Promo: Get 5% off your lodging in Hokkaido utilizing <TTI5> beneath coupon code!
Feast on Hokkaido’s finest delicacies in Sapporo, drive out of the town by way of breath-taking terrains, and style a few of Japan’s freshest seafood on this 8 day highway journey by way of the very best of Hokkaido — all beneath S$1k!
Planning a highway journey in Hokkaido ain’t simple as a result of there’s simply SO MUCH to discover! Ski on powdery slopes in winter, hop round among the most spectacular flower fields in spring and take a look at among the finest produce this area has to supply! If you happen to’re up for an journey in Hokkaido, right here’s how one can expertise all of them beneath a S$1k funds (excld. flights)!
8D Funds Breakdown:
Lodging: S$320.67
Meals: S$349.26
Actions: S$53.48
Transport: S$188.84
TOTAL: S$912.24
Click on right here for detailed breakdown
*Observe that this funds is for 4 pax which is probably the most economical for highway journeys particularly in the case of splitting the associated fee for larger ticket objects like automotive rental and the Hokkaido Expressway Go. This determine may cost barely extra for 2-3 pax.
Test Flights to Hokkaido
Flight costs will not be included within the funds attributable to seasonal fluctuations. To examine the costs of flights on your particular dates of journey, use this widget under:
If you happen to can’t see the widget above, click on right here to examine flights from Singapore to Hokkaido as an alternative!
Pre-trip Necessities
3G Connectivity: Relying on the variety of individuals on the journey, you possibly can both get a SIM card (is available in 1GB, 3GB or limitless) for ~S$13/26/40 or a WiFi system for ~S$3/day (connects as much as 4 gadgets). The wonderful thing about the latter is you possibly can acquire the system in SG and be linked when you land. For the WiFi system, an additional day earlier than and after is included for assortment/pickup so that you solely have to pay for the times you’ll be travelling.
JR Hokkaido Kitaka IC Card: For seamless journey on public transport, get a rechargeable card (IC Card) that can be utilized on all public transports together with JR trains, the subway and buses together with the Airport Limousine bus. In case you have IC playing cards from different areas, like Tokyo (SUICA), Osaka (ICOCA), these can be utilized in Hokkaido too. If not, you possibly can pre-purchase it on-line (preloaded with ¥1500) or get it on the station.
Automotive rental: When you’ve had sufficient of the town, the easiest way to discover the opposite sights of Hokkaido is by driving. Japanese automotive rental websites is usually a bit complicated so we rented ours by way of Klook (~S$70/day). Do be aware that the value doesn’t embrace choices like collision injury insurance coverage (¥648/day), the Hokkaido Expressway Go (HEP) and rental of the ETC card (¥324).
Day 1: Sapporo Metropolis
Lodging: HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park — positioned only a 3 minute stroll from Horohira Bashi Subway station.
Airport to Sapporo: Probably the most direct path to the lodge is by way of the Airport limousine bus 14 to Nakajima at ¥1030. The bus leaves as soon as an hour and the experience is about 1hr 9mins. Alternatively, the JR Airport Rail leaves about 3 instances an hour and solely takes 37mins ¥1070 (with out reservation).
Getting Round Sapporo: The important thing sights throughout the metropolis are inside strolling distance. For the subway you should use the Kitaka IC card or the 1-day limitless subway cross for ¥830 (¥520 on weekends and public holidays).
Learn Additionally: The Final Sapporo Metropolis Information: High Issues To Do In The Gateway To Hokkaido
Lunch at Nemuro Hanamaru sushi
Situated throughout the JR Sapporo station, that is maybe among the best locations to start out your journey in Hokkaido! A preferred conveyor belt sushi place with high quality cuts but reasonably priced plates starting from ¥140 – 453, don’t be stunned to discover a queue so long as 90 minutes! We arrived round 3PM and solely needed to anticipate about 10 minutes, so do attempt to keep away from the height meal instances.
Value: From ¥1,200/pax (S$15)
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm
Handle: JR Stellar Place Degree 6 ステラプレイス, 2 Chome Kita 5 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 060-0005, Japan
*Professional-tip: Seize some tasty baked cheese tarts from Kinotoya Bake when you’re on the station (positioned on the JR Station East Exit).
