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- Go to Hokkaido, where it is easy to spend time even in hay fever season!
2025.03.21
Sightseeing Spot
SOTETSU FRESA INN
Go to Hokkaido, where it is easy to spend time even in hay fever season!
Many people suffer from hay fever this time of year, but Hokkaido is one such area where you do not have to worry so much about cedar and cypress pollen. So, in this issue, we would like to introduce you to a comfortable trip to Sapporo, a city less affected by pollen and full of beautiful nature and historical attractions that will refresh your body and soul.
Sapporo in March and April, pollen allergy situation and cold protection measures
Hay fever
While cedar and cypress are commonly known as hay fever, cedar and cypress rarely cause hay fever in Hokkaido because the growth of cedar trees is less than in Honshu. Therefore, it may be relatively easy for those who suffer from a lot of pollen every day in Honshu. Instead, "birch pollen allergy" peaks from late April to early June, and the number of sufferers is gradually increasing.
Also, other pollens such as grass and ragweed are present, and attention to these allergens is necessary. Appropriate measures should be taken.
Cold protection
Even in March, it is still mid-winter weather for travelers from Honshu, so be careful what you wear. While the sun may shine warmly during the day, it gets cold at night, so innerwear with good insulation, gloves, and a scarf are essential. Winter or waterproof shoes/boots are also recommended for your feet, as the roads can become sherbet-like as the snow melts.
Snow may flicker even in April, and winter-like clothing is recommended in early April. By late April, it finally starts to look like spring, but the nights can still be chilly. Long sleeves and a light coat are recommended even during this period.
"Hokkaido Gourmet" Recommended for Hay Fever and Cold Weather
-Soup Curry
Soup curry is made with various vegetables and spices, Various vegetables and spices are used in soup curry, and these have the effect of boosting the immune system. In particular, root vegetables (such as carrots and potatoes) and green and yellow vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli) are rich in vitamins and minerals and support the body's resistance. They also warm the body from the inside, making them a good choice for hay fever and cold weather.
-Ishikari nabe
The salmon used in Ishikari nabe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve hay fever symptoms. In addition, nabe dishes warm the body from the inside out, making them ideal for cold weather. In addition, the high intake of vegetables provides vitamins and minerals and boosts the immune system.
-Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan is "Lamb grilled on a hot plate" and lamb meat contains high-quality protein and zinc, which support immune function. It is relatively high in fat and also warms the body as a source of energy. Vegetables such as cabbage and bean sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals, which help build body resistance.
Enjoying these dishes is a great way to enjoy Hokkaido's delicious food culture while taking in the nutritional benefits of hay fever and cold weather.
While cedar and cypress are commonly known as hay fever, cedar and cypress rarely cause hay fever in Hokkaido because the growth of cedar trees is less than in Honshu. Therefore, it may be relatively easy for those who suffer from a lot of pollen every day in Honshu. Instead, "birch pollen allergy" peaks from late April to early June, and the number of sufferers is gradually increasing.
Also, other pollens such as grass and ragweed are present, and attention to these allergens is necessary. Appropriate measures should be taken.
Cold protection
Even in March, it is still mid-winter weather for travelers from Honshu, so be careful what you wear. While the sun may shine warmly during the day, it gets cold at night, so innerwear with good insulation, gloves, and a scarf are essential. Winter or waterproof shoes/boots are also recommended for your feet, as the roads can become sherbet-like as the snow melts.
Snow may flicker even in April, and winter-like clothing is recommended in early April. By late April, it finally starts to look like spring, but the nights can still be chilly. Long sleeves and a light coat are recommended even during this period.
"Hokkaido Gourmet" Recommended for Hay Fever and Cold Weather
-Soup Curry
Soup curry is made with various vegetables and spices, Various vegetables and spices are used in soup curry, and these have the effect of boosting the immune system. In particular, root vegetables (such as carrots and potatoes) and green and yellow vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli) are rich in vitamins and minerals and support the body's resistance. They also warm the body from the inside, making them a good choice for hay fever and cold weather.
-Ishikari nabe
The salmon used in Ishikari nabe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve hay fever symptoms. In addition, nabe dishes warm the body from the inside out, making them ideal for cold weather. In addition, the high intake of vegetables provides vitamins and minerals and boosts the immune system.
-Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan is "Lamb grilled on a hot plate" and lamb meat contains high-quality protein and zinc, which support immune function. It is relatively high in fat and also warms the body as a source of energy. Vegetables such as cabbage and bean sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals, which help build body resistance.
Enjoying these dishes is a great way to enjoy Hokkaido's delicious food culture while taking in the nutritional benefits of hay fever and cold weather.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Sapporo City
To strengthen your immunity against hay fever, it is also important to get in touch with nature and refresh yourself.
So, here are some recommended spots in Sapporo where you can enjoy Hokkaido's history, culture, and beautiful nature.
So, here are some recommended spots in Sapporo where you can enjoy Hokkaido's history, culture, and beautiful nature.
Hokkaido Shrine
"Hokkaido Shrine" is a historic shrine located in the center of Sapporo. The shrine enshrines four deities: Okunitama no Kami, Onamuchi no Kami, Sukunahikona no Kami, and Emperor Meiji, giving the shrine its historical background. Visitors can enjoy a moment of serenity and tranquility in the quiet atmosphere.
Known as one of the best power spots in Japan, the shrine is said to bring good fortune in terms of money, marriage, and work.
The temple grounds offer beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons, making each visit a different experience. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are especially special. The surrounding area has well-maintained walking paths, so taking a stroll while enjoying nature is also recommended.
Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 15 minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Maruyama Park
Known as a place of relaxation for Sapporo citizens, the park is especially crowded with visitors to view cherry blossoms in early May each year and comes alive in June with visitors to the "Hokkaido Shrine Festival". Originally a tree test site established by the Hokkaido Development Commissioner in the early Meiji period, the park was developed into a park between the end of the Meiji and Taisho periods.
The park's vast grounds include sports facilities such as the Maruyama Baseball Stadium, Maruyama Stadium, and Sakashita Ground, and together with the adjacent Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Zoo, and the Maruyama Primeval Forest, designated as a natural monument, it serves as a center for recreation and sports culture.
There is a large katsura tree in the park, a remnant of the test site, and if you keep your eyes open, you can observe many squirrels, wildflowers, and wild birds in this rich natural environment.
Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 5 minute walk from Exit 3 of Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line
HOHEIKAN
HOHEIKAN is a historical Western-style building in Sapporo and an important cultural property built in the Meiji era.
The exterior is characterized by white walls and a red roof, and once inside the building, visitors are captivated by the luxurious interior that retains the atmosphere of the time. In particular, the massive wooden staircase, chandeliers, and artwork on the walls are wonderful points of historical interest.
The museum also offers plenty of opportunities to experience local artists and culture through a variety of regular events and exhibits.
Special seasonal exhibitions and workshops are especially appealing, with something new to discover each time you visit, making you want to come back again and again.
The beautiful gardens in the surrounding area allow visitors to enjoy the different scenery of the four seasons.
The great appeal of the HOHEIKAN is that visitors can enjoy both the historical building and the beauty of nature at the same time. It is a special place where history, culture, and nature combine to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Address: 1-20 Nakajima-Koen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 5 minute walk from Exit 3 of Nakajima-Koen Station on the Namboku Subway Line / A 10 minute walk from Exit 1 of Horohirabashi Station on the Namboku Subway Line / A 5 minute walk from Nakajima-Koen-dori Streetcar Stop
"Hokkaido Shrine" is a historic shrine located in the center of Sapporo. The shrine enshrines four deities: Okunitama no Kami, Onamuchi no Kami, Sukunahikona no Kami, and Emperor Meiji, giving the shrine its historical background. Visitors can enjoy a moment of serenity and tranquility in the quiet atmosphere.
Known as one of the best power spots in Japan, the shrine is said to bring good fortune in terms of money, marriage, and work.
The temple grounds offer beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons, making each visit a different experience. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are especially special. The surrounding area has well-maintained walking paths, so taking a stroll while enjoying nature is also recommended.
Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 15 minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Maruyama Park
Known as a place of relaxation for Sapporo citizens, the park is especially crowded with visitors to view cherry blossoms in early May each year and comes alive in June with visitors to the "Hokkaido Shrine Festival". Originally a tree test site established by the Hokkaido Development Commissioner in the early Meiji period, the park was developed into a park between the end of the Meiji and Taisho periods.
The park's vast grounds include sports facilities such as the Maruyama Baseball Stadium, Maruyama Stadium, and Sakashita Ground, and together with the adjacent Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Zoo, and the Maruyama Primeval Forest, designated as a natural monument, it serves as a center for recreation and sports culture.
There is a large katsura tree in the park, a remnant of the test site, and if you keep your eyes open, you can observe many squirrels, wildflowers, and wild birds in this rich natural environment.
Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 5 minute walk from Exit 3 of Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line
HOHEIKAN
HOHEIKAN is a historical Western-style building in Sapporo and an important cultural property built in the Meiji era.
The exterior is characterized by white walls and a red roof, and once inside the building, visitors are captivated by the luxurious interior that retains the atmosphere of the time. In particular, the massive wooden staircase, chandeliers, and artwork on the walls are wonderful points of historical interest.
The museum also offers plenty of opportunities to experience local artists and culture through a variety of regular events and exhibits.
Special seasonal exhibitions and workshops are especially appealing, with something new to discover each time you visit, making you want to come back again and again.
The beautiful gardens in the surrounding area allow visitors to enjoy the different scenery of the four seasons.
The great appeal of the HOHEIKAN is that visitors can enjoy both the historical building and the beauty of nature at the same time. It is a special place where history, culture, and nature combine to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Address: 1-20 Nakajima-Koen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 5 minute walk from Exit 3 of Nakajima-Koen Station on the Namboku Subway Line / A 10 minute walk from Exit 1 of Horohirabashi Station on the Namboku Subway Line / A 5 minute walk from Nakajima-Koen-dori Streetcar Stop
Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen, about an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo, is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Jozankei Onsen is located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and attracts as many as 2.4 million visitors a year as a hot spring resort in a lush green valley. Its history dates back to 1866, when Shugenso (a Buddhist monk), Miizumi Jozan, met the source of the hot spring with the guidance of the Ainu people. Overcoming a number of difficulties, Jozan laid the foundation for hot springs, and the area was named "Jozankei" in his honor.
The hot spring water that gushes out is a clear, colorless, mildly salty sodium chloride spring (neutral hypotonic high hot spring), one of the most popular springs in Japan. When bathing, this saltiness adheres to the skin, preventing evaporation of sweat and warming the body from the core.
Jozankei is also rich in nature, with each of the four seasons presenting itself in its own way. In spring, the murmuring of melting snow is beautiful, and summer is cool and verdant. In autumn, the colorful autumn leaves are breathtaking, and in winter, the area is enveloped in a silvery silence. The overwhelming beauty of nature stimulates the senses and will surely make for an unforgettable trip.
Address: 3 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 60 minutes by "Jotetsu Bus Kappa Liner" from JR Sapporo Station / A 47 minutes by "Jotetsu Bus" from Sapporo Station to Makomanai Station on the Namboku Subway Line
SAPPORO Mt.MOIWA ROPEWAY
Located almost in the center of Sapporo City, "Mt. Moiwa is a 531-meter-high mountain, from the top of which you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view of Sapporo City and the Ishikari Plain. The night view of Sapporo is said to be one of the most beautiful in Japan, and has been selected as one of the three most beautiful night views in Japan.
One of the charms of this mountain is that it is rich in nature and offers scenery that changes with the seasons. There are well-maintained mountain trails and hiking courses, and both beginners and advanced climbers can enjoy climbing the mountain. From the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the city with its skyscrapers and lush nature, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Mt. Moiwa is also an important place for the Ainu people, who call it "Inkarsipe" (always a place to climb and look), and it has a history as a watchtower mountain. A fusion of nature and history, Mt. Moiwa is a must stop when visiting Sapporo.
Address: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 37 minutes by JR Hokkaido Bus [Keimei Line 50] from JR Sapporo Station to "Mt.Moiwa Ropeway"
*Closed from March 26 (Wed) to April 24 (Thu), 2025 for maintenance check.
*The ropeway will also be closed during inclement weather.
