capture the grandeur of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture. We'll introduce photos that capture popular sightseeing spots, the unique wildlife of Hokkaido, and more. We hope this will help you get an idea of what Hokkaido is all about!

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Hokkaido in Past Photo Contests

We have picked out some amazing photos of Hokkaido from among the many wonderful entries that convey the charms of Japan. We'll also introduce some popular photo spots as well!

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Photographer: 林 優
Location: Shirogane Blue Pond (Hokkaido)

Sightseeing at Shirogane Blue Pond
Shirogane Blue Pond is a popular sightseeing spot where the surface of the water appears various shades of blue during different seasons, at different times of the day, and in different weather conditions. The surface of the water appears blue when light reflects off the aluminum and sulfur in the water flowing into the pond from the Biei River. The blue water and withered larch trees create a fantastic scene. At night in fall and winter, the area is lit up and visitors can enjoy a very different scenery from that during the daytime.

A Video Article About Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido

Video article 2:10

This Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido Is a Natural Miracle Created by Nature. The Beautiful Scenery of This Popular Sightseeing Spot Fascinates All Who See It!

• YouTube

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Photographer: umestagram
Location: Hill of the Buddha (Hokkaido)

Highlights of the Hill of the Buddha, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Sapporo, Hokkaido
From the outside of the Hill of the Buddha, only the head of the Great Buddha can be seen poking out from the top of the lavender-covered hill. Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) was built so that a concrete approach leads to the basement of the lavender hill. Looking up through the dimly lit space, visitors can see the Great Buddha surrounded by natural light filtering in through the open ceiling.

A Video Article About the Hill of the Buddha in Sapporo, Hokkaido

Video article 5:58

Hill of the Buddha - A New Attraction in Sapporo, Hokkaido Designed by a World-Famous Architect. Come Check Out the Buddha as He Pokes His Head Out From a Hill Surrounded by Lavenders!

• YouTube

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Photographer: 三浦奈津美
Location: Lake Nukabira (Kato, Hokkaido)

Highlights of Lake Nukabira, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Kato, Hokkaido
Lake Nukabira is a man-made lake surrounded by dense virgin forests. At the bottom of the lake is a large human-shaped rock called 'Nukabira.' Taushubetsu Bridge on the east bank of the dam is a concrete arch bridge of the former Japan National Railways' Shihoro Line. It is also called the "phantom bridge" because it appears in winter when the water level is low and sinks to the bottom of the lake and disappears when the water level increases.

A Video Article About Lake Nukabira in Kato, Hokkaido

Video article 2:40

Discover the Amazing Ice Bubbles at Lake Nukabira! Sightseeing Information for the Fantastical Lake in Hokkaido, Japan!

• YouTube

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Photographer: 古谷久樹
Location: Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido)

The Cute Northern Pika of Japan
The northern pika is found only in some high-altitude areas of Hokkaido. It can fit in the palm of your hand, is 10 to 20 centimeters long, and weighs 60 to 160 grams. Its ears are round and small, and it's characterized by its frequent squeaking. In 2012, it was listed as a near-threatened species on the Red List of endangered species by the Ministry of the Environment.

A Video Article About the Northern Pika

Video article 3:01

The Northern Pika of Japan: Learn About the Cute Critter Known as the "God of Rocky Lands" and Found in the Outdoors of Hokkaido. Also See Its Characteristic High-Pitched Cry!

• YouTube

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Photographer: HAYATO/日本の風景写真･絶景スポット
Location: Abashiri Prison Museum (Abashiri, Hokkaido)

Highlights of the Abashiri Prison Museum, a Popular Sightseeing Attraction in Abashiri, Hokkaido
The Abashiri Prison Museum is an open-air history museum that preserves and exhibits the former buildings of Abashiri Prison. The wooden prison buildings that were used during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) have been relocated and reconstructed on a vast site. Eight of the buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. There are also six registered Tangible Cultural Properties at the museum, including a building made of bricks made in the prison. Visitors can learn about the history of Abashiri Prison, which was instrumental in the development of Hokkaido, from the many exhibits.

A Video Article About Tourist Attractions in Hokkaido

Video article 3:30

Hokkaido - Endlessly Sweeping Horizons and Magnificent Scenery! Set off on a Trip to Hokkaido's Scenic Locations to Enjoy Spectacular Views of Japan's Natural Landscape!

• YouTube

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Photographer: 長野恵莉佳
Location: Flowerland Kamifurano

Highlights of Flowerland Kamifurano, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Kamifurano, Hokkaido
Flowerland Kamifurano is a vast flower garden where colorful flowers bloom from June to the end of September. It's a popular tourist attraction with magnificent views of the Tokachi Mountain range and Mt. Asahi. Admission is free, and visitors can ride a tractor bus that circles the 100,000-square-meter flower garden and enjoy the fresh Hokkaido breeze and the fragrance of the flowers in a relaxing atmosphere.

