Advertisement

The Travel Diary: Things to do in Hokkaido, Japan

Otaru in Hokkaido, Japan.

If you're looking for that perfect winter getaway during the Christmas holiday, look no further. Hokkaido, the second largest island in Japan, has one of the world's best ski terrains, and fluffy snow all around for everyone looking for some powdery fun.

Still trying to figure out what to buy and what to do this Christmas 2011, check our Christmas Guide!

We find the best places to visit in this winter wonderland.

Where to stay

La Vista Hakodate provides a stunning view of the Hakodate bay and Kanamori Red Brick buildings, perfect for a romantic stay.

Why La Vista Hakodate? Simple. Located just in front of the Hakodate Bay (15-minute walk from JR Hakodate Train Station), the 13-storey hotel features six types of natural hot-spring baths and a healing spa, all of which offer spectacular views of Hakodate as they're situated on the top floor of the building. Even on its own, the hotel is the perfect Christmas getaway.

All of the 350 guestrooms include free Internet, a flat-screen satellite TV and a unique coffee maker. While some rooms offer views of Hakodate Harbour, all have an en suite bathroom with massaging shower.

For dinner options, choose amongst a Japanese buffet, Spanish fine dining or Shabu-shabu venues within La Vista Hakodate. Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club is also situated next to the hotel.

Where to eat

MIKUNI Sapporo is one of the most celebrated French restaurants in Sapporo, perched atop JR Sapporo Station.

Located on the ninth floor of Stellar Place, MIKUNI Sapporo is a French restaurant by Kiyomi Mikuni, one of Hokkaido's best-known chefs. The combination of fresh Hokkaido produce served as a French cuisine by a Japanese chef is truly unique.

Although you won't have to think much about what to order as the restaurant only serves set meals (which change every season), the wine list is extensive, so sommeliers are on hand advise on wine pairing.

To avoid disappointment (or a seriously long wait), reservations are strongly recommended here.

Where to visit

The Furano ski resort offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from ski-in ski-out hotels, to cottages and Japanese guesthouses.

Furano is best known for being Hokkaido's ski resort town, with some of the best powder runs in Asia. Located in the centre of Hokkaido, and with an annual snowfall of nine metres, Furano has some of the driest powder snow you will find anywhere in the world.

Furano also provides magnificent views of the Tokachidake mountain range while you glide down the mountain. Don't get too distracted by the scenery though as there's a 957-metre vertical drop. The area's 10 lifts including the fastest cable car in Japan, as well as 23 ski trails to suit both first timers as well as professionals.

If you already have plans for the Christmas holiday, head to Hokkaido in February for the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan's largest winter events. For seven days in February (6 - 12 Feburary this year), hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures line Odori Park, Community Dome Tsudome, as well as the main street of Susukino, turning Sapporo into a winter dreamland.

Head over to LifestyleAsia.com for the full details on things to do in Hokkaido and how to get there.

Related articles: If you're still looking for other places to enjoy this Christmas, Seoul, Shanghai and Bali could be good alternatives. To get your regular travelling fix, check out our Asia travel stories from LifestyleAsia.com