Located in Japan’s last frontier, the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, stand the two cities
of Sapporo and Hakodate.
From amazing scenic views, stunning nature spots and delicious food, this area of Japan
has much to offer.
Every year both cities rank within the top ten to visit in the country, and the Sapporo
to Hakodate route is one of the most popular routes taken in Hokkaido.
While the journey between them is easily completed in a few hours, there are many hidden gems
along the way that should not be missed, such as several scenic spots, a quaint lakeside
onsen town, and an active volcano.
And on this trip, we’re going visit all of these and more.
My name is Raina Ong, staff writer for japan-guide.com and today I’m on assignment in Sapporo and
Hakodate.
On Day 1, I start in Sapporo where I do some sightseeing around the city before taking
the train south to Lake Toya and spend the night in a beautiful lakeside hot spring town.
On Day 2, I’ll explore the nearby volcanic Mount Usu and then continue toward Hakodate,
stopping along the way to walk around the islands of Onuma Park.
Once I finally reach Hakodate I’ll take in one of Japan’s most beautiful views and
enjoy a seafood feast for dinner.
So follow along as I go on a two day trip from Sapporo to Hakodate.
Day 1
Starting at Sapporo Station, I’ll take a train, then a bus to Moerenuma Park, a large
park just outside of the city center.
After this I’ll stop at the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about and sample the legendary
brew, and then make my way back to Sapporo Station.
From here I’ll catch a train to Lake Toya where I’ll check out some art sculptures
along the lake shore and stay overnight at the hot spring town.
I’m at Moerenuma Park right now, and it’s a massive park just outside central Sapporo,
which you can see behind me.
This park was opened in 2005, and designed by famous Japanese-American sculptor Isamu
Noguchi.
I’m going to be walking around and looking at his unique installations.
Sapporo Beer is one of the oldest brands of Japanese beer and well known around the world.
And here at the Sapporo Beer Museum, we’re going to check out the brewery and, of course,
drink some beer.
Kanpai
My last stop for the day is Toyako Onsen, a hot spring town halfway between Sapporo
and Hakodate.
And this area is known for its lake, Lake Toya, hot springs and an active volcano which
we will be visiting tomorrow.
Day 2
I start Day 2 by heading up the ropeway of nearby Mount Usu, an active volcano, to see
the crater and take in the view of the surrounding area.
Then I’ll take a bus to the mountain’s western side and go on a hike through an interesting
area that was affected by the eruption in 2000 before heading back to Toya Station.
I’m on Usuzan right now which is an active volcano
and it feels like another world out here.
You can even see the craters smoking behind me.
This is the place which suffered the most damage in the 2000 eruption.
On my left is the well-loved bath house and behind me is an apartment building.
Now it’s back on the train bound for Hakodate.
Along the way I’m going to make one stop
at the delightful Onuma Park.
I'm at Onuma Park right now
which is made up of two large lakes
and lots of little islands in the lakes.
And one of the nice things about being here is
there are lots of walking trails that you can follow to see the islands up close.
By late afternoon, after taking the train again, I’ve arrived at Hakodate, just in
time to catch a streetcar and ropeway up Mount Hakodate which is said to have one of the
top three night views in all of Japan.
Positioned close to the ocean, Hakodate is known for its fresh seafood.
So, to end the day, and also the trip, I’m going to a nearby seafood specialty restaurant
for dinner.
So, so far here we’ve had side dishes, like the egg and the fried puffer fish.
Everything here has been absolutely delicious.
One of the last courses for today that I’m going to end with is nigirizushi.
It’s okay to eat it with your hands, and that’s what I’m going to do.
And that concludes our trip to Sapporo and Hakodate.
Thanks for joining me.
I hope this video has been enjoyable and perhaps even inspires some ideas should you decide
to plan a trip to Sapporo and Hakodate.
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over to japan-guide.com, your comprehensive, up-to-date travel guide, firsthand from Japan.
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Happy travels.