We landed in Sapporo on our first day and spent a good five days in this winter wonderland. Some highlights, if you’d like to see..
On our first day, we visited Shiroi Kobito Park, a chocolate factory with European style architecture and a decorated park in Christmas theme. It started snowing once we got there, making the whole park looked even more charming.
In the afternoon, we paid a visit to Hokkaido Shrine. Many Japanese visit shrines and temples out of tradition and the rituals for entering and praying are still observed by them. One of the rituals is to wash your hands before entering.
In both the shrines and temples you will often be able to buy this small piece of paper that reveal the fortunes/misfortunes for just ¥100.
The park nearby is a great spot for photo taking.
Had an amazing cup of latte at Baristart that was served with delicious Hokkaido milk.
The street of Sapporo in heavy snowfall.
After the sunset, we visited Hokkaido Government Office and was welcomed with an even heavier snowfall.
Did some photoshoot for my brother and his then fiancé.
That evening, we went to German Christmas Market Sapporo to feel the Christmas vibe.
The next day, we visited the neighboring town called Otaru, which was about an hour drive from Sapporo.
I loooove this town and wished to have stayed over night here.
Visited two famous confectionary in Otaru: Kitakaro and Rokkatei
Hokkaido is also famous for its corn soup and this soup by LeTAO was freaking amazing.
When in Japan, it’s almost a crime to say no to ice cream, especially when there's seven layers of it.
Our day-trip to Otaru ended at the beautiful Otaru Canal.
The following day, we drove to Noboribetsu and on our way there, we stopped by Lake Hill Farm, where we each got our own ice cream. Do you guys agree that ice cream is best eaten during the cold winter weather?
One of main attraction in Noboribetsu is Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a valley just above the town which displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activities.
What an appropriate statue to have in a place called ‘Hell Valley’.
On our last day in Sapporo, we went to Moerenuma Park and stayed the entire afternoon, taking way too many photos of the park that was blanketed by the thick later of snow.
There’s a giant glass pyramid located within the park that is also a must visit if you’re in Sapporo.
Before boarding our plane to Tokyo, we spent some time at New Chitose airport geeking over the Doraemon and Hello Kitty stores.
Have you been to Hokkaido during the winter? What do you like most about the city? Thanks for reading. Will be posting Kyoto and Tokyo highlights soon!
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