Tatsuhito Watatani >

Hokkaido Insider

By Mitsuru Hamilton

Insider Recommendations
Must Do
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder at Otaru Beer
Set your eyes on Hokkaido’s first German-inspired craft beer brewery.
Must See
Otaru Canal is where you can bank on beautiful sights
It’s just as stunning by boat or on foot – especially in winter.
Must Stay
Convenience is king at the luxurious JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Navigate the city easily right from the heart of Sapporo!
Must See
It’s completely natural to be attracted to the sights at Kushiro Marsh
Deer, cranes and a horizon that goes on forever – what’s not to love?
Must Do
The sights at the Sapporo Snow Festival won’t leave you cold
It’s no wonder over 2 million visit this winter wonderland every year!
Must Do
Get set to have snow much fun when you go skiing at Iwanai Resort
Enjoy a clear run on the uncrowded and beautiful powder snow slopes.
Must Eat
The BBQ dishes at Sumiya aren’t offal; they’re delicious!
Get an insight to how tasty the insides of a pig can be!
Must See
The lavender fields at Farm Tomita are a must-sea in Hokkaido
Come early to see the purple clouds created by the morning mist.
Must See
The beauty of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is truly timeless
Marvel at the gorgeous view from one of Hokkaido’s oldest landmarks.
Must Do
Have a swimmingly good time at Kushiro Washo Ichiba Market
The best way to enjoy the famous katte-don is to create it yourself.
Must See
Love blossoms beautifully amid the blooms at Goryokaku Park
From the water or 90 metres up, it’ll still be love at first sight.
Must Eat
Don’t leave it to luck – just head to Bistro Sachi for good food
Savour Hokkaido’s finest with French & Italian influences right here.
Must Stay
Mix it up with the best of both worlds at Iwanai Kogen Hotel
Enjoy modern hotel facilities with a touch of traditional ryokan.
Must Eat
You don’t have to be a ramen-tic to fall in love with Horyu Ramen
Taste the tradition at one of the original miso ramen shops.
Must Do
Book a stay at the Shinshinotsu Campground if you in-tent to chill
Summer trips are best enjoyed with an onsen visit and a BBQ dinner!
Must Stay
Soak up the good vibes at Jozankei Hotel
Discover the fine art of Japanese hospitality at this ryokan.
Must Eat
Go back to basics with the fried chicken at Naruto Chicken Otaru
You can’t go wrong with a dish that’s been unchanged since 1965!
Must Eat
Sumibikabuto Hitsuji is a hot spot for hot plate BBQ
The meats don’t get any fresher than this – because they’re all local!

Travel Inspirations

Articles

Delicious Discovery: A Dining Guide To Sapporo, Hokkaido's Capital City
As with most of the island of Hokkaido, the capital city of Sapporo is blessed with fresh air and pristine waters that make it an agricultural paradise and source of premium beer, seafood, and cheese.
8 Location-based Travel Hacks to Get the Most Out of Your Trip
8 location-based travel hacks that will help you get the most out of your trip by saving on time and money, while gaining more on experience.
DIY Travelling for Dummies: Trip Planning Made Really Easy
Always thought DIY trip planning was troublesome and hard? Think again!
10 Free Online Resources to Learn a New Language — Japanese, Spanish, Korean and More
Whether you’re a visual or verbal learner, we’ve found help on all types of platforms to fit your style. We’ve also included sources covering different levels of difficulty so going from a complete noob to mastering fluency is totally possible! Learn a new language before your next trip with these handy resources you can find online for free!
What to Pack & Wear for Different Winter Climates (10°C, 0°C, -0°C)
Packing for winter can be tricky territory - especially if it’s your first time, or if you’re unsure. This helps you narrow down to how ‘warm’ you should pack!
What to Pack & Wear for Different Winter Climates (10°C, 0°C, -0°C)
Packing for winter can be tricky territory - especially if it’s your first time, or if you’re unsure. This helps you narrow down to how ‘warm’ you should pack!
What to Pack & Wear for Different Winter Climates (10°C, 0°C, -0°C)
Packing for winter can be tricky territory - especially if it’s your first time, or if you’re unsure. This helps you narrow down to how ‘warm’ you should pack!
4-Day Off-Season Hokkaido Itinerary — Sapporo, Otaru and Asahikawa
It’s no secret that Spring and Winter are popular seasons to visit the Hokkaido region.

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