Test in at HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park
Our cosy abode for the following 2 nights in Sapporo metropolis was at HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park positioned proper outdoors Nakajima park. Our room had a full view of the park the place you possibly can see locals jogging as early as 5am. If you happen to’re right here round mid June, you’ll additionally get to catch the 100-Yr-Previous Hokkaido Shrine Competition held on this park.
We obtained the Deluxe Household Room (¥7,407) which might match the 4 of us comfortably however there are snug rooms for two as little as ¥4,722!
Value: From ¥1900/pax (S$23)
Handle: 1 Chome Minami 14 Jonishi, Chuo, 札幌市中央区 Hokkaido 064-0914, Japan
Learn how to get there: 3-minute stroll to Horohira Bashi Subway station
*Professional-tip: Get 5% off your lodging reserving at HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park through the use of <TTI5> beneath coupon code or reserving by way of the hyperlink right here! 🙂
Sapporo TV Tower
Situated on the fringe of Odori park is an unmissable construction with a large LED clock on its entrance. Measuring at 147m, it’s the 2nd tallest tower after the Tokyo Tower. Head as much as the tower’s observatory for a 360° panoramic view of the town.
My favorite is the aspect of Odori park however you may as well catch sight of well-known points of interest like Mount Moiwa, the Sapporo Dome and even the Sapporo beer museum!
In case you have time, try the opposite historic constructing within the space like Akarenga Authorities Constructing (Purple Brick) and the Sapporo Clock Tower. Extra sights round Sapporo on this complete Sapporo Metropolis Information!
Entrance Price: ¥720 (~S$8 on Klook)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 10PM
Learn how to get there: 5-minute stroll from the Sapporo Municipal Subway Odori Station (Exit 27) OR 15minute stroll from JR Sapporo Station (South Exit)
Suage Soup Curry For Dinner
The curry present in Hokkaido is sort of totally different from the same old Japanese curries you discover in locations like Coco Ichibanya. Because the title suggests, the soup curries have much more of a soup-like consistency and are extra savoury than candy which I personally want. On the second flooring of a constructing within the Susukino district, Suage Curry Soup and Eating is usually noticed with snaking queues down the steps throughout dinner — the queues does transfer fairly rapidly!
The specialty right here is the choice so as to add squid ink to your curry which supplies it a pleasant twist. There’s additionally the choice for add ons like cheese or egg and the selection of 5 spiciness ranges (1 being not spicy in any respect to five “tremendous spicy”). The tremendous spicy isn’t that spicy so when you’re an everyday chilli padi eater, simply go for degree 5.
Value: Curries from ¥980 (~S$12)
Opening Hours: 11:30PM – 10:30PM
Handle: 5-chome Minami 4jo Nishi, Chuo-ku | 2nd Ground, Sapporo 064-0804, Hokkaido
Drinks at Susukino
Susukino could be described to be the Dotonbori of Osaka — neon-lit buildings with large beers indicators competing on your consideration and streets the place pedestrians from all sides cross directly. Susukino can also be the place all of the well-known bars are at. We checked out Aptitude Bar ES which overlooks Susukino road. The bar can also be well-known for it’s thrilling bartending present which occurs twice an evening at 7:30PM and 10:30PM. Anticipate quick paced choreography, liquor bottles on the verge of smashing and a bit of fireplace.
Aptitude Bar ES
Cowl Cost: ¥300/pax (drinks from ¥550)
Opening Hours: 6PM – 2AM
Handle: 4 Chome-16 Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804, Japan
*Professional-tip: Stroll as much as the bar and make a reserving earlier than dinner. The bar occurs to be solely 5 minutes from Suage Soup Curry.
Day 2: Sapporo
Brunch at Ramen Shingen
Miso-broth ramen is Sapporo’s specialty and this small 15-seater retailer has clearly carried out one thing proper. Arrive at 11:30AM (when the shop opens) and also you’ll already see a queue of 20–30 individuals. We arrived round 11 and was one of many final of the primary batch to enter so do come early as 90-minute queues right here aren’t unusual!
The menu is totally in Japanese however the first on the menu is spicy miso which was what we ended up having and I can virtually say this is likely one of the finest bowls of ramen I’ve ever had! The noodles have a pleasant springy texture and the broth is the kind you’ll need to end each little bit of.
The portion for his or her common bowls (¥760) are fairly massive so when you’re a small eater, you possibly can go for the half portion (¥540). The fried rice (¥300) is a superb aspect too to have when you nonetheless have abdomen for it!
