made from cast iron. It is also a dish in which thinly sliced mutton and vegetables (bean sprouts, cabbage and pumpkin) are basted and roasted.  Many restaurants around Hokkaido specialize in Genghis Khan nabe and it is very popular at large beer parlors such as the Sapporo Bier Garten and Kirin Beer Garden, which are always crowded with tourists.