Reader’s Question:

About the Hokkaido Trip (4 Adults Including a University Student)

Rental Car

1. Is it better to go from New Chitose Airport to Furano in the morning or from Sapporo to Furano? I’m considering factors like travel time
and access from the highway. This will help me decide whether to stay in Furano or Sapporo on the first night. We are planning for either 2 or 3 nights.

Interests in Sapporo

We are not particularly interested in sightseeing around Sapporo; our main focus is on enjoying gourmet food. I would like to stay at a place with a good spa.

Recommendations Around Furano

2. I am not familiar with the area around Furano aside from the Blue Pond. Are there any recommended tourist spots or gourmet experiences?

Activities and Weather

3. If there are any river rafting activities nearby, I would like to try that. Is September in Hokkaido cold? I would appreciate advice from those who are knowledgeable.

Exploring Hokkaido: A Journey Through Furano and Sapporo

Hey there! If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido with a group of friends or family, you’ve come to the right place. Having just returned from a memorable adventure in Hokkaido, I can’t wait to share my experiences—especially if you’re considering a road trip from New Chitose Airport to Furano! Grab a coffee and let’s dive into the details.

Rental Car: The Great Debate

First things first: the drive from New Chitose Airport to Furano. Now, this is a topic that sparked a bit of debate in our group before we even set foot in Japan. We weighed the pros and cons of beginning our journey straight from the airport versus heading into Sapporo first. After a fair amount of chat and a few head-scratching moments, we settled on driving from New Chitose Airport to Furano in the morning.

Why, you ask? Well, for one, the travel time is about two hours, and the route is pretty straightforward. Plus, we didn’t want to deal with the hassle of navigating Sapporo’s city traffic, especially after a long flight. Instead, we’d rather hit the open road and soak in the beautiful scenery of Hokkaido right away. The drive is a nice mix of highways and rural roads, which means you get to enjoy the stunning landscapes of rolling hills and even fields of flowers starting to bloom.

Now, if you’re considering staying in Sapporo for the first night, that’s also a solid option. It’s a bigger city with more hotel choices, plus opportunities for gourmet food right away. But since we were all about the rural charm and the delicious culinary experiences of Furano (and let’s be honest, we were raring to get into the countryside), we opted for Furano. No regrets!

Foodie Adventures in Sapporo

Speaking of food, let me tell you about the culinary scene in Sapporo. Even though we weren’t keen on sightseeing, we did make a point to indulge in some of the city’s finest offerings. If you’re a foodie like me, you’re in for a treat! There’s nothing quite like the flavors of Hokkaido. Known for its fresh seafood and dairy products, you absolutely can’t miss the local specialties.

We stayed at a lovely hotel that had a fantastic spa, which was a huge bonus for unwinding after a long day of travel and eating! Just picture this: soaking in an onsen while enjoying views of the mountain ranges. Pure bliss! After settling in, we decided to hit up the famed Sapporo Susukino area, the city’s nightlife hub. It’s brimming with izakayas, ramen shops, and seafood counters. We ended up at this little place known for its crab dishes. Let me tell you, the snow crab was out of this world! We even tried some grilled seafood skewers while sipping on local Sapporo beer—seriously, the perfect way to kick off our trip. We were all smiles, and that’s when I knew we had made the right choice to focus on food.

Exploring Furano: More than Meets the Eye

Moving on to Furano! Ah, Furano. The place is like a postcard come to life. While you might be familiar with the Blue Pond, wonderful as it is, there’s a lot more beyond that sparkly blue water. We made it our mission to uncover some hidden gems. One of our favorite spots was the Farm Tomita, renowned for its breathtaking lavender fields. Even in September, some of the late-blooming flowers were still around, and it smelled divine! Did you know they also have a fantastic soft cream that you must try? It’s like a sweet kiss of Hokkaido’s freshness melting in your mouth!

Another must-visit was the Furano Cheese Factory. If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), this place is heaven! We took a tour and even tried our hands at making our own cheese. Spoiler alert: it’s way easier than you’d think! Plus, it’s fun to say you’ve made your own cheese in Japan. The tasting session afterward was the cherry on top. We experienced a mix of cheeses and local wines, and let me tell you, it was a delightful pairing. We also picked up some cheese to snack on during our trip—it was that good!

Nature and Adventure: Rafting and More!

Now, for the adventurous souls in your group, you’ll be thrilled to know that Furano offers some awesome outdoor activities, including river rafting! We went with a local rafting company that guided us through the crystal-clear waters of the Furano River. I’ll be honest; I was a bit nervous at first, but it turned out to be an exhilarating experience! The rapids had just enough thrill to get the adrenaline pumping, but they were manageable for beginners like us. Plus, the views from the river are stunning—lush greenery flanking both sides and the mountains towering above. It felt like we were in a nature documentary!

The Weather: What to Expect in September

Now let’s chat about the weather. Hokkaido in September is usually mild, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s warm all the time. The mornings can be a bit chilly, especially in the countryside, so layering is key. I remember the first morning in Furano; I underestimated the chill and regretted not packing a warmer sweater! By midday, though, the temperatures were nice and pleasant, perfect for exploring the outdoors. Just pack some layers and you’ll be golden!

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Hokkaido Adventure

As our trip came to an end, I found myself wishing for just a few more days to soak in the beauty of Hokkaido. Whether you choose to stay in Furano or Sapporo (or both!), the experience is bound to be unforgettable. You’ll find delicious food, stunning landscapes, and thrilling activities to make it a trip of a lifetime. So, gear up for an exciting adventure filled with culinary delights and natural wonders. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

Happy travels, and may your Hokkaido trip be filled with laughter, good food, and endless memories!