Hokkaido - To Do
Hokkaido - To Eat
Japan - To Buy
Hokkaido - To Do
12D11N Day Ski and Explore Hokkaido Winter Holiday
Rented a car from https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/
*SUV Hybrid Sized car at 106,000Yen all inclusive with booster seat. Pumpped about 15,000yen worth of fuel for the whole trip.*
For 12 Days car rental it costs us a total of 106,000 Yen with full coverage and a small fee for booster seat and safety chair at 2000yen each for the whole duration!
Hokkaido - To Eat
Japan - To Buy
Hokkaido - To Do
12D11N Day Ski and Explore Hokkaido Winter Holiday
Driving IDP
(Make sure its the right size or possibly being denied rental of the car on arrival)
(Make sure its the right size or possibly being denied rental of the car on arrival)
When intending to drive in Japan if intending to drive, you will need to apply for an International Driving License. This can be done over the counter in 10mins or couriered to your home in Singapore.
The counter was quickest easy and painless process during non peak hours. Photo is taken digitally on the spot. Total cost SGD20/person and 10mins from stat to end.
Click here for application for International Driving License.
The counter was quickest easy and painless process during non peak hours. Photo is taken digitally on the spot. Total cost SGD20/person and 10mins from stat to end.
Click here for application for International Driving License.
Japan Customs and Immigration
(Pre-fill to avoid delays)
(Pre-fill to avoid delays)
Administrative requirements to enter Japan. Pre-fill at home to avoid the hassle Visit Japan Website for your Immigration and tax free shopping needs.
With the QR code, you can scan your visitor information whilst waiting for bags and separately the customs declaration on the way out.
With the QR code, you can scan your visitor information whilst waiting for bags and separately the customs declaration on the way out.
Save some money with these considerations.
Winter Tyres are sufficient.
Driving in Winter? Winter tires are standard on all car rentals during winter. Just double check they are there on your rental. Snow chains and four wheel aren't required unless doing some serious off roading.
Winter Tyres are sufficient.
Driving in Winter? Winter tires are standard on all car rentals during winter. Just double check they are there on your rental. Snow chains and four wheel aren't required unless doing some serious off roading.
No need for ETC Card Reader
ETC Card Reader is their go to for cashless payment when driving through tolls and there is a daily rental fee for this. There's no need for this and you can save this money and just pay at the respective toll booths colored in green.
Personal experience driving in snow/ice conditions:
- Stick to the speed limit and be more conservative. Generally speeds are around 30-50km tops. Be conservative. On a down slope be slower and cater a greater stop distance as the breaking is much slower as opposed to the upslope drives.
- Cater for more stop distance and slower especially in turns.
- The highways and most roads are generally very well maintained and do as the locals do. If people slow down, follow suit. On the highway, locals have taken them at the limit of 100km and more but go at your comfort level.
ETC Card Reader is their go to for cashless payment when driving through tolls and there is a daily rental fee for this. There's no need for this and you can save this money and just pay at the respective toll booths colored in green.
Personal experience driving in snow/ice conditions:
- Stick to the speed limit and be more conservative. Generally speeds are around 30-50km tops. Be conservative. On a down slope be slower and cater a greater stop distance as the breaking is much slower as opposed to the upslope drives.
- Cater for more stop distance and slower especially in turns.
- The highways and most roads are generally very well maintained and do as the locals do. If people slow down, follow suit. On the highway, locals have taken them at the limit of 100km and more but go at your comfort level.
15th Arrival New Chitose Airport and exploring our area
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| *Lave Soup curry at New Chitose Airport. Nice hearty flavors. A watered down curry as many have shared. Good for the experience and decent flavor. An iconic dish of Hokkaido.* |
Spend sometime at the New Chitose Airport on arrival and pre departure. Its got all the best of Hokkaido signature foods like soup curry, Genghis Khan (BBQ lamb meat), ramen and more all in the same level.
It is also home to the Royce chocolate world, the first chocolate factory and museum located inside of an airport. Here has Hokkaido only exclusive creations and flavors. One-of-a-kind gifts and treats.
16th Jigokudani (Hell Valley) (1hr15mins drive out)
<Toll of about 2600yen/way>
*Musashinomori Coffee Opens early. Super fluffy light pancakes to enjoy over here. A great start to the day before continuing the drive to Jigokudani*
Noboribetsu
Hiking around the Jikokudani (Hell Valley)
<Toll of about 2600yen/way>
Noboribetsu
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| *The various trekking options available* |
Approximately 4km round trip with varying degree of difficulty. In fact due to the snow fall, some sections required us to slide down on our bums. 
