Ice fishing on the Barato River in Hokkaido offers a classic winter experience where visitors can drill through frozen river ice to catch smelt (wakasagi). Ice fishing is one of local winter activities in Hokkaido, and you can also enjoy it. There are many places in Hokkaido that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
Salmon Factory
Sato Suisan is a well-known Hokkaido seafood specialty shop famous for its high-quality salmon products and local delicacies. Popular items include fresh and grilled salmon, salmon roe (ikura), seafood bento, and their signature “Salmon Onigiri” rice balls. With multiple branches in Sapporo — including locations near Sapporo Station and the airport — it’s a convenient stop for souvenirs or ready-to-eat seafood, offering visitors an authentic taste of Hokkaido’s renowned marine produce. Barato river is located right behind the shop, but you can park your car in the shop parking lot.
We arrived at around 9:30am, the parking lot was so crowded but fortunately we were able to find one remaining parking spot.
We proceeded directly to the mighty Barato River that was frozen solid. When we arrived in the river area, we could see so many tents already. I was a bit worried that the ice might break under my heavy weight, but last year I was also fishing on this river and survived, so this year might also be safe also. It was a bit hard to cross the fence around the river, but it was still manageable.
Here are some tools that we prepared in order to join this ice-fishing event. Not only the small fishing rods and baits, but also hand-drill, folding chairs, and of course, tent.
These are the type of bait that we used, akasashi, a type of live fishing bait commonly used in Japan, especially for smelt (wakasagi) ice fishing. It is the red-colored larva of midges (chironomid larvae), valued for its bright color and strong scent, which effectively attracts fish in cold water conditions. It costed only 150 yen (1US$) for one small pouch full of live Akasashi!
Finally we got one already!
It got a bit chilly so I decided to take shelter inside our tent while the ladies continued fishing. Here are some pictures from inside my tent and other groups’ tents.
After catching enough fish, we proceeded to deep-fry the fish directly inside the tent. Catch and cook directly on the top of frozen lake is definitely one of winter activity in Hokkaido.
Here is the video of this ice-fishing trip from 2025 if you are interested to see.
Ice-fishing in Hokkaido
It was really cold that day and we stayed outside for hours, but it was worth it since we caught many fish and ate well! Special thanks to Mr. Komori and Mr. Kikuchi for guiding us to get through this activity safely! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
I joined a memorable 1-day winter tour to Asahikawa and Furano, experiencing some of Hokkaido’s most iconic attractions in a single trip. My day started at Asahiyama Zoo, where I watched the famous Penguin Walk and observed animals up close through the zoo’s unique behavioral enclosures. I then headed to Yuma Dog Sledding, where I rode a dog sled across snowy fields led by energetic huskies — easily one of the most exciting winter activities I’ve tried. I ended the tour at Ningle Terrace in Furano, a magical forest village of glowing wooden cottages filled with local crafts. The illuminated snow scenery made the perfect finale to an unforgettable Asahikawa–Furano winter day trip. There are many places in Hokkaido that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
We departed from Sapporo and Ms. Cho was the designated driver and she is an experienced driver, the ride was really smooth as usual. We were lucky that the weather was relatively good that day.
First Destination: Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is one of Japan’s most famous zoos, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, and is especially popular during winter. The zoo is known for its seasonal Penguin Walk, where penguins parade freely through the snow, offering visitors an unforgettable Arctic-like experience in northern Japan.
There was a long line when we arrived in Asahiyama Zoo. But good things Ms. Cho prepared the online booking so we did not need to wait too long in the line. We paid online and then showed the QR codes to the front gate and we could go through.
We arrived just in time for the infamous Penguin walk, so after taking pictures in the front gate, we proceeded directly to the penguin walk venue. There were a lot of people lining up already by the time we arrived. To be honest, there were less penguin than I expected, but they look cute and adorables!
After watching the penguin parade, we strolled a bit to check all the animals inside the zoo. Here are some of the pictures I took that include polar bears, tigers, wolf, and other winter animals.
Second Destination: Christmas Tree
After Asahiyama Zoo, we went straight to Christmas Tree no Ki, which is one of Biei’s most photographed landmarks, famous for its solitary spruce tree standing gracefully in the middle of rolling hills. Often called the “Xmas Tree” because of its perfect triangular shape, the tree becomes especially picturesque in winter when surrounded by snow-covered fields and soft blue skies. Its minimalist landscape and seasonal beauty make it a popular scenic stop on Furano–Biei tours and a favorite spot for photographers visiting central Hokkaido.
