Winter in Hokkaido 14-day Itinerary
Itinerary provided by Ping
a Hong Kong and Macau-based creative who loves traveling and Japanese culture, she has lived in Hokkaido for Japanese study and written a Chinese e-book about her precious journey.
Available on Readmoo http://moo.im/a/qtuOQY and Rakuten Kobo http://bit.ly/2Wp8i9t
This journey allows you to experience the greatest of all of Hokkaido.
The first stop is Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding and lots of outdoor activities. Then, the itinerary extends to the nearby towns of Obihiro and Furano, for you to experience the beautiful nature. Next, you will visit Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, for sightseeing and shopping. Finally, you will head south to Hakodate to look at one of the world's greatest night views and Illumination lightings.
DAY 1
Departure ✈ New Chitose Airport → Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU → hal Restaurant
New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport is an entertainment complex with good food, shopping and fun, which completely overthrows everyone's impression of an airport. On the third floor of the terminal, Smile Road connects the domestic and international terminals, and there are Doraemon, Hello Kitty, and Sanrio-themed facilities, which make people feel happy.
The second floor of the domestic terminal brings together all the popular desserts and souvenirs from all over Hokkaido, and there is also a sales market for special products. It is very worth mentioning that there are cinemas and hot springs on the fourth floor!
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
It is very easy to reach the resort by taking a shuttle bus or JR from the airport. After the ride, let’s take a break to feel like home at our The Village Alpha apartment. And then you can take a walk outside, Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is surrounded by beautiful nature, you can see endless grasslands and forests covered with snow, at the same time listen to singing of the the breeze and birds, breathe the soul cleansing fresh air, and feel the harmony and tranquility of Mother Nature.
hal Restaurant
Of course you must try the very fresh seafood from Hokkaido. I suggest you to go hal restaurant on the first night (lucky we have booked a table in advance! But remember for breakfast it does not accept reservations) to enjoy its amazing seafood menu, for which its crab, salmon and sashimi selections are highly recommended! Also its vegetable dishes and desserts are yummy too!
DAY 2-3
Skiing → Hotalu Street → Skiing → Kirin-no Yu Hot Spring
Skiing Experience + Skiing Lessons
Skiing is a must-do activity in Hokkaido! The Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU has top-quality powder snow and offers 29 different ski trails suitable for all levels. Whether you're a beginner who's new to skiing or an experienced skier looking for a challenge, the resort has something to offer!
You can rent skiing equipment at the rental area on the 1st floor of The Tower Hotel or RISONARE Hotel. It's more cost-effective to rent for more days, so it's recommended to reserve at least two days for skiing. After renting the skiing equipment, you just need to purchase the lift pass and you can take the cable car up the mountain to enjoy!
You can also sign up for a skiing lesson and have professional instructors to teach you. In addition to small group classes, there are also classes available for children, beginner adults, advanced skiers, and one-on-one training sessions. Instruction is available in Chinese, English, or Japanese. Don't forget to make an online reservation in advance!
Hotalu Street
You can ski directly to Hotalu Street to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants here. There are Japanese ramen, Italian pizza, grilled steaks and many other options. There's a restaurant called GIN that is famous for its seafood rice bowls and gin, a famous chain restaurant called GARAKU that has super yummy curry soup menu. All the restaurants are good, just try anyone of it and I bet you’d like it!
Kirin-no Yu
After a long day of skiing, there's nothing better than soaking yourself in an open air hot spring that is surrounded by a beautiful view of the surrounding forest, while enjoying the twinkling stars in the snowy sky. What a very romantic and memorable experience!
DAY 4
Terrace of Frost Tree → Outdoor activities → Chapel on the Water → Ice Village
Terrace of Frost Tree
Take the Unkai Gondola to the Terrace of Frost Tree to enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery, it’s a dreamy and enchanting experience that feels like stepping into Elsa's Frozen movie! You can walk on the adventurous Cloud Walk or enjoy a hot drink at the cozy Kumo Cafe. In December, there's a special night lighting event that makes the whole scenery even more magical!
Outdoor activities
There is a lot of exciting activities out in the snow white wilderness, from snow sledding, snowmobile, to banana boat and many more, that will give you adrenaline with a magicient view that you’d never forget!