Oyunuma Natural Footbath
(Unique free to enjoy attraction to try)
The quest to experience this natural food bath. There are foam mats provided for to keep one's butts dry and to soak one's feet in the luke warm waters. Its quite the fun unique experience. We took the main road back to the car park which was a much easier foot path. Unfortunately due to the snowfall, cars weren't allowed direct access to the attractions.
(Pay as you use Onsen experience pay as you use and recommended by Joelle Y)
Never been to an Onsen? Men and women sections are separated. The Onsens are a mirror image of each other. Everything here is provided for from lockers, towels, soaps and more. Generally very young kids of the opposite sex are allowed to follow the parents. Remember to shower first before entering the pools.
There is an outdoor onsen experience but that particular pool is really hot and a little too much for long soaks. There are various onsens at different temperatures and offer different healing properties. Furthermore there is an indoor swim pool where swim suits are required. Great varied experience for all with cheaper entry charges at later arrivals.
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| *Photo with their iconic demon* |
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| *Aeon Market suki yaki at home after.* |
17th Sapporo Market and Xmas Village
Snow play at a random park
Sapporo Crab Market
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| *Our Neko snow cat.* |
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| *Heavy snow fall cover in a short while.* |
After browsing around, we decided to go with ㈲北海道特産品販売. Their prices were competitive and comparable to the others. The crabs were about 10,000yenn each with the a a la carte orders inside about another 10,000yenn more.
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| *Picking out the crabs we wanted.* |
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| *Hanasaki 10,725Yen held by mummy with the hairy snow crab 12,870Yen in kor kor's hands.* |
 |
| *The Hanasaki (Spiky red crab) was much meatier and value for the its weight. The hairy Hokkaido crab has more sweet and was a more delicate meat. However, the hairy crab's tomalley way way more delectable than that of the Hansaki's* |
The most fuss free crab dining experience with all meats easily accessible. Fresh is best and a must try of your crab of choice. We went for the steam option but one could opt for a half steam half roasted option.
You maybe interested in these other places which also have a similar experience where you order the seafood and the restaurants prepare them.
Manila - Dampa Macapagal
Korea - Noryangjin Markets
You maybe interested in these other places which also have a similar experience where you order the seafood and the restaurants prepare them.
Manila - Dampa Macapagal
Korea - Noryangjin Markets
German Christmas Village at Odori Park
Of course its no comparison to that of Europe but still a fun pop-up with German offerings and a nice warm cocoa to warm one's body up. The Sapporo illuminations are also located in the same area.
You maybe interested in London's iconic annual Winter Wonderland.
You maybe interested in London's iconic annual Winter Wonderland.
Sapporo TV Tower
(Free entry for kids who aren't schooling yet)
(Free entry for kids who aren't schooling yet)
 |
| *Soft serves available at the cafe on the ticketing level* |
You maybe interested in another global icon which is the Paris Eiffle Tower elevator ride.
18thTomamu Day Trip Experience <FULL DAY>
1hr45mins out. Aproxmiately 3,300yen toll/way
1hr45mins out. Aproxmiately 3,300yen toll/way
 |
| *A convenince stall breakfast* |
Unkai Terrace
One
doesn't need to be a staying guest to enjoy Tomamu. Visitors are free
to visit any of the various attractions on-site. For example the Unkai
Terrace is 2,200Yen round trip/adult and chargeable for kids 7-12 at
1,300Yen.
 |
| *A simple cafe at the top with only hot chocolate and clam chowder only for eats. Hearty meals are found in the hotels at the bottom of the slopes.* |
Mina-Mina Beach with attached Outdoor Onsen
2600yen for adults/ Age 7-11 1,100yen
Summer never ends at Mina-Mina Beach at a warm 30degree C daily. Life jackets are free for use with other play items at a rental charge. The huge wave pool comes in periodically with smaller play pools and warm spas on the sides. A little something for everyone. They even have padel board fun activities for the bigger kids.
*Pictured from their website*
The outdoor onsen is not to be missed. The water is comfortably warm with lockers and towers all provided for. This was a piece of serenity and thoroughly enjoyable.
Dinner at Daruma for Genghis Khan!
Chained establishment and a Hokkaido speciality
Chained establishment and a Hokkaido speciality
A popular chain that has sprung up multiple location in the city to enjoy lamb on a Mongolian steel pan. Fed 4 at 11,835Yen. Enjoyable experience with quality meats but one can probably get more value with the buffet experience at the iconic Sapporo Beer Garden (Both in itself a historic site, attraction and eatery. It has since expanded since the last visit years ago. Try to get a seating at the main dining hall.
