Country of the rising Sun

[Dneprovoy Alexey]

Japanese landscapes are even more beautiful than it is on Japanese paintings. The distinctive ancient country will charm visitors in any time of the year. To view a nice video about the country click here: http://tours-tv.com/en/japan.

 

Summer is a good time to visit Hokkaido to see beautiful sceneries when the weather is cooler than other regions. Furano Biei area in Central Hokkaido is known for its picturesque views of many hills and flower fields and is a popular tourist destination during the summer. Especially, the area is famous for its many lavender gardens. Furano is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Sapporo-city and 30 miles south of Asahikawa-city. If you are traveling by JR trains, Hokkaido Railway Company offers the Furano Biei Furii Kippu (round tour tickets) from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station through mid October in 2011. Also, you might want to consider taking the JR Twinkle Bus which stops at many tourist spots in Furano Biei. Enjoy the abundant nature in the area.

 

Further, Furano-city holds its annual Hokkai Heso Matsuri (belly button festival) on July 28 and 29. The festival first originated because Furano is located in the middle of Hokkaido and is said to be Hokkaido's heso (belly botton). Festival participants perform heso odori (belly button dance) in the street near JR Furano Station.