Best Hokkaido Itinerary 2025: Sapporo to Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Travel Guide

The moment I’ve been dreaming of has finally arrived—Hokkaido in 2025! [sparkling eyes emoji]
Currently halfway through this magical winter journey: Sapporo → Noboribetsu → Lake Toya, and every moment has been unforgettable.

– Surprising discoveries that defied expectations:
1. The legendary Hokkaido cold? Surprisingly manageable! Even at -15°C, it felt gentler than Northeast China’s chill—could comfortably snap photos barehanded like a true winter warrior 📷.
2. Early Arctic-like sunsets—by 16:00, the landscape transformed into a twilight wonderland (captured perfectly in P5-P6).

❄️ P1️⃣-6️⃣ Lake Toya: Pure, unfiltered winter magic. Every snow-dusted scene belongs on a postcard. Mount Yōtei’s majestic silhouette rivals Mount Fuji’s grandeur 🗻. Snowball fights and angel-making in powder-soft snow ⛄️—Lake Toya’s breathtaking vistas have stolen my heart as the trip’s highlight so far.

♨️ P7️⃣-1️⃣2️⃣ Noboribetsu: Jigokudani’s steaming hell valley lived up to its name with intense sulfur aromas. Two heavenly days soaking in Japan’s “No. 1” therapeutic onsens melted all stress away. While dining options were limited, NOBOJIN’s hotel restaurant delivered satisfying sukiyaki and yakiniku that hit the spot after long soak sessions.

🍜 P1️⃣3️⃣-1️⃣8️⃣ Sapporo: Kushidori izakaya’s grilled skewers were divine. The legendary JR Station soft serve? Worth braving the 20:45 queue for the last cone—creamy, milky perfection with just the right sweetness. Next mission: conquering Tanukikoji’s famous curry soup and ramen spots to complete my Hokkaido food pilgrimage.

The adventure continues… stay tuned for more snowy escapades!