We did not expect many visitors on that day, but it was crowded with visitors. And even there were some traffic officers who were doing crowd control. To be honest, this one single tree is impressive, since it can attract many visitors.
Well, we stayed only less than 10 minutes for these amazing photoshoots. Hopefully our clients got their perfect photoshoots.
Third Destination: Shirahige Waterfall
Shirahige Falls, located in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei, is one of Hokkaido’s most striking waterfalls. Known as the “White Beard Waterfall,” it features streams of mineral-rich groundwater cascading through rocky cliffs into the vivid blue waters below, creating a dramatic contrast. The falls are beautiful year-round but especially magical in winter when the flowing water freezes into icy formations and the nearby illumination lights up the snowy landscape.
Well, it was a frozen waterfall viewed from a bridge. Here are some pictures I took. It was great view for sure. And the bridge was packed with tourists.
Fourth Destination: Yuma Farm Dog Sledding
Yuma Dog Sledding in Furano offers an authentic winter adventure where visitors can experience traditional dog sledding across Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes. The farm also provides opportunities to interact with the dogs, making it a popular stop for travelers seeking hands-on snow activities and memorable photo moments during a Furano day tour.
Visit Date: 2026 February 4th
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0016
Fee: 5000 yen for 1 ride
Once we arrived in Yuma Farm, I could immediately smell the farm odor mixed with dog odor from the entrance. I grew up around dog kennel, so the smell really brought back memory from the childhood. Ms. Cho seemed to be afraid of dog, so it took her a while to convince her to get inside the farm.
Not only dogs, but there was also a mini pony horse there!
I tried interacting with the dogs, but they ignored me. I guess Huskies are different from Belgian Malinois (my dogs back home). I also saw a Saint Bernard dog sleeping inside a wooden house.
Finally it was our turn, and I managed to take some good pictures here. Apparently it was not only husky dogs, but there was also a black Labrador pulling the sled. I really hope the farm is taking great care of the dogs, and our money is being used properly not only for the human staffs but also the dogs!
Finally we were able to convince Ms. Cho to take pictures with the dogs!
Fifth Destination: Ningle Terrace
Ningle Terrace is a charming forest shopping village in Furano, made up of small wooden cottages connected by lantern-lit boardwalks. Inspired by the stories of Japanese author Soji Shimada, the terrace features artisan craft shops selling handmade glass, candles, and local souvenirs. Surrounded by trees and softly illuminated at night, it creates a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere that makes it one of Furano’s most photogenic and romantic evening spots.
Visit Date: 2026 February 4th
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511
Entrance Fee: FREE
We arrived a couple of minutes early for the light up, thanks to Ms. Cho amazing driving skill. We were a bit hungry so we first moved to the coffee shop in Ningle Terrace.
We only ordered few things in the coffee shop, and after eating and drinkin a bit, we proceeded to explore Ningle Terrace more.
Ningle Terrace is definitely a beautiful place for photoshoot. Here are some pictures from Ningle Terrace.
Sixth Destination: Sapporo Snow Festival 2026
We arrived back in Sapporo exactly at 7pm, Ms. Cho was really exhausted after long day of driving, so she went back home first. I was still sober so I decided to stay longer to guide our clients to the infamous Sapporo Snow Festival
Visit Date: 2026 February 4th
Address: 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, １〜１２丁目
Entrance Fee: FREE
Here are some pictures from the Snow Festival. We first visited the International Snow Festival and thank you to my lovely Sister-in-law, we were lucky enough to interact with Indonesian and Mongolian snow sculptor team!
Here are some other pictures from Sapporo Snow Festival 2026
Here is the video of this 1-day tour if you are interested to see.
Asahikawa Furano 1-day tour
It took us the whole day to complete this Asahikawa and Furano 1-day tour. Asahikawa and Furano is definitely some places that you should also visit if you come to Hokkaido. Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Special Thanks for Ms. Cho from KIMIKA HOLIDAY for driving us on that day! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
It was New Year on January 2nd, 2026, and I decided to help a 1-day tour in Noboribetsu (since I had nothing to do). Noboribetsu offers a unique winter travel experience, combining culture and nature through attractions like Date Jidai Mura and Noboribetsu Bear Park. Date Jidai Mura takes visitors back to the Edo period with traditional architecture, ninja shows, and historical performances, while Noboribetsu Bear Park provides a rare chance to see Hokkaido’s native brown bears up close against a snowy mountain backdrop.There are many places in Hokkaido that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
We departed from Sapporo and since Ms. Cho is an experienced driver, the ride was really smooth and I almost fell asleep. Sapporo was covered in snow that day, but the moment we entered the south part of Hokkaido along the coast, there was no snow on the road.
