Hokkaido Travel Forum

Hi,

My wife wants to go to Hokkiado in July. Just wonder, in the month of July, which is a better week to go? First half or second half? Besides that, both of us doesn't speak Japanese, hence, is it going to be difficult?

We intend to do it free and easy. Rent a car and drive around. Any suggestion? Which hotel to stay along the way?

I heard they have nice ramen there. Any recommendations?

Lastly, my sole purpose to go Japan is to buy Nikon gears. I heard there is a sale going on in July. Where should I get the Nikon stuffs?

Looking forward to hear from you guys.

Cheers.

i think is better to go on the 1st 2 weeks of July if you are going to watch the lavender farm. there is a Ramen Alley in Sapporo of Hokkaido. I'm not sure if its the best place for ramen. but i enjoyed my ramen very much, especially the pork bone soup ramen. and that will be one of my 2 reasons to go back to Japan again. :)

I don't find Japan Cameras are cheap... i'm not sure. i think Singapore is cheaper

Hi Blacksnail,

Thanks for your reply. Just wonder, how many days did you spend in Hokkiado? Did you try driving in Hokkiado? In your own opinion, how many days should we spend in Hokkiado? And where should we go to Hokkiado? Sorry to ask you so many questions. Just that, really don't know what to expect.

As for the camera stuffs, maybe you are right. I should get in Singapore instead.

BTW, was it easy to travel in Japan without knowing Japanese?

After a deep thought, i think is better to go on the last 2 weeks of July for the Lavender farm. I went there last year last week of June, and the Lavendar wasn't blooming yet. So End of July should be the best time.

I spent 2 Days in Hokkaido only, because of my tight Schedule. :) I Spent 1 whole day in Sapporo, but I didn't get to visit the Beer Museum and i was rushing in the Hokkaido Village. I wish i can have one more day in Sapporo. So i think you should spend at least 1.5 days in Sapporo.

I visited Beia for Lavendar + Otaru in One Day. Otaru is a nice city, but i think 1/2 day is sufficient. There is also a volcano site somewhere in hokkaido that a lot of ppl visited.

I didn't drive there, only via JR, as i was there all by myself. I think 5 days is just nice and i think it worth a visit! It looks and feel different from the rest of Japan!

I can't speak japanese too.. i picked up some after the 2 weeks trip. I don't find a huge problem as i can read chinese, some japanese words i can kind of figure it out. :)

DOn worry about ur question, i like to give tips. :)
there is a Ramen Alley in Sapporo of Hokkaido. I'm not sure if its the best place for ramen. but i enjoyed my ramen very much, especially the pork bone soup ramen. and that will be one of my 2 reasons to go back to Japan again. :)

In Sapporo, I think places really worth a visit is the chocolate factory. Its very nice and it really cheer me up that day. Cos i stopped at the wrong bus stop and i had to walk really long way!!! very very Long!!!

I suppose Beer factory is good too, but i didn't get to go :(

Lavender at Furano is a must! Otaru also. I think since only 2 of u, and u can't speak japanese, is better u buy a JR Pass and travel there. Because in most of the outskirt, most ppl can't speak english. but if you got plenty of time, why not ? :)

First half ok for flower viewing in Central Hokkaido, second half more brilliant flowers but also hotter. Not speaking Japanese a bigger problem in Hokkaido than Honshu, especially as you move towards more remote East and North.

Rental car - about S$150 plus minus per day. Maybe try renting from Sapporo, drive to Furano, Biei (for flower viewing), down South East to Obihiro (dairy products), West back to Sapporo. 3 days more than enough. Prebook accommodation since July is peak season and you don't want to risk being stranded.

Summer sale usually first week of July in Tokyo. Tokyo's Akihabara's electronic town (unless you're getting Japan manufactured specific parts, maybe you should just get the Nikon parts in Singapore-don't think sales would be any cheaper).

Hi akikonomu,

Thanks for your reply. Just wonder, my wife and I have been wondering whether we should take the train instead of driving? What do you think?

We have about 10 days in Japan. How many days should we spend in Hokkiado? Should we take the train from Tokyo to Hokodate? or we should take the budget airline from Tokyo to Sapporo?

Please advise.

Thanks

My opinion here
1) If you train from Tokyo to Hakodate, it may not end up cheaper than taking the internal flight and waste of time for 10 day trip. If you fly with Star Alliance members or JAL, I believe there is a special fare for domestic flight (check with airline office directly)- something like $130 for one way ticket i think
2) In Hokkaido, taking the bus may end up more convenient, cheaper and faster. If you fly into Sapporo and want to get to the Furano area, train to Furano, but take the sightseeing bus for the neighbouring cheese farms, flower farms etc. Do lots of research - I recommend buying the Taiwan guidebook from Kinokuniya-Ngee Ann City (look under the Chinese travel guide section). The guides look like magazines and cost between $14-18
3) 10 days - since you'd be paying quite a fair bit on transport to Hokkaido, I think you may like to explore more of the island. In July, Honshu (read: Osaka, Tokyo - you can fly in to these 2 airports and transfer domestic flight to Hokkaido) may not be so appealing because of hot weather. Moreover, if you only spent 1 or 2 days in these big cities, you end up rushing around and missing lots of stuff.

Going by my usual relax style, I'd fly in to Tokyo/Osaka (overnight flight, arrive about 7am; transfer to domestic airterminal for mid afternoon flight to Hokkaido (don't bet on rushing for noon flight, you need time to clear immigration, train/bus/taxi to domestic airterminal, check in, take lunch (no food served on domestic flight) etc; last day take early morning flight back to Tokyo, late afternoon flight back to Singapore). Better still if you can get a flight out of Nagoya, no need to transfer to another terminal (but less flights and restricted to less destinations).

BTW, Cathay Pacific flies to Sapporo but I think connection time's not good so you'd need to stay overnight in Hong Kong on first and final day - same for using Taiwan or China carriers.

Happy Holiday!!

Hi Hi,

Thanks for your reply. My wife and I intend to extend our stay in Japan. 10 days in Hokkaido and 2 or 3 days in Tokyo.

Here's our plan for Hokkaido.

Hi Everybody,

Really need your help. This is my first time to Japan together with my wife. We intend to spend 10 days in Hokkaido and thereafter, back to Tokyo.

Fly to Kushiro from Tokyo.

Akan National Park->Sapporo/Otaru->Hakodate->Tokyo.

We will take the train from Hakodate to Tokyo.

What do you think? Is 10 days enough for Hokkaido?

Thanks in advance.
Kenny

Hi akikonomu,

Are you a Singaporean? Do you where is the best place for me to purchase the JR Rail pass?

Thanks
Kenny

Yes, I'm Singaporean. The JR pass price is quite standard so you can pick up from most travel agent. Ask your airticketing agent if they carry.

Your plan seems do-able but I really think you'd be spending so much time commuting. If i don't recall wrongly, Kushiro-Sapporo (abt 4h); Sapporo-Hakodate (4-6h); Hakodate-Tokyo (at least 8h?).

Hi Kenny

i just got back from Laos and i missing travelling now. Hope u and wife have a memorable trip like mine :D