16 Days in Japan | Hokkaido to Kanazawa Autumn Travel Vlog 🍁 | Food, Nature & Culture

16 Days in Japan | Hokkaido to Kanazawa Autumn Travel Vlog 🍁 | Food, Nature & Culture

Join us on a 16-day journey through Japan — from Hokkaido to Aomori. Continue south to Sendai, explore the scenic Nikko, followed by Nagano, and finally Kanazawa. Our first stop is Otaru in Hokkaido. Just outside Otaru Station, you’ll find the lively Triangle Market, known for its impressive display of fresh seafood— especially the abundance of crabs. and trading hub in Hokkaido. Today, it has transformed into a charming tourist town, known for its historic buildings, canals, and fresh seafood. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the chance to try Hokkaido’s famous ice cream. It was October 28, and the autumn foliage at Hokkaido University was in full glory— a breathtaking display of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. For lunch, we tried miso ramen and soup curry— two iconic dishes that Sapporo is especially known for. On our last night in Sapporo, we indulged in a live crab feast featuring all three of Hokkaido’s prized crabs— snow crab, king crab, and hairy crab. The journey from Sapporo to Hakodate was the longest ride of our trip, taking just over four hours. We arrived just after noon— barely making it in time to catch the tail end of the Hakodate Morning Market. We particularly enjoyed squid fermented in its own salted viscera. Goryōkaku is a Western-style star fort, best known as the site of the final battle fought by Tokugawa loyalists during the Boshin War. Lucky Pierrot is a Hakodate local burger chain known for its quirky decor and its signature Chinese Chicken Burger, The view from Mount Hakodate is considered one of the best nightscapes in Japan and an absolute must-see. And clearly, we’re not the only ones who think so. It’s our last night in Hokkaido, we treated ourselves to a sushi feast before we go. After spending four memorable days in Hokkaido, we continued our journey south into the Tohoku region. Our first stop in Tohoku is Aomori City, where we began by exploring its scenic harbor area. We also visited the Nebuta Museum, home to the vibrant, larger-than-life floats from the city’s famous summer festival. Near the harbor, there’s a fresh market where we had the chance to sample Aomori’s prized Oma tuna. We visited Hirosaki Castle, renowned for its spectacular cherry blossoms. In autumn, the castle grounds were just as stunning, and during our visit, preparations were underway for the autumn foliage and chrysanthemum celebration. Once the castle keep is fully restored, we’d love to return in spring to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom. We had dinner at a local izakaya, where we enjoyed a variety of Aomori’s fresh seafood— an authentic and flavorful end to our day. We got up bright and early next morning, heading to one of the highlights of our trip—Oirase Stream. Oirase Stream is one of Japan’s true natural treasures. It winds its way through a moss-covered forest, past countless waterfalls, and beneath canopies of vibrant autumn foliage. As we stepped onto the trail, the only sounds were the rush of water, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional birdsong. It felt like walking through a living painting. Oirase is a place where time seems to slow down, and every turn reveals a new moment of untouched beauty. The next day, we continued our journey to Sendai— riding in style aboard a Disney-themed train. Matsushima, one of Japan’s famed “Three Great Views,” is a place of timeless beauty. Its bay, scattered with over 200 pine-covered islets, forms a breathtaking seascape that has captivated poets and artists for centuries. We enjoyed a peaceful boat cruise through the bay, gliding past the serene islands and dramatic rock formations— a memorable experience. Of course, we couldn’t miss the iconic gyūtan—grilled ox tongue. Tender, flavorful, and packed with rich beefy goodness, a must-try dish originated in Sendai. The next day, Naruko Gorge was ablaze with a fiery mosaic of maples, beeches, oaks, and evergreens. The rain and fog softened the colors, but added an ethereal, mystical layer to the landscape. Without realizing it, we arrived in Nikko on a national holiday, and the town was packed with visitors and traffic. Walking through the crowds, we managed to visit Toshogu Shrine, Japan’s most ornately decorated shrine and the final resting place of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of Japan’s last shogunate. The next day, we ventured into Okunikko. A beautiful national park tucked deep in the mountains of Nikko. Surrounded by golden autumn foliage, we took in the breathtaking views from Akechidaira Plateau and admired Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. After lunch, we visited the serene Lake Chuzenji, A scenic lake cruise was the perfect escape from the holiday crowds and the best way to take in the stunning autumn foliage surrounding the lake. Ten days into our trip, we made our way to Nagano. Our first stop was Karuizawa, a beloved resort town popular with Tokyo locals. In autumn, Kumobaike Pond becomes a shimmering mirror of fiery reds, warm oranges, and golden yellows. Its tranquil waters reflect the vibrant canopy above, creating a picture-perfect setting. Nestled in the mountains, the Karuizawa Hoshino Area offers peaceful walking trails, beautiful gardens, unique shops, and the renowned Hoshino Onsen— making it an ideal spot to unwind. The town of Karuizawa feels surprisingly Westernized. We even had dinner at a cozy French restaurant. The next day, we made a brief stop at Zenkoji Temple on our way to Matsumoto. Established over 1,400 years ago, Zenkoji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan. It’s said that everyone should visit the temple Sat least once in their lifetime. Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior, is a designated National Treasure and one of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved original castles. The main reason for coming to Matsumoto was to visit Kamikochi, whose name means “God’s Highland.” Nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, Kamikochi is a pristine mountain valley known for its crystal-clear rivers, dramatic peaks, and tranquil hiking trails. Surrounded by golden larch trees and snow-capped mountains, it felt like walking through a postcard. Dinner at a robatayaki Izakaya The final leg of our trip took us to Kanazawa, a cultural gem in Japan’s Hokuriku region. Our first stop in Kanazawa was Omicho Market. Snow crab season had just opened two days earlier, and we couldn’t wait to see the fresh catch on display. We also enjoyed a sushi dinner right inside the market, savoring some of the finest seafood from the Sea of Japan. After a good rest, we spent the next morning exploring the historic Higashi Chaya District, famous for its traditional teahouses and charming streets. After lunch, we visited the magnificent Kanazawa Castle, currently undergoing restoration to regain its former grandeur. Finally, the famed Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Originally built in the 17th century as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and meticulously developed over several centuries, Kenrokuen is a true masterpiece. Walking through it feels like stepping into a living painting— a harmonious blend of nature, art, and history that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Japanese landscaping. We spent a total of three days in Kanazawa, taking the opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine. Black Lily Kanazawa Oden is a local shop famous for its light and sweet soup stock, perfected over 50 years, that beautifully complements each ingredient. At Rokkaku Do, we enjoyed local Noto beef prepared teppanyaki style— tender, flavorful, and expertly grilled right before our eyes. We also indulged in fresh sushi at Maimon Sushi. From tender female snow crab to rich uni, every bite was a celebration of Kanazawa’s coastal bounty. We savored Kanazawa’s local specialties at Cho Hachi, including delicate female snow crab, crispy cod milt tempura, and richly flavored grilled blackthroat seaperch. Each dish showcased the region’s exceptional seafood and the refined craftsmanship of its culinary tradition. On our last day, we took a day trip from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. The village is famed for its fairy tale–like Gasshō-style houses— traditional farmhouses with steep, triangular thatched roofs said to resemble hands pressed together in prayer. Despite the heavy tourist traffic, Shirakawa-go has retained its authenticity and preserved its peaceful village atmosphere. We were especially drawn to the spirit of Yui, a cooperative culture that evolved out of necessity and continues to define daily life in the community. Sixteen days passed in the blink of an eye. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this trip— though we often found ourselves wishing for more time in certain places to explore deeper. But that’s travel: fleeting, yet memorable. If you’d like to see more details from each part of our journey, check out our “2024 Japan Fall Trip” playlist. Thank you for watching. We hope youlenjoy this video Please like, comment, share and subscribe. And hit the notification button so you won’t miss the next episode. Stay Curious, Stay Inspired. Stay Curious, Stay Inspired.