Value: From ¥540 (~S$7.50)
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 1AM
Handle: ８丁目-8-2 Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0806, Japan
Learn how to get there: 3-minute stroll from Higashionganji-Mae Station
Shiroi Koibito Park (White Lover Park)
This fairytale themed park half-hour from Odori station is created round considered one of Japan’s most well-known white chocolate snack 白い恋人 (Shiroi Koibito). Stroll into an enchanted park with comfortable music on the audio system, vibrant flowers throughout and bubbles sometimes filling up the area.
For under an additional ¥540, that is the one place you possibly can customise the tin of the biscuits along with your favorite picture — out there for each the 36 and 54 piece tins. You may take your picture there or carry alongside one from house. Nice as presents to your candy toothed buddies.
There was a manufacturing facility tour to watch how the biscuits are made however that’s beneath renovation till Might 2019. Till then, take pleasure in free entry to the park! Try the cafe for different standard sweets, be a part of a cookie making class (¥972 – ¥1296) or benefit from the surroundings with a Shiroi Koibito flavoured smooth serve (¥300/450) — considered one of my favorite smooth serves ever in Japan (and that’s rather a lot given how good smooth serves are across the nation)!
Entrance Price: ¥600 however free till Might 2019 because of the building of the manufacturing facility space
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM
Handle: 2 Chome-13-30 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan
Sapporo Beer Museum
Open since 1987, that is the one beer museum in Japan. There’s a free tour on the third flooring of the constructing the place you possibly can learn by way of 12 stations explaining how the beer ended up being manufactured in Hokkaido. The reasons are available English, Korean and Chinese language and have fairly attention-grabbing details to uncover. The premium tour (¥500) contains 2 beers to style however is just in Japanese.
If you happen to went on the free tour, fret not concerning the beer because you’ll find yourself within the Star Corridor on degree 1 the place you should purchase beer tasting vouchers from the merchandising machine. We obtained the ¥600 taster set which comes with the Sapporo Basic, Sapporo Black Label and a particular Kaitakushi version created from the unique recipe.
Entrance Price: Free or ¥500 for the premium tour
Opening Hours: 11AM – 8PM every day (final entry at 7:30PM)
Learn how to get there: 10-minute stroll from Higashikuyakusho-Mae station. From Sapporo station, there are 2 shuttle buses (¥210) that drops immediately on the Beer Museum (North Exit Bus Cease 2, Line Quantity 188 or South Exit Loop Line no.88)
Sapporo Bier Garten (Beer Backyard)
The final Hokkaido signature dish to strive in your last evening in Hokkaido is “Genghis Khan”. I’m not totally certain of the way it obtained its title but it surely’s really rather a lot like a thai-style mookata besides the elements undoubtedly rather a lot more energizing!
Situated proper subsequent to the museum, the Bier Garten has a 100-minute all you possibly can eat buffet for ¥5680 or ¥6980 (incld. free stream beer). The buffet features a good unfold of meats together with Genghis Khan model lamb, sushi, and snow crabs!!! If there’s just one meal to splurge on in Hokkaido, that is our advice.
You may reserve by calling them at 0120-150-550 no less than a day earlier than or get your reserved slot by way of Klook! If you happen to failed to order, you possibly can nonetheless depart your title on the reservation counter on the Beer Museum however the wait time may go as much as 2 hours.
Value: ¥6980 for the all inclusive buffet (~S$85 on Klook together with reservations)
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 10PM (Final order at 9:30PM)
For extra issues to do in Sapporo, try our intensive Sapporo Metropolis Information.
Day 3: Hakodate by way of Lake Toya/Noribetsu
Lodging: Hakodate Kokkusai Resort — positioned conveniently between the Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market) and the Kanemori Purple Brick Warehouse.
Automotive Choose up: We left at dawn on day 3 so we picked up the automotive the day earlier than. If you happen to plan to go away later, the automotive rental store opens at 8AM and could be collected only a quick 6-minute stroll from the JR Sapporo station.
*Professional-tip: For getting round with the in-car GPS, simply key within the Map Code or telephone quantity (discovered on google maps).
Jigokudani Hell Valley
To not be confused with the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, this Hell Valley positioned in Noboribetsu is a 1.5 – 2.5 hour drive from Sapporo. From right here, there are numerous simple nicely paved strolling trails starting from 5 – 20 minutes. Parking right here is ¥500.
