During my visit, there was no snow. Read our 14-day itinerary to know the best places to visit in Hokkaido in winter. The most popular places to stay in Sapporo include the convenient Sapporo Station area, the entertainment district of Susukino, and the shopping town of Odori, so choose one based on your style of trip. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to . Duration: around 1.5 hours required. If you watch out for seat sales, a connecting flight from Manila to Hokkaido would cost at least 10,000. 10 Important Japanese Phrases to Know Before You Enter a Japanese Convenience Store! It serves as an open-air museum telling the stories and showcasing the lifestyles of the pioneering generations. While theres no foreign language support, there are plenty of famous Japanese characters known worldwide, making it fun for everyone! The restaurant showcased the most scrumptious looking desserts. This five-day Hokkaido itinerary guide takes you around all the major places you'd want on any trip to Japan's wild north. Fast travel isn't possible, and a drive that would take an hour in summer might take an extra 40 minutes, for example. The bus was a safe ride overall and I would definitely recommend the company as a choice for your transport to/from Niseko. After my snowboard lesson, I had a few more hours before I had to get on my bus back to Sapporo so I maximised my time at the Hirafu mountain. The one- or two-car diesel trains roar out of the station, and as you pass through the city of Asahikawa, the number of houses gradually decreases, and youre soon in natures embrace. The buses leave and arrive on time so make sure you are at the boarding gates 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The Historical Village of Hokkaido opened in 1983 with 52 buildings from the Meiji and early Showa periods relocated from across Hokkaido and reassembled on the grounds. The Hirafu gondola which brings you up the mountains is also just a 30-second walk away. I flew with Jetstar through a connecting flight to New Chitose airport via Nagoya (Chubu). Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks, The Legend Behind Sapporo Beer - Exploring the Tastes and History of Japans Pioneering Beer. A wide range of activities are available, from exciting tube sledding to building a snowman and playing in a kamakura (snow hut). We are planning on 11 days 9 nights.arriving n departing from New Chitose Airport. Mount Moiwa winter hike with city views 5. I was having too much fun during my first 3 days that I did not notice that I stayed out in the cold too long or wore fewer winter clothes that I should have. Take a look at powerful Banei Horse Racing, The beautiful colors of Sairinka in the frigid cold, Enjoy dining and shopping until your departure. Niseko Hanazono Resort activity information Hakodate Night View Sightseeing Bus Tour, Book Online: Hokkaido Goryokaku Tower Admission Ticket in Hokkaido, 5 Best Hakodate Hotels With Onsen Hot Springs, 10 Awesome Things To Do in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Find and book flight tickets in Hokkaido here, 5 Cheap Hotels in Sapporo: Convenient, Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Hokkaido, Top 20 Things to Do in Sapporo for Tourists - Recommended by Locals, final shop at the fantastic range of airport stores. Phone: 011-851-3080 4:00pm: Sapporo Clock Tower - Diligently Keeping Residents on Time, The Sapporo Clock Tower is located near the hotels of Sapporo Station and Odori. One way still costs the same 4,000 (1,693+). Some significant distances to note when you book this hotel 5-minute walk to/from JR Sapporo station, 8-10 minute walk to/from Odori Park, and seconds away from convenience stores, malls, and restaurants. During my flight back to Manila, there was a continuous snow shower from morning to afternoon. East Hokkaido is full of epic winter activities: from dog sledding and snowshoeing, to winter canoeing and ice fishing. And of these places, most were near my accommodations so it only required walking. For the 2020-2021 season, there's a strong possibility that the bus schedules will change considerably from last year due to the coronavirus, so please check the company websites for details. A winter trip to Niseko and Rusutsu is more than just a trip it's an experience, and you'll definitely want to come back again! You can fly into Asahikawa Airport then take the public bus into the city to pick up your rental car. Day2 Tokachi Winter River cruising (Tokachi), Shikisai-no-oka & Blue Pond (Biei) More Info Day3 Asahiyama Zoo, Hokkaido Ice Pavilion & Asahikawa Ramen Village (Asahikawa) More Info Day4 Former Hokkaido Government Office, Sapporo Factory & Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium (Sapporo) More Info Day5 Moerenuma Park & Mt. Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary. If you're thinking of renting a car, be aware that driving on winter roads can be dangerous. Day 1 - Odori Park - Sapporo TV Tower - Sapporo Clock Tower - Hokkaido Government Office - Shiroi Koibito Park - Maruyama Park (Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Zoo) 1) Odori Park Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido Odori Park lies in the heart of Sapporo. Phone: 011-281-6400 (Sapporo Snow Festival Executive Committee) [EarlyDiscount] Prince x Tokyu x NSD Combo Multi-Resort Lift Ticket. 11 days in Hokkaido 26 October 2022. The opportunities to surround yourself with the snowy magic include skiing and much more. Blessed with excellent fishing grounds, Kushiro is one of the best food cities in Hokkaido. It was really a fun night! Remnants of this history can still be viewed today in Hokkaido's southern (Donan) area. Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Hakodate make up Hokkaidos Big 3 Ramen Cities. 5-day winter adventure in Sapporo, Japan Where Would You Go Asia Known for its breathtaking mountain views, oldest beer brand in the country, world-class ski resorts and annual snow festival, Sapporo in Hokkaido boasts several attractions to enable visitors experience a one-of-a-kind winter holiday. From the New Chitose Airport, I travelled to Niseko via the Hokkaido Resort Liner. But I liked the view of the canal and the walkway beside it was good for a stroll. Skiing, Winter Activities & More! Both can be reached in under 30 minutes by either bus or train from Asahikawa. Yeah, I know it looks pretty near on the map but the red line's train from Oshamambe to Niseko is pretty slow. 12:30pm: Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village - Step Back In Time to a Ninja Village. ski gear rental) Accommodation: 18,521 Yen Transport: 28,730 Yen Food & Drinks: 26,026 Yen Ramen was said to have first appeared in Hakodate in 1884, with a newspaper at the time advertising it as Nanjing Soba for 15 sen (the currency at the time), making many believe it to be Japans first ramen. * Adjusted venues and schedules this season It is an unlimited pass on all trains between Sapporo and Otaru plus all subway lines in Sapporo. Hence, you stay with peace of mind. It's Japan's fifth largest city and the second snowiest city in the world, getting an average snowfall of about 4.85 meters (15.9 ft) a year. Honshu: The Japanese "mainland" is just a short ride away from Hakodate. Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks, 12:00pm: Lucky Pierrot Jujigai Ginza - Be Welcomed By 5,000 Santas, For lunch in Hakodate, take the tram to Jujigai Station to visit Lucky Pierrot, one of Hakodates must-visit eateries beloved in the Donan region. Your Hokkaido winter itinerary begins with the drive from New Chitose Airport to Niseko. During a winter trip, it's essential to give yourself as much time as possible for transit. Some roads are slippery so make sure you buy shoes or boots that can ground you more. When I got there, I was really happy to find different Royce chocolate varieties different from the ones I have already seen in Japan airports and Manila malls. There is no foreign language notation, so if youre interested in a particular item, just ask, What is this? "Sapporo White Illumination" adorns the city center every year starting in late November. If you don't mind long rides or changing your accommodation daily, this 8D7N itinerary might just be right for you to get the best of Hokkaido. Our ski instructor was from Poland and he made the lesson really fun and interactive. This waterfront city is famous for some of the best seafood in Japan, and home to a unique fishing culture that created the robatayaki open-grill style of cooking. In 2021, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the scale of the festival will be reduced and won't include food and drink booths or photo spots, but it's a winter tradition in Sapporo and a must-see for any winter trip to Hokkaido. In the amount of time I was in this place, it felt so big. Day 5: Niseko, Japan. #5 Eat at a