Best Hokkaido Travel Tips: Stunning Scenery That Will Make You Cry with Joy!
Winter in Hokkaido is truly breathtaking! Its beauty strikes right at the heart, utterly enchanting for those from the south. If possible, be sure to save a winter for Hokkaido!
By late December, Hokkaido’s snow arrives as expected—a paradise of powder snow. The snow festivals, million-dollar nightscapes 🌃, and warm yellow lights illuminating snow-covered streets make winter in Hokkaido a love letter 💌 handwritten by God to the world.
🏨 **Accommodation**
Book early—winter is peak season in Hokkaido, and hotel prices are steep. For independent travelers, staying near Ōdōri Station is recommended, as all three Sapporo subway lines pass through, making it convenient for onward travel.
🚇 **Subway**
Google Maps provides super-detailed transit guides, including exit info, departure times, and fares. Also, consider downloading a transit app like “Norikae Annai.”
🚗 **Itinerary**
For Otaru and Sapporo, the JR train and subway are convenient. For trips to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s Blue Pond, or Furano, consider renting a car. While JR can get you there, transfers can be time-consuming, and bus schedules are fixed.
⛷️ **Skiing**
🔹 **Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort** – Unique forest trails, combining skiing with hot springs, and easy access.
🔹 **Furano Ski Resort** – Stunning scenery.
🔹 **Niseko Ski Resort** – Already open, ideal for experts and families, with well-equipped resorts (though hotels are pricey).
👔 **Clothing**
Hats, scarves 🧣, thermal underwear, heated socks, and thick socks are a must—it can drop to -10°C. Indoors are well-heated, though.
🥾 **Footwear**
Three essentials for snowy terrain: waterproof, slip-resistant, and warm. Non-slip grips can be bought at convenience stores like FamilyMart or Lawson. If you own UGGs, remember to waterproof them and buy snow cleats locally.
💰 **Expenses**
Hokkaido isn’t cheap if you want good accommodations and experiences—Niseko has no budget hotels, and public transport isn’t the most convenient.
💕 **My Itinerary**
**D1:** Arrive in Sapporo
**D2:** Sapporo → Otaru (Tenguyama Ropeway, Otaru Aquarium & Marine Star Show or Otaru Monogatari Blue Illumination)
**D3:** Otaru → Niseko Powder Snow Paradise (full-day skiing)
**D4:** Ski Resort → Hakodate (Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Goryōkaku Park, Tropical Botanical Garden, Mount Hakodate)
**D5:** Hakodate Morning Market → Noboribetsu Jigokudani → Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
**D6:** Departure
🏨 **Accommodation References**
✔ Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo or similar
✔ Grand Park Otaru or similar
✔ Hilton Niseko Village or similar
✔ Yunokawa Onsen (Hakodate) or similar
✔ Noboribetsu Mahoroba Onsen or similar
👉 **Tips:** Winter travel in Hokkaido is pricey, so consider going with friends 🧑🤝🧑 or family 👪. Splitting car rental costs offers a private tour experience affordably, with a well-paced itinerary suitable for most travelers.