Join us on a breathtaking 16-day journey through Japan—from the northern landscapes of Hokkaido to the cultural elegance of Kanazawa. 🍁🚄

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00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:36 Otaru, Hokkaido
01:46 Sapporo, Hokkaido
03:29 Hakodate, Hokkaido
04:35 Aomori, Aomori
05:12 Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki, Aomori
06:17 Oirase Keiryu, Aomori
07:20 Sendai & Matsushima, Miyagi
08:13 Naruko Gorge, Miyagi
08:45 Nikko, Tochigi
09:32 Okunikko, Tochigi
10:48 Karuizawa, Nagano
11:50 Zenkoji, Nagano
12:12 Matsumoto, Nagano
12:51 Kamikochi, Nagano
13:53 Kanazawa, Ishikawa
14:39 Kanazawa Castle & Kenrokuen Garden
16:47 Shirakawa-go, Gifu

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Our adventure begins in Otaru and Sapporo, where we feast on fresh seafood and savor live crab, miso ramen, and soup curry. We continue south to Hakodate for stunning night views from Mt. Hakodate and quirky bites at Lucky Pierrot.

Next, we explore the Tohoku region, visiting Aomori, Hirosaki Castle, and the mystical Oirase Stream at peak autumn. In Sendai, we cruise the iconic Matsushima Bay and taste grilled ox tongue, a local favorite. Naruko Gorge greets us with misty, fiery foliage that feels like a dream.

In Nikko, we navigate the crowds to visit Toshogu Shrine and venture deeper into Okunikko to witness Kegon Falls and enjoy a serene cruise on Lake Chuzenji.

We then head to Nagano Prefecture, beginning in Karuizawa with its Western charm, fall reflections at Kumobaike Pond, and a relaxing visit to the Hoshino Onsen area. After a quick stop at Zenkoji Temple, we visit Matsumoto Castle and trek through the postcard-perfect mountain valley of Kamikochi.

The final leg takes us to Kanazawa, where we stroll through Omicho Market, the Higashi Chaya District, and the beautifully restored Kanazawa Castle. We end at the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three traditional gardens. Local cuisine highlights include Black Lily’s Kanazawa oden, Noto beef teppanyaki at Rokkaku Do, female snow crab sushi at Ma e mon, and an exquisite kaiseki at Cho Hachi.

On our last day, we take a day trip to Shirakawa-go, known for its fairytale Gasshō-style houses and enduring village culture shaped by the spirit of Yui.

🗾 Itinerary Highlights:
✔️ Otaru, Sapporo, Hakodate
✔️ Aomori, Hirosaki, Oirase Stream
✔️ Sendai, Matsushima, Naruko Gorge
✔️ Nikko, Okunikko, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji
✔️ Karuizawa, Zenkoji, Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi
✔️ Kanazawa, Kenrokuen, Shirakawa-go

📺 Watch the full “2024 Japan Fall Trip” playlist for in-depth videos from each destination!

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