Chapel on the Water
Chapel on the Water
Chapel on the Water is a piece of wonderful artwork that perfectly blending with nature. It is created by renowned architect Tadao Ando, he is using the natural elements of "water, light, green, and wind" to purify one’s soul.
Ice Village
Ice Village is a must-see attraction inside the resort, everything here is built by ice blocks! Plus, there is a lot of fun activities to do, you can go ice skating, zip lining across the village, sliding on the huge ice slider, check out the romantic Ice Chapel, drink whisky in Ice Bar and go shopping at Ice Shop! It also has a nightly fireworks at 7 pm, and that could be seen everywhere inside the resort!
DAY 5
Leisure activities → Mina Mina Beach → Forest Restaurant Nininupuri
What a wonderful thing to be woken by the winter sunshine and the singing of the birds. Enjoy a simple breakfast in the apartment with a magical snowy view before heading for another fun day out.
Leisure activities
Today let’s try some other fun outdoor activities! For those who prefer calmer activities, you can take a walk in the snowy forest, go ice fishing or snow camping; and for those who love sports, you can try horseback riding or motor racing challenges. Be reminded some activities require reservations in advance.
Mina Mina Beach
Mina Mina Beach is the largest indoor warm pool with artificial waves in Japan, with a constant temperature of 30 degrees Celsius all year round. Even in winter, visitors can still enjoy the fun of playing in the water just like in summer.
Forest Restaurant Nininupuri
The restaurant has an amazing view, with two gigantic floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allows guests to enjoy the fairy-like forest scenery outside while dining. It has a meat-themed buffet menu, offering high quality meat selections from Hokkaido, including beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. Also seasonal vegetables, seafood, dessert are provided.
DAY 6
Obihiro = Shiawase Station → Tokachi pork rice bowl → Rokkatei main store
It is about an hour drive to reach Obihiro from Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Our first stop is Shiawase Station.
Shiawase Station
Shiawase Station is an abandoned train station that has gained popularity due to its charming name, which means blessing in Japanese. The comic-like background with its orange train has become a popular spot for taking photos and has attracted many couples to come visit.
Tokachi pork rice
Obihiro is the birthplace of pork rice bowl. You must try the most famous Tokachi pork rice bowl when you come here! Near the Obihiro Station, there is a very famous shop called PANCHŌ that you must visit!
Rokkatei main store
Rokkatei is a famous Hokkaido souvenir brand, its hand-drawn floral packaging is its biggest selling point. This store in Obihiro is where it all started, it has two floors, with the upper floor for dining in. However it's recommended to do the shopping before you take your return flight at the airport so that you don’t have to carry the stuff throughout the trip.
DAY 7
Furano = Ningle Terrace -> Shirogane Blue Pond -> Shirahige Waterfall -> Asahikawa = Asahiyama Zoo -> Asahikawa City
Leaving The Village Alpha where they stayed for 6 nights, we drove to Furano and Asahikawa and stayed overnight in Asahikawa City.
Ningle Terrace
Located in the forest next to the Prince Hotel in Shin Furano, the Ningle Terrace is a collection of unique and fairy-tale-like small wooden houses. These houses are souvenir shops that sell handmade crafts featuring the distinctive local culture of Furano. The dreamlike ambiance is making visitors feel like being inside a magical fairy tale world.
Shirogane Blue Pond
The Shirogane Blue Pond is a must-visit scenic spot at least once in a lifetime. Its mysterious and captivating blue color reflects the dead trees and blue sky-white clouds standing on the edge of the pond, creating a unique and breathtaking view that even became one of the signature wallpapers for Apple computers.
Shirahige Waterfall
Located in the Shirogane Onsen area in Biei, the Shirahige Waterfall is the source of the Shirogane Blue Pond. Just like long white hair growing on the rocks, water flows down from the cracks in the rocks, then pours into the beautiful clear blue waters of the Biei River. The view of the waterfall is even more stunning during winter when the rocks and trees are covered in pure white snow.
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is the most popular zoo in Hokkaido. It features a wide variety of animals and allows visitors to observe the animals in their most natural state. Don't miss the unique feeding shows, which are particularly popular with the polar bears, penguins, and seals. After visiting the zoo, you can also drive to the nearby Asahikawa Ramen Village for some delicious ramen before resting at a hotel in Asahikawa City.
