Hokkaido Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

5 Things You Must Know When Traveling to Otaru, Japan!

"How are you? I'm fine." The most unmissable place in Hokkaido is Otaru. As the filming location of "Love Letter", this place has the most niche and quiet beauty in Hokkaido. / The first thing: "About Otaru" Otaru is a seaside town on the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan, This small town is covered with snow, It became popular because of the movie "Love Letter", and has become a must-visit place for many people when they come to Hokkaido. / The second thing: "Main attractions" Otaru is not big, there are not many attractions, and you can finish it in a day trip. 1、Otaru Canal: Famous because of Love Letter, the canal bank has been transformed into various craft shops, The retro brick warehouse is full of literary atmosphere. It is especially recommended to come here at night, and the restaurants and bars along the river are not to be missed. 2、Funaizaka: The slope where the postman rides a bicycle to deliver letters in "Love Letter", standing on a high ground, you can also overlook the beautiful sea in the distance, it is very suitable for taking pictures, the sea view + snow scene at a glance, full of literary sense. 3、Kitichi Dori: The busiest and most prosperous commercial street in Otaru, all kinds of handmade and gourmet dining, can be found here. 4、Fairy Tale Crossroad: The end of Kitichi Dori is Fairy Tale Crossroad, surrounded by Music Box Museum, hello kitty cafe, etc., a must-visit place for taking pictures. 5、Music Box Museum: A European-style retro building with a history of more than 100 years, it has collected more than 3,000 music boxes from all over the world, and it feels like a fairy tale world when you walk in! You can buy all kinds of music boxes here, and you can even customize the music and shape yourself. 6、hello kitty cafe: Just opposite the Music Box Museum, the first floor is a merchandise shop, and the second floor is a cafe. The hello kitty theme style is a place that girls like to check in. 7、Tengu Mountain: The night view of Tengu Mountain, along with the night view of Hakodate and the night view of Sapporo Moiwa Mountain, is known as the "Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido", and it is also the place where the heroine of "Love Letter" ran wildly in the snow. It is recommended to go in the afternoon, you can see the city view during the day, and you can also see a very dreamy night view at night~ 8、Asari: A seaside fishing village near Otaru, here are the sea, snow, and small villages, very quiet and literary, very suitable for taking pictures and checking in. / The third thing: "Recommended travel route" (JR train to Asari Station) Asari—(JR train to Otaru Minami Station)—Fairy Tale Crossroad—(walk)—Music Box Museum—(walk)—hello kitty cafe—(walk)—Kitichi Dori—(walk)—Otaru Canal—(walk)—Funaizaka—(No. 9 bus)—Tengu Mountain / The fourth thing: "Recommended food" 1、Masazushi: Filming location of "Love Letter", a very romantic restaurant 2、Zezaki Fisheries: All kinds of Hokkaido seafood are available 3、LeTAO Main Store: Biscuits and chocolates are very famous! 4、Kitakaro: Fairy Forest Annual Ring Cake / The fifth thing: "Transportation Strategy" The most convenient and fast way from Sapporo to Otaru is to take the JR train, the fare is 750 one way, and the time is about 36 minutes. For city travel, except for going to Asari or Tengu Mountain, you need to take a car, and the rest can be reached on foot.

Romantic Stroll at Otaru Canal

A romantic stroll at Hokkaido, Otaru Canal during our honeymoon in Winter. There’s a small Jingisukan store nearby that is affordable and worth a visit. One set of Lamb Steak costs less than SGD20. Visit if you’re nearby! #japan #hokkaidotravel #hokkaido #otaru #honeymoon

Romantic Otaru

#winter2022 #otaru Otaru is a romantic town that is easily accessible from Sapporo. The Otaru Canal in the port and the surrounding stone warehouses have much to tell of the city’s proud form of long ago, which paved the way to prosperity beyond Sapporo and the cultivation of Hokkaido. There are many historical buildings that still stand around the Otaru Canal from 100 years ago, which provide a nostalgic atmosphere that you can enjoy as you walk around. Here are some of the best places to check out during your visit.

Magical Otaru!

