No Tour Guide Needed for Hokkaido – Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip

No Tour Guide Needed for Hokkaido – Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip

7-day journey to discover Hokkaido Japan [Music] Can you believe that with just a few dollars in 7 days you can soak in a hot spring under falling snow enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen and try driving a snowmobile Welcome to Hokkaido where every day is a real life experience From mornings at seafood markets through icy pine forests at noon to the quiet old town of Otaru at night And if this is your first time setting foot in Hokkaido don’t look away because every leg of this journey will show you a different Japan that makes you never want to leave [Music] Summary of 7-day itinerary in Hokkaido Japan [Music] Day one arrive in Nco and rest in the cold snow Day two pine forest trekking and cable car mountain views Day three hunt for Tamamu’s sea of clouds and move to Ferrano [Music] Day four skiing wooden villages and a fairy tale winter experience in Ferrano BA Day five stroll through Saporro and enjoy local cuisine Day six seven shopping packing and end of the journey Travel tips for Hokkaido Luggage storage If you arrive before check-in most hotels can help store your luggage Skin care and warmth Hokkaido is cold and dry Don’t forget moisturizer and a scarf SIM and connection Buy a 4G SIM card at the airport for around $15 to $30 Handy for calling a ride finding directions and not getting lost Trekking and Tamamu cloud hunt Wear anti-slip shoes Check the cable car schedule and if traveling during peak season line up by 4:00 a.m to catch the first ride BA check-in Use Google Maps to pre-mark The scenic spots often lack clear signage Shopping and food Bring a compact tote bag Pick restaurants highly rated by locals on Google Maps And don’t forget tax-free shopping on cosmetics over $35 $5,000 yen Day one arriving in Hokkaido Retreat at Park Hayatt Nco Welcome to Hokkaido the large northern island of Japan where the weather is cold and quiet A stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of cities like Tokyo or Osaka As soon as you land at New Cheitos Airport you’ll feel how different the atmosphere is compared to Tokyo or Osaka Quiet cold and open The sky is overcast the wind is gentle and snow-covered mountain ranges are clearly visible from afar From the airport it’s about a 2-hour drive to Nco a mountain town in southwestern Hokkaido famous for heavy snow skiing and winter resorts Along the way the car passes countryside and pine forests The closer you get the quieter it becomes On both sides are snowy pine forests and scattered wooden houses The air is cold and still so different from crowded cities Upon arrival you’ll check in at Park Hayatt Nco a large hotel located near the ski slopes The room is spacious with wooden floors a warm bed central heating and a large window looking out at Mount Anupuri From here you can clearly see the snow covering rooftops and trees on the hillside In the room you’ll find slippers bathroes a humidifier and bottled water After checking in you can take some time to rest at the hotel Then order dinner served to your room Nothing better than a hot bowl of miso ramen a mildly spicy Hokkaido style curry soup seafood chowder and pan seared salmon with white rice The food is warm comforting and perfect for the cold weather You don’t need to do much on your first day Just relax in your room turn on the heater enjoy a light dinner and watch the snowfall That alone is a peaceful way to begin your trip Notes There aren’t many restaurants or stores around Nissco so if you need extra food place your order early Snowfall may get heavy by afternoon and roads can be slippery Limit going outside if you’re not used to walking on ice Most hotels in NCO have hot baths or onens Bring easy to change clothes if you plan to use this service Your Hokkaido journey is just beginning The first day is all about adjusting to the cold and the slower pace of life But starting tomorrow morning you’ll truly head out And what awaits may surprise you in the best ways [Music] Day two exploring the forest and Nco mountain cable car After a restful first evening to adjust to the cold weather you begin your second day in Nco This area is quite peaceful with many pine forests and snow-covered landscapes There’s no traffic and no noise Very different from big cities In the morning you’ll have breakfast at the hotel restaurant with two common options A western set or the Japanese-style Mount Yote meal: grilled fish rice rolled omelette pickled vegetables and miso soup The meal is light warm and perfect for the chilly morning weather Your first destination today is the forest near the resort home to short trekking trails You don’t need specialized gear Just rubber sold anti-slip shoes thermal gloves a wool hat with ear covers and a warm enough jacket to get started The path is quiet with snow lightly covering the trees and ground It’s a peaceful space perfect for light exercise and breathing in the crisp air Next take the cable car up mountain Here you’ll buy a gondola ticket a closed cabin that takes you