Hi all! I’m a solo female traveller and planning to visit Hokkaido for the first time this coming mid-March (late winter/early spring).
I will be travelling solo and relying on public transport (or cabs/hotel transfers if available). I have a driver’s license but would prefer not to take the risk as I’ve never driven in a foreign country and not familiar with the road conditions. Any tips on getting around in Hokkaido (with a luggage) would be much appreciated. Would you recommend using a luggage forwarder like Yamato?
I would welcome any suggestions on (1) where I should be spending more or less time at, (2) how to re-arrange the order of the places I am visiting or staying overnight at, and (3) whether I am missing out somewhere that I should visit.
In addition, any recommendations on ski instructors (the main highlight of the trip is learning how to ski for the very first time!) or accommodation at each place I am visiting are very appreciated. I will look into securing my bookings for these once my itinerary is confirmed.
Many thanks in advance!
Day 1:
Arrive at Chitose Airport in the late afternoon. Head directly to Niseko and check into accommodation. Unwind for the night.
Day 2-5:
Skiing at Niseko. My trip coincides with the end of the season but my understanding is that the snow would still be pretty good for skiing during this period.
Day 6:
Travel to Hakodate. Explore the city and check out the night view at Mt Hakodate. Overnight stay at Hokadate.
Day 7:
Visit the morning market and have breakfast. Travel to Lake Toya (Mount Usu, ferry ride, horse riding, and maybe check out the Sobetsu Waterfall if time permits). Overnight stay at Lake Toya.
Day 8: Travel to Noboribetsu (Jigokudani and check out the surrounding attractions such as Oyunuma Pond, Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, Usuzan ropeway; visit an onsen; walk to Lake Kuttara if time permits). Overnight stay at Noboribetsu.
Day 9: Furano (Farm Tomita, Ningle Terrace, Blue Pond). Overnight stay at Furano.
Day 10: Furano (participate in some winter activities, explore the city). Overnight stay at Furano.
Day 11:
Travel to Sapporo (Shiroi Koibito Park, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo Beer Museum, Odori Park And Sapporo TV Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping street, Hokkaido Shrine – will check off as many as possible). Overnight stay at Sapporo.
Day 12:
Day trip to Otaru (walk around, explore the city). Overnight stay at Sapporo.
Day 13:
Sapporo – explore the city and try some food. Flight back home in the evening.
1 comment
Even though you say, you don’t want to drive just in case plans change, you should get an international driving permit so you can at least drive if you need to while you’re in Hokkaido. I’m not super helpful with public transportation because I had a car while I was in Hokkaido but I will say once you get to Furano a lot of the public transportation to places like the blue pond don’t have a lot of scheduled pick up times.