Otaru is a magical place that everything you see is so beautiful and unforgettable! This place are full of things to see and do! You can also explore some of Hokkaido’s finest food and fresh seafood here! Many of the warehouses, factories & mills are still there today, at the famous Otaru Canal! It’s just like a painting, everyone can take perfect picture here! Nowadays, Otaru also famous for it’s music boxes and any kind of Kitaichi glass products! So many picturesque and rich of history buildings are standing here awaiting travellers to take picture with them! I want can go back there once again on 2023 or maybe every year?! #2023travelwish #tripblazers #awesomepic #wintergetaway

Chocolate Factory

#2024wish This is the famous Ishiya Chocolate Factory which is located in Sapporo, Hokkaido. In the Factory, there is restaurant where you can have a rest in between of your tour. The souffle is very fluffy and delicious. They will have seasonal items depending on the seasons, so you can find new dishes. There is a short show in the outdoor Courtyard every hour. Is very interesting. The address is 11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo 2 - chome, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. The opening hours is from 10am to 5pm. Good to go early to avoid crowds. This is a place not to be missed! You also can purchase the famous Shiroi Koibito (white lovers) cookies from the shop in the Factory too. I wish to go Scotland! #tripblazers #mytripvlog #sapporo

Shiroi Koibito Park is a famous chocolate factory located in Sapporo. 🍫

Escaped the heat and went to Japan 🇯🇵 #TravelJapan 🍫 Shiroi Koibito Park, the famous chocolate factory in Sapporo, was a delightful experience. The European-style architecture and decoration made me feel like I was in a fairy tale! Every corner was perfect for taking beautiful photos ❤ 🍦 Besides, there were many other activities to enjoy, such as: - A tour of the chocolate factory to see the production process (admission fee required) - Making your own chocolate in the workshop and taking it home as a souvenir - A special show featuring a clock tower and singing dolls - Savoring the delicious chocolate soft serve ice cream - Shopping for tax-free souvenirs to bring back home 📌Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido 🚈 How to get there: - Take the exit 5 at Miyanosawa Station and walk for about 7 minutes - Walk through the Chieria building and follow the signs until you exit the building, then cross the street and you're there! #JapanTravel #HokkaidoReview #Sapporo #ShiroiKoibito #ChocolateFactory #TravelRecommendation

Winter Wonderland at Shiroi Koibito Park

Visited the chocolate factory on my recent trip to Hokkaido and the snow truly made the place a winter wonderland. Indulge in the ice cream sold from a store outside the main building and watch a music performance when the clock strikes 12! The best time to visit would be right when the park opens as there will be less visitors during that time. Take note that there are no duty free in stores starting Jan this year!

White snow, white chocolate, white Christmas

#skiadventure If you plan to go to Japan for the winter, Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan is highly recommended. Not only is the snow soft and white, there are many more activities to do there. You can visit the ski resort which has many nice slopes for adult, children, beginners or advanced. Perfect for a ski adventure trip! You can also visit the famous Ishiya white chocolate factory to see how it was made. Of course don’t forget the fresh sashimi at affordable price! #sapporo #hokkaido #japan

Checking in at Asahikawa, a small and beautiful city! Attached is a guide to Asahiyama Zoo

🐧The city tour of Asahikawa starts with a morning penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo. In the early morning, the Asahiyama Zoo covered in white snow is quiet and serene, and the waddling emperor penguins take a leisurely walk around the park, their adorable appearance causing visitors to lower their voices in constant admiration. ☃️Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan, with a history of 50 years. It has penguins, polar bears, box horses, red-crowned cranes, giraffes, etc. The areas are relatively concentrated and can be basically completed in half a day. The scenery is unbeatable after the snow. 📌Zoo tour tips 🎫Ticket: 1000 for adults ⏰Time: 10:30 🚌Transportation: There is a direct bus to the zoo from JR Asahikawa Station, about 40 minutes by car. We stayed at Hoshino OMO7 Asahikawa Hotel. There is a free shuttle bus to and from the zoo every day, which is very convenient 🐧Penguin walk 11:00/14:30 twice a day, it is recommended to go to the walkway 15 minutes in advance. The feeding times of other animals are written on the signs in the park, you can pay attention to the set time Winter tour pay attention to keep warm, anti-skid, parents should take care of children. There is a fast food restaurant at the entrance of the zoo, offering simple meals, ramen and so on. 🏨We stayed at Hoshino OMO7 Asahikawa Hotel, where there is a city walk guided by a guide every day. Followed the OMO Ranger to explore Asahikawa's 57 alleys and Paris Road in the evening. The former is a food-filled alley where you can eat Asahikawa's three soul foods: soy sauce ramen, grilled new child, and salt-grilled large intestine. The latter Paris Road mainly serves Japanese Western cuisine, which is very stylish! 💡Asahikawa is not big, Hoshino OMO7 Asahikawa store is well located, convenient transportation, and it is the tallest building in Asahikawa, with a first-class view. The public space in the store is reasonably divided, the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant, there are rich activities every day, and it is extremely fulfilling and comfortable just here. 🍹The hotel has a full-fledged welcome drink, free hot springs, free snow gear care area, reading area, and different content sharing sessions in the evening. You can supplement your knowledge about Asahiyama Zoo here first. 🍧Hoshino OMO7 Asahikawa's limited edition seven strawberry ice cream and ramen ice cream are very creative and full of creativity. Don't miss it if you like it~ Asahikawa travel is enough for one day, but two days are more relaxed~😄

