Visiting Hokkaido
Each visit to Japan reveals a treasure trove of beautiful sights, memorable experiences, and lovely encounters with the people and fascinating culture that beckons tourists from around the world. Once Japan steals your heart, exploring Japan’s wonders beyond the major tourist destinations rises to the top of many bucket lists.
For many international winter enthusiasts, the northernmost island of Hokkaido, famed as a winter wonderland with its legacy as the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, beckons with beautiful slopes, resorts, and the renowned Sapporo Winter Festival showcasing Japan’s acclaimed ice and snow sculpture exhibition. Hokkaido’s capital boasts the iconic Olympic Sapporo Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium hosting international ski jump competitions. Importantly a year round top sightseeing attraction providing spectacular panoramic views of Sapporo’s cityscape from its Observation Lounge and deck, this iconic landmark is definitely high on my list for my first autumn venture to Japan.
Arriving in Sapporo after hours long flights, I began my journey as I always do, with a discovery walking tour. A stunning profusion of autumn colors welcomed from the nearby Odori Park promenade, framing this captivating centerpiece of Sapporo’s urban landscape crossing from the iconic TV Tower through the city with a swath of natural beauty. Viewed from the heights of the TV Tower, Sapporo is punctuated by nature’s stunning transitions displayed through the seasons in Odori Park and beyond. A year of cultural festivals celebrating the splendors of Sapporo begins with commemorating winter’s end with a Spring Festival welcoming Spring tulips and famed Cherry Blossoms; Summer highlights the Sapporo Beer Festival and Food Fests complemented by the displays of flowering gardens and stunning fountains; this season’s vibrant colors and bountiful Autumn Festival; and the annual finale with Christmas Markets and the Winter Festival showcasing the famed fantastic snow and ice sculptures. Each seasonal celebration is anticipated and honored with enthusiasm and distinctive Japanese cultural accents across Hokkaido. As warm summer days transition to autumn's carnival of colors, I am just in time to indulge in the joys of this season, the festivities celebrating abundance in an array of cuisines, tantalizing tastes, enticing smells, and the optimal sensory experience of Autumn’s Festival. (True confession - my favorite discovery was the amazing refreshingly cold fresh cantaloupe smoothie topped with a generous dollop of Hokkaido’s famed dairy specialty soft serve ice cream. Wow!)
Walking Odori Park presented a wonderful first impression of Sapporo and an opportunity to discover the Hokkaido Love! Tourism list of nearby recommended city sights, including the iconic TV Tower for an amazing scenic vista, the historic Clock Tower, the glam of Tanukikoji, Sapporo’s prestigious shopping district. And the discovery of the historic Sapporo Factory area, its former beer brewery transformed into an ultra modern glass ceiling shopping, garden, restaurant and entertainment mall, all within easy walking distance of my first destination, the Hotel Sosei Sapporo - MGallery Collection.
When arriving at Hotel Sosei Sapporo, guests are greeted with an unexpected treasure of modern design. Manifesting an inspired contemporary vision with an immaculately curated design aesthetic, Hotel Sosei reflects the cultural history of this once significant factory area and the transition to this sophisticated modern city. At first sight, each detail of the Lobby extolls an artistically styled retreat, welcoming guests with an awe inspiring dramatic floral presentation, inviting intimate seating enclaves, and a striking reception area. A slight turn reveals a dramatic highlighted wall bar, its display flanking a distinctive central fireplace surrounded by cozy seating and an extraordinary library showcasing an historic collection. Truly an entrance that uniquely overwhelms with much to absorb, appreciate, and prepare to enjoy.
Just beyond the elevators is a glimpse of an outdoor haven with tables arranged for relaxation, coffee, tea, or cocktail getaway. The meticulous design of the adjacent restaurant features a setting for a divine breakfast buffet serving personalized omelets, a variety of Japanese and western dishes, fruits, pastries and coffees to perfection.
The moody black and white palette carries through the hotel, accented with striking jewel tones and artful iron and copper contemporary highlights. The aesthetic of boutique luxury in each guestroom evokes a dreamy retreat, spacious, and indulgent lush comforts in beds and an enclosed marble bath-room with sunken tub, handheld and rain shower, high end toiletries, separate vanity and toilet. Add an aura of romance with a plush chaise to recline with a novel or sightseeing guide beside expansive windows capturing morning light and city views. An idyllic stay with a lovely staff, friendly and helpful in every way.