Map Code: 603 288 368*85
Alternatively, you possibly can park on the Oyunuma Brook Pure Footabath carpark, get your toes soaked earlier than following a 1.2km strolling path to Jigokudani. This car parking zone is free and could be recognized with 2 tall blue statues known as the Welcome Demons. From this spot, it’s solely a 5 minute stroll to the pure sizzling spring river.
Entrance Price: Free
Map Code: 603 287 856*36 (Oyunuma Footbath Parking)
Lake Toya
A 40-minute/70-minute drive (with toll/with out toll) from Noboribetsu is a well-known caldera, Lake Toya. One of the best view of the caldera is from the highest of Mount Usu by way of the Usuzan Ropeway (¥1600) which leaves each quarter-hour.
Although, it’s actually solely well worth the journey if the climate is sunny. If it’s cloudy, give it a miss.
There are numerous strolling trails just like the Kompirayama and Nishiyama Crater Strolling Path. On these trails, you possibly can stroll by way of some deserted buildings broken by the final eruption in 2000. Begin from the customer centre to seize some maps and be pointed to the beginning of the path. Entrance to those trails are free.
Usuzan Ropeway
Value: ¥1600 (~S$17.50 by way of Klook) ; ¥500 for Parking
Map Code: 321 433 350*55
Lunch at Toya Marche
Toya Marche’s meals isn’t life altering however the set meals are very fairly priced in comparison with lots of the overpriced eateries alongside the lake. Their specialty is of their beef dishes like Wagyu Miso Soup (¥650 comes with rice and salad) and the Toya Beef Gyudon ¥810, all turned out past passable.
Value: From ¥650 (~S$8)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6:30PM every day
Map Code: 321 518 499*03
Drive From Lake Toya to Hakodate
With toll: 2.5 hours
With out toll: 3 hours
Goryokaku Park
The star formed fort surrounding the park is usually the icon that involves thoughts whenever you consider Hakodate however due to the large space, the form can solely be seen from the highest of the 107m Goryokaku Tower observatory (¥720). However don’t overlook to take a look at the park itself! It’s a well-liked spot throughout the Hanami interval and you may spot locals arriving for a jog as early as 5am!
Entrance Price: Free for the park; ¥720 for the observatory
Opening Hours: 5AM – 7PM for the park; 8AM – 7PM for the observatory (opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier from April – October)
Map Code: 86 165 294*14 (Nearest Carpark)
Dinner at Unagidokoro Takahashi (うなぎ処 高はし)
Situated only a road from the Goryokaku park is a gem for Unagi lovers who don’t need to spend a bomb. There’s no english menu right here however the employees are extremely affected person though we nonetheless couldn’t determine the distinction amongst the few that had footage. Regardless, the meal was scrumptious and nicely well worth the worth! Unagi units vary from ¥2,060 for the common, ¥2,780 for the medium and ¥3,900 for the big which could be shared amongst 2. If you happen to’re right here over lunch, seize maintain of their restricted lunch units that go at simply ¥1,230.
Value: From ¥2060 (~S$25) for dinner
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM; 5PM – 9:30PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Map Code: 86 165 624*63
Daimon Yokocho
Lined with greater than 20 over small eateries and bars, this can be a nice various for dinner or put up dinner snacks and drinks. Every eatery solely matches a mean of 5-15 pax however you’ll find quite a lot of meals together with Genghis Khan, Chirashidon, seafood and even Squid ink gyozas (¥450/5pc) which have been actually good!
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM
Map Code: 86 073 393*17 (Nearest Carpark)
Test-in at Hakodate Kokusai Resort
Conveniently inside strolling distance to each the Hakodate Asaichi morning market and the Kanemori Purple Brick Warehouse, our lodging for the evening in Hakodate was on the Hakodate Kokusai Resort — which was chosen as one of many High 100 resorts in Japan. Our favorite half although was the breakfast unfold up on the SkyLounge! The unfold presents all kinds of Japanese, Western and even French cuisines all of which have been extremely recent and scrumptious! Arguably considered one of our favorite meals in Hokkaido!
Value: From ¥2,547/pax (~S$31) for a west semi double room
Map Code: 86 042 874*36
*Professional-tip: Being a sequence beneath MYSTAYS, you possibly can can take pleasure in 5% off this lodge reserving with the coupon code <TTI5> on this reserving too!
