Solo Travel Guide to Hokkaido: Exploring Minami Otaru’s Hidden Gems & Local Culture

As I sat drowsily organizing my phone in town, these forgotten live photos suddenly appeared—instantly transporting me back to that magical winter in Hokkaido ❄️.

During my entire stay, the snow had eluded me. So I made a heartfelt wish: on my Otaru adventure day, the skies *must* grant me snowfall.

The magic happened around 9 a.m. while I was savoring crab roe pasta at a cozy 7-Eleven on Tanukikoji. Suddenly, fat snowflakes began dancing outside the window. By the time I reached Sapporo Station, the snowfall had transformed into a proper winter spectacle. Near a shopping mall, I spotted a sweet elderly artisan selling handmade bags 👵.

Touched by her craftsmanship, I emptied my wallet to buy five of her creations (about 100 RMB each) and even exchanged contact info. (Heartbreak came later when I lost her number—I moped for weeks!) In the underground mall, I grabbed a charming transparent umbrella for 35 RMB before rushing to catch the Hakodate Main Line.

The snow was so thick it veiled the ocean views completely—a slight disappointment, but Stephen Sanchez’s *Until I Found You* in my headphones somehow made the moment profoundly moving.

Disembarking at Minami-Otaru, I decided to wander toward Otaru Station, letting the town reveal itself along the way.

The snowfall intensified into a proper blizzard, turning each step into an effort. At the enchanting Music Box Museum, I splurged 180 RMB on a delicate music box (only to discover its “Made in China” label later—oh, the irony! 🙊). Soaked to the bone yet stubborn, I still treated myself to matcha soft serve.

By 3 p.m., twilight had fallen prematurely. The deserted streets under relentless snow made me truly understand why people call Hokkaido “the capital of solitude.” I finally surrendered and sprinted toward Otaru Station—all I craved was warmth and familiarity [cue internal crying]. (Divine timing! I caught the 4 p.

m. last train before all services got suspended by the storm.)

Thus concluded my beautifully lonely Otaru fairytale ❄️. Next time, Tenguyama’s panoramic views are calling my name.