GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Filtered By: Newstv
NewsTV
Hokkaido on a budget: Drew Arellano's tipid itinerary to Hokkaido, Japan
"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.
Did you think traveling to Hokkaido, Japan is too expensive for budget Biyaheros? Think again! In this itinerary, Drew Arellano proves that you can enjoy the best of Hokkaido without spending too much. Ikuzo!
How to get there
Traveling from Manila to Hokkaido takes around six hours by plane: four hours from Manila to Tokyo then another two hours from Tokyo to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
The "Biyahe ni Drew" team flew with Japan Airlines, our official Biyahe partner for our Hokkaido trip. There are Japan Airlines flights available at almost every hour so booking a trip to Tokyo is absolutely hassle-free.
Biyahero tip: Hokkaido is a tourist-friendly city. To avoid getting lost, stop by the tourist centers where maps and brochures are available in different languages.
Where to go
Orgel Doh
Otaru, Hokkaido
No entrance fee
There is a place in Otaru where you can immerse yourself in Japanese history and craftsmanship at the same time. Orgel Doh or Music Box Museum showcases a grand collection of music boxes of all shapes and sizes. There are music boxes that play classical music, music boxes that churn out modern tunes. And there are even music boxes that are big enough to fit a person in it.
The most important pieces of the collection are the biggest and oldest music boxes that are housed in a separate building and are played every hour. There is an automatic pipe organ from 1908, an automated grand piano from 1910, a clock music box from 1924, and an orchestra music box from 1850. The best part of Orgel Doh? It has no entrance fee. Now that's music to any Biyahero's ears!
Otaru Kihinkan
Otaru, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: ¥1000 or around P370
If Batangas and Vigan have heritage houses, Hokkaido also has a historical house that is worth a visit. Owned by a rich fisherman, Otaru Kihinkan is said to be a historical proof of how wealthy families lived in Hokkaido long ago. Many parts of the Kihinkan are made of handmade glass, an item that used to be very expensive to the locals. Today, the house is open for sightseeing and is also used as a venue for receptions, meetings and seminars.
Sapporo Clock Tower
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: ¥200 yen or around P100
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Hokkaido is the Sapporo Clock Tower. Originally made in Boston in 1878, the clock tower was a government office that was converted to a tourist site after World War II.
For Drew, visiting the clock tower is one of the rare times when he recommends Biyaheros to act like tourists. Take all the photos you want! "Alam n’yo yung pelikulang cartoons na 'Up'? Ito yun. Kasi parang surrounded by building [‘yung] maliit at lumang bahay."
Shiroi Koibito Park
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: ¥600 yen or around P200
Shiroi Koibito cookies are perfect for pasalubong but if you're the kind of person who wants to give personalized gifts, it is best to visit Shiroi Koibito Park.
Aside showing the history of the Shiroi Koibito cookies, the factory and museum give tourists the chance to make their own sweets. Just enter the factory, have your photo taken, bake your own cookies and wait for your personalized packaging to be printed! Drew says, "Sigurado, enjoy dito ang kids at kids at heart."
Where to eat
Izakaya Hana-gokoro
Otaru, Hokkaido
A trip to Japan is not complete without eating in an izakaya. These resto bars are often the favorite food destination of homebound employees or groups of friends who want to have a fun night out.
Drew had the chance to eat at Izakaya Hana-gokoro, a restaurant that serves food perfect for Otaru's cold weather: sashimi, soba, udon, steak and more. There is also the nabe, a Japanese hot pot made by boiling ingredients of your choice in a broth for five to ten minutes. Drew's nabe contained fresh seafood, chicken, veggies and fish. Don't forget to drink hot sake with your meal!
Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Want to try the freshest and most delicious crabs in Hokkaido without spending too much? Drop by the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. They have hairy crabs, spikey crabs, snow crabs and king crabs. The most popular crab among the locals is the hairy crab but tourists tend to love king crabs the most because of its size.
If you are lucky, you'll have the chance to see a stall that offers free taste for customers. The serving might be small but the food is absolutely great! You can also buy seafood and have it cooked in the stalls right away. Think Dampa!
LeTAO Cheesecake
Otaru, Hokkaido
After seafood and ramen, it's time to try the intricately-designed and equally delicious cheesecakes of Hokkaido. LeTAO Cheesecake is a famous cake shop in Otaru City and is located just across Orgel Doh. Drew shares what makes this shop a favorite among both locals and tourists: "Masarap siya. Hindi masyadong airy, hindi rin thick. Nasa gitna ng perfect at light!"