Day 4: Hakodate to Otaru
Lodging in Otaru: Resort Sonia Otaru — Situated one road away from the well-known Otaru canal. Some rooms even supply scenic views of the canal
Hakodate Asaichi (morning market)
If you happen to didn’t get breakfast from Hakodate Kokusai Resort (you actually ought to), the Hakodate Asaichi morning market opens as early as 5AM. Seize a recent bowl of Kaisendon (~¥2000) or try the indoor marketplace for standard snacks like crab crackers, dried scallop and packed Ikura you possibly can carry house. Look out for the seasonal fruits just like the Yubari melon and lightweight pink strawberries (that are presupposed to be a lot sweeter but additionally far more costly than the pink ones).
Opening Hours: 5AM – 2PM
Map Code: 86 072 374*58
Sightsee Round Hakodate
Hakodate is insanely scenic! After making a fast purchasing cease on the Kanemori Redbrick warehouse (Map Code: 86 040 324*11), drive over to Motomachi park (Map Code: 86 040 561*44), take a stroll across the Renaissance model Western buildings or drive by way of the Hachiman zaka slope (Map code: 86 040 324*11) — each nice for images.
Drive From Hakodate to Otaru
With tolls: 4 hours
With out tolls: 4 hour 40 minutes
Pit cease for Whiskey Lovers: half-hour earlier than reaching Otaru is the city of Yoichi the place you’ll discover Nikka Whiskey Distillery. There are excursions across the distillery each 30mins however solely in Japanese. If you happen to don’t perceive Japanese, you possibly can stroll by way of the 8 totally different sections of displays by yourself and finish off with a free set of three whiskeys to style.
Map Code: 164 635 844*63
Test-in at Resort Sonia Otaru
There are solely 3-4 lodging proper throughout the well-known Otaru canal providing an unobstructed view of the scenic canal — Resort Sonia Otaru is considered one of them.
The rooms are fashionable, newly renovated and spacious! Apart from being only a road away from the Otaru canal, the lodge can also be conveniently positioned a 10-minute stroll to the Sankaku Fish Market (小樽三角市場) and 10 minutes from the well-known dessert road the place you’ll find well-known shops like LeTao and Kitakaro. Don’t overlook to save 5% off your reserving by keying <TTI5> beneath coupon code!
Value: from ¥3,769/pax (~S$46,50) for a canal view twin room
Map Code: 493 690 528*60
Dinner at Yabuhan Soba (Otaru)
Top-of-the-line locations for soba in Otaru, Yabuhan (籔半) delight themselves on high quality soba grown in Hokkaido, Rankoshi (2 hours south of Otaru). The queues could be fairly lengthy and the restaurant is normally crammed with locals or Japanese vacationers however there are english menus out there together with the historical past of how their soba took place.
Every merchandise on the menu comes with 2 choices, the “Jimono-ko” kind, a Hokkaido specialty and the “Namiko” which is combined with imported buckwheat flour. It will depend on your style however the former has a bit extra chew to it and the Namiko noodles are usually softer.
Value: ~¥850 – ¥1550
Opening Hours: 11AM–4PM, 5–8:30PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Map Code: 164 719 268*25
Day 5: Otaru to Asahikawa by way of Furano and Biei
Breakfast at Otaru Fish Market
Being a port city, no journey to Otaru is full with out having your fill of recent caught seafood on rice (kaisendon). One of the best place for a recent bowl is after all the morning markets. Rinyu Asaichi (鱗友朝市) opens the earliest at 4am however there’s one other one simply throughout the Otaru station known as Sankaku Market (小樽三角市場) and solely 10 minutes from Sonia Resort the place we’re at.
*Professional-tip: If you happen to discover the kaisendon shops too crowded throughout the market, try the outlets proper outdoors that are normally much less crowded, barely cheaper bowls and their fish are simply as recent!
Drive from Otaru to Furano
With tolls: 2 hours 40 minutes
With out tolls: 3 hours quarter-hour
Seize some desserts and cream puffs from LeTao and Kitakaro earlier than hitting the highway!
Cease for lunch in Furano
Furano cheese manufacturing facility is an virtually necessary cease for cheese and ice cream lovers. Not solely do you get to style a spread of cheese together with squid ink and wine flavoured cheese, there’s additionally a pizza restaurant with fairly respectable pizzas (from ¥1200, feeds 2-3 pax) and greater than respectable ice cream!
