March 2021

Hokkaido 2020

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  • Hakodate Kids Plaza in Hokkaido: A Safe Space Promoting Active Play for Younger Kids

    • With the world temporarily shutting down and closing borders, travel plans were cancelled and many people were left with nothing but hope to get back to normal the soonest. While it most likely won’t happen anytime soon, the only silver lining is that your cancelled or postponed travel can get much better with a little tweak in your itinerary.

     

    With the uncertainties of what the next few months would hold for the tourism industry, it is important to consider planning a trip to countries like Japan that have the best locations whatever season it may be. Go off the beaten path and skip the bustling cities of Japan for a memorable family trip up north as Hokkaido’s all-year-round landscapes make it a charming and ideal family destination.

     

     

    Hokkaido brings out a different vibe in every season making it one of the best places to visit at any given time. So while in quarantine, make that cancelled plan the most memorable one by checking out the hidden gems of the awe-inspiring seasons and family-friendly destinations of Hokkaido.

     

    Access

    By air:

    Recommended airline: Japan Airlines (JAL)

    Manila to Tokyo Haneda (4 hrs)
    Tokyo Haneda to Hakodate (85 mins)

     

    By train:

    Covered by JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass.

    Tokyo to Hakodate: 4 hrs. 15 mins.
    Tokyo Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) ➜ Shin-Aomori (Hokkaido Shinkansen) ➜ Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto ➜ Hakodate Station (Hakodate Liner)

     

    Hakodate to Noboribetsu: 2.5 hrs.
    JR Hakodate Station (express train) ➜ Noboribetsu Station

     

    Hakodate to Nanae: 20 mins
    JR Hakodate Station ➜ Shinhakodatehokuto Station ➜ Onuma Station (Hakodate line)

     

    Hakodate to Shikabe: 1 hr
    JR Hakodate Station ➜ Shinhakodatehokuto Station ➜ Shikabe Station (Hakodate line)

     

    Getting around
    Hakodate’s main mode of public transportation is the tram, with fares ranging from ¥210 to ¥260 (adult). If renting a car, it takes 3.5 hrs from Hakodate to Noboribetsu, about an hour to Shikabe, and a 15-minute drive to Nanae.

     

    COVID 19 Travel Guidelines
    As of June 23, foreign nationals from 111 countries or regions including the Philippines are still denied permission to enter Japan unless there are exceptional circumstances.
    Only Japanese nationals are allowed to enter Japan. All nationals arriving from the 111 countries or regions within 14 days prior to their application of landing into Japan are required to undergo PCR tests and wait 14 days at a designated quarantine station for the time being.
    The Government of Japan restricts arrival airports for passenger flights from China or Republic of Korea to Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport only and requests the airlines concerned to conform this restriction.

