Continue our journey in Asia, we came to the winter wonderland in Hokkaido.
It is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands,
known for its harsh winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas.
For us, it was one of the toughest and most challenging filming and traveling experiences,
but the unspoiled nature, landscape, wildlife, culture and cuisine, made this island our
favorite winter destination by far.
We landed in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, just in time when all the neon lights on the
street got turned on.
Our first stop was to join the locals for an authentic and traditional Japanese Robatayaki dinner
Robata refers to a cooking method, similar to barbecue as the food is cooked over hot charcoal
We had plenty dishes of local seafood and fish roes and were fully energized in the
cold and chilly night.
After few hours of sleep, we came to the iconic Hokkaido Shrine in the morning.
We followed the traditions to wash our hands and mouth before entering the shrine.
The historical building was established in 1871 and it looked extra poetic in the snow.
We made a wish and asked for prayers for good luck towards our journey this time,
so we could let the adventure in Hokkaido begin!
Later on, we came to visit the Yoichi Distillery of Nikka Whisky.
As the climate and natural features of Hokkaido are similar to Scotland, Masataka Taketsuru,
the first Japanese who mastered in whisky making in Scotland, set up this distillery
here in 1934.
The traditional coal-fired distillation we saw is hardly seen today, however, it creates
the unique characteristics of Yoichi Single Malt with boldness and toasty burnt flavors.
It was just perfect having a sip of fine whisky on a cold snowy day.
If you love seafood, you cannot miss Kushiro Washo Market for the best seafood experience.
We could not decide where to start so we began with the King Crab, the biggest one in the
market of course, ready to be served in 30 minutes.
There was also the famous, Katte Don, which you start with a bowl of rice and choose the
seafood as your toppings!
How incredible and satisfying is that?
After leaving our autographs and the citylife behind, we headed to the ski town Niseko,
renowned for its quality powder snow and onsen hot spring resorts.
We started the relaxing morning in our luxury loft in Suiboku, appreciating the cozy living
area in our home away from home and the stunning view of Mt. Yotei.
Soon enough, we put on our ski outfits, ready to step out of our comfort zone for the snow mountains
There are six major ski areas in Niseko, we joined other ski and snowboard lovers for
the lift ride heading to the top.
It was actually my third time skiing but we had a wonderful couch Dan from Niseko Wow,
so let see how it goes.
Oops, I guess I still need a lot of lessons, Maybe let’s just watch and appreciate how
other experts doing it.
Finally, we finished the rough day on the slopes and came back in town for nutritious
crab hotspot dinner to recoup some energy and then soaked up in private onsen
in our loft for a retreat.
Followed the marshmallow- like stream valley, we moved to the frozen Lake Shikaribetsu,
waking up in the Traditional Japanese home with tatami floor and futon setting, enjoyed
our Japanese Rice Balls and tea for breakfast.
We loved the pop-up ice village on the frozen lake along with the lake side resorts, makes
you feel like you are in a different part of planet.
Then we ordered some whisky “in” the rock to warm up ourselves and hosted our own party
in the spectacular Ice Bar.
Lastly, a bath in the outdoor hot spring was much need with -15c temperature.
Through the snow mountain and forest, we came to crater lake of Lake Akan during the blizzard.
As the lake is frozen and covered in the heavy snow, we hided in
these little colorful tents for ice-fishing.
By the time our patience ran out, we went for something more exciting with the snowmobile.
Then after the speedy moment, we explored the charming village and Ainu Kotan, a local
indigenous tribe and its handicrafts.
As the evening arrived, we stepped out from our hot spring resort and followed the rhythm
to the traditional performance at Lake Akan Ainu Theater.
The ancient ceremonial dances capture a lot of local essences and elements
from wildlife, beliefs and lifestyle.
The signature hair dance by female dancers was surely one of the highlights.
It was truly a delightful evening dancing together with the Kotan residents.
In Central and East Hokkaido, you could experience the pure wilderness
and the simplest Japanese village living.
We spent the day with Red-crowned crane at Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary.
The Japanese crane is known as the symbol of luck and longevity
but received endangered status since 1970.
Thanks to the conservation program, we could still observe their movements and behaviors up close
At the deserted Mount Iō, a volcano that was once a sulphur mine, the bare mountain
is alive with hot steam coming out from the fumarole.
You can smell the strong Sulphur and feel the heat and power from the earth.
Right before sunset, we stopped at Sunayu Onsen by Lake Kussharo.
We were companied by hundreds of swans while enjoying the naturally heated sand
and hot spring on the beach.
It was like a scene coming out from a fairytale.
On our last day in Hokkaido, we jumped on the cruise Aurora to chase the drift ice in Abashiri area
It was the coldest day with -25c degree outside
but we decided to stay on the deck to enjoy this incredible view
Everything we saw was beyond grand, pristine and breathtaking.
An experience like this may be something that only happens once in your lifetime.
There was nothing else we could expect as a better ending for this trip.
Finally, we surpassed the horizon and continued our journey to the next destination.