Beyond Sapporo: Navigating the Wonders of Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second largest and northernmost island of Japan, known for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and diverse outdoor activities.

Winter in Hokkaido was really magical, wonderful, ah. I don't know how to describe it. The magical ambiance, coupled with the unique activities and landscapes, creates a memorable and awe-inspiring journey. From snow-covered landscapes to the cozy warmth of onsen retreats, the winter wonderland of Hokkaido seems to evoke a sense of awe and wonder that goes beyond mere description. 

Sometimes, the most magical experiences are the ones that leave us speechless, allowing us to full immerse ourselves in the beauty of the moment.

This is just my personal trip, readers can use this as reference, and take with a little pinch of salt.

Day 1:

We took a flight to New-Chitose Airport. Then we rode a bus to pick up our rental car from Times that we already book before hand, but if you have not make the book by the time you arrive at the airport, no worries, you can still book directly at the airport car rentals counters. We rent the car for 7 days, for a total of 65000¥ (450USD)

(Actually we have a back story about our rental car, but long story short, Japan's hospitality and great customer care are really top, two thumbs up.)

We ate a simple lunch at Saizeriya; a very popular Italian restaurant chain in Japan

(It was really cheap. I ordered pizza and doria and they costed me less than 5USD!)

Then we went to Sapporo Masjid for a prayer break and then drove straight to Abashiri.

 

It took us about 4 hour and half from Sapporo to reach Abashiri. It was snowing all day, and the road was kind of slippery so please please drive safely. We arrived at our airbnb, get rest and ready for the next day!

*In Hokkaido, there are many actually and the nearest one to Abashiri is Memanbetsu Airport. But we only spend one day at Abashiri, two days at Asahikawa and the rest of the trip at Sapporo, hence we decide to touch down at New-Chitose airport and rent the car there.

Day 2:

We went to Hokkaido to do winter activities mainly, where they can be found only at Hokkaido. For day 2, we checked out from our airbnb and start off our day with Okhotsk Sea Ice Walking. 

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Okhotsk Sea's famous drift ice, by booking a walking tour across the frozen sea. If you're 'lucky' enough, the sea is not fully frozen and you can fall into the icy cold waters. 

*This activity require a booking.

You will be given a suit that is made special for this tour, which if you fall, it will helps you float.

  

It was very cold (for me) It was -20, you will feel the pain from coldness if you take off your glove for a while. and yup, all of those are frozen sea.

After a half day trip for ice walking, we shoot to Asahikawa, which took us about 3 hours and 15 minutes. We checked in our airbnb before go out to eat dinner at Ganso Asahikawa Ramen Ichikura. (To muslim travellers, don't worry. They have muslim friendly menu!)

 

I ordered Yamitsuki Gyoza and Okhotsk Shoyu Ramen.

After eating a warm ramen in the cold weather, we then went to Shirogane Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) and Shirahige Waterfall. There was an illumination at blue pond at that time. 

 

It was so dark there and you can see many stars there. What a wonderful moment to end our second day trip.

Will continue in part 2!