Hotels in Hokkaido open to snow outside the window, a fairy tale come true
Taking the kids to Hokkaido was truly the best decision we've ever made! The moment we landed, the kids were stunned and said, "Mom, have we come to the world of Frozen?" Thick powder snow, steaming hot springs, adorable penguins strolling, delicious Sapporo ramen—this 7-day, 6-night snow country trip was truly as beautiful as a fairy tale. The kids said this was the most fun place they've ever been and that they could talk about it forever.
❄️ The snow in Sapporo is incredibly healing
On the first day, we leisurely strolled around downtown Sapporo. The Snow Festival at Odori Park was absolutely stunning, with huge snow and ice sculptures that looked magical when lit up at night. The kids rolled in the snow, built snowmen, and had snowball fights, getting their hair wet but refusing to go back to the hotel. Shiroi Koibito Park is a must-visit, perfect for families! You can tour the chocolate factory, watch the entire chocolate-making process, and even make cookies by hand. The kids made a heart-shaped cookie and said they wanted to bring it home to grandma.
You can climb the Sapporo TV Tower for a panoramic view; the whole city covered in white snow is especially beautiful. Downstairs, Tanukikoji Shopping Street offers plenty of places to eat and shop, including drugstores, snack shops, and restaurants. You must try the melon ice cream—super sweet and rich. The kids ate two and wanted more. Don’t miss Sapporo ramen either; the miso broth is rich, and the chashu pork is tender. One bowl warms you up completely.
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🐧 Asahiyama Zoo is so adorable
We specifically set aside a day to visit Asahiyama Zoo just to see the penguin parade! It was incredibly cute—little penguins waddling right past you, so close the kids could almost touch them. Besides penguins, there are polar bears, seals, and red pandas, all very cute. The zoo is well designed for close-up viewing, and the kids were very excited, constantly saying how adorable everything was.
The penguin parade happens twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to get a good spot; otherwise, it’s too crowded to see. You can have lunch at Ramen Village right outside the zoo, which has 8 ramen shops famous throughout Hokkaido. Any choice is delicious. We had miso ramen, and the broth was so rich we drank it all.
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🚂 The romance of Otaru is unmatched
Otaru is perfect for photography! Snow by the canal, vintage gas lamps, European-style buildings—every shot looks like a masterpiece. The kids threw snowballs and laughed by the canal, and every photo turned out great. The Music Box Museum is a must-visit, with all kinds of music boxes. When the music plays, it’s especially romantic. The kids picked a little train music box and loved it.
The glassware at Kitaichi Glass is stunning, and you can try glassblowing. The kids made a small cup, which was a bit crooked but very meaningful. Don’t miss the sweets at Rokkatei—strawberry chocolate sandwich cookies are delicious, and we bought many as souvenirs. LeTAO’s cheesecake is also a must-try, melting in your mouth with a rich milky flavor.
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♨️ Noboribetsu Onsen is so relaxing
We spent the last two days soaking in Noboribetsu’s hot springs, which was incredibly refreshing. The scenery at Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is breathtaking, with steaming volcanic craters and a strong sulfur smell, making you feel like you’ve entered another world. At the Bear Park, you can feed the bears; the big bears wave their paws for food and are very smart. The kids had a great time feeding them.
Soaking in the outdoor hot springs at night while watching snowflakes fall is a truly magical experience. You must try the onsen eggs—the whites are tender, and the yolks are half-runny, especially delicious dipped in soy sauce. The hotel’s kaiseki meals are exquisite, featuring seafood, wagyu beef, and sushi, each dish very tasty.
Taking kids to Hokkaido means no rushing itinerary—just playing in the snow, soaking in hot springs, and enjoying delicious food at a relaxed pace. We’ll definitely come back next winter; it’s just too beautiful.
Accommodations
🏨 Sapporo Grand Hotel
Located in downtown Sapporo, close to Odori Park and Tanukikoji, convenient transportation, spacious and comfortable rooms
🏨 Asahikawa Station Front Daiwa Roynet Hotel
5-minute walk from Asahikawa Station, convenient for the zoo, with a large public bath to relax and refresh
🏨 Otaru Orison Hotel
Located by the canal, with windows opening to the Otaru Canal, vintage European style, perfect for photos
🏨 Noboribetsu Dai-ichi Takimotokan
A long-established hot spring inn in Noboribetsu, excellent spring quality, outdoor snow-view hot springs, exquisite and delicious kaiseki cuisine
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