Friday, January 25, 2019

Hokkaido, Japan Travel Guide

Indian lady in hook winter coat holding snow on one hand, outside a Japanese house.
Updated Version

Hokkaido, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, is one of the most popular destinations among Malaysians (KERALA INDIA TOURIST SPOTS). Particularly during winter, Hokkaido becomes a magnet for travellers thanks to its soft powder snow, ski resorts, snow festivals, hot springs, and comforting local food. A winter holiday in Hokkaido for Malaysians is truly an unforgettable experience. We were amongst the thousands enjoying winter in Hokkaido - and there’s more to do and explore beyond the snow.

New Chitose Airport - Food and Shopping

Stepping into New Chitose Airport by 9am, we were welcomed into Japan’s fifth-busiest airport, located around 50 kilometers from central Sapporo. This large, modern airport is the main international gateway to Hokkaido, handling over 20 million passengers yearly. We arrived at the international terminal with its four spacious floors - there’s truly so much to see, eat, and shop.

 

Food - There’s no shortage of food choices here (COLOMBO SRI LANKA ATTRACTIONS). From a food court to cafés, restaurants, and individual kiosks, the variety is impressive. Whether you're craving authentic Japanese dishes, Western bites, cakes, snacks, or even Bubble Tea, there’s something for everyone. Many eateries also display food replicas (known in Japan as “sampuru”) outside their premises- a charming touch that helps you choose by sight.

Outside view of a sushi Japanese restaurant, in Chitose Airport, Japan.

Variety of ramen in bowls, arranged in a triangular shape, food display outside a Japanese restaurant in Japan airport.

Varieties of Japanese set meals food display on a red display stand, outside a Japanese restaurant in Japan airport.


Japanese swiss roll with white cream on a display shelf in Japan, food outlet.


We enjoyed Crab Meat Udon and Japanese Vegetable Curry, both absolutely delicious (PLACES TO VISIT IN NEGOMBO SRI LANKA). Later, I treated myself to a Creamia ice cream, the rich, premium soft serve served in a crispy langue de chat cone. A café stop followed - Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate that felt like home.
A ceramic bowl of crab meat udon with garnishes and soup.

A Japanese bowl with vegetables and half egg in spicy curry.

A crispy cone of soft curl vanilla ice-cream in Japan.

A cup of cappuccino with frosty cream atop, with a saucer below.

Shopping - Things to do at New Chitose Airport definitely include shopping. Window shopping or splurging, the airport offers plenty of local products, souvenirs, and character merchandise. What stood out most was the Hello Kitty Store - cute, colourful, and packed with charm. Even if you’re not a fan, browsing through the items is part of the experience when in Japan.



Hilton Niseko Village

For two nights, we stayed at Hilton Niseko Village. Nestled at the southern base of Mount Annupuri, this premium resort is known globally. By 5:00 PM, the skies turned dark - typical of winter's shorter days. The snowfall was heavy, winds bold, and the setting absolutely scenic.


Our room was everything you’d expect from a quality stay: warm, clean, and well-equipped. The Shiseido-branded toiletries, heater, and high-tech toilet were notable highlights. Truly a restful, comfortable stay during our winter adventure.

Snow on the ground against dark sky at a resort in Hokkaido, Japan.

Trees with snow falls, in a resort in Japan.






More stories from Hokkaido coming soon…

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