yakitori grill. Hokkaido has a lot to offer during the winter season. However, it is currently closed for renovations in 2022. I was lucky enough that my flight was only delayed for an hour. Built near the end of the Edo period, it originally served to protect the access routes into Hokkaido from foreign invaders. The river that courses through the valley has a pleasantly warm temperature, perfect for visitors to enjoy a satisfying natural footbath at various spots. I get cold feet easily so it was really a big help during the weather. Mt. During my 4th day, I was supposed to visit Susukino and the Mt Moiwa Ropeway but my body could not take the cold anymore during the afternoon. Sample 5D/4N Sapporo Itinerary with a Sidetrip to Otaru. Many people come to see and take photos. 3 Days Tour. It is known by winter sports enthusiasts from around the world for its quality powder snow and has been credited as one of the best ski resorts in Japan and Asia. The cheapest snowboard lesson you can get is a half day one for 9,000 (3,809+). In the winter months you can enjoy skiing along with the spectacular view of a frozen forestscape, while in summer you can see the . I stayed at Ki Niseko, one of the best ski-in ski-out hotels at Grand Hirafu. 5-Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary (Niseko/Rusutsu), Visiting Hokkaido Japan: 9 Essentials to Know Before Traveling to Japan's Northern Island, 5 Fun Water Activities To Do in Hokkaido: Enjoy The Great Outdoors Near Sappporo in Summer, 10 Awesome Things to do in Obihiro: Get Active in Hokkaido's Great Outdoors, Unmissable Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Sapporo, Where You Should Stay in Hakodate: Best Areas & 16 Top Hotels For Visitors. Winery tours may be canceled depending on various circumstances, so be sure to check the website for further details. Admission: I stayed at two accommodations during my stay in Sapporo a guesthouse/hostel and a hotel. At Nakayama Pass, a resting point on the way, you'll have an outstanding view of Mt. Closed: New Year holidays, 4:30pm: Bet on the worlds only Banei Horse Racing in Obihiro, It takes about 30 minutes by regular train from Ikeda Station to Obihiro Station. There is one stopover where you can take a bathroom break or buy food or supplies at a store. Advice: Dormy Inn Sapporo vs Mitsui Garden West 27 October 2022. For more information about each event, please check their respective websites. The landscape of Hokkaido is ever-changing by the season, from the snowy landscapes in winter to the blooming flower fields in summer, the country makes for a fantastic visit all year round. . It takes about an hour and a half by car, and buses run between Sapporo and Rusutsu every year. Its a main line in name only, with only a few departures per day. The inn is surrounded by nature, with squirrels, red foxes, and sika deer making occasional appearances. * Munich Christmas Market will be canceled in 2020 Admission: 500 yen postcard as a cooperation fee, elementary school students and younger are free, 9:50am: Head to the Sea of Okhotsk by bus, On Day 2, take a bus from Sounkyo Onsen to Abashiri and the Sea of Okhotsk. This five-day Hokkaido itinerary will take you on an exciting trip with a wide variety of highlights, including the lively city life of Sapporo, Hakodates fish markets, the famous zoological garden of Asahikawa, and finally a moment to unwind in Noboribetsus hot springs. Getting Around Hokkaido in Winter: Transportation Tips to Know Before You Go, Niseko Onsen Guide: Best 6 Hot Springs in Japan's Wild North With Jaw-Dropping Views. The Hirafu gondola ride was an experience in itself as youll see an amazing view of the mountain slope and Mt Yotei one that can be likened to Mt Fuji. Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests asked to wear masks, have temperature checked, and sanitize hands, Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm #3 Make the most of indoor entertainment. #2 Slurp ramen. While youre exploring all of these attractions with the Hokkaido rail network, we recommend either using the. Types: Basic Card (2 blue & 2 red coupons) 2,200 yen; Blue Card (3 blue coupons) 1,970 yen; Red Card (3 red coupons) 1,470 yen Health & Safety Measures While it burnt down during the Great Fire of Hakodate in 1907, it was rebuilt in 1916 and remains to this day. The area consisted of a parking area and toilets only. 10 Important Japanese Phrases to Know Before You Enter a Japanese Convenience Store! There are so many things to do at New Chitose Airport, you could mistake it for a mall. To get you started, read our article on the 30 most popular spots to check out in Sapporo for a few ideas. Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and action as you travel from hot springs to ski slopes. The village is split into the residential, fishing village, farming village, and mountain village sections, and there are horse-drawn coaches during summer and sleighs during winter. Suitable protection against the cold will help prevent injuries and illness. Not to worry, however, as you can easily reduce the hassle of navigating each destination with the local rail network by obtaining a JR Pass or a five-day Hokkaido Rail Pass in advance, and spend more time enjoying the experiences in this itinerary! UPDATE (6 July 2018): Philippine Airlines will have non-stop flights from Manila to Sapporo (Chitose) starting 10 September 2018. Itinerary Ideas Best of Hokkaido in Winter Day 1 - Sapporo Spend a full day in the capital of Hokkaido, visiting sites like the Sapporo Beer Museum and the night scene in Susukino. Reference: . Fees: Snowmobile tour from 8,500 yen (age restrictions apply), Snow tubing 2,500 yen/person Sapporo first garnered international attention when it became the first city in Asia to host the Winter Olympics in 1972. Itinerary Overview. Transits of the flights were good as I had enough time for departure and arrival processes. After fully enjoying Niseko, head to Rusutsu, another famous resort area. From there, you would have to board another plane to reach Hokkaido. 7 days is a teaser, leaving you wanting to return for more! Fees: Free I experienced temperatures ranging from -3oC to 6oC. Free winery mini-tours are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 to 11:30am and 2:00 to 2:30pm. -(Summer) April 1 - October 31: 9:00am - 5:00pm You can eat and compare a wide variety of noodles at Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) and the Food Park where popular ramen shops from all over Hokkaido gather near Sapporo Station. Make the most of your trip to Hokkaido on a private custom-made tour with HNT! 5-Day Hokkaido Winter Tour Noboribetsu - Niseko - Sapporo Day 1 Arrive at New Chitose Airport Transfer to Noboribetsu, visiting Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura theme park and Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Accommodation in Noboribetsu Day 2 Transfer to Niseko and enjoy winter activities (skiing, snowboarding, etc.) You can't forget to try some of Hokkaido's local cuisine, and in Sapporo that means ramen! The information centre houses lockers, bathrooms, a food court, food stalls, Wi-Fi, and rest areas. Usage: The 19 affiliated hot springs are grouped into "red" and "blue" facilities. Share your experiences by commenting! Theres also ice climbing and an ice slide, but if you feel cold, you can always head back to your inn and warm up in the hot springs. In times past, an event known as Festival Banma was held to test the strength of the workhorses so important during Hokkaidos pioneering era and eventually developed into Banei Horse Racing. Book an unforgettable experience in Hokkaido! You also have complimentary water bottles and a pack of Hokkaido local coffee beans. Abashiri Prison has, on occasion, been the filming location for movies about prisoners like Abashiri Bangaichi and The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness. Recommended Accommodation In Noboribetsu: Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary. ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS DAY 01 New Chitose Airport - Furano Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan's Winter Wonderland! Niseko-Annupuri: Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area, and Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort. It may start or end at the Sapporo TV tower where youll find an Eiffel tower-like figure as your guide while walking through the night. Top 9 Local Specialties To Try In Hakone! This gigantic assortment of toys was amassed privately by the owner, who runs a toy store and worked by himself and with acquaintances to collect over 10,000 items. Please check the partner website for details on the latest rates. As of December 2016, 1 = 0.42. The clock tower is located between the most popular stations, Odori Subway . The Hakodate Official Travel Guide website presents a wealth of information on local sightseeing spots like this in English, Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian. Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests asked to wear masks, have temperature checked, and sanitize hands, 12:30pm: Sample Tokachi wine at Ikeda Wine Castle, In recent years, Hokkaido has experienced an unprecedented Japanese wine boom, with about 50 wineries newly established. Towering skyscrapers, incredible technology, pop culture, ancient traditions, unusual places . Hakodate - A Million Dollar View! Day 1: Sapporo The lucky day for a foodie like myself to have found the best fried rice in a ramen shop. Trailer. Flex your Japan Rail Pass and get moving through Japan's most famous destinations including Tokyo, Nikko, Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka on this 10-day Japan itinerary. Yotei if it's sunny, and you can sample the local specialty, "Ganso Toge no Age-Imo" (deep-fried potato balls) for more fun memories of your trip. Trip Komodo. It was a good wait though because the sushi tasted so fresh and amazing! In less snowy areas, it can be challenging to find shoes or boots suitable for winter roads. After checking in and leaving your luggage, its time to get out and dive into the bustling urban streetscape of Sapporo City! Here you can select from a diverse range of 26 unique burgers, including tantalizing Chinese chicken and tonkatsu, alongside additional eats like omurice, curry, yakisoba noodles, and more. Bunk beds inside a dorm room at Guesthouse Yuyu. Activities can be booked in advance online (multiple languages supported) or by phone. Health & Safety Measures 2 days. Table of Contents Day 1: New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held from the beginning of February. Being the largest onsen hot spring town in Donan, Yunokawa Onsen stretches from the inland side near the station all the way to the coastline of Hakodate. If youre lucky, youll spot Stellers sea eagles and white-tailed eagles or seals resting on the ice. Then pay a visit to a local restaurant for a very affordable and fresh sashimi lunch, starting as low as 800 (~$7.00). I bought a Grand Hirafu lift pass (5 consecutive hours) for 3,400 (1,439+). Take a bus from the Historical Village of Hokkaido back to Shin-Sapporo Station and board the Airport Rapid train to New Chitose Airport (approx. I got to explore the surrounding areas of my hotel, was able to explore the biggest ski resort in Niseko United Grand Hirafu mountain (other resorts are Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri), and have a snowboarding lesson. The showers and toilets are separated into individual rooms and the sinks are in a common area. By registering your information only once, you can easily connect to Free Wi-Fi services with one tap provided by carriers in all parts of Japan. Moor springs are hot springs in which plants grew naturally in ancient times and accumulated to form a lignite (brown coal) layer, through which the spring now flows. My 2-hour transit in Nagoya (Chubu) was able to compensate for the delay plus the Jetstar crew from both the New Chitose airport and Nagoya airport made sure that I would be able to make my connecting flight on time. The Historical Village of Hokkaido official homepage has English, Chinese, and Korean language options along with a pamphlet in each language. It takes 2.5 hours drive. Goryokaku is a prime example of a bastion-style fortress, which is rare in Japan. Budget Hokkaido Itinerary 8d Spring Road Trip Under S 1k Incld Accommodation The Travel Intern Travel Page 5 Yen Kai S Idea Cast Tabemono Summer Vacation Hokkaido Tohoku 2016 Day 5 Furano And Biei Part 1 Tomita Melon House Farm Tomita And Trick Art Museum Tabemono Journey Hokkaido Aug 17 12d11n Summer Road Trip Itinerary Yina Goes I wish to experience the undersea train ;D . The amenities are complete and clean. Lookout Caf: Only reachable by gondola, this wood-heavy caf at the top of Mount Niseko Annupuri has incredible views . It provides you with the best amenities and comprises a very proactive team that supports you during your entire stay. Most places I visited in Sapporo involved food. The zoo is especially recommended for couples and families travelling with children. Philippine passport holders need to apply for a visa to be able to explore Hokkaido. If you go by car, it takes about 30 minutes in winter, and the taxi fare is about 9,000 yen. . During