from the base to the peak The ride takes about 10 minutes From above you can see snowy slopes rooftops below and if the sky is clear Mount Yote in the distance This is a popular activity in the resort often chosen by tourists for panoramic views After a few hours of walking and riding it’s a good time to rest and snack You can pack your own picnic instead of dining indoors Near the cable car area there’s a small park with benches and open space for a break and a bite With the cold weather remember to bring a warm drink if needed After wrapping up the outdoor activities return to the hotel and take time to rest If you want to unwind further you can use the hot tub or onsen available on the premises Some rooms have windows facing the mountains ideal for relaxing after a cold day outside Note NCO weather changes quickly especially in the afternoon so bring a windproof jacket and wool hat Some areas around the mountain have no Wi-Fi so download offline maps if needed Hey you where are you from i’d love to know what city you’re watching from Leave a comment so we don’t feel alone A small gesture but it’s what keeps us going and making more videos Thank you and love you lots After a day immersed in snowy forests and quiet spaces in Nco if you think you’ve adjusted to Hokkaido’s pace the next part will take you to a whole different experience A new journey awaits just ahead Popular summer experiences watching the sea of clouds from the summit of Mount Tamu It’s still dark and cold but many people are already lining up for the gondola the cable car that takes you up the mountain The gondola ride takes you through forested slopes And if it’s early enough you may pass through mist along the way Once you reach Unkai Terrace and if there are clouds that day you’ll see a thick blanket of mist floating at eye level covering the valley below But on clear days there may be no clouds at all Some people feel disappointed but most stay cheerful because whether you see the sea of clouds or not completely depends on the weather After viewing the clouds you can stop for a coffee at the small cafe on the terrace or return to Hosino Toamu Resort for breakfast The typical breakfast includes white rice miso soup grilled fish egg and green tea The peaceful setting is perfect for resting before continuing your journey [Music] [Music] [Music] Notes The sea of clouds doesn’t appear every day Some mornings it’s crystal clear Other times there are no clouds It’s best to check the forecast from the resort beforehand Avoid flying drones at Unkai Terrace to ensure safety and preserve the peaceful experience for other visitors Day four Furano MBA discovering a fairy tale White Winter After a night’s rest in Ferrano you continue exploring this winter wonderland now fully covered in snow like a scene from a story book The vibrant lavender fields are gone replaced by endless white landscapes snow-covered wooden rooftops and the quiet peaceful atmosphere unique to rural Hokkaido The first stop is Ferrano Ski Resort an ideal place to try skiing for the very first time or simply rent a board Bundle up warmly and fall joyfully into the thick snow For those who aren’t into sports you can still take the gondola to the top and enjoy sweeping views of the snowy mountains and the small town below After some physical activity head to Ningle Terrace a cluster of tiny wooden huts tucked under snowladen pine trees These artisan shops look like houses from a fairy tale glowing warmly under the snow with golden lights and the scent of baked goods wafting from small windows Grab a cup of hot chocolate sit on a wooden bench and watch the gentle snowfall That alone is an unforgettable experience [Music] Later return to Ferrano’s town center for a cozy meal at a small local eery Recommended dishes include ferrano omurich fluffy egg wrapped over rice with rich demiglaze sauce or a steaming hot pot of snow salmon a signature winter dish of the region [Music] After a full day immersed in the snowy landscape head back to your hotel for an early rest and recharge for the next day’s journey to Saporro When Hokkaido transitions from rustic wilderness to vibrant urban life Notes: The path to Ningle Terrace may be slippery with snow especially at night Wear shoes with good traction and walk slowly Local buses often stop service before 7:00 But if you’re staying far from the center check schedules to avoid an expensive taxi ride For skiing arrive at the resort in the morning to allow enough time for gear rental practice and sightseeing while it’s still light [Music] Day five exploring Sapero a modern city with rich cuisine You begin your day in central Saporro the largest city in Hokkaido After several days immersed in the snow-covered mountains and quaint towns it’s now time to step into a modern urban space Convenient easy to navigate yet still full of charm for you to explore at your own pace You can walk from your hotel to shopping areas near Saporro station or visit Tanuki Koji Street home to many fashion boutiques souvenir shops cosmetic stores and small eeries If you like retro style check out vintage stores in Suzukino especially secondhand shops like Beams or Top of