Best First-Time Japan Itinerary: Why Hokkaido Isn’t Ideal for Beginners

For my graduation adventure, I faced an exciting dilemma: the majestic Mount Fuji or the winter wonderland of Hokkaido? After dreaming of snow-covered landscapes for years, my heart led me to choose Hokkaido’s frosty embrace.

My journey began with a smooth flight from Shanghai to Sapporo. New Chitose Airport surprised me with its cozy size, and thanks to my residence card, I breezed through immigration in minutes. The conveniently located train station whisked me to Sapporo Station in just 40 minutes—perfect for an eager traveler!

I’d booked a cozy hotel in vibrant Susukino, close enough to skip the subway despite the icy challenge. That first evening, the twilight sky glowed with deep blue hues, but the treacherous icy sidewalks nearly turned me into a human snowball multiple times. Pro tip: sturdy luggage and cautious steps are absolute musts here!

Day two brought me on a Sapporo city tour—Hokkaido University’s stately campus, Odori Park’s winter charm, and the bustling Tanukikoji shopping arcade. While pleasant, I’ll admit the urban sights didn’t quite set my heart racing.

An early morning adventure took me to picturesque Otaru the next day. The train ride was effortless, though the stubborn cloud cover muted the coastal scenery. Traveling solo, I passed on Tenguyama’s cable car—the logistics seemed more hassle than it was worth. My spontaneous stop in Asahikawa left me momentarily disoriented stepping off the train. The gloomy weather challenged my photography skills, demanding creative framing to capture any beauty.

My final day blessed me with sunshine for my pilgrimage to the Hill of the Buddha. The direct bus from Makomanai Station (note: fewer weekend departures!) delivered me to this serene monument. While the site itself didn’t overwhelm me, the dazzling snowscape under crystal-clear skies took my breath away—sunglasses became my best friend against the brilliant white.

Unless you’re a die-hard ski enthusiast, I’d suggest Hokkaido might not be the ideal first Japan destination. While Sapporo’s snow-dusted dawn streets created magical moments, my overall experience felt somewhat muted—perhaps due to high expectations? The legendary “Hokkaido blue” skies eluded me except for that first magical evening.

And let me emphasize: the ice is no joke! Waterproof boots with serious grip aren’t optional—they’re survival gear. Older travelers especially should consider the challenging terrain. While beautiful, my winter fairy tale came with more slips than thrills.