10 “Kita Kita” Film Locations You Can Visit in Hokkaido

 

 

 

 

When I read how the Philippine hit film, Kita Kita was shot in Hokkaido, I was happy that fans of the movie were taken to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!

Japan truly is one of the most captivating countries and intriguing cultures to behold and admire.

 

 

If you’ve been following my travels on Instagram, you would know by now how Japan is like a second home to me.

I’ve been going since I was 8 years old but more frequently the past 3 years. I’ve ventured to nearly all prefectures and cities, both urban and rural. It is my ultimate goal to finish touring all of Japan and I am gratefully happy to say, I am almost there.

 

 

Kita Kita in Tagalog can actually mean many things when translated. It all depends on how you pronounce it. In this case, the indie, romantic, comedy starring Empoy Marquez and Alessandra de Rossi, means,”I see you.”

Kita in Japanese on the other hand means North. Whether on purpose or coincidental, how serendipitous that Hokkaido is the northernmost region or prefecture in Japan.

When researching, out of Kita Kita’s ten film locations, I had been to eight of them through the different seasons in the past 3 years.

All of which I share in this week’s episode! So make sure to watch it and be inspired for your upcoming Japan itineraries!

Here are film locations from Kita Kita you can visit in Hokkaido:

 

Odori Park

Odori Park is like saying Central Park of New York. Hard to miss, it is right in the heart of Sapporo City.

 

All the big festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival are held here as featured on the VLOG:

 

 

And there’s the Sapporo Autumn Fest, its food festival. It’s happening this September 9-30, 2017!

It is an absolute food haven as I shared on Instagram when I was there. So if you have plans to hit Sapporo this month, don’t miss it!

Don’t you worry, my Sapporo Food Guide is set for next week so make sure to subscribe!

 

Susukino

One of the largest red-light districts in Japan is in Sapporo: Susukino.

The Sapporo Snow Festival also extends to this area to display the International Ice Sculptures.

 

Given the choice, I think I prefer Susukino in the winter with all that snow! Can you tell? Haha! What do you think? Took this photo during summer.

 

You can enjoy Japanese rice wine, sake, at one of many bars or izakayas.

I even shared an amazing video on Instagram from the #1 rated izakaya in Sapporo, Hachikyo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBmtSt8G-MV/

 

Sapporo Clock Tower

 

 

The Sapporo Clock Tower is the symbol of the largest city in Hokkaido.

Even if it was built in the 1870s, it still chimes every hour.

 

 

Biei

 

 

Some of my most popular posts on Instagram were taken in Biei like this one from Shikisai No Oka.

Filled with sprawling, picturesque fields, it’s where I shot my first post for this VLOG.

 

 

It’s also where you can find one of the top 5 flower farms in Hokkaido. Have you seen that episode?

 

 

Otaru Canal

Just an hour local train ride away from Sapporo, you can visit the romantic port town of Otaru.

Famous for its canal, others refer to it as the Venice of Hokkaido.

 

 

Otaru is a popular destination in winter for the Snow Light Path Festival.

Due to its popularity, tourists are beyond plentiful at this time. So it’s always good to pack some realistic expectations with you when traveling.

 

 

Read about my reality vs expectations post during that festival here.

 

 

Moerenuma Park

 

 

One of the reasons why I love Japan so much is because of its industriousness as a people. The Japanese’ great respect for their environment for me is a global benchmark. Even the most rural or desolate of places is always impeccably clean and safe.

 

 

If you can believe, Moerenuma Park was a former massive waste disposal center in Sapporo.

The transformation began in 1977. It was only in 2005 when the modern marvel of a park officially opened.

Make sure to watch today’s episode to see more of this amazing park!

 

 

Daisetsuzan National Park

The recent nature-loving girl that I am, considers Daisetsuzan National Park as one of my beloved places in Japan.

It is where I hiked up Mount Asahidake in February 2015 and got to experience my very first -17C winter adventure!

If you can imagine all this snow with leaves and grass, Kita Kita was probably shot here in autumn with Mount Asahidake as the backdrop.

 

 

It was also my first time to stay in a snow lodge where I had one of my top 10 meals in Japan: The La Vista Resort and Spa Daisetsuzan.

 

 

Daisetsuzan National Park is most popular in autumn for fall foliage. Then there’s winter for snow sports & onsen (hot springs).

Now imagine a snow festival deep within the forest mountains of Daisetsuzan. Check out the trippy Sounkyo Hot Springs Ice Festival on the VLOG!

 

 

Mount Moiwa

A lot of couples like commemorating their travels with special mementos.

When in Sapporo, you can do just that by riding up the ropeway to the scenic observatory of Mount Moiwa. I share clips of my ride up to the top in today’s episode.

 

 

On a clear day, you can see the whole city of Sapporo. Even better, visit at night and you just experienced one of Japan’s Top 3 Night Views.

Make sure to ring the Bell of Happiness and leave a Love Padlock for some lasting memories of your travels.

 

 

Then you have the last two locations which I haven’t been to: Sapporo Fushimi Inari Jinjya, which is a Shinto shrine.

Although I do share clips of me in another very similar Shinto shrine. It’s probably the most famous Japanese one in the world, Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha or Orange Gates.

Lastly, it is the Historic Village of Hokkaido, which is an open air museum.

Today’s episode shares interesting trivia on the film locations from Kita Kita that I’ve been to and even the other last two to complete the list.

 

 

It is just like the Game of Thrones episode! You can also watch one of my favorite episodes on the VLOG featuring the Game of Thrones: Revisited Tour. GoT Film locations in Iceland you can visit too!

I’ve always wanted for you to take a chance on travel. Rather than spend on things, save up for that next trip instead.

Now that you’ve seen your favorite movie stars in places like Hokkaido, hope this’ll inspire you even more to make it your next goal: travel to Japan!

Enjoy my special Kita Kita episode and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Don’t forget next week: Sapporo Food Guide!

Love & light,

B

Location: Hokkaido, Japan

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.