DAY 8
Sapporo = Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, Sapporo Clock Tower -> Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade -> Mount Moiwa -> GARAKU Soup Curry
Either drive or take the JR from Asahikawa to Sapporo, the most prosperous urban city in Hokkaido.
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, Sapporo Clock Tower
When visiting the JR Tower, you will notice an eye-catching red brick building, the former Hokkaido Government Office Building that was built in 1888. It is listed as an important cultural heritage building by the Japanese government and is open to visitors free of charge. The Sapporo Clock Tower nearby is also over 100 years old, it was built in American architectural style and it served as the Sapporo Agricultural College a long time ago.
Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
For tourists who love shopping, Sapporo has a one-kilometer-long shopping street with over 200 shops. There are many drug stores and souvenir shops in this area, as well as large-scale discount stores like Don Quijote and Daiso, where visitors can find a wide variety of high-quality Japanese goods at affordable prices.
Mount Moiwa
The night view on Mount Moiwa is one of Japan's three most charming night views. Visitors can enjoy the entire Sapporo city from the observation deck at the peak, which stands at an altitude of 531 meters. The endless lights of Sapporo sparkle and twinkle, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
GARAKU Soup Curry
Soup curry is a must-try signature dish of Sapporo. It is a curry dish served in a soup-like form and has a spicy flavor with the aroma of meat. It is usually served with meat, seafood, or vegetables as a topping. GARAKU, located near Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, is a popular restaurant among tourists. They offer soup curry with 40 levels of spiciness to choose from. A level 5 spiciness is usually considered moderate, allowing customers to enjoy the deliciousness of the curry soup and the freshness of the toppings, and even drink the soup to the last drop.
DAY 9
Hokkaido Shrine → Morihiko Coffee → Shiroi Koibito Park → Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower
Hokkaido Shrine
The Hokkaido Shrine was built in 1871 and is located in Maruyama Park in Sapporo City. It is the largest shrine in Hokkaido. Although the shrine is not very large, it is a great place to visit and offer your prayers with sincerity. Additionally, visitors can also take a leisurely stroll in Maruyama Park while they are there.
Morihiko Coffee
Nestled in an ordinary alley way, located near Maruyama Park, there is a lush green wooden house named Morihiko Coffee. The cafe is renovated from an old traditional Japanese house, retaining its original layout and decorated with a nostalgic atmosphere. Morihiko Coffee serves freshly roasted coffee beans that are rich in aroma and taste.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Cookies are one of the most famous souvenirs from Hokkaido. It's worth going to the Shiroi Koibito Park to learn more about them. The park has a beautiful European-style garden, with colorful flowers in the summer and a themed light show in the winter. Inside the buildings, there are exhibition halls where you can observe the cookie-making process, as well as several children's play areas.
Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower
Odori Park is a long and narrow park in Sapporo that stretches for 1.5 kilometers. It is an important recreation area for locals, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held there every year. At its eastern end, there is the striking red Sapporo TV Tower, a well-known landmark in Sapporo. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Odori Park from the observation deck at the top of the tower. If you visit during the Christmas season, be sure not to miss the Munich Christmas Market held here.
DAY 10
Otaru = Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street → Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line → Otaru River Canal → Mount Tenguyama
Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
The buildings on both sides of the street retain the characteristics of the Taisho and Showa periods, with both Western and Japanese styles, reflecting Otaru's history as a place where Eastern and Western cultures blended. There are many souvenir shops, restaurants and boutiques, offering a wide range of options for both dining and shopping.
Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line
All of a sudden, a small section of railway track appears on a street. It turns out to be a relic of the first railway built in Hokkaido in 1880. It is quite unique and has significant historical meaning, serving as a witness to the once-thriving era of this place.
Otaru River Canal
Otaru was once the financial and trading center of Hokkaido, and the Otaru Canal is a testament to the prosperous commercial and transportation history of the area. Although only a small portion of the canal remains today, the warehouses along the canal have been converted into shops. Many movies have been filmed at the Otaru Canal, the most famous of which is probably "Love Letter" directed by Shunji Iwai.