First Destination: Date Jidai Mura
Date Jidai Mura is a historical theme park in Noboribetsu that recreates life during Japan’s Edo period, featuring traditional streets, costumed performers, and live ninja and samurai shows. In winter, the snow-covered setting adds an atmospheric charm, making it feel like stepping into a scene from old Japan while enjoying interactive cultural experiences.
The moment we arrived in Noboribetsu, there was a red giant “Oni” statue welcoming us. The Date Jidai village was only few minutes drive from the giant Oni statue. Once we arrived in the village front gate, there were samurais and ninjas welcoming us!
Once we got inside, apparently our guests decided to do merchandise shopping in the beginning. So we went straight to a shop. The shop sells some ninja-themed toys, from wooden swords and shuriken. They toy looks real, so hopefully they still could pass airport security!
There was also another shop that offers game for kids, like target shooting game and wheel of fortune.
After buying enough souvenirs, we proceeded more inside the village. The village itself is replica of Japan during Edo period, there were also some staffs dressed in Ninja or Samurai costumes, making the atmosphere even more convincing
There was also a small alleyway that was filled with ancient-style Japanese houses that also had mannequin of people living on that era. It looked creepy at first, but eventually I found it fascinating. Make sure you do not miss this small alley when you visit this place.
Geisha show
After doing a bit of exploration, we then proceeded to watch Geisha show. This show was held only few times in a day, so make sure you check the schedule before hand. We were lucky that we arrived just around half an hour before the Geisha show.
This show is definitely one of the most interesting, since they would pick random adult male from the audience to play as the “shogun”. In the end of the show, if you want to, you can use a white paper that you were got in the front door, fill it with money or snacks and throw it towards the stage as a form of tipping (This is what they did during Edo period).
Ninja Show
After enjoying the Geisha show, we proceeded to next building to watch another scheduled Ninja show. Again, in the entrance, you will be handed over a white paper that you will fill with either Japanese currency or snacks as tip. The ninja show was quite entertaining, action-filled and full of surprised. Make sure you do not miss this show when you visit this village.
Samurai show
After the ninja show, we proceeded to watch the Samurai show, this show was also equally as interesting as other two shows, having its own comedic charm. Again, in the end of the show, you can use white paper given to you in the entrance to be filled with either Japanese currency or snacks as tip.
Costume Rental
Our guests felt like want to immerse more into the Edo era, so they decided to rent costume for a whole family. The costume fee is separate fee, and they have different types of costumes for adults, kids, and both genders. I was a crappy photographer so the photo result was not that great.
Second Destination: Noboribetsu Bear Park
After spending hours in Date Jidai Village, we then proceeded to Noboribetsu Bear Park. Noboribetsu Bear Park is a popular mountain attraction where visitors can observe Hokkaido’s native brown bears in a natural setting accessible by ropeway. During winter, the snowy landscape enhances the experience, offering memorable views of playful bears against a white backdrop and making it a unique stop for wildlife lovers visiting Noboribetsu.
The bear park is located on the top of a mountain. So we need to first take a cable car to reach the park. The ticket fee has included round trip cable car trip. It was quite windy that day so the ride was quite bumpy.
Inside every cable car, there was a cute teddy bear sitting on the seat. The ride itself took only few minutes, but we could see a great scenery during the ride to the top.
The park itself is not only filled with bears, there were also other small exhibits that shows other animals, like squirrels and ducks.
Visitors can feed the bears, and the bears know about it, since we could see some of the bears begging for foods. Make sure you only feed the bears with foods sold inside the bear park. Not only seeing bears, but you can also see great scenery from the park.
We were a bit curious about the “human cage” attraction, so we decided to enter the small corridor to see what is inside. Apparently it was a glass cage in which visitors can see the bears up close as well as feeding the bears using a safe device. Our guests bought some bear foods from a vending machine and feed them directly to the lucky bears. Make sure you put the foods inside the device when the bear is around, otherwise it would become crows’ foods!
