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White summer in Hokkaido: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary
"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates on your favorite documentaries, follow also the official Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs.
It's summer, the time of the year when many Pinoys go to the beach or lock themselves up in air-conditioned rooms. If you’re tired of the heat and want a summer like no other, try something different and spend it in a place where it is almost always winter. In this itinerary, Biyahero Drew Arellano shows you how to have a white summer in Hokkaido, Japan.
How to get there
Travel to Hokkaido by plane. A flight from Manila to Tokyo takes four hours. From Narita Airport, you can fly to Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport. Drew and the "Biyahe ni Drew" team flew with Japan Airlines, the official flag carrier of Japan.
Where to go
Niseko Village
Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan
If snow is your main purpose for going to Hokkaido, don't pass up the chance to go to Niseko Village during the months of August to April. This village is considered one of the favorite winter destinations in Japan since it is covered with powdery white snow for eight months a year. There are numerous ski resorts in Niseko where you can try skiing, snow rafting, snowboarding and snow mobiles. Snowboard and ski equipment rentals start at ¥5,300 or P1,980 per day. If you are a first time snowboarder like Drew, you can hire a private coach for ¥28,000 or approximately P10,000 per two hours per person.
Otaru
Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan
Approximately two hours away from Niseko is the city of Otaru, which is famous for its fresh seafoods. Sushi lovers will definitely have fun eating at the restos in Otaru since they have everything: salmon, eel, roe, scallops, shrimp, and more. You can even watch a master sushi maker prepare sashimi right in front of you. Drew, who confessed that he doesn't eat sashimi often, says, "It's a sin not to taste fresh sashimi here in Otaru."
Otaru is also known for its handmade glassware. In fact, there are several stores and a museum showcasing the intricate glass ornaments produced in the city. Tourists can also enroll in workshops where they can learn how to create customized glasses and cups.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
The original recipe for Sapporo beer was created back in 1870s to establish an industry in Hokkaido. Today, this recipe can still be tasted at Sapporo Beer Museum. In this museum, tourists can learn about Sapporo's beer making process and the proper way of drinking beer. The museum also has a garden where you can drink beer with premium cuts of lamb. According to Drew, "I'm no beer connoisseur but I love beer and this is beer heaven!"
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Entrance fee: ¥600 per person
Built in 1951, Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is the first zoo in Hokkaido. It is home to different kinds of winter animals. They have penguins, red pandas, black bears, and snow leopards. If you are going to travel with your kids, they will surely enjoy this place.
Where to eat
Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant
Niseko Village, Hokkaido
Who could resist a warm bowl of soup when the temperature is as low as -4°C? The Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant is one of the many dining places in Niseko Village. Some of the food favorites in this resto are their tofu, salmon, crab, mushrooms, shrimps, and scallops. You can combine the ingredients of your choice to make a hotpot. Drew has three words to describe the seafood served in this resto: "So fresh. Perfection."
Where to stay
Green Leaf Hotel
Niseko Village, Hokkaido
Room rates start at ¥18,000 per night
Soaking in the onsen or public bath is so much better when you can do it in the middle of snowcapped rocks and pine trees. The outdoor bath area is just one of Drew and the crew's favorite thing about the Green Leaf Hotel. Drew also loved the dining place that offers a view of the snow-covered landscape outside. The posh and cozy rooms have heated seats, a television, an audio system, and a huge window overlooking Niseko's ski area.
Hokkaido's white snow is definitely tempting for Biyaheros used to spending their vacation under the sun. However, Hokkaido's shopping districts, museums, and restaurants prove that it is more than a winter destination.
It's summer, the time of the year when many Pinoys go to the beach or lock themselves up in air-conditioned rooms. If you’re tired of the heat and want a summer like no other, try something different and spend it in a place where it is almost always winter. In this itinerary, Biyahero Drew Arellano shows you how to have a white summer in Hokkaido, Japan.
How to get there
Travel to Hokkaido by plane. A flight from Manila to Tokyo takes four hours. From Narita Airport, you can fly to Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport. Drew and the "Biyahe ni Drew" team flew with Japan Airlines, the official flag carrier of Japan.
Where to go
Niseko Village
Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan
If snow is your main purpose for going to Hokkaido, don't pass up the chance to go to Niseko Village during the months of August to April. This village is considered one of the favorite winter destinations in Japan since it is covered with powdery white snow for eight months a year. There are numerous ski resorts in Niseko where you can try skiing, snow rafting, snowboarding and snow mobiles. Snowboard and ski equipment rentals start at ¥5,300 or P1,980 per day. If you are a first time snowboarder like Drew, you can hire a private coach for ¥28,000 or approximately P10,000 per two hours per person.
Otaru
Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan
Approximately two hours away from Niseko is the city of Otaru, which is famous for its fresh seafoods. Sushi lovers will definitely have fun eating at the restos in Otaru since they have everything: salmon, eel, roe, scallops, shrimp, and more. You can even watch a master sushi maker prepare sashimi right in front of you. Drew, who confessed that he doesn't eat sashimi often, says, "It's a sin not to taste fresh sashimi here in Otaru."
Otaru is also known for its handmade glassware. In fact, there are several stores and a museum showcasing the intricate glass ornaments produced in the city. Tourists can also enroll in workshops where they can learn how to create customized glasses and cups.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
The original recipe for Sapporo beer was created back in 1870s to establish an industry in Hokkaido. Today, this recipe can still be tasted at Sapporo Beer Museum. In this museum, tourists can learn about Sapporo's beer making process and the proper way of drinking beer. The museum also has a garden where you can drink beer with premium cuts of lamb. According to Drew, "I'm no beer connoisseur but I love beer and this is beer heaven!"
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Entrance fee: ¥600 per person
Built in 1951, Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is the first zoo in Hokkaido. It is home to different kinds of winter animals. They have penguins, red pandas, black bears, and snow leopards. If you are going to travel with your kids, they will surely enjoy this place.
Where to eat
Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant
Niseko Village, Hokkaido
Who could resist a warm bowl of soup when the temperature is as low as -4°C? The Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant is one of the many dining places in Niseko Village. Some of the food favorites in this resto are their tofu, salmon, crab, mushrooms, shrimps, and scallops. You can combine the ingredients of your choice to make a hotpot. Drew has three words to describe the seafood served in this resto: "So fresh. Perfection."
Where to stay
Green Leaf Hotel
Niseko Village, Hokkaido
Room rates start at ¥18,000 per night
Soaking in the onsen or public bath is so much better when you can do it in the middle of snowcapped rocks and pine trees. The outdoor bath area is just one of Drew and the crew's favorite thing about the Green Leaf Hotel. Drew also loved the dining place that offers a view of the snow-covered landscape outside. The posh and cozy rooms have heated seats, a television, an audio system, and a huge window overlooking Niseko's ski area.
Hokkaido's white snow is definitely tempting for Biyaheros used to spending their vacation under the sun. However, Hokkaido's shopping districts, museums, and restaurants prove that it is more than a winter destination.