Mount Tenguyama
Mount Tengu-yama is the place where the female lead in the movie Love Letter shouts, "How are you?". It is a mountain that enshrines the deity Tengu. People come to worship and touch Tengu's nose, which is said to ward off evil spirits. Climbing to the top of the mountain offers a wonderful view of Otaru city, and the night view from here is one of the top three night views in Hokkaido.
DAY 11
Hokkaido University, Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University → Sapporo JR Tower, Ramen Republic → Jingisukan
Hokkaido University, Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University
Hokkaido University is very popular amongst tourists. In the summer, the campus is lush with a large green space of trees and grass, and a small river flowing gently, making it easy to forget you are in the middle of a city. Nearby is the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden, which cultivates 4,000 species of plants and has a rich collection of animal specimens in its museum.
Sapporo JR Tower, Ramen Republic
JR Sapporo Station is connected to four shopping centers: PASEO, ESTA, STELLAR PLACE, and APIA, making it one of the largest and most fashionable shopping complexes in Japan. You can find everything from trendy clothing and accessories to home appliances. For those who love ramen, the 10th floor is the Sapporo Ramen Republic, where you can taste the rich and flavorful Hokkaido-style ramen.
Jingisukan
Jingisukan is a Japanese grilled mutton dish prepared on a convex metal skillet, it is a specialty food in Sapporo. It is said to have been brought to Japan from northeastern China and then further developed in Hokkaido. At Matsuo Jingisukan near Sapporo Station, you can enjoy a set meal of lamb meat from four different parts of the animal. The meat is tender and juicy, and the juices and fat released during grilling mix with the vegetables, adding even more flavor to the dish!
DAY 12
Hakodate = Hachiman-zaka → Motomachi, Former Hakodate Public Hall → Mount Hakodate-yama night view
After finishing our journey in Central Hokkaido, we head south and take about 4 hours of JR train from Sapporo to Hakodate.
Hachiman-zaka
Looking back at the harbor from Hachiman-zaka is one of the most iconic views of Hakodate. The street is lined with tall, green trees, and at the end of the road, you can see the blue sea. The beautiful composition and natural scenery make it a popular spot for photographs, and many posters and promotional materials for Hakodate tourism feature this view!
Motomachi, Former Hakodate Public Hall
Hakodate was one of the first ports in Japan to open to foreign countries. It has many Western-style buildings, especially in the Motomachi area. Here, you can find numerous Western-style churches and buildings. One of the most notable buildings is the Former Hakodate Public Hall, the Emperor of Japan even stayed there during a visit.
Mount Hakodate-yama
Hakodate's night view has been recognized as one of the three best night views in the world, it is definitely a must-see when visiting Hakodate. You can take a cable car from the foot of Mount Hakodate near Motomachi to reach the mountaintop.
DAY 13
Hakodate Morning Market → Goryokaku Park → Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse → Daimon Yokocho
Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate has been a fishing port since ancient times. The morning market here offers lots of must-try seafood. There are more than 100 shops with all kinds of seafood, such as the very big king crabs, hairy crabs, and sea urchins... all very fresh and super yummy!
Goryokaku Park
Visitors can climb up to the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower located in the park, where they can overlook the star-shaped fortress. Goryokaku was a military stronghold built during the Edo period, it was Japan's first fortress constructed using French-style fortification techniques. Today, it has become one of Hakodate's most iconic landmarks.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse was built in 1909 when Hakodate was a thriving trading port. Today, it is converted into a shopping and dining complex, with shops selling local specialties, fashion items, and accessories, and restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines. Whereas visitors can enjoy the beautiful sea view outside.
Daimon Yokocho
Located in an inconspicuous alleyway, the Daimon Yokocho is a collection of over 20 Japanese-style taverns, including ramen shops, yakitori stalls, and izakayas. These small and cozy shops have a lot of character. If you want to experience the local vibe and culture, it is highly recommended!
DAY 14
Hakodate Airport ✈ Home
Before leaving Hokkaido, have breakfast at Hakodate Morning Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. After that, head to Hakodate Airport and say goodbye to Hokkaido, bringing home the sweet memories of beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine of this wonderful 14-day trip!