Since it was a bit chilly on the park, we decided to end our visit early, so we took a cable car back down the hill. The trip down was also equally as pleasant!
Here is the video of this 1-day tour if you are interested to see.
Noboribetsu 1-day tour
It took us the whole day to complete this Noboribetsu 1-day tour. Noboribetsu is definitely one place that you should also visit if you come to Hokkaido. Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Special Thanks for Ms. Cho from KIMIKA HOLIDAY for driving us on that day! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
It was New Year on January 1st, 2026, and we decided to help a 1-day tour in Otaru (since we had nothing to do). Otaru in winter transforms into a picturesque port town blanketed in snow, offering one of the most romantic and nostalgic atmospheres in Hokkaido. Historic warehouses, stone streets, and the famous Otaru Canal are beautifully illuminated against the winter landscape, creating perfect photo opportunities both day and night. The town’s cold-season charm is enhanced by fresh seafood, and warm cafés, Otaru is an ideal destination for a relaxing 1-day winter trip from Sapporo. There are many places in Hokkaido that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
First Destination: Otaru Aquarium
Located along Otaru’s rugged coastline, Otaru Aquarium is a popular winter attraction that offers a unique look at marine life in Hokkaido’s cold climate. During winter, the aquarium is especially famous for its penguin snow walks, where penguins waddle through the snowy paths, creating a magical seasonal experience. Visitors can also see seals, sea lions, and other marine animals adapted to icy waters, all while enjoying scenic views of the Sea of Japan.
The first show we watched was dolphin and seal shows located in a building inside the Otaru Aquarium area. It was New year so it was quite packed with tourists.
After enjoying the dolphin and seal show, we proceeded outside to watch penguin walk show, which is one of the famous attraction of Otaru Aquarium. Make sure you check the schedule to make sure you do not miss this show.
The penguin walk was held outside so it was a bit cold, so we decided to get back inside to the aquarium area. You can see many different types of sea animals, from shark, stingray, and even some river fish like Arapaima Gigas from Amazon!
Second Destination: Sakaimachi Street
We spent around 3 hours in Otaru Aquarium, and we were quite starving, so we decided to proceed straight to Sakaimachi Street. Sakaimachi Street is the heart of Otaru’s historic shopping district and a must-visit stop on any winter tour. Lined with beautifully preserved buildings, glass workshops, souvenir shops, and dessert cafés, the street becomes especially charming when covered in snow. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as LeTAO cheesecake, Hokkaido dairy sweets, and seafood snacks while strolling through the atmospheric winter scenery.
We first went to a LeTao store, famous for its cakes and sweets. There are many other famous sweets shops in Sakaimachi street, like Rokkatei, and other local shops as well. But since the time was limited, we only went to LeTao, this is because our clients love cheese so much.
After enjoying some sweets and shopping, we proceeded to explore the street a bit more. We were planning to go to the Orgel Museum, but it was closed by the time we get there. It was first day of the year, so the closing time was a bit too early. Even without visiting the museum, Sakaimachi street is still a great place to explore in the winter, specially during the evening time where the illumination mix well with the snow and old-style buildings.
Third Destination: Otaru Canal
After strolling Sakaimachi street, it was already dark and it was great timing to go to Otaru Canal. Otaru Canal in winter at night is magical, with snow-covered paths illuminated by warm gas lamps reflecting on the calm water. The softly lit stone warehouses create a romantic, peaceful atmosphere, making it one of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter evening scenes.
Visit Date: 2026 January 1st
Address: Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007
Denuki Alley Fire Watchtower
Along the canal, there is an old fire watchtower that you can actually climb. Denenuki Koji’s Hinomiyagura (Fire Watchtower) is a charming symbol of Otaru’s nostalgic atmosphere, inspired by traditional Edo-period fire lookout towers. Located along the historic Denenuki Koji alley, it adds a touch of old-town character and is especially photogenic when lit up at night. On the top of this watchtower, you can see great scenery of Otaru in the winter.
Here is the video of this 1-day tour if you are interested to see.
