r/Hokkaido

Hi all,

I'm (slowly) planning a Hokkaido trip for next winter, and I've stumbled upon a bit of a snag. The East Hokkaido Express timetable for Route 5 (Utoro to Kushiro) lists 'hotels in Akanko' as Get off only. Route 4 which does drop off at Akanko goes the wrong way (Kushiro to Utoro). Does anybody know if there's an easy way to get *from* Akanko *to* Kushiro in winter? Can include a train.

https://preview.redd.it/ezr0coiezf2h1.png?width=1493&format=png&auto=webp&s=fc7c961bc72e8baa169b1b1e99507018c657cfa0

EDIT: I should add I plan to be there around 20-23 Jan, so a few days before the high season starts

I’m looking to pick up some Melon Kuma souvenirs while visiting Hokkaido but so far haven’t come across any (I’ve spent the last week going from Lake Toya/ Shakotan to Furano). I’m headed to Sapporo now and wondering if there are any shops where I can find Melon Kuma merch? Looking for stationary and knick knacks mostly.

Thanks in advance!

I recently visited Biei in Hokkaido!

Rather than sightseeing around the famous tourist spots, I spent the trip hiking Mt. Tokachidake and enjoying my favorite soft cream, gelato, coffee, and udon. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside scenery, it became a very relaxing and refreshing journey.

I made a vlog of the trip, and I’d be happy if it could help give you ideas for traveling in Hokkaido!

I'll be in Hokkaido (Sapporo) for the entire month of September and will have time over the weekends to go exploring, and want to maximise my enjoyment on the trip

I'm looking for things within or near Sapporo. A mix of solo/group places would be ideal, I hope to make some local/international friends when I'm there too!

I'm not sure if Furano/Biei flower fields are still worth checking out in September. I'd go to Hakodate but not sure how to do it cheap since I don't have a car.

Thank you!

Hey guys, me and my friend are planning to stay around 5 days in Sapporo this summer. We also want to visit Furano/Biei and Otaru

I heard July is super crowded because of lavender season, and traffic can be really bad. We don’t have a license, so renting a car is not possible for us :(

What’s the best way to go from Sapporo to Furano/Biei without a car? Train? Bus? Also heard transportation there can get pretty expensive, so would appreciate any tips or recommendations from people who’ve been there before

Hello everyone,

I am from SEA, planning a self drive trip to Hokkaido in Mid Dec for 2.
Planning to book either Toyota Yaris Cross (Toyota-rent-a-car) / Subaru Crosstrek (Nippon-rent-a-car).
Choosing a AWD SUV after seeing drivers here recommending a higher ground clearance car.
Planning to have 2 28" and maybe 1or2 20" luggage.
Touching down on CTS at 12pm.

The Itinerary that Im planning:
- Furano/Biei - Stay 1 night
- Asahikawa - Stay 3 night
- Otaru - day trip - Niseko
- Niseko - Stay 2 night
- Lake Toya - Stay 1 night
- Noboribetsu - day trip - Sapporo
- Sapporo - 3nights

Can I get advise if this route is better or start from Noboribetsu is better?
Can I also get recommendation if spending 1 night in Furano/Biei and 2 nights in Niseko are worth it?
If its not that worth it, can share your suggestions and experience?
Hoping to get more suggestions and tips from senpais here..

Thanks in advanced !

Hi, I’m in JET program and I just got my placement today and I was set in Samani, Hokkaido. From what I see it’s a very small town with not that many people and is fairly far from any large city.
There isn’t much information about it on the internet so I was wondering if anyone here could tell me about it.
Thank you!

Hi there! I’m planning on visiting Hokkaido for the first time Nov 18-22.

1 night Noribetsu
4 nights Sapporo (2 day trips)

I’m planning on doing two day trips out of Sapporo—Otaru and possibly Furano/Biei area.

My question: is Furano/Biei worth a visit in November? I was hoping to ride a bike along the hills and check out the Tomita farm and patchwork fields, but would it just be dreary, barren, and cold?

I haven’t been able to find any YouTube videos of people visiting the area during that time. Not sure if that’s a sign…

Please share any recommendations or first-hand experiences! Is that area still worth a visit in November? Should I plan a day trip somewhere else?

I would have loved to experience the flowers and warm weather. Is it worth it to save Hokkaido for a future Summer trip instead?

Hi all, I'll be traveling to Hokkaido from Singapore and I will transit through Haneda before then taking a domestic flight to New Chitose.

My transit time is only 1hr 40mins and I have a toddler and pregnant wife with me.

I have concerns around being able to make my connecting flight given I have to clear customs and take a bus to the domestic terminal, especially given the fact my family won't be able to move quickly. What options are there for me to secure a quick transit through Haneda? I read that ANA (my airline) will ensure you're on the next flight if you miss the connecting but while reassuring, that isn't ideal as it means a 4hr wait at Haneda.

I've checked Face Express at Haneda but realize it applies only to departing flights. I know ANA has an Airport support service but am not sure if it involves a buggy or simply just someone physically accompanying us. I'm at the stage where I wouldn't mind paying a little extra for VIP fast track service. Wondering if anyone has tried this before or if there are options I haven't explored.

Any advice or experience from folks would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

hi I got placed in Kushiro on the JET programme.

jusr wanna know anyone who lives there or just in hokkaido in general what is life there like ? are there many foreigners ? is it easy to get around ?

I will be spending 4 months in Asahikawa this summer and my apartment doesn't appear to have a bed. Where does one go to purchase a Japanese style bed, sheets, towels?

I got back from Japan last month and I’m already itching to go back. I’m thinking about going to Hokkaido since it’s a bit cooler. I’ll be traveling solo, single female and won’t be renting a car. I would like to spend a few days at an onsen resort/ryokan on one of the lakes. Does anyone have good suggestions of places that will be easy to get to by public transport. Also, near (not hard) hiking areas.
Thank you!

hi everyone I got placed in the inaka in Hokkaido, the nearest city being Kushiro. Has anyone here been placed there or near there?

I don’t drive and requested urban placement so feeling a bit anxious.

what is like like there, were you isolated ? what did you enjoy / dislike

Is there a possibility for Ainu culture to become more well known and mainstream in Hokkaido?

Hi im considering doing a volunteering project in Tokachi. The accommodation is provided for 300 yen a night. I have travelled to Japan many times before but never stayed here this long. I like to try new foods, hike, swim, photography, run. Is Tokachi and surrounding areas good to visit in Summer ?

Since im staying for awhile, I would like to know the cost of living, transportation, food, groceries, places to go and do around that area. My budget for the whole month spending is around 600-700 usd, would that cover my general spending?

Appreciate you sharing your experience