Halfway through Hokkaido: From Sapporo to Lake Toya, Encounter the Beautiful Winter Scenery

The long-awaited trip to Hokkaido finally came true in 2025. Although I only completed half of the journey, from Sapporo to Noboribetsu to Lake Toya, every step was full of surprises. Hokkaido was different from what I imagined: First, the climate was quite unexpected. Despite the same low temperature of minus 15 degrees, the cold in Hokkaido didn't seem as biting as in the northeast. Here, even without gloves, I could easily take out my phone to capture the beautiful scenery in front of me, and my fingers didn't feel too cold. Second, I was surprised by how early the sunset was in Hokkaido. At four o'clock in the afternoon, the sky began to darken, and night fell quickly. This unique dark mode added a touch of mystery and romance to my journey. At Lake Toya, I was deeply attracted by the snow scene in front of me. Without any filters, every frame was like a precious photo in life. The distant Mount Yotei was as magnificent as Mount Fuji, making me feel awe. Here, I played in the snow, admired the snow, and enjoyed the purity and beauty of nature. The scenery of Lake Toya was undoubtedly my favorite among the three places I visited. Noboribetsu's Hell Valley gave me another kind of shock. The strong smell of sulfur seemed to tell the magic and power of nature. In the hot spring, known as the best in Japan, I spent two days soaking comfortably, and my body and mind were greatly relaxed. Although there were relatively few food choices in Noboribetsu, the sukiyaki and barbecue at the NOBOJIN restaurant downstairs of the hotel impressed me, and the taste was quite good. Sapporo was a charming city. The atmosphere of Kushidori Izakaya was intoxicating, and the food and wine intertwined to create beautiful moments. The Sapporo milk ice cream on the first floor of the JR station was unforgettable. Even at 8:45 pm, there was still a long line waiting. I was lucky to grab the last one, and the rich milk flavor and just-right sweetness made me want to recommend it to everyone. In addition, I planned to go to the shop next to Tanukikoji to taste curry soup noodles to satisfy my appetite. Although this trip to Hokkaido was only halfway, it left a deep impression on me. In the future, I look forward to continuing to explore this beautiful land and writing my own Hokkaido story.