It seems like ages since I last set foot on Japan so I was really looking forward to this trip. Much as I dislike bringing all the winter accessories and donning layers of clothing, I have chosen to visit Hokkaido at its coldest. Yes, at the peak of winter as it has been a while since I last saw snow. It is ironical that I who can't stand the cold have started to miss that wintry charm and snowy landscape that comes only with the winter season.
As soon as we landed at the new Chitose Airport we made our way to Noboribetsu, a township that is famous for its hotsprings. Noboribetsu does offer other attractions and my favourite is Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura.
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a park themed after a historical era that dates back to the 17th century. The Edo Era (1603-1867) was a period when Japan was under the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was a period of peace after a spate of many wars, a time when stability brought about development in trade, business and arts and where the people could afford leisure activities and entertainment. It was a time when the culture of Japan flourished and this park depicts all that.
The Otemon Gate painted in a bright orange colour was the first impressive monument I saw. Entrance is not free and tickets have to be purchased from a counter next to the gateway.
Not only are the buildings constructed to befit the ancient era, the staffs working in the park too have been given complete makeovers from head to toe to make history come to life.
After the gate, is the stretch of 'Merchant Street' where shops and restaurants are brilliantly designed to make you feel like you are walking back in time.
I am so glad there weren't many visitors and at certain spots I felt like we had the park all to ourselves!
There are only five eateries and four shops within the park. The rest are display units, museums and units for other cultural activities.
The park features three museums and this one called 'Kuma-san Lodge is one of them.
There is also an observatory and a shrine.
There is a big mansion called Katakura Residence.
This is the compound of Katakura Residence.
The pond in Katakura Residence is almost frozen. The temperature was about -5⁰ C.
There are three theatres within the park and Ronnie is queuing to enter a theatre to watch The Ninja Show.
This man was waiting to collect entrance ticket for the Ninja Show.
We weren't as impressed about the shows and museums as we were about the picture-perfect landscape around the park.
There is a pond inside this park called 'Matsuga Pond' Even this is frozen.
We walked around enjoying the scenery, the snow, and loving the winter ambiance of the park.
Info About The Park:
Entrance fee: 2900¥ (adult) 1500¥(Children)
Open: Everyday 9am to 4pm (Nov 1 - Mar 31)
9am to 5pm (April 1- Oct 31)
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