{"id":38599,"date":"2017-07-03T23:13:24","date_gmt":"2017-07-03T15:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/?p=38599"},"modified":"2019-05-24T08:19:48","modified_gmt":"2019-05-24T00:19:48","slug":"hokkaido-diy-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/2017\/07\/hokkaido-diy-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"Hokkaido: The Complete DIY Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating Unique Core Memories:<\/strong><\/p>\n

We believe in travelling together as a family because of the global exposure it provides for ourselves and the kids. Despite the hassle and costs involved in travelling with children, many of these can be mitigated through early, careful holiday planning. We\u2019ve travelled the world with our daughter since she was 7 months old and she’s since gained a travel buddy in her brother three years ago.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve heard so much about the powdery snow in Hokkaido; besides, the temptation to experience Japanese hospitality and cuisine was too much to resist.  From the wife\u2019s meticulous research, she discovered that Hokkaido is very much DIY-able as that would cut down cost quite a bit. So, for our inaugural trip to Hokkaido in December 2016, it would be a very much walk on our own and drive on own trip. It turned out to be simply splendid.  You may view more of our Hokkaido travel photos on Instagram if you follow us at @lifestinymiracles<\/strong> and @doting_dad. <\/strong>Click on this hashtag #ohanadoeshokkaido.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Complete DIY Itinerary:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our DIY itinerary:<\/p>\n

Day 1: We flew JAL which transited in Tokyo.  Upon arrival in Chitose Airport, Hokkaido at 8pm, we realised that the airport shuttle busses have ended their services so we made our way to Sapporo via train. A little more tiring but at least we don’t have to spend a bomb on taxis.<\/p>\n

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Sapporo Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Tips:<\/p>\n

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  1. Even though it was more convenient to stay right above the Sapporo Station, we decided to save costs by picking Keio Plaza Sapporo Hotel<\/a> <\/strong>as our base for 3 nights in Sapporo. It turned out to be a wise choice as the hotel was very comfortable (we opted for a 4-bedder family room which was huge) and it was just 3 blocks away from Sapporo Station. The staff was very competent, friendly and attentive to our needs. Read our complete review of this fantastic hotel here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    1. From Chitose Airport, we took the Airport Rapid Train to Sapporo Station (a 40 min train ride). From the Sapporo Station, Keio Plaza Sapporo Hotel<\/a> <\/strong>is a brisk 10 min easy walk.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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      1. Since it was winter, the day turns dark (and cold) early by 4+pm. Do pack the necessary winter gear in your carry on luggage and have some lose currency ready for food\/drinks when you arrive into Sapporo.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        1. The Sapporo Station is connected to the Sapporo Stellar Place<\/a><\/strong>, the largest shopping mall in Japan. The shopping center has approximately 220 stores including dining and cafes, cinemas. It also has a basement food street (much like Singapore\u2019s Takashimaya) so you can get food easily. The price is pretty comparable to that of typical Japanese restaurants here in Sg.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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          1. Our car rental company (Toyota Car Rental) is situated right at Keio Plaza Sapporo Hotel<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s basement. This makes it super convenient for us to load our luggage into the car and drive off on the day of check-out.  To find out what to anticipate in a DIY Self-Drive Trip in Hokkaido during winter, read our post here<\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Day 2: Day Trip to Otaru <\/strong><\/p>\n

            We decided to take the day slow and went on a DIY day trip to Otaru using public transport. Famed for its canal, food and quaint shops and not forgetting the legendary Le Tao Cheese Cake.<\/p>\n

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            Tips:<\/p>\n

            How to get to Otaru <\/strong>From Sapporo<\/strong><\/p>\n

            There are multiple trains per hour between Sapporo and Otaru along the JR Hakodate Main Line. The one-way trip costs 640 yen and takes 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local train. Most of Otaru’s attractions are located less than a 30-minute walk from Otaru Station, making the city convenient to explore by foot.  Otaru offered us a glimpse into the local life in Hokkaido. We spent a relaxed afternoon there and headed back to Sapporo before dusk. Do remember that its winter so it gets dark and cold around 4+pm.<\/p>\n

            Highlights from Otaru:<\/strong><\/p>\n