Sapporo
JR Station and JR Observation Tower three-eight -
The architectural landmark Central Railroad Station and JR Observation Tower T38 is a great source of pride in Sapporo. This signature tower rises thirty-eight floors above the train station with breathtaking views of Sapporo’s cityscape and an amazing shopping venue that transcends the ordinary, with floors of stunning stores, artwork, entertainment, and eateries, even a floor dedicated to Ramen, and a noteworthy subterranean dream food market.
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium - Observatory Deck and Lounge
A ride up the chairlift alongside the legacy Olympic Ski Jump gives a dramatic perspective as you gain altitude to the crest of the jump where the stunning view from the observation deck and lounge encompasses the breathtaking ski jump and the expansive panorama of Sapporo to where the sea meets the sky. The display of the history of the Winter Olympics, Sapporo’s claim to fame as host in 1972, and numerous interactive activities make this a wonderful experience. Though the ski jump in autumn is still lush with green grass, envisioning the excitement of this vista covered in snow hosting international practices and competitions each year makes this a top Hokkaido attraction for tourists from Japan and abroad,
The exceptional dining experience of a 7 course Gourmet French fusion lunch was served as an artistic presentation from Nouvelle Pousse, Okusayama, within the heights of the Observatory Lounge, each course winning top scores from appetizers to dessert, clearly no competition.
Sapporo Stream Hotel
The newest urban mecca in Sapporo’s city center occupies a dynamic position perched
above COCONO, a six floor bustling mall. The urban vibe extends throughout the hotel
with a modern aesthetic that begins with the reception area and extends to the guest
room accommodations offering city views, comforts and efficiency, access to downtown business, dining, entertainment and nightlife. Relaxing with cocktails in trendy SPLISH,
the Sapporo Stream Hotel Bar and Grill, is an urban getaway that also has the distinction
as home of the hotel’s amazing Japanese and Western style breakfast. The 18th floor
reveals the highlight of an urban spa experience with city views from the spacious men and women’s separate spa settings, Icing tub for after sauna, and modern changing
facilities.
Hokkaido Ballpark F village
Hokkaido ballpark F village, ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, Home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, Whether you are a dedicated fan of American baseball; an admirer of baseball's phenomenon, Shohei Ohtani, the former star of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, Hokkaido's acclaimed baseball team; or even just a Californian baseball bystander who is inundated daily with accolades for this young man who is breaking records and is an inspirational leader as the LA Dodgers celebrated pitcher, a pilgrimage to the state of the art baseball stadium of his former team is a must-see unexpected amazement.
Unveiled in March 2023, ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO is a modern marvel from its
retractable roof design, the scope of the natural grass field nurtured by innovative
lighting and watering systems, top restaurants, shops, interactive experiences,
onsen and saunas, and the stunning architecture that has incorporated an elite hotel with 8 rooms overlooking the field and game viewing from hot spring onsens,
separate for men, women, and families. F VILLAGE has immediately grown around
the stadium, condos and hotels, restaurants and, Adventure Park, proving that F VILLAGE is not just a place for watching baseball; it is a unique destination where
you can have irreplaceable experiences and emotionally stirring moments.
Sapporo Beer Garden Restaurant
The lively crowd at the Sapporo Brewery Beer Garden restaurant captured the spirit of the renowned signature table grilling experience known as the Genghis Khan, grilled lamb with bean sprouts, seasonal vegetables, and options of beef or chicken. This was definitely a communal experience sharing the entire production of the total grilling experience while wearing the oversized bibs and enjoying Japan’s famed Sapporo beers and ales with enthusiasm. Great fun and tasty lunch.
Hokkaido Shinto Shrine 
A visit to a Shinto Shrine is an important cultural experience when visiting Japan. Known as a symbol of peace and respect for nature and all life. The numerous Shinto Shrines throughout Japan honor the ancient roots of this religion, its fundamental regard for the sacred spirituality inherent in all living things and the forces and formations of nature on land, sea and sky. Shinto followers believe in cultivating a universal harmony with nature; the prayers of the Shinto priests call upon the spirits to seek blessings, comfort and protection in life and beyond. A lovely experience and beautiful reminder to cherish all that surrounds us in life.
