First time seeing so much snow 🌨🌨🌨
So excited to embark on this trip ever since I’ve started planning for it :)
Spotted a double-decker Shinkansen, the Max Tanigawa!!
It’s pretty cold on the platform while I wait for my ride - the Hayabusa Shinkansen that will take me all the way to Hokkaido.
It’s snowing!!!
Blanket white snow on the ground...and then snow blowing into my face
Uniquely-designed fortress and very interesting history on the Shinsengumi and Hijikata.
Hakodate Station’s vicinity at night
The streets are so quiet in the early morning.
Main highlight of this trip - the Sapporo Snow Festival :)
Cool to see the freestyle ski competition up close, though it’s really freezing to stand in the same spot for an hour.
Didn’t expect to see the light up event at Otaru, which was absolutely spectacular.
Onsen stay at Noboribetsu near the Hell Valley
Though it’s a little small, the museum offers an interactive experience in which visitors can participate in a live demonstration of the festivities
painting of a scene shrouded in rain - you can really feel the downpour in it
Ideal to visit if you’re staying in one of the onsen inns/hotels, not much to do in winter if you’re here for a short day trip.
Shuttle bus is small with limited trips per day, will be good to check on the schedule before visiting.
Fare is paid per one-way trip, and is a little expensive.
Best to prepare enough small change on hand as payment is only by cash.