The itinerary for this trip to Hokkaido is very reasonable, convenient and time-saving!

1⃣ First stop: Asahiyama Zoo to watch penguins In the morning, head to Asahiyama Zoo. The penguins walk at 11 am, so you need to arrive and buy tickets in advance. Take a 1.5-hour express train from Sapporo Station, and choose the 8 am train. After arriving at Asahikawa Station, immediately go to platform 6 and take the 9:40 bus from Asahikawa Station to Asahiyama Zoo, which takes about 40 minutes and costs 500 yen. After arriving at the zoo, buy tickets and queue up to enter, it is expected to be around 10:30. Then go to the penguin walking route, find a good photo spot, and wait for the penguins to appear. 2⃣ Second stop: Lonely Christmas Tree. After watching the penguins, please be sure to enjoy a bowl of hot ramen near the main exit of the zoo (make sure to choose the main exit). The restaurant is in the park, do not leave the park. Then, prepare to take the bus from the zoo to Asahikawa Station (the bus stop is in front of the main entrance of the zoo). You can check the bus schedule on Google Maps, we chose a bus around 12:10. After arriving at Asahikawa Station, take the Furano Line to Biei Station, which takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive at Biei Station, use Google Maps to search for "クリスマスツリーの木" (I tried English search and it didn't work), and follow the navigation for about 20 minutes to arrive. The scenery along the way is very beautiful, just like what you see in pictures 2 to 5, you can take pictures while walking. It is recommended to arrive at the Christmas tree before 2:30 in the afternoon, because taking pictures may take a lot of time, and it gets dark very early, so you must ensure that there is enough time to return to Biei Station to catch the return train. The train intervals in this small rural area are relatively long, so you need to arrange your itinerary based on the train time on Google Maps (we chose a train around 4 o'clock to return to Asahikawa Station, and then return to Sapporo from Asahikawa). Please pay special attention: all transportation card points need to be checked and confirmed on Google Maps to match your itinerary!

Asahiyama Zoo Outing

#wecreate Asahiyama Zoo is a zoological garden outside of Central Asahikawa City in the middle of Hokkaido. There are many various of animals from all over the world, such as penguins, apes, polar bears and etc. For animal lovers, is worth a trip there. Do remember to check out the timing for feeding of the animals. Managed to watch the zookeeper feeding the penguins. Also check the opening hours of the zoo to avoid disappointment. Admission ticket is 1,000 yen. Take bus number 41, 42 or 47 from Asahikawa Station and takes about 40 minutes which cost 500 yen. #mytripvlog #tripblazers#hokkaidotravel

Xushan Zoo

🌟In winter, Hokkaido is very windy, blowing painfully on the face. The sky is also filled with fluffy snowflakes. Get up early to go to Asahiyama Zoo to see the penguins. They waddle out so cute. There are also furry little raccoons, whose big tails can be used as scarves. Just looking at them makes you feel warm. 🌟Seals or sea lions, I can't tell them apart. They always seem to have a smiling expression, but I can't tell if their eyes are open or closed. Sometimes they swim happily, and sometimes they float quietly on the surface, basking in the sun. They look so relaxed, but I wonder if they're sleeping. I always feel like animals without fur protection must be cold, while animals with fur protection must have cold feet. 🌟In order to get a close look at polar bears, the zoo designed curved glass windows that protrude from the ground. A big brother stuck his head out and took non-stop photos under the bear's butt, which was really funny. But if you want to see brown bears, you still have to go to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, which has 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears located at the foot of the mountain. The ticket has a picture of a little bear catching fish. The ranch divides the bear areas by age group, and there is food for sale at the entrance. Brown bears are very intelligent, holding onto the iron bars with their paws, their small eyes turning and chattering, especially clever.