Otaru 1-day tour
It took us the whole day to complete this Otaru 1-day tour. Otaru is definitely one place that you should also visit Sapporo if you come to Hokkaido. Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Special Thanks for Ms. Cho from KIMIKA HOLIDAY for driving us on that day! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
It was mid December and we did not have enough guides to help our clients, so my wife decided to help for this one day. Our clients on that day was a nice and lovely Muslim family from Singapore. So I asked my wife to take them to Muslim-friendly places in Sapporo, and yes, there are quite a lot of Muslim-friendly places in Sapporo! There are many places in Hokkaido that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
First Destination: Mount Okura
We started the day by going to Mount Okura, which is located in the west part of Sapporo. It was early in the morning so there was no one there. It felt that we had the whole places for ourselves.
After strolling a bit, we took the cable car straight to the observation deck. It was the first time for the family to take a cable car, so they were a bit scared, but the staffs there were able to assist us, so we were able to take the cable car without any problem.
On the observation deck, there is a small cafe in which you can buy a delicious soft cream while see Sapporo City from above. There is also a paid telescope in which you can use to spy some random people in the city.
After enjoying the observation deck, we went down by the same cable cars. The trip down was equally as fun!
Second Destination: Hokkaido Shrine
After enjoying Mount Okura, we then proceeded to Hokkaido Shrine, one of the most famous shrine in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, before we proceeded inside the shrine area, we decided to take quick snack in “Rokkatei” shop nearby the shrine area.
Visit Date: 2025 December 17th
Address: 474-48 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959
We bought some red bean rice cake and hot tea for lunch that day. My wife ensured that there is no alcohol or pork contained in the sweet cakes! 100% Halal!
My lunch on that day:
After finishing our “lunch”, we proceeded straight to the Hokkaido Shrine inside area. Ms. Cho, our tour leader, quickly guided us to the inside of the shrine. We saw a “cleansing well” outside the main gate. My wife showed the way to properly cleanse ourselves before entering the shrine. “wash your left hand”, “wash your right hand” and then “rinse your mouth”. This custom is completely optional though.
The inside of the shrine was beautiful, the family took a lot of pictures inside. Beautiful design of the temple mixed with snow fall is really amazing object to be photographed.
Third Destination: Jozankei Onsen Town
After walking around Hokkaido Shrine, we proceeded to Jozankei Onsen Town. We realized that the “lunch” in Rokkatei was not enough, so we decided to stop in a restaurant near Jozankei that also serves Halal foods!
The Halal foods served here is Indian curry with nan bread, my wife is not a muslim, but she really enjoys halal foods also because of the taste. Not only the food was good, but the scenery from the window was also amazing.
Jozankei Onsen Town
After enjoying our delicious second lunch, we proceeded to Jozankei Onsen town. The Onsen town area consists of different hotels and businesses built on the top of natural hot spring. Traditional Japanese architecture really combines well with the natural charm of Hokkaido hot spring.
Apparently the second lunch was not enough, so we decided to eat boiled eggs, that we boiled ourselves using natural heat from the hot spring. We first bought the eggs from nearby stores and go to this area shown in the map where we can both soak our feet and boil eggs. Make sure you do NOT boil the eggs in the same pond you soak your feet!
After around 15 minutes soaking our feet in warm hot spring water, we went back to check on our eggs. We were not sure if the eggs were properly boiled or not, so we could only hope for the best. So we went back to the store we bought the egg from and took our 3rd lunch there.
After finishing our third lunch, we decided to take a walk to the infamous red bridge which is located within the Onsen Town premises. The bridge is connected to a forest, so I was a bit worried about bear attack, but since it was winter already, the bears should be sleeping already. Also, my wife can be scarier than bears, so I was not that worried.
Even though the road was icy, Ms. Cho is a great and professional tour operator, so we were able to finish the tour safely without any issue. Here is the video of this 1-day tour if you are interested to see.
Sapporo 1-day Halal tour
It took us the whole day to complete this Sapporo 1-day Muslim-friendly tour. Sapporo is definitely one place that offers more Muslim-friendly businesses, so if you are a Muslim, you should also visit Sapporo if you come to Hokkaido. Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Special Thanks for Ms. Cho from KIMIKA HOLIDAY for guiding us on that day! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園) in Sapporo is not just a summer cycling spot—winter is actually one of the best seasons to visit. Designed by famous artist Isamu Noguchi, this massive art park transforms into a breathtaking snow-covered landscape from December to March, creating a peaceful, white world perfect for outdoor activities. The park is easily accessible by bus from Sakaemachi Station or Kanjō-dōri-Higashi Station, making it an ideal half-day winter trip for travelers staying in Sapporo.
