Reader’s Question:
Travel Plans to Hokkaido
I will be traveling to Hokkaido, mainly Sapporo, from the weekend. The plan is for a 2-night, 3-day trip, with my arrival at New Chitose Airport scheduled around 11:30 AM on the first day.
From there, I will head straight to Sapporo, where I have made a dinner reservation at Hotel Nikko to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday at 8 PM. I expect to arrive in Sapporo around 1 PM and was considering what to do until about 7 PM. I’m thinking of going to the Sapporo Beer Garden for lunch. Since I have already booked dinner, it’s challenging to make any bold plans, and I also thought about visiting Otaru, but I might save that for the next day. My girlfriend is really looking forward to dinner, so changing those plans is difficult. I’m trying to figure out how to make the most of the free time, but I’m not very familiar with the area. Since it’s her birthday, I want to do something special for her. Although this is our second trip to Sapporo together, she has said we don’t need to go overboard, but I’d like to make it memorable. If you have any recommendations for places to visit or eat, please let me know. Thank you!
Celebrating a Birthday in Sapporo: A Memorable Weekend in Hokkaido
Ah, Sapporo! The vibrant capital of Hokkaido, known for its mouth-watering ramen, stunning winter sports, and, of course, that iconic snow festival. It’s a place that holds a special spot in my heart, and recently, I found myself planning a short getaway to this northern paradise to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday. If you’re looking for an adventure in Sapporo, especially with a loved one, then keep reading because I’m about to share how we made the most of a whirlwind 2-night, 3-day trip!
Day One: Arrival and Afternoon Adventures
So, here’s the scoop: our flight landed at New Chitose Airport around 11:30 AM, and the excitement was palpable. I could practically feel the cheers of ramen and the clinks of beer glasses calling my name! After a quick jaunt through customs (which, thankfully, was smooth), we hopped on the train to Sapporo. The journey took about 40 minutes, and it was a great way to soak in the scenery of Hokkaido. Those lush green fields turning into urban landscapes were a sight to behold! We rolled into Sapporo Station just after 1 PM, and my stomach was growling louder than the trains! I had already set my sights on the Sapporo Beer Garden. Imagine a place where you can dig into all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan (that’s lamb barbecue, folks) while sipping on some freshly brewed Sapporo beer. Heaven, right? This was a perfect way to kick off our trip.
Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden
Arriving at the Beer Garden felt like stepping into a barbecue paradise! The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and chatter. After getting seated, we ordered the Genghis Khan set, and trust me, it did not disappoint. The lamb was tender and juicy, grilled right at our table. And let’s not forget about the beer — crisp, cold, and oh-so-refreshing! While we munched away, I couldn’t help but steal glances at my girlfriend. She radiated happiness, and that’s all I wanted for her birthday. My heart melted, and I started brainstorming ideas to make the evening even more special for her. After lunch, we decided to take a leisurely stroll through Odori Park. It’s a beautiful green space right in the heart of the city, with flowers blooming and locals lounging about. It was a perfect spot to walk off our meal. We also popped into the Sapporo TV Tower, which, okay, is a bit of a tourist trap, but the view from the top? Totally worth it. You get a beautiful panoramic view of the city, and on a clear day, you can see the mountains in the distance. With our hearts full and the sun starting to dip, we made our way back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. We had a reservation at Hotel Nikko, an upscale dining experience that I was really looking forward to. But first, I needed to add a little birthday surprise…
A Sweet Surprise
Now, I’m not much of a planner when it comes to surprises, but I wanted to do something thoughtful. I found a lovely little bakery on the way called LeTAO. They’re famous for their cheesecake, and my girlfriend is a sucker for sweets! I picked up a mini cheesecake with a birthday candle on top. Nothing too overboard, but just the right touch of sweetness.
Dinner at Hotel Nikko
After a quick change and a little bit of magic with the birthday cake, we headed to Hotel Nikko for dinner. The restaurant had an elegant ambiance, perfect for a special occasion. The menu was a delightful mix of Japanese and Western dishes, and everything sounded simply divine. We started with some sashimi that melted in our mouths, followed by a main course that was so beautifully plated, I almost didn’t want to dig in. And then came the moment I had been waiting for — the birthday cake! I could see my girlfriend’s eyes light up when I brought it out. We shared that little piece of heaven and toasted with our glasses of wine. Honestly, seeing her smile made every effort worth it. After a wonderful dinner, we decided to stroll around the area, soaking in the city lights. Sapporo’s night scene has a certain charm that’s hard to resist. It felt magical, and I thought, “This is what life is about!”
Day Two: Exploring Beyond Sapporo
After a restful night’s sleep, we woke up ready to explore! I had been to Otaru before, but it was time to show my girlfriend this quaint little canal town about an hour from Sapporo. The journey is straightforward; you can take the JR train, and it’s such a pleasant ride with views of the coastline along the way.
Otaru: A Gem by the Sea
Once we arrived in Otaru, I immediately fell in love with its nostalgic charm. The old merchant buildings lining the canals are straight out of a storybook! We strolled along the canal, hand in hand, soaking in the sights. The weather was lovely, and the atmosphere was laid-back. Otaru is also famous for its glassworks, so of course, we had to pop into a glass shop. Watching artisans create beautiful glass pieces was mesmerizing, and we even picked up a little souvenir to remember our trip by. For lunch, we went to a local sushi joint. Otaru is known for its fresh seafood, and oh my goodness, the sushi was out of this world! Fresh, flavorful, and just a bit decadent. We sat at the counter, chatting with the chef and savoring each bite. If you’re ever in Otaru, make sure to indulge in the sushi — it’s a must! After lunch, we wandered into the Music Box Museum. I mean, who doesn’t love a little nostalgia? The twinkling sounds of music boxes filled the air as we marveled at the collection. We even made our own little music box to take home — a fun keepsake from our trip! As the day came to a close, we headed back to Sapporo. The train ride home was filled with chatter about our favorite moments, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these little adventures.
Day Three: Wrapping Up in Sapporo
On our last day, we took it easy. After all, a trip should never feel rushed, right? We decided to explore the shopping scene in Sapporo. Tanukikoji Shopping Street is a great place to pick up souvenirs and enjoy a little retail therapy. There’s also a whole bunch of quirky little shops, and we had fun browsing through each one. For lunch, we opted for Sapporo ramen — another must-try! We found a cozy ramen shop and slurped away at a delicious bowl of miso ramen. The warmth of the broth was just what we needed, and it filled us up just right before our journey home.
Final Thoughts
As we prepared to leave Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, I couldn’t help but reflect on our trip. From the delicious food to the beautiful sights and the heartwarming moments spent together, it was definitely one for the books. Traveling is about creating memories, and I felt like we truly did that. To anyone planning a visit to Sapporo or even considering a birthday trip, remember that it’s the little things that count. A simple meal, a thoughtful surprise, and quality time together can turn an ordinary trip into something extraordinary. So whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just exploring for the joy of it, embrace the journey, and who knows? You might just find a piece of your heart in the city of Sapporo. Until next time, happy travels!