🌳It's my first time to play in Sapporo, and it's unreal how beautiful it is!

🌳 The first time I visited Sapporo, the beauty was unreal! Firstly, step into the Northern Wonderland and visit Hokkaido University in winter, the campus is as beautiful as a snowy fairy tale under the snow. ❄🎓 ❄ Experience Hokkaido Hall's Old Main Building in winter, where the historical buildings look even more rustic and elegant under the snow cover. The architectural landscape in the midst of snowflakes makes you feel as if you have travelled back in time, experiencing the serenity and magic of winter in the North. 🏰❄ 🏔 Climbing to the top of Mt. Moriwa, overlooking the entire Sapporo city centre, the snow-capped summit blends perfectly with the modernity of the city, allowing you to experience the romance and magnificence of Hokkaido's winter. ☃🗻 🍁 Switching seasons and stepping into autumn at Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its red leaves and shrine atmosphere bathed in the warmth of autumn, it is as if you have entered a serene and mysterious autumn wonderland. 🍂⛩ Sapporo's picturesque scenery makes every place a mesmerising picture, making your first trip to Sapporo full of surprises and touches! 🌍✨

Hokkaido's location in Japan is just like Japan's location in the world. In Hokkaido, people have the most complete horizon in their sights. The day of humanity begins here, and it opens from day to day.

The beauty of Hokkaido is different in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It looks like a girl with a lot of charm and beauty, but Hokkaido in winter shows a silvery white world, which is known as the 'Snow Country'. It is the most beautiful season in Japan.

It also adjusts itself appropriately in accordance with the surrounding environment. when it When it fell from a height and touched the hard rock, it splashed a wave of silver and white waves without any indication. then. Sigh of the breeze. The roar of the waterfall, the groan of the flowing water, are intertwined into a unique dance music, which is prohibitive Can't stop feeling a romance overflowing in my heart

Best Onsen at Jigokudani Hell Valley

We too JR train at 4.06pm from Sapporo to continue our journey to Hell Valley on 26th Dec 2022. There is a bus service in between Hell Valley and Noboribetsu JR Stn which takes around 20mins. Checked-in Takimoto Inn Hotel. It cost us around SGD150 per night. The main purpose to book this hotel is to enjoy their onsen both indoor and outdoor. There is an additional 300 yen fee for using their onsen. It was a unique experience in taking onsen. ☺️And yes, it was really relaxing. This is a quiet town and there is a few souvenir shops and restaurants that still open until 8pm. The next day, we walked around Hell Valley and enjoyed the last onsen in the hotel. I really like my hotel stay and enjoyed the onsen as well as the morning walk around the Jigokudani Hell Valley. I think I will come back again!#Jigokudani #Hell valley #noboribetsu

Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Getting There - Bought a Noboribetsu Area pass and just take a JR train there. There’s direct bus to take you there from the station. Quite a breathtaking sight at Jigokudani and I feel like it’s a must to visit when you’re in Hokkaido. However, please take note that it’s quite dangerous to visit during winter as the slopes are slippery. Do not recommend to bring along elderly during winter. There’s also some restaurant and a bear park nearby for you to visit after visiting Jigokudani. 👍🏻 #noboribetsu #hokkaido #hokkaidotravel #japan

Jigokudani or Hell Valley at Noboribetsu This is for me a must go place if you like hiking and exploring a big park. A lot of walking is required and there are many trails to explore . Steam coming out from every place and during winter a hot and cold weather at the same time , syok. Very insightful view of Oyunuma, a sulfurous pond with a surface temperature of 50 degrees Celsius and a smaller, even hotter, mud pond nearby. No , can’t go down there . Oyunumagawa. With steam seeing, the river flows through the forest, wonderful sight. It is possible to follow the river for several hundred meters and enjoy a natural foot bath (ashiyu) along the way.#bucketlistreboot #MustDo

Speaking of "Hell", the thought may be horrible. In fact, this is a crater relic. In the winter, it is black, white and gray. It looks a bit bleak. But definitely worth walking in person.