Japan has a very special place in my heart. Its influences have been with me as I was growing up. One Piece, Naruto and Fairy Tail are some of the anime shows I love to watch. I think Final Fantasy 7 is one of the best games ever. From ramen to sushi, I am a fan of Japanese food. But Japan is more than the anime that I have grown up watching or the language that I have started learning. This country still holds so much mystery to me. It has always been my childhood dream to visit Japan, a county rich in culture and stunning scenery. I have been around the world yet I know I have not seen all the places I want to see. I long to see the land of the rising sun, Japan. [Cover Photo Image Credit: Mt Yotei via free images (license)]
Apart from seeing the cherry blossoms in spring, I would love to see Japan when it’s white with snow during winter. I know Hokkaido is the best spot for this season. From a recommendation, we have found the perfect place for a winter holiday in Japan– Niseko, Hokkaido. Only a few hours from Sapporo, Niseko is Hokkaido’s leading ski resort with lots of light powder snow. I haven’t experienced a proper white winter so it would be amazing to see snow fall and finally try skiing.
Image Credit: Vacation Niseko Website
Ski Resorts in Niseko
The closest I got to a ski resort was during a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand. It was the wrong season so we didn’t get to see the ski slopes. During winter, Niseko is filled with powder snow. There are kilometres of ski trails in Niseko which offer a good mixture of runs from beginner to expert. Some of the slopes also offer a stunning view of Mt. Yotei, which closely resembles Mt. Fuji.
Image Credit: Vacation Niseki Website
Japanese Hot Springs (Onsens)
One of the experiences on my bucket list is a dip in a Japanese hot spring. I was very happy to know that there are a lot of Japanese hot springs in Niseko. A soak in the hot springs during winter would just be sublime. It would be the best way to relax after skiing.
Image Credit: Vacation Niseko Website
Other Reasons to Visit Hokkaido
Winter Festival in Hokkaido (Sapporo Snow Festival)
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most anticipated Winter Festivals in Japan. Have you seen the ice sculptures from this snow festival? They are incredible. Truly impressive works of art!
Image Credit: Rilakkuma via free images (license)
Snow Monkeys
Another thing I want to see in Japan are the snow monkeys. They are more common in Nagano (near Tokyo) but I found out there are some that can be found in Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden, located in the Yunokawa Hot Springs area in Hokkaido. It would be an amazing experience to bathe with some snow monkeys!
Image credit: DSC_0932 Jpg via free images (license)
Japanese Food
Have you tried Japanese food? It’s hard not to love it. I want to try the different types of ramen and sushi as well as other local delicacies. Hokkaido is popular for its seafood and I heard from a friend there are a lot of markets where you can try some fresh catch.
Image Credit: 和風冷やしラーメン #Wahu Hiyashi Ramen via free images (license)
Cheap Flights from a Lot of Places in Asia
There are a lot of cheap flight deals from Asia to Sapporo. So if you get too tired of the heat of Southeast Asia just hop on a plane for a winter holiday in Hokkaido!
Image Credit: Vacation Niseko Website
Disclaimer: We would like to thank Vacation Niseko for helping out with this post about Hokkaido. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Have you been to Hokkaido? What places in Japan are you most excited to see? Let us know.