19Dec22 <FULL DAY> (40mins)
Otaru Day Trip Out
Breakfast at Sankaku Market
A nice, quaint, fish market with eateries lining the sides. Its very condensed and has a nice vibe to the place. We dined at a popular eatery Ajidokoro Takeda on the inside. Prices are competitive and clearly listed. Arrive early as the stretch got crowded by about 1030amwith tourist pouring in this narrow ally.
*The ultimate bowl went for about 5000yen*
Otaru Ropeway
Up Mt Tenguyama 666m high
Up Mt Tenguyama 666m high
Night view from Mt. Tenguyama is especially famous.
It is rated as one of the top three best night views in Hokkaido.The day views are just as magical and to me more picturesque and less wind chilling than the view Tomamu had to offer. Going up the railway, Adults paid about 1500yen per round trip with non-schooling kids being free. 
Well worth for the views and panoramic views of Otaru city. The cafe offers decent hearty meals for all and it also has a nice free to enter museum and shop explaining the history of Skiing as well as legend of the Tengu Demon. During winter, the weather changes on a dime from reduced visibility to clear skies.
Otaru stained glass museum
and usual Otaru visits points.
and usual Otaru visits points.
Impressive, awe-inspiring. The art is beautiful but the style becomes repetitive from a single collection. A nice pop-in to enjoy the collection of stained glass art. A small charge for entry.
Apart from the addition of the rope-way up Mount Tengu visit which I'd highly recommend, the following attractions in Otaru are the more known and heavily commercialized locations which tour agencies and tourist usually hit.
- Sakiamachi Hondori Street for the quaint shops which specialize in glass works and music boxes.
- Picturisque Otaru canal which honestly is over-rated.
- Sakiamachi Hondori Street for the quaint shops which specialize in glass works and music boxes.
- Picturisque Otaru canal which honestly is over-rated.
Enjoy the quaintness of the town and the many eateries the place has to offer. We visited Gyu Kaku out of nostalgia.
Otaru town is a nice change in scenery and pace from the city. The place offers loads of food and dessert options which we didn't have the opportunity to enjoy more off. It still offers a nice day trip out and is still worth visiting that's not too far from Sapporo City.
Click here for some of the other things to do in Otaru city itself from a previous trip.
Click here for some of the other things to do in Otaru city itself from a previous trip.
20Dec23 (Teine Ski Center)
Warming up and finding our ski legs!
Warming up and finding our ski legs!
Teine Ski Center got to be known worldwide in 1972 as the first Winter Olympic venue in Asia. Slopes here are nice and wide with green slopes being generally gentle with amazing views to the sea and of Sapporo City. Teine is a short 30mins drive from Sapporo city.
ABBA Guide for most ski locations and first timers
- English speaking instructors are available but one needs to reserve them in-advance. (Check the ski location you are visiting)
- There seems to be a lack of snowboard instructors for our visit. Most start of with skis first before progressing to snowboards.
- Group teaching here is available only to participants aged 7 and above.
- All equipment are available for rental for half or the whole day. Some basic information is needed like height and weight so the appropriate gear maybe dished out. Fill up once the rental order sheep and keep that info with you for future rentals.
- Rental equipment prices are separate from the ski lift pass. Lockers are available on-site to keep your valuables safe.
- Check that the snowfall of the ski slope you are visiting is sufficient to save yourself a trip.
- Loads of food options are available with even greater variety at the middle mountain lodge for Teine.
Children only aged 7 and above are allowed to participate in the group skiing. Any younger would be private skiing lessons that costs a hefty penny. (For group of 3 for 2hours goes at 43,000yen). Gear for a party of four was about 20,000yen.
As we weren't seasoned skiers, half day was sufficient for ourselves and the children. From an original plan to ski consecutively, we eventually broke it up with side trips which provided rest days for ourselves in order to consolidate, rest and recoup from the day's activity. Eventually the older son could go solo taking on the full green slope on the second to third and last day of skiing.
It is tiring, know your body, stay hydrated and you may want to plan your ski adventure with breaks in between pending instructor availability. Have yet to try staying at a ski lodge.
It is tiring, know your body, stay hydrated and you may want to plan your ski adventure with breaks in between pending instructor availability. Have yet to try staying at a ski lodge.
*Ending the day with a hearty crab hot pot.*
21Dec23 (Break in side Jozankei Onsen Town)
45min drive from Sapporo City
Breakfast at Nijjo Crab Market
45min drive from Sapporo City
Breakfast at Nijjo Crab Market
Very touristy and honestly nothing really to scream about. It doesn't have the charm or allure like that of Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo or Kuromon market in Osaka. The only thing really going for it, is that the eateris opens really early in the morning and one can get your shashimi fix if pushing out early. I'd recommend Sapporo Crab market over this, much over-hyped market.