my last night at the guesthouse, a few Chinese guests hosted dinner and we were all there talking and getting to know each other. Noboribetsu Jigokudani: Guide & Best Things to Do in Hokkaido's Mysterious 'Hell Valley'! Katte Don was popularized by mortocylists who toured Hokkaido in the 1980s. The breakfast buffet is 2,000 (851+) and the signature course meal is 8,000 (3,404+). There, guests can feel the warmth of being invited into a Japanese family. The last daily departure from mid-February to the end of March is called the Sunset Cruise and allows passengers to see the drift ice colored by the setting sun. #6 Go shopping. Most flights from Manila arrive at Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya (Chubu), Osaka (Kansai), and Fukuoka. 2022 Dates: January 29 - March 13 Connoisseurs of travel with a penchant for quality content, Trip101 Editorial Team shares only the best of the best! The night features a lot of Christmas figures illuminated by different colours of lights. It was simple but extravagant at the same time. During my first 2 nights, I stayed at Guesthouse Yuyu. Toiletries provided are from expensive beauty brands like Acca Kappa and Loccitane. PRIVATE JOURNEY. Rusutsu Resort activity information It has now been revamped as the Sapporo Beer Garden, serving locals and visitors alike freshly brewed beer with the local dish of jingisukan. To reach this place, you have to ride the Hirafu gondola. Health & Safety Measures Miso ramen is very popular in Hokkaido because it adds an extra element of richness to the broth perfect for cold, winter days. TriPac (Diesel) TriPac (Battery) Power Management I got to try their bestseller platter which comprised of the Double Fromage cheesecake, Chocolate Double Fromage cheesecake, and an egg custard. Day 5 and Day 6 Shiretoko National Park Take the 4 and half hour drive to Shiretoko National Park. This small harbour city, which is just a 30-minute train ride away on the JR from Sapporo, makes for a fantastic (half) day trip. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding to your heart's content on 37 courses. Hokkaido Shrine. These estimated amounts are for 2 people already. Hokkaido itinerary 7 days Day 6: Sapporo - Asahikawa - Sapporo. Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (observatory); 9.30am - 5pm (museum). There's a ski bus service every year, but, again, please check the website for this season's details (information available in multiple languages). With just one app, TRAVEL JAPAN Wi-Fi which provides you with auto-connectable 200,000+ Wi-Fi hotspots across Japan makes your stay much happier and smarter ! I had to enter convenience stores and different stores to heat up while I was exploring. I had a 2-hour wait and had breakfast at the airport. 7 Days Tour. Sounkyo Onsen is at the foot of Mt. Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine, close to the zoo, are worth checking out too. For this reason, we recommend using public transport in our southern Hokkaido winter itinerary. Purchase points: Niseko, nearby roadside rest areas, and some affiliated hot spring facilities. They're available in Hokkaido airports, train stations, and convenience stores. Hakodate Ramen: 3 Must-Try 'Shio' Ramen Shops That'll Make You Never Want To Leave Japan! Sapporo had the most bearable weather during my stay wherein I did not have to wear a lot of layers. View of Mt Yotei from Grand Hirafu mountain. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and is also the home to populations of rare species like the red-crowned crane. The line was worth the wait! The overall experience was really good as each dish served will be properly explained to you so you get to learn more about the dish you are about to eat. Travelling from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu 27 October 2022. Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 Have you been to Hokkaido? 5 Days Tour. *Due to preservation repair work, visitation will not be possible from the end of December 2020 to the middle of December 2022. Summer Activity Tour around Shiretoko National Park. Non smoking hotels in Hokkaido 24 October 2022. The waiters provide you with a menu where you can find the rates of each coloured plate. Most Hakodate ramen stands out for its light salt flavoring and clear broth. The best time to ascend the mountain is just before sunset, where you will be rewarded with the slow, illuminating skyline of Hakodate.