5-Day 4-Night Hokkaido Hot Springs & Gourmet Trip

The year is coming to an end, and as the cold winter approaches, those in subtropical Taiwan may not feel it much—unless you head up to the mountains, it’s hard to experience the beauty of snow. Actually, you don’t need to go all the way to the U.S., Canada, or Europe. Now, you can enjoy a season of snowy Christmas joy just by heading to Hokkaido.

Dr. Clark, famous in Hokkaido for the quote “Boys, be ambitious,” was the first president of Hokkaido University and laid the foundation of the university’s pioneering spirit. Next to the observation deck, there is also the Sheep's Hill Restaurant where you can enjoy Jingisukan (grilled lamb), and the Sheep's Hill Australian Pavilion that sells ice cream and souvenirs.

 

The Kinsei Warehouse Complex was renovated from former port warehouses and now houses restaurants, shopping streets, and a small music hall. Hakodate Beer Hall serves authentic draft beer delivered straight from the factory. Kinsei Western Goods Store is the largest building in the complex, housing over 20 boutique shops, mostly offering imported goods from around the world, including the Phyllis Molly Christmas Museum.

 

The Hakodate night view is ranked among the world’s three best night views, alongside Naples and Hong Kong. The wide bay area is surrounded by mountains on both sides, and when night falls, the city of Hakodate puts on a dazzling evening gown. The best viewing spot is from Hakodate Mountain. Thanks to its unique geography, Hakodate’s night view is famous for its distinctive fan shape, and along with Hong Kong and Naples in Italy, it is listed as one of the world’s three great night views, even earning the nickname “Million-Dollar Night View.” This once-in-a-lifetime million-dollar view is a must-see spectacle for every visitor to Hakodate.

 

Lake Shikotsu National Park is set against the scenic Mount Komagatake and includes Lake Shikotsu, Lake Myōjin, and Lake Furen, making it the only national park in southern Hokkaido. These lakes were formed by eruptions of the active Mount Komagatake volcano, with Lake Shikotsu being the largest. There are 126 islands scattered across the lake, connected by 18 bridges. You can also take a sightseeing cruise or a speedboat ride on the lake for a romantic experience.