The ice cream right here is manufactured from seasonal vegetables and fruit so relying on whenever you’re round, you may spot attention-grabbing flavours like asparagus or pumpkin (¥350). Positively price a strive however our favorite was the basic cheese flavoured smooth serve (¥400).
Map Code: 550 840 171*82
Farm Tomita
This spectacular huge land positioned in Furano has varied flowers blooming from mid Might by way of early October yearly and is totally free to discover! Probably the most well-known of all is their lavender fields which go into full bloom in July however have been simply as beautiful after we noticed them round Might. The greenhouse additionally has lavenders that bloom all yr spherical, even by way of winters! Don’t overlook to cease by the cafe for a lavender ice cream and lavender espresso.
Entrance Price: Free
Map Code: 349 276 804*00
Sightseeing in Biei
half-hour from Furano will carry you to a small city in Biei — well-known for the scenic landscapes that make all of the lengthy hours of driving in Hokkaido price its run.
If you happen to’re a Mac person, cease by the Shirogane blue pond to see your desktop wallpaper (Lion OSx) come to stay. It is probably not the identical shade of blue relying on the quantity of daylight (and climate over the past 3 days) however nonetheless actually fairly nonetheless.
Map Code: 349 569 814*88
Only a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond is an simply accessible however scenic waterfall: Shirahige waterfall. You may park fairly shut by and the view level is from the highest of a bridge.
Map Code: 796 182 575*30
Dinner at Asahikawa Ramen Village
Ramen lovers, that is the place to be in Asaihikawa. Right here you’ll discover 8 well-known ramen shops in Asahikawa clustered collectively. We popped by one of many solely shops that was left open and ended up in Ittetsu-an (いってつ庵) which comes with a reasonably english-friendly menu starting from ¥700 – ¥1,100. Every ramen has the choice of Shoyu, Shio or Miso broth however we suggest getting Shoyu because it’s a specialty of Asahikawa! (Miso in Sapporo, Shio in Hakodate).
Value: Ramen from ¥700
Opening Hours: 11AM – 8PM
Map Code: 79 410 454*44
Test in at Artwork Resort Asahikawa
Situated simply 12 minutes from the Asahikawa station and a 5-minute stroll from the Tokiwa Park, we beloved Artwork Resort Asahikawa for its cosy, Scandinavian design. If it’s out there, you may strive reserving considered one of their 6 Japanese-style tatami rooms that match as much as 4 individuals. The lodge additionally its personal Onsen and spa on the basement (at extra value).
Value: From ¥4,950/pax for the standard twin room (Key in <TTI5> to take pleasure in 5% off your reserving at Artwork Resort Asahikawa)
Handle: 79 373 382*55
Day 6: Drive in the direction of Monbetsu
Lodging: Monbetsu Prince Resort — contains free entry to their public Onsen within the basement of the constructing.
Hokkaido Ice Pavilion
Situated within the city of Kamikawa (1 hour from Asahikawa) is likely one of the coldest place in Hokkaido; no matter season! The Hokkaido Ice Pavillion tries to recreate a -41°C expertise which is seemingly Japan’s lowest document ever. Jackets are offered though it’s not very heat so do come ready with adequate clothes when you’re not very immune to the chilly!
Entrance Charges: ¥1080
Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 5PM every day
Map Code: 623 630 207*11
Drive to Monbetsu
The drive is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes since there aren’t any toll roads between these 2 locations. We didn’t spot any attention-grabbing meals stops so we grabbed some from the comfort shops to eat on the go.
Hill of Pink Flowers on the Takinoue Park
Round mid Might to finish of June, this 100,000 sq. metres of vivid pink flowers on the hill of Takinoue Park is unmissable. Situated between Asahikawa and Monbetsu, that is undoubtedly price a pitstop!
Entrance Price: ¥500
Map Code: 570 699 407*11
Seal watching on the Okhotsk Tokkari Centre
Greater than only a zoo-like enclosure, the Okhotsk Tokkari centre serves as a conservation centre for treating earless seals (Tokkari within the Ainu language). 5 instances every day, there’s an interactive feeding present the place you get to see them carry out easy methods and a photograph alternative with these playful furry seals.
Within the winter months from January to March, there are ice breaker cruises that depart 7 instances a day from dawn to sundown. These ships are designed to drill by way of the ice caps.