One of the highlights of Moerenuma Park in winter is sledding from the top of Mount Moere (Moere-yama). The slope is long, gentle, and safe for all ages—perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy a classic Hokkaido winter experience.
Sleds can be rented inside the park for a small fee.
The hill offers fantastic views of the snowy landscape
You can ride as many times as you like—it’s surprisingly addictive!
It’s one of the most enjoyable and budget-friendly winter activities in Sapporo.
Even if you don’t plan to sled, climbing Mount Moere is highly recommended in winter. The view from the top is spectacular: wide open snowfields, geometric park designs, and the snowy mountains surrounding Sapporo. The hike takes only 10–15 minutes, but it can be windy—so dress warmly.
BONUS: What to Expect when there is no Snow
Although winter is magical, Moerenuma Park is also beautiful in spring, especially during the cherry blossom season. The Forest of Cherry Trees features more than 2,000 sakura trees, Spring is lively, colorful, and perfect for relaxing after a long Hokkaido winter.
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
The Sapporo Hana Festa 2024 is a vibrant celebration of flowers and nature held in the heart of Sapporo, Japan. This annual festival showcases a stunning array of floral displays, themed gardens, and horticultural exhibits that transform Odori Park and its surroundings into a colorful paradise. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including flower arrangement workshops and some cultural performances, making it a perfect event for families and flower enthusiasts. The festival aims to promote environmental awareness and the beauty of seasonal blooms, creating a delightful experience that highlights the unique charm of Sapporo in spring. Do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
Sapporo Flower Festival Hana Festa 2024: Starting Point
My wife and I was just finishing an appointment near Sapporo Shiryokan in 13 chome, so we decided to first start from the west part of Odori Park. Even though the event area is in 4 – 8 chome area, this part of the area is also filled with beautiful flowers!
Sapporo Flower Festival Hana Festa 2024: Festival Area
There were a lot of miniature gardens within the park that were either crafted by volunteers or professionals. Regardless, these miniature gardens are really stunning! Here are some of the best mini gardens in my own highly-subjective opinion.
Sapporo Flower Festival Hana Festa 2024: Selling Area
If you are really mesmerized by the flowers that are on display, you can also buy some of them in the selling area. Not only flowers, but also some garden decorations that you can buy to make your own garden more beautiful!
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo stands as a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts and curious wanderers alike. This immersive zoological wonderland is more than just a collection of enclosures; it’s a living testament to Japan’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare. As you meander through the lush pathways of Maruyama Zoo, the symphony of animal sounds and the rustling of leaves create a harmonious atmosphere, transporting you to diverse habitats from around the globe. From the majestic polar bears to the playful red pandas, every resident of Maruyama Zoo contributes to a tapestry of biodiversity, making it a compelling destination for those yearning to connect with the natural world. Join me on an exploration of this remarkable sanctuary, where education, conservation, and the sheer joy of encountering fascinating creatures seamlessly blend into an unforgettable experience. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
Maruyama Zoo area is a huge area containing various different animals, not only animals that can only be discovered in Japan, but also from all over the world! Animals exhibit are separated mostly based on their habitat and types. Primates (chimps, baboons, orangutans, gorillas and etc) exhibit located close to each other. There were also wolves and hyenas exhibit located inside the zoo!
Baboon in primate exhibit
Chimps have their own names!
Wolf exhibit
If you want to see bears, you can check out the bear exhibits. Brown and Polar bears are located separately. You can watch Polar Bears swimming around inside an aquarium! You can also check a giant bird cages, in which the temperature is maintained to mimic tropical habitat of the birds!
Brown Bears exhibit
Up close and personal with Polar Bear
Peacock (birds exhibit)
You can also check the reptilian/ amphibian exhibits, in which you can watch different types of reptilian/ amphibians, ranging from giant tortoise, poisonous frogs, and even crocodiles! There are many shops inside the zoo, ranging from merchandise shop as well as restaurants you can dine in (a bit expensive inside so it is better to bring your own foods). It took me around 3 hours to fully explore the zoo, and this spot is one of recommended spot to visit in Sapporo, Hokkaido! Of course the photos shown in this blog does not represent all the animals inside the zoo! You should explore the zoo yourself!
monitor lizard in reptilian exhibit
Tortoise in reptilian exhibit
Bonus photo from elephant exhibit
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