Jozankei Onsen town 50mins drive
The village of Jozankei
is known for its many onsen (hot springs) in the heart of the
mountains. If you go there in autumn, the surrounding forests will look
like an explosion of colors with the magnificent show of momiji
(Japanese Maple Tree).
Yumoto Koganeyu
(Private onsen experience at 3,800yen for 90mins. Highly recommend)
One of the motivating reasons to come to this onsen town was to try the private onsen available for 3,800 JPY for an hour and a half. Not many facilities provide such services without staying overnight in the hotel premises. They only have three rooms offering this service so arrive early as they only take walk-ins.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the entire family. The private room had all the fixings to shower and change and a welcomed heater to keep everyone cosy.
The onsen location has also had pretty decent food for our cleaned bodies and filling up our hungry tummies.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the entire family. The private room had all the fixings to shower and change and a welcomed heater to keep everyone cosy.
The onsen location has also had pretty decent food for our cleaned bodies and filling up our hungry tummies.
(Teine Ski Lvl2 upgrade)
*Lessons part deux. Steve was fantastic with the kids.*
*Taking the gentle slope all on his own after lessons*
*Ski Boyz*
*Ski Boyz*
Dinner at STEAK&HAMBURG ひげ 南6条店
Hamburger Steaks and steak
(Recommended by Joelle.Y)
Fed
4 at 17,985Yen. This
bespoke, small space was booked out when we walked in. We were fortunate
enough to get a seat at the table to enjoy some really nice steaks and
cap the night with a good steak meal. The hamburg portion wasn't too impressive though it's in the title name. For value steaks in Japan, one could try Ikinari a popular chain.
23Dec Rest and Shopping Day
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| *Ario Sapporo is a child-friendly shopping centre and a popular place for souvenir hunting. The main attraction here is the wonderful Ario Mall – complete with its Spa & Leisure Building and fitness and entertainments facilities. The Ito-Yokado supermarket is a great place to buy locally produced food, and its seafood section is a particular draw for local shoppers. - From online* |
24Xmas Eve Solo Ski and dinner
25Dec Xmas Day Shopping and Flight Home
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| *Just so happen that the Cardinal of Sapporo was leading the mass.* |
 | |||
*Shopping and dining at Sapporo Factory. “Sapporo Factory” was built after the place of Japan’s first beer
factory, Sappro Beer Factory. Contrary to Atorium Section with the
latest trend, tasteful Bricks Building Section is also one of the charms
here. Moreover, at the chimney Open Space where you can enjoy
shopping, they have the domestic only shops*
|
26Dec Flight Home
*As shared, New Chitose airport has much of the best foods Hokkaido has to offer. Eateries are open early from 0930hrs during our visit. We caught our short hop to Osaka before flying back home.*
12 Day Ski and Explore Holiday in Sapporo
Day1 - Arrival New Chitose Airport and exploring our area
Day 2 - Jigokudani (Hell Valley) (1hr15mins drive out) <FULL DAY>
Day 3 - Sapporo Crab Market and later Xmas Village and TV Tower
Day 4 - Tomamu Day Trip Experience <FULL DAY>
Day 5 - (40mins) Otaru Day Trip Out <FULL DAY>
Day 6 - Teine Ski Lodge <First Half Ski Day>
Day1 - Arrival New Chitose Airport and exploring our area
Day 2 - Jigokudani (Hell Valley) (1hr15mins drive out) <FULL DAY>
Day 3 - Sapporo Crab Market and later Xmas Village and TV Tower
Day 4 - Tomamu Day Trip Experience <FULL DAY>
Day 5 - (40mins) Otaru Day Trip Out <FULL DAY>
Day 6 - Teine Ski Lodge <First Half Ski Day>
Day 7 - (Break inside Jozankei Onsen Town)
Day 8 - Teine Ski Lvl2 upgrade <Second, Half Ski Day>
Day 9 - Chill and Shopping Day
Day 10- Xmas Eve Solo Ski and dinner <Third and last, Half Ski Day>
Day 11 Xmas Day Service and Shopping Day
Day12 Flight Home
12D11N
Day 8 - Teine Ski Lvl2 upgrade <Second, Half Ski Day>
Day 9 - Chill and Shopping Day
Day 10- Xmas Eve Solo Ski and dinner <Third and last, Half Ski Day>
Day 11 Xmas Day Service and Shopping Day
Day12 Flight Home
12D11N
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