Hokkaido, this coveted northern land, boasts magnificent scenery, abundant local produce, and fresh cuisine, attracting numerous visitors time and again. Beyond its food and landscapes, several well-known major cities are also excellent shopping destinations. Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, exudes a vibrant urban vibe. Sapporo Station is directly connected to department stores, shopping malls, and the subway, and its underground passages allow travelers to shop comfortably even when it’s snowing outside.
Sapporo is Hokkaido’s largest city, with highly accessible transportation. (Photo by Wu Rongbang)
Otaru is another highly popular city. The planned Otaru Canal has become one of the city’s most beloved attractions. For 10 days in February each year, the canal is adorned with candlelit floating orbs against a backdrop of pure white snow, creating a dreamy scene. The area also offers a wide variety of exquisitely crafted glassware and music boxes, making them perfect gifts or souvenirs for personal use.
Numerous department stores are clustered here, making shopping very convenient. (Photo by Wu Rongbang)
Hokkaido offers a wealth of culinary delights, and its fresh seafood dishes are not to be missed. (Photo by Wu Rongbang)
It’s said that Hokkaido has already seen its first snowfall of the year. For those planning to visit Hokkaido to enjoy the snow, don’t miss out on this great news: when you’re out sightseeing in Hokkaido and have shopped a little too enthusiastically, accidentally running out of cash, you can use a financial card from any of Taiwan’s 14 banks—including Bank of Taiwan, Land Bank of Taiwan, Taiwan Cooperative Bank, First Bank, Hua Nan Commercial Bank, Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Cathay United Bank, Mega International Commercial Bank, Taiwan Business Bank, Shin Kong Commercial Bank, Yang Hsin Commercial Bank, Union Bank of Taiwan, Yuanta Commercial Bank, and E.SUN Commercial Bank—to withdraw money from ATMs displaying the financial card logo using your domestic PIN (6–12 digits, different from the usual 4-digit magnetic stripe PIN), with much lower fees compared to credit cards. Alternatively, you can directly use your financial card at stores displaying the Smartpay logo—no fees at all (yes, really, no fees!!)—and after one month, you’ll even get a 2% cashback deposited back into your account. Don’t forget to share this great opportunity with family and friends so they can take full advantage too!!
Reminder: Be sure to confirm your card’s functions with your bank before departure to avoid having a card you can’t use.
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