Please check the official website for ropeway operation status and details.
Jozankei Onsen, about an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo, is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Jozankei Onsen is located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and attracts as many as 2.4 million visitors a year as a hot spring resort in a lush green valley. Its history dates back to 1866, when Shugenso (a Buddhist monk), Miizumi Jozan, met the source of the hot spring with the guidance of the Ainu people. Overcoming a number of difficulties, Jozan laid the foundation for hot springs, and the area was named "Jozankei" in his honor.
The hot spring water that gushes out is a clear, colorless, mildly salty sodium chloride spring (neutral hypotonic high hot spring), one of the most popular springs in Japan. When bathing, this saltiness adheres to the skin, preventing evaporation of sweat and warming the body from the core.
Jozankei is also rich in nature, with each of the four seasons presenting itself in its own way. In spring, the murmuring of melting snow is beautiful, and summer is cool and verdant. In autumn, the colorful autumn leaves are breathtaking, and in winter, the area is enveloped in a silvery silence. The overwhelming beauty of nature stimulates the senses and will surely make for an unforgettable trip.
Address: 3 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 60 minutes by "Jotetsu Bus Kappa Liner" from JR Sapporo Station / A 47 minutes by "Jotetsu Bus" from Sapporo Station to Makomanai Station on the Namboku Subway Line
SAPPORO Mt.MOIWA ROPEWAY
Located almost in the center of Sapporo City, "Mt. Moiwa is a 531-meter-high mountain, from the top of which you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view of Sapporo City and the Ishikari Plain. The night view of Sapporo is said to be one of the most beautiful in Japan, and has been selected as one of the three most beautiful night views in Japan.
One of the charms of this mountain is that it is rich in nature and offers scenery that changes with the seasons. There are well-maintained mountain trails and hiking courses, and both beginners and advanced climbers can enjoy climbing the mountain. From the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the city with its skyscrapers and lush nature, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Mt. Moiwa is also an important place for the Ainu people, who call it "Inkarsipe" (always a place to climb and look), and it has a history as a watchtower mountain. A fusion of nature and history, Mt. Moiwa is a must stop when visiting Sapporo.
Address: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: A 37 minutes by JR Hokkaido Bus [Keimei Line 50] from JR Sapporo Station to "Mt.Moiwa Ropeway"
*Closed from March 26 (Wed) to April 24 (Thu), 2025 for maintenance check.
*The ropeway will also be closed during inclement weather.
Please check the official website for ropeway operation status and details.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sapporo-Susukino is recommended for sightseeing in Sapporo!
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sapporo-Susukino is conveniently located one minute's walk from Exit 4 of Hosui Susukino Station on the Toho Line of Sapporo Municipal Subway and a 4 minute walk from Exit 3 of Susukino Station on the Namboku Line of Sapporo Municipal Subway! It is ideal as a base for sightseeing and travel in Sapporo City.
For breakfast, we offer a buffet featuring Hokkaido ingredients. You can enjoy Sapporo Miso Ramen and other delicious menu items representing Sapporo.
All rooms are equipped with air purifiers with humidification functions to prevent hay fever!
A self-service cloakroom and coin-operated laundry are also available for your convenience.
In addition, by installing a whole-house water purification system”Ryosui Kobo”, all water in the hotel, including the washbasins, showers, and toilets in guest rooms, is changed to gentle water”SOU-BI-SUI”.
■SOU-BI-SUI details here.
For breakfast, we offer a buffet featuring Hokkaido ingredients. You can enjoy Sapporo Miso Ramen and other delicious menu items representing Sapporo.
All rooms are equipped with air purifiers with humidification functions to prevent hay fever!
A self-service cloakroom and coin-operated laundry are also available for your convenience.
In addition, by installing a whole-house water purification system”Ryosui Kobo”, all water in the hotel, including the washbasins, showers, and toilets in guest rooms, is changed to gentle water”SOU-BI-SUI”.
■SOU-BI-SUI details here.
Sapporo is an ideal destination where you can enjoy yourself without worrying too much about cedar and cypress pollen allergies.
Let's have a refreshing time in body and mind while experiencing the history and rich nature.
* Information as of March 2025.
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