Entrance Price: ¥200 (enter by dropping ¥100 cash into the unmanned gantry. There’s additionally a machine that modifications ¥1000 notes into cash)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM every day
Every day Exhibits: 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3PM
Map Code: 801 585 698*85
Dinner at Marutomi
For dinner, there are many small eateries across the Minatocho space however we picked Marutomi as a result of it regarded cosy and the menu was reasonably priced. However the meals turned out higher than anticipated!
Value: Dinner units from ¥950 – ¥1600
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 2PM ; 5PM – 9:30PM
Map Code: 401 358 844*41
Day 7: Drive to Lake Kussharo
Lodging close to Lake Kussharo: Yado Hanafurari — cosy lodge with Japanese model tatami rooms and 4 lovely Labrador retrievers!
Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park
Residence to an intensive discipline of over 200 styles of tulips, the Kamiyubetsu Park is just open from 1st Might to early June. It’s fairly from nearly any angle when you’re fortunate to catch it at full bloom! To search out out if the tulips have bloomed you possibly can examine the official web site for the stay picture changed day-after-day.
Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM every day
Entrance Price: ¥500
Lake Hop Round Kussharo and Mashu
Lodging close to Lake Shikaribetsu: Primal Stage — fundamental cabin that matches as much as 6 individuals
Lake Kussharo: Japan’s largest caldera, the very best lookout level is on the Bihoro Observatory Go (Map Code: 638 225 129*58). If you happen to solely have time for one lake lookout, that is it. There’s a flight of stairs that leads as much as lookout factors at 2 heights — the highest is well worth the climb!
On the opposite aspect, one other attention-grabbing cease is the Sunayu seashore (Map Code: 638 148 651*00). You may dip your toes totally free within the pure sizzling spring foot bathtub or stroll right down to the lake and dig your personal. Dig far sufficient into the sand and also you’ll create your very personal Onsen.
Between Sunayu and Lake Mashu, take a fast cease at Mount Iō (Map Code: 731 683 812*41) to take a look at the steaming sulphurous valley. It does really feel like a toned down model of Noboribetsu’s Jigokudani however the melon ice cream right here may nonetheless be well worth the pitstop!
Lake Mashu: There’s 3 lookout factors round this lake. We solely made it to the 1st observatory (Map Code: 613 781 339*63) but it surely can get fairly crowded since tour buses are inclined to cease right here. For lesser crowds, try the third observatory as an alternative (Map Code: 613 870 628*52).
Observe that there’s a ¥500 parking for each the Lake Mashu observatory and Mount Iō however you solely have to pay as soon as because the ticket covers each spots.
Day 8: Lake Kussharo to New Chitose Airport
With toll: 4.5 hours
With out toll: 6 hours
At the present time will depend on the time of your flight. In case you have an early morning flight, you may need to drive again to Sapporo for an evening. In case you have a night flight, right here’s what you possibly can try alongside the best way.
Lake Shikaribetsu
At 800m above sea degree, lake Shikaribetsu is the best lake in Japan. From December to April, the lake is normally frozen over and from January to March, you’ll find an igloo village which melts and will get rebuilt from scratch yearly.
However even in summer season, this lake is a worthy pit cease for it’s scenic views. Pack some lunch to have a picnic or dip your toes into the free foot bathtub close by earlier than catching you flight house!
From Lake Shikaribetsu, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to the airport so be sure you maintain monitor of time!
Lodging in Hokkaido
Lodging can simply take up an enormous chunk of funds when travelling. And though we spend little or no hours in a single, it’s at all times good to return to a clear, cosy abode. The MYSTAYS Resort Chain delight themselves for having reasonably priced but cosy rooms that don’t scrimp on high quality and luxury! What we appreciated was that the chains have been typically in actually handy places too. From being only a road from the scenic Otaru Canal to being a 5-minute stroll from the practice station, lots of our picks with MYSTAYS ended up ticking all our containers for a superb valued lodging possibility.
*Professional-tip: Get 5% off your lodging at any of the Resort MYSTAYS retailers talked about on this put up (Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru and Asahikawa) through the use of <TTI5> beneath coupon code! 🙂
Test Flights to Hokkaido
Able to plan your Hokkaido highway journey this spring? Test flight costs now:
If you happen to can’t see the widget above, click on right here to examine flights from Singapore to Hokkaido as an alternative!
Something that we missed on this Hokkaido itinerary? Tell us within the feedback!
This put up was dropped at you by MYSTAYS Resort.