the Hill Small but full of unique finds While strolling stop by a shop near the station to try Hokkaido milk soft serve Rich not too sweet Melonflavored cheesecake light and creamy Or custard cake soft shell with a creamy egg filling Each treat is just the right size reasonably priced at about $2 to $4 and full of local flavor By evening head to a local eery to try regional specialties crab ramen sushi or charcoal grilled meat You don’t need a big reservation Just pick a small place popular with locals Order simple dishes and finish your meal in 30 to 40 minutes Saporto food is usually mild in seasoning perfect for sampling several dishes in one go Afterward drop by the Suzukino area full of small bars izakayas and late night cafes Choose a quiet corner order a cold beer or warm tea and watch people pass by The perfect way to end a relaxed true to Saporro day [Music] Notes: Many restaurants in Saporro close early around 8 and 9:00 p.m especially ramen shops Plan to eat dinner before it gets too late Some bars in Susakino only accept Japanese customers or have a minimum order It’s best to check before entering Saporro’s subway doesn’t run very late so if you’re out late you may need to take a taxi which can be pricey [Music] Day 6,7 final two days in Saporro Souvenir shopping packing and airport tips After exploring the signature sites of Hokkaido from Ferrano’s flower fields to ramen shops in Saporro the last two days are for what every trip should include: buying gifts packing up and leaving Japan neatly Start your day by strolling around downtown Saporro From malls to local supermarkets you’ll find all the familiar specialties Caramel pudding candy cheese cookies Hokkaido chocolate canned butter packaged crab and a variety of seasonal bottled teas [Music] If you prefer small items easy to pack reasonably priced then 100 yen stores like Daiso or three coins are ideal Here items cost about $07 $755 to $250 depending on store And you can get things like fabric spray rice seasoning ice trays thermos brushes mini tissue packs and many other little finds that travelers love to take home If you have kids at home or simply love Japanese pop culture a quick stop at the Pokémon Center inside Daimaru is worth it You’ll easily find cute items like keychains snack tins or small plush toys Fun lightweight gifts to bring back In between shopping if you get hungry stop by a nearby shop for a light bite A serving of Hokkaido ice cream melonflavored cheesecake or a bowl of crab ramen makes a simple satisfying meal Note that many eeries close early so it’s better to eat before continuing your grocery run Your final night in Japan doesn’t have to be fancy Just grab a bottled milk tea from a convenience store a few ready to eat snacks then head back to the hotel to start sorting your luggage checking bag weight and sealing any fresh items If you’ve bought crab butter or melon use an insulated bag or pack them per airline guidelines Some hotels even lend digital scales Just ask at the front desk The next morning you check out and head to the airport If your flight is still a while away you can store your bags in a locker at the airport or at the central train station to roam hands-free At the domestic terminal of Saporro airport you’ll find plenty of shops selling prepacked fresh seafood butter candy tea and Hokkaido’s signature cookies all sealed to meet carry-on regulations Once done shopping you collect your luggage check in and board your flight back home Your suitcase may be heavier than when you arrived but you’re not just carrying crab and snacks You’re bringing back a full journey filled with sights flavors and unforgettable memories A journey isn’t just about the places you’ve been It’s about the moments you’ll want to relive again and again like standing still in the sea of clouds at Tomamu or being surprised by the sweet chill of melon ice cream in the fields of Ferrano We hope this video 7-day journey through Hokkaido from snowy Nco to Saporro City has given you a practical clear and personal view of northern Japan A place that’s not too loud not too crowded but perfect for slowing down and feeling things your own way If you found this video helpful please hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you won’t miss the next journeys where we continue exploring Asia in the most downto- earthth thoughtful and real way possible Now I’d love to hear from you on your trip to Japan Where did you end up staying longer than you expected drop a comment below because the most unforgettable journeys always start with honest stories

No Tour Guide Needed for Hokkaido – Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip
You won’t need much time to fall in love with Hokkaido—just a few crisp mornings under snow-covered skies, a few quiet afternoons wandering through purple flower hills, and the comforting warmth of a steaming bowl of crab ramen. This Hokkaido travel vlog captures a 7-day journey through the region in the most gentle, authentic, and down-to-earth way. If you’re planning your own Hokkaido travel adventure, this will be the perfect source of inspiration.

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