A Light Winter Trip to Hokkaido

For Taiwanese people living in the subtropics, occasionally experiencing cold snaps, and rarely seeing snow, comparing winter in Hokkaido to a “dreamland” is perhaps no exaggeration. In Hokkaido, snow begins to fall on the Daisetsuzan Mountains around mid-September, arriving in the plains by no later than late November. By the coldest months of December to February, thick snow blankets fields, forests, and urban streetscapes. Just thinking about seeing swirling snowflakes, having snowball fights, and building snowmen makes the trip to Hokkaido worthwhile, no matter how cold it gets.

If you want to explore Hokkaido leisurely and freely, traveling independently is undoubtedly the best way. Especially since Japan has opened up driver’s license exchanges for Taiwanese citizens, if you make good use of JR Hokkaido’s various trains and local car rental systems, even first-timers can enjoy a safe, immersive, and joyful experience. This week, we’ve selected a truly “relaxed version” of a free itinerary in Hokkaido. Using 4 nights and 5 days, you’ll travel through the streets of Sapporo and Otaru, and we also recommend venturing deeper into the Jozankei Onsen area. If you can’t resist the temptation of king crab, if you hear the call of salmon rice, if you want to experience the feeling of “the air is cold but your body is hot” in an onsen bath, quickly plan your holiday now.

★ Recommended Attraction 1=Otaru Canal

The Otaru Canal is the most iconic attraction in Otaru. During the day, the canal square on Asakusa Bridge is always bustling with people, and after nightfall, the lights along the canal gradually illuminate, casting a hazy and romantic retro ambiance.Click to view full attraction details


 

=Kappa King

Walking through the streets of Jozankei, you might sometimes feel a surreal, dreamlike sensation, as the area is filled with statues of kappa—mythical creatures usually only found in legends. Whether on bridges, by the riverbanks, or next to foot onsen baths for soaking your feet or hand onsen basins for washing your hands, you’ll find charming and amusingly shaped kappa that are sure to bring a smile.Click to view full attraction details

Shiroi Koibito is an essential Hokkaido souvenir, and this delicate chocolate biscuit is produced right here at Shiroi Koibito Park. In addition to seeing the manufacturing process of Shiroi Koibito, you can also stroll through a European-style garden with over 200 varieties and thousands of roses.Click to view full attraction details

To learn about the history and evolution of Japan’s beer industry, a visit to the SAPPORO Beer Museum is a must. The museum displays the history of Japanese beer, brewing tools, and the brewing process. Visitors can also enjoy a freshly poured cup of beer here, and pairing beer with fresh seafood is an especially delightful experience.Click to view full attraction details

Explore Sapporo, Otaru, and Jozankei Freely (4 Nights / 5 Days)

★Further Reading=Nijo?
In Hokkaido, aside from definitely trying king crab, various types of sushi and donburi are not to be missed. Located right across from the east entrance of Nijo Market, Nijo? carefully selects the freshest ingredients daily, making it a popular local favorite that’s always packed with customers.