This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/primenbers on 2025-01-20 12:50:48+00:00.

My 10-Day Hokkaido Adventure: A Trip to Remember!

I just returned from an unforgettable 10-day trip to Hokkaido, Japan, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights and tips from my journey! Whether you’re planning your own visit or just curious about what Hokkaido has to offer, here’s a summary of my experience:

First and foremost, I must mention the incredible hospitality we experienced. The Japanese people are by far the kindest, most polite, and helpful I’ve encountered anywhere in my travels. Simple phrases like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) and “Arigato Gozaimasu” (Thank you very much), along with showing respect, go a long way. With these, you’re sure to be treated like gold wherever you go.

1. Traveling to Hokkaido ========================

• Our group of four flew from San Francisco to Osaka, then connected to a short flight to Chitose Airport. Upon arriving in Osaka, we cleared customs, which took about 15 minutes, then we collected our checked bags and rechecked them for the short flight to Sapporo, which took another 15 minutes.
• We traveled with one carry-on, one checked regular bag, and one checked snowboard bag. The ANA airline staff were incredibly helpful and kind throughout the process.
• Tip: Be prepared to go through customs in Osaka, (or wherever you touch down in Japan) before your flight to Sapporo—it adds a bit of time to your journey, but the process in Osaka was smooth.

2. Otaru: Our Home Base =======================

• We arrived in Chitose on a Friday night and took the JR Train directly to Otaru—a simple and easy journey that took about 1 to 1.5 hours. Otaru became our home base, and we stayed at the Grand Park Hotel Otaru—a great location with easy access to shopping and dining. There’s even a mall attached to the hotel, which was incredibly convenient.
• The following morning, I rented an all-wheel-drive Toyota Noah Hybrid with snow tires from Toyota in downtown Otaru. The car was perfect for our trip—it handled the snow beautifully and fit all of our gear, making it easy to travel to the ski resorts and back to Chitose on our return.
• Tip: If you visit in winter, be aware that it snows a lot in this area during the season. If you plan to drive, be prepared for snowy roads and occasional storms, especially if you’re heading to the resorts. However, the roads are very well-maintained and plowed during storms. We had no issues with the roads, and the infrastructure was top-notch. Also, make sure to check road conditions every morning via Google, as they update the info around 07:00.
• Tip: For connectivity, we used International data from our cell carriers, which worked perfectly in all areas. Some in our group also used pocket Wi-Fi, which was great in towns but didn’t work as well on top of mountains. A few of us used eSIM, which was essentially the same as using international data and worked seamlessly.

3. Snowboarding and Skiing in Hokkaido ======================================

• We spent the majority of our days hitting the slopes at some of the best resorts in Hokkaido: Kiroro, Kokusai, Sapporo Teine, and Niseko.
• We made a day trip to Niseko United, which was about a 1.5-hour drive on a snowy, sometimes white-out day. Again, the roads were well-maintained and ready for winter conditions, so despite the weather, it was really no problem getting there and back.
• The resorts Kiroro, Kokusai, and Sapporo Teine were all within 35-45 minutes from Otaru (depending on the weather), and we had snow for 7 out of the 9 days in the area. Despite the heavy snowfall, we had no issues getting to and from the resorts thanks to the well-maintained roads and our reliable rental car.
• Tip: If you’re interested in more details about these resorts, feel free to DM me!

4. Otaru: A Hidden Gem ======================

• Otaru was such a charming, smaller fishing town. Walking around the downtown area was a true pleasure, and the food was amazing every day. The Otaru Fish Market is a must-see—don’t miss the king crab, they’ll cook it for you right in the market stalls. The local sushi was exceptional—fresh and bursting with flavor. The ramen to die for and really everything I ate was pretty fantastic. Check out the area known as Snoopy Village downtown.
• The town is known for its glass-blowing culture, and we took part in a glass-blowing class, which was such a fun experience. We also picked up some beautiful local pieces from the shops.
• Tip: Otaru has a strong presence of milk cream ice cream and chocolate shops. Make sure to explore the local chocolate shops and try a few—delicious!

5. Day Trips to Sapporo =======================

• We made several trips to Sapporo, a bustling city with everything you could want—from upscale fashion to street shopping and relaxing massages. The food scene is incredible, and we especially loved trying the soup curry downtown.
• One of the highlights of our Sapporo day trips was the drive to the Hill of the Buddha, which is about 30 minutes outside of Sapporo city. The views of the snow-covered fields were breathtaking, and it was snowing moderately during our visit, which added to the charm and beauty of the scene.
• We also enjoyed some great walks in downtown Sapporo. The underground mall and the covered shopping walk near Odori Park are fantastic spots for local shopping and exploring. These areas provide shelter from the snow and are full of great local shops and boutiques. Be sure to check out the Sapporo TV Tower—it’s a great landmark to visit and a fun place to explore in the heart of the city.

6. Onsen Relaxation ===================

• We took advantage of Kokusai Resort’s package deal with several onsens in the Jozankei area, and the Hoheikyo Onsen was a highlight. The onsen is tattoo-friendly and offers a relaxing and scenic experience. The best part? They have an incredible Indian curry restaurant right on the property with the best naan I’ve ever tasted. We visited Hoheikyo onsen both days we were at Kokusai Resort.
• Tip: If you plan to visit onsens, make sure to check whether they’re tattoo-friendly, as some require tattoos to be covered.

7. The Beauty of Winter Driving in Hokkaido ===========================================

• Renting a car was truly a game-changer. Driving through the snow-covered countryside felt like stepping into another world—magical, serene, and incredibly beautiful. As someone used to driving in snow (I live in Reno-Tahoe), the vast, snow-clad landscapes were breathtaking.
• Tip: If you’re comfortable with winter driving, renting a car provides so much flexibility and allows you to fully experience the beauty of Hokkaido’s countryside.

8. Final Thoughts =================

• Hokkaido is an amazing destination for those looking to combine outdoor adventures, breathtaking nature, and delicious food. From the ski resorts to the charming town of Otaru and vibrant Sapporo, there’s truly something for everyone.
• Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, soaking in onsens, or just exploring local culture and food, Hokkaido has it all.

9. A Note on Following Local Customs ====================================

• One important thing to keep in mind while traveling through towns and cities in Japan is that public trash cans are scarce. Be prepared to pack out your trash as you walk around. This is part of the strong culture of cleanliness and respect for public spaces. It’s one of the reasons the towns and cities are so clean and well-maintained. It’s a small thing to keep in mind, but it goes a long way in preserving the beauty of Japan.
• Check other posts on Japanese local customs. I found Japan to be a wonderful place and I wanted to be as respectful as possible to the wonderful people. It was my pleasure to be a guest in their amazing country and I wanted to show my gratitude.