Postcards: From Hokkaido
Here are some random things I noticed in Hokkaido.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Hokkaido, the northern province of Japan. Hokkaido is a separate island connected by road, rail, and air to the other islands of Japan. So here are some random observations I made as we flew into Sapporo (the capital of Hokkaido province), hired a car and drove around Hokkaido.
Some Pictures
Here are some of my observations
About Airlines and Air travel
ANA Airlines has more leg space than Singapore Airlines. Their aisles also seem to be a bit wider.
The ANA safety video instructions for the hearing challenged seemed far more aggressive. I need to check up on that.
Sapporo Airport opens at 6AM with a public ceremony at the end of it most of the counter crew from all airlines greet the waiting passengers.
Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan, home to 2 million people. It is pretty widespread, but the city essentially shuts down by 8:30 pm. That is true for most of Hokkaido; try to get dinner finished by 9 pm max.
An interesting incident happened on our first day in Sapporo. We reached our hotel at about 9 p.m. and asked if we would find any restaurants open then. Our hotel manager suggested one option and also some 24x7 family marts that carry eatables (sandwiches and stuff). As is my usual habit, I asked her if it was safe to walk to the restaurant or the shop. My god, was she offended! “Of course! This is Japan!” she said.
Food in Hokkaido:
Food is generally good in Japan. It is also cheaper than other parts of the world.
Most restaurants are small operations
We found various Nepali restaurants all over Hokkaido. We even found Wai Wai in one of the restaurants!
In Sapporo, we visited a restaurant serving authentic South Indian Thali made by a Japanese cook. Do visit Curry and Spice, Sapporo if you like South Indian Thali. Fuku Noki had good Ramen. (Ramai Sapporo just opposite Fuku Noki was also recommended but we did not get an opportunity to try it.)
The best breakfast we had was in Clock Tower Cafe in Bihoro.
Vegan Ramen in Asahikawa was good too.
Cars and Trucks in Hokkaido were almost all Japanese. Most were Toyotas, Nissans, Hondas, Mitsibishi etc. Trucks were Hinos, Isuzus etc. I saw a 2 or 3 German cars and 5-7 Jeeps. But no Kias/Hyundais/Fords/Chevys etc.
Driving in Hokkaido:
The interesting bit is that car rentals are booked in advance. You can hire a car directly from Toyota, Nissan, or Honda.
Times car rental is good, too. They also operate parking spaces all over Hokkaido.
Japan roads accept tolls by cash or through ETC system. The ETC cards need to be booked in advance. All vehicles come using ETC device but not a card.
I got a Nissan X-Trail again for this trip. It is a good car and I have no complaints about the car.
The car also loudly announced certain information based on some radio system. These announcements are exclusively in Japanese. Sometimes, it would alert me to a rail crossing or something.
My Nissan came with a mirror attachment that would make announcements in Japanese, too.
So we have 3 voices (including Siri) talking to me! It was weird.
Wildlife in the open
Deers and foxes seem to roam around the place without a care.
We found deer grazing in community gardens and foxes crossing roads.
Some of the deer I encountered driving at night did not cross the road, so I still cannot confirm what exactly happens when you get a “deer in headlights”.
I have probably seen a lot more animals on the road in Hokkaido than any other place.
Language Problems
Well, not many people speak English in Japan.
We managed using the translate app on our phones.
Trekking and hiking
Every country I have been to has its unique ways of explaining hikes. But if you converse long enough, they will tell you.
Unfortunately, in Japan, we cannot converse too much. Many trails are not correctly marked. So, you need to be careful about going on hikes alone. Go only with experienced hikers or guides.
You will need proper bug spray in Japan during summer. I do not use bug spray, but I tell you that Japanese bugs are in a different league. Some places, like Lake Mashu, have such persistent bugs that we ran away from that place.
Daisetsuzan National Park is a large National park at the very heart of Hokkaido. With the tallest peak Asahi Dake, it has many more peaks and trails to explore. Again please take proper instruction and detailed maps for the treks.
Shiretoko National Park is more accessible if you have a car. There are many hikes and treks within the park. The trails and routes are controlled during the bear season do research in advance.
Places we visited
Sapporo is a big city which makes it easier food wise. We do not like big cities so we did not spend much time in Sapporo.
Asahikawa is second largest city also quite close to Sapporo.
Hakodate is another city to visit if you have an interest in cities. We did not visit Hakkodate
Otaru is a quick drive from Sapporo. Its main attraction is the canal which is quite scenic. The drive is good too.
Furano is a must-visit. It is a major ski destination but it is quite interesting during summers as well.
Biei and Kamifurano have lots of farms, lavender, sunflower farms. We visited Farm Tomita which is quite famous with lots of visitors. There are many small cafes and restaurants which serve interesting foods in the area. Lavender Soda is quite nice.
We spent a night at Obihiro just to break the journey. Between Furano and Obihiro you have various access points to Daisetsuzan National Park with some viewpoints.
Kushiro is a port city we drove through.
Lake Akan is a good place to stay and explore the Akan-Mashu National Park Area.
Bihoro is decent sized city. If you are in Bihoro do drop in to the clock tower cafe.
Shiretoko National Park is a must-see in good weather.
Some links
You can access some of the web pages I found helpful by clicking this link.