    Where to Go in Hokkaido, Japan

    Hakodate Kids Plaza in Hokkaido: A Safe Space Promoting Active Play for Younger Kids
    Apart from Future Center Hakodate's innovative learning center for bigger kids, Hakodate Kids Plaza is actually a safe space perfectly suited for younger kids who love active play!
    Future Center Hakodate in Hokkaido Promotes A Perfect Blend of Play-Based Learning
    Traveling to Hokkaido with kids can be too much for some but Future Center Hakodate’s learning center is taking innovation and learning into the next level with their fun and knowledgeable activities for kids using advanced technologies!
    HAKOVIVA in Hakodate Japan: The Ultimate One-Stop Shopping Complex
    What's a trip abroad without some souvenir shopping right? In Hakodate, just beside the famous JR Hakodate Station is HAKOVIVA, the newly opened shopping complex boasting a complete Japanese experience from kimono rental shops, seafood madness, souvenir shops, food stalls, and even a hotel and gym!
    Shikabe Kanketsusen Park in Hokkaido: Discovering The Hidden Awe-Inspiring Geyser and Hot Spring!
    Shikabe Kanketsusen Park is a unique tourist attraction boasting a geyser park, a hot spring area, and an observation deck overlooking Mt. Komagatake and Funkawan Bay.
    Onuma Quasi-National Park in Hokkaido: Experience The Thrill of Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
    Onuma Quasi-National Park’s stunning landscapes differ every season but winters at the park set the breathtaking Mount Komagatake in its background and Lake Onuma, Lake Konuma, and Lake Junsainuma at its foot, in a snow-covered winter wonderland.
    Noboribetsu Jigokudani: The Otherworldly Hell Valley of Hokkaido
    The sources of hot springs around Japan are often projected in a majestic backdrop of mountains and lakes but in the hot spring town of Noboribetsu, the natural wonder is also known as Noboribetsu Jigokudani.
    Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: Home of The Hot-Tubbing Monkeys and Greenhouse Garden
    Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is an innovative attraction where one could experience summer without leaving the cold and dreamy weather of Hokkaido.
    Hakodate Illumination in Hokkaido: The Sloping Streets of Glittering Lights
    During the day, the slopes of motomachi remind us of the old port town of Hakodate, but at nights of winter, the sloping streets of Hachimanzaka and Nijukkenzaka transform into dreamy and glittering lights called Hakodate Illumination.
    Takuboku Park in Hakodate: A Quick Highway Beach-side Stop Featuring the Tsugaru Strait
    Takubokusho Park isn’t pretty much any other big parks around Hakodate. It is relatively small and is strategically located along the highway of Isaribidori perfectly backdropped with a beach that overlooks the nearby towns and the Tsugaru Strait.
    Hakodate Nanae Snow Park in Hokkaido: A Dreamy Haven For Snowboarding and Skiing
    Hakodate Nanae Snow Park is a popular skiing and snowboarding attraction in south Hokkaido area that features the freezing winter of Japan and one of the best views of the mountain through their longest gondola lift ever in Japan!
    Goryokaku Park in Hakodate Gives You a 360-Degree View of the Snow-Covered Star-Shaped Park!
    Goryokaku Park is one of the many tourist attractions one can visit at any given season. While it is mostly known for its beaming cherry blossoms during spring, winter in the park is splattered and covered with elegant white snow giving that haunting yet amusing walking experience.
    Hakodate Morning Market: Experience The Vibrant Local Life and Abundant Seafood of Hokkaido
    One thing you shouldn't miss out when in Hokkaido is its abundant seafood supply. If you’re looking for the best place to find fresh produce and experience vibrant local life, explore the wide expanse of Hakodate Morning Market.
    JR Hakodate Station: Hakodate’s Main Railway and Point of Access Around Hokkaido
    Hakodate's main railway station and the point of access from Hakodate to other parts of Hokkaido is the JR Hakodate Station located a few blocks away from Hakoviva and Hakodate's Morning Market.
    Hasegawa Store Chyogadai in Hakodate: Trying Out Hakodate’s Soul Food Yakitori
    There was somehow a hidden rule that visiting convenience stores is a must when in Japan. Among the popular ones in Japan is 7 eleven and Lawson. But in Hakodate, apart from the regular ones, you’ll find Hasegawa Store, the place to get one of Hakodate’s soul food—yakitori!
    Hakodate Ishou in Hokkaido Japan: Getting Your Ultimate Japanese Makeover
    Dress up in a Japanese kimono at Hakodate Ishou, with over 400 rental costumes to choose from, such as classic gowns, traditional kimonos, and colored uchikake or bridal kimonos.
    Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura in Hokkaido Japan: An Edo Wonderland and Cultural Park
    The historic village of Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, also known as Edo Wonderland, takes you back to the Edo-period of Japanese culture, one of the most peaceful times in Japanese history.
    Sakura Michi in Hakodate, Japan Lets You Experience The Art of Sushi Making
    Sakura Michi is a traditional private house turned restaurant along the old port town of Motomachi in Hakodate offering authentic sushi-making experience using the freshest catch of the day.

    Where to Eat in Hokkaido, Japan

    PEAK Cafe in Hokkaido: A Quaint Cafe Atop The Awe-inspiring Hoarfrost Park
    On the highest peak of Hakodate Nanae Park, you’ll find a quaint cafe called PEAK Cafe where one can take in the awe-inspiring view of the mountain and the cold weather all the while sipping a warm cup of your favorite drink.
    Lucky Pierrot: Hakodate’s Exclusive and Award-Winning Burger Joint
    While Hakodate’s fresh seafood is undoubtedly one of the things to look forward to when visiting the city, Lucky Pierrot's burger chain is exclusively available in Hakodate making your visit here even more worth-while!
    Shinshin-Tei in Noboribetsu, Japan: Serving Unique and Savory Bowls of Soba Noodles
    Shinshin-Tei is a popular soba noodle restaurant and a common stop for tourists coming from Hakodate going to Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village.
    Jingisukan Monogatari Ramuwaka in Hakodate Serves Hokkaido’s Well-Loved Mongolian Barbecue
    Jingisukan Monogatari Ramuwaka serves the well-loved Mongolian barbecue in the comforts of Hakodate.
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