Dining at Yamanami Teppan-Yaki - Keio Plaza Hotel, Sapporo
In the presence of culinary magic, the incomparable art of Japanese Teppan-Yaki Is a tour d’force in gourmet culture worthy of hyperbole in describing the degree of excellence and perfection demonstrated in the process, presentation, and passion for the dining experience. For guests, it is a wonder to observe and appreciate the skilled expertise of the masterful Yamanami chefs, their remarkable focus on every aspect and detail of their craft. As observers, we were mesmerized by their sense of joy in their artful preparation, ensuring each individual lobster tail and prime cut of Hokkaido prized Shiretoko beef was grilled to perfection. The autumn harvest inspired fresh seasonal offerings, seafoods including Ezo abalone, appetizers and sides flavored with native herbs and seasonings, and cloves of garlic finely sliced and grilled into (seriously) amazing tiny chips. Against the backdrop of city lights, the awe-inspiring presentations, aromas, tantalizing tastes, wine pairings and enticing unique dessert made this a truly memorable dining experience.
Tomamu Hoshino Resorts Risonare
An enjoyable ride through the countryside on the JR limited Express train, took us to our next destination, the Tomamu Hoshino Resorts Risonare, its iconic towers recognized as a popular ski resort and year round gateway to adventures in nature and the renowned site of the Sea of Clouds Observatory. The gondolas whisk the early risers to the cloud shaped observation areas and decks at 4am in anticipation of a glorious sunrise over the actual Sea of Clouds that magically fills the valley below with piles of pillowy puffs awaiting the colorful display of dawn’s first light. A breathtaking picturesque display filling the sky that understandably brings a daily assemblage of tourists to share this sunrise celebration.
The cloud theme continues at the cafe where marshmallow clouds top your coffee or hot chocolate, cloud shaped macaroons melt in your mouth, and you can start your day with a cloud parfait or a divine soft serve ice cream cloud topping your cone. Worth a 3:30 am wake up any day.
The Risonare Tomamamu boasts extraordinary spacious suites with living room, separate bedroom with 2 double beds, separate bath with family sized Jacuzzi spa tub, separate shower, double vanities, and privacy toilet room. The rooms in each of the towers have valley or mountain views, ski trails to the gondola and ski in from the runs. The dinner buffet is a banquet of seafood, handrolls, sushi, traditional dishes, noodles and so much more. And the breakfast buffet The lovely Chapel on the Water is a popular wedding venue or getaway for viewing sunsets or quiet meditation. Onsen hot springs, shopping, gyms, seasonal sports from tennis, cycling, and a golf course currently home to dairy cows and sheep feasting on the lush green grass.Tamamu has it all in style.
Lake Shikaribetsu Sea Kayaking
Although we couldn’t fit in an excursion with ADEX adventure touring in Hokkaido, we were lucky to experience the incredible natural beauty of Lake Shikaribetsu, its sparkling waters perfect for sea kayaking on a blue sky, sunny autumn day. Awaiting us at the campground landing site after our kayak explorations, we were gifted a true family farm-to-table lunch, a feast prepared before us with only the freshest ingredients, garden vegetables, a wheel of local cheese produced and aged at a nearby dairy farm, slow-melted at the table topping the roasted vegetables. Freshly baked focaccia bread made for flavorful chicken and beef sandwiches joined a tasty seasonal local specialty, lamb stew. Even the wines were local. We devoured bowls of the sweetest fresh picked small strawberries imaginable, followed by a mouth watering heavenly creamy strawberry cake. Truly, an amazing gourmet lunch beautifully prepared beneath a leafy green tree at a quiet campground beside a sparkling lake on a most perfect day in Hokkaido Japan.
Tokachigawa Onsen Daiichi Hotel
Kaiseki cuisine
Our final night in Hokkaido was at the lovely Daiichi Hotel. We were welcomed by the hotel manager with a private dining experience of traditional Kaiseki cuisine including delectable
In route to the Obihiro Airport, we managed to enjoy the Tokachi Millennium Forest, gardens, a brief hiking venture, and up close and personal chat with the resident goats. Our lunch stop at Mugioto bakery and pizzeria offered the yummy experience of make-your-own-pizza from scratch topped with local cheese, tomato sauce, edamame, corn, and sausage. Next, a stop at the flagship sweet shop, Rokkatei Obihiro, and last chance shopping street before the airport and flight to Tokyo.
Our Hokkaido adventure was brief but filled with lovely hotel stays, so many interesting sights, activities, and memorable meals along with new friends including Yuki and Mohiko, our incredible Hokkaido Love! guides who were fun, knowledgeable, and skillfully kept us on schedule and well fed.