A Video Article About Sightseeing in Biei and Furano, Hokkaido

Video article 3:18

Outstanding Views of Flowers and Nature in Biei and Furano, Hokkaido. The Scenic View of Lavenders and Poppies, Together With the Natural Scenery of the Surrounding Area, Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable!

• YouTube

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Photographer: koichi hakuchuu
Location: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Chitose, Hokkaido)

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival of Chitose, Hokkaido
One of the top winter festivals in Hokkaido. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, started by local volunteers, has a history of more than 40 years. Ice sculptures of various sizes are made by pumping up water from Lake Shikotsu and spraying it onto structures. The ice sculptures line the shores of Lake Shikotsu in the extreme cold, glowing with the blue color of Lake Shikotsu during the day and illuminated with colorful lights at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

A Video Article About the Sapporo Snow Festival

Video article 2:12

The Sapporo Snow Festival Popular Among Overseas Tourists! The Pure White Snow of Nature and Colorful Projection Mapping in the City of Sapporo, Hokkaido, in a Brilliant Competition!

• YouTube

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Photographer: ぬこであります(´ー｀)
Location: Kushiro, Hokkaido

The Ezo Red Fox of Hokkaido, Japan
The Ezo red fox is a widespread inhabitant of the plains and alpine zones of Hokkaido. In recent years, there have been reports of sightings in Aomori Prefecture as well. The Ezo red fox is slightly larger than the Japanese red foxes that inhabit Honshu (Japan's main island), measuring 60 to 80 centimeters in length. The backs of its ears and ankles are black, and their lifespan in the wild is about 6 to 7 years.

A Video Article About the Ezo Red Fox

Video article 3:15

Cute Ezo Red Foxes Playing in Hokkaido. Learn About the Wildlife of Japan!

• YouTube

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Photographer: しま
Location: Mt. Asahi (Kamikawa, Hokkaido)

Highlights of Mt. Asahi, the Tallest Peak in Hokkaido
Mt. Asahi, one of the One Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan, is the tallest peak in Hokkaido, located in the northern part of Daisetsuzan National Park. It is a 2,291-meter-high volcano, and the ropeway takes you to the fifth station at an altitude of 1,600 meters. Various alpine plants and magnificent mountain scenery can be enjoyed on Mt. Asahi. Trekking and cross-country skiing courses are available, so visitors can enjoy activities in all four seasons in the great outdoors of Hokkaido.

A Video Article About Sightseeing in Hokkaido

Video article 3:00

The Town of Wassamu, Hokkaido Is a Place Where You Can Enjoy All Four Seasons of Japan! Check Out the Attractions of Wassamu Town in Hokkaido, a Place You Won't Want to Miss!

• YouTube

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Photographer: HAYATO/日本の風景写真･絶景スポット
Location: Notsuke Peninsula (Hokkaido)

Highlights of the Notsuke Peninsula
The Notsuke Peninsula is a spit in the eastern part of Hokkaido, between the Shiretoko and Nemuro Peninsulas. The spit is approximately 26 kilometers long, and was created by sediment carried by ocean currents and deposited over many years. From spring to fall, the spit is covered with fields of Kamchatka lilies, zenteika, and beach roses. In winter, the entire area freezes over, creating ice as far as the eyes can see. The scenery of dead forests caused by the erosion from seawater is also very popular.

A Video Article About the Yezo Sika Deer Inhabiting Hokkaido

Video article 2:06

Yezo Sika Deer: Learn About the Magnificent Deer of Hokkaido's Snowy Notsuke Peninsula! All About Yezo Sika Deer and Their Problem as a Disruptive Species

• YouTube

Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that showcases the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan.
Click here for more information about COOLJAPANVIDEOS

Anyone can enter COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' photo contests! Below are some of the features of our contests.
・On top of single-lens reflex cameras and digital cameras, photos taken with smartphones and other devices can also be submitted.
・Each person can submit as many photos as they like during the contest period.
・Editing of images, such as cropping and color changes, is also allowed!

Here you can find all of the past photo contest winners in one place. You can also see the prizes for each contest, as well as the locations where the photos were taken and the judges' critiques.

Click here to see past photo contest winners

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Photo Contest Results - COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Winning Photos - Discover the Charms of Japan!

Current Photo Contest

The following is information about the current photo contest.

[Ongoing From March2024] The 22th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest
Theme: Spring in Japan
Submission period: March 1, 2024 12:00 AM – April 30, 2024 11:59 PM (JST)
Prizes: ■Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card (1 Winner) ■Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card (5 Winners)

Spring in Japan

Photo Contest Landscape Photography Summary

Did you enjoy these landscape photos from past photo contest entries? Some of these landscapes can only be seen in specific conditions.
Japan is full of rich nature, historical locations, and seasonal events! Share your photos with the world and help showcase the beauty of Japan through COOL JAPAN VIDEOS!

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