Where to stay
Hotel Sonia
Otaru, Hokkaido
Room rates start at P2,712 per room
To save on transportation costs, always choose a hotel that is close to the places you want to visit. The "Biyahe ni Drew" team stayed in Hotel Sonia, which offers accommodations at affordable prices. The rooms in this hotel are simple but expect a fully heated bathroom, complimentary green tea, and your own veranda when you stay here.
New Chitose Airport
Chitose, Hokkaido
It is always better for Biyaheros to arrive early in the airport to make sure that you will have enough time to accomplish all the immigration forms you need to fill out before leaving. Biyahero tip: If you are leaving Hokkaido, spend the night at the airport. They have outlet stores, ramen restaurants and an air terminal hotel that makes everything convenient for travelers.
Traveling in Japan is not cheap but if you know where to go, you will be able to save money without compromising your enjoyment. Don't let your dream vacation be just a dream. As the Biyahero mantra goes, "Trabaho, ipon, travel, enjoy!"
Did you think traveling to Hokkaido, Japan is too expensive for budget Biyaheros? Think again! In this itinerary, Drew Arellano proves that you can enjoy the best of Hokkaido without spending too much. Ikuzo!
How to get there
Traveling from Manila to Hokkaido takes around six hours by plane: four hours from Manila to Tokyo then another two hours from Tokyo to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
The "Biyahe ni Drew" team flew with Japan Airlines, our official Biyahe partner for our Hokkaido trip. There are Japan Airlines flights available at almost every hour so booking a trip to Tokyo is absolutely hassle-free.
Biyahero tip: Hokkaido is a tourist-friendly city. To avoid getting lost, stop by the tourist centers where maps and brochures are available in different languages.
Where to go
Orgel Doh
Otaru, Hokkaido
No entrance fee
There is a place in Otaru where you can immerse yourself in Japanese history and craftsmanship at the same time. Orgel Doh or Music Box Museum showcases a grand collection of music boxes of all shapes and sizes. There are music boxes that play classical music, music boxes that churn out modern tunes. And there are even music boxes that are big enough to fit a person in it.
The most important pieces of the collection are the biggest and oldest music boxes that are housed in a separate building and are played every hour. There is an automatic pipe organ from 1908, an automated grand piano from 1910, a clock music box from 1924, and an orchestra music box from 1850. The best part of Orgel Doh? It has no entrance fee. Now that's music to any Biyahero's ears!
Otaru Kihinkan
Otaru, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: ¥1000 or around P370
If Batangas and Vigan have heritage houses, Hokkaido also has a historical house that is worth a visit. Owned by a rich fisherman, Otaru Kihinkan is said to be a historical proof of how wealthy families lived in Hokkaido long ago. Many parts of the Kihinkan are made of handmade glass, an item that used to be very expensive to the locals. Today, the house is open for sightseeing and is also used as a venue for receptions, meetings and seminars.
Sapporo Clock Tower
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: ¥200 yen or around P100
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Hokkaido is the Sapporo Clock Tower. Originally made in Boston in 1878, the clock tower was a government office that was converted to a tourist site after World War II.
For Drew, visiting the clock tower is one of the rare times when he recommends Biyaheros to act like tourists. Take all the photos you want! "Alam n’yo yung pelikulang cartoons na 'Up'? Ito yun. Kasi parang surrounded by building [‘yung] maliit at lumang bahay."
Shiroi Koibito Park
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Entrance fee: ¥600 yen or around P200
Shiroi Koibito cookies are perfect for pasalubong but if you're the kind of person who wants to give personalized gifts, it is best to visit Shiroi Koibito Park.
Aside showing the history of the Shiroi Koibito cookies, the factory and museum give tourists the chance to make their own sweets. Just enter the factory, have your photo taken, bake your own cookies and wait for your personalized packaging to be printed! Drew says, "Sigurado, enjoy dito ang kids at kids at heart."
Where to eat
Izakaya Hana-gokoro
Otaru, Hokkaido
A trip to Japan is not complete without eating in an izakaya. These resto bars are often the favorite food destination of homebound employees or groups of friends who want to have a fun night out.
Drew had the chance to eat at Izakaya Hana-gokoro, a restaurant that serves food perfect for Otaru's cold weather: sashimi, soba, udon, steak and more. There is also the nabe, a Japanese hot pot made by boiling ingredients of your choice in a broth for five to ten minutes. Drew's nabe contained fresh seafood, chicken, veggies and fish. Don't forget to drink hot sake with your meal!
Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Want to try the freshest and most delicious crabs in Hokkaido without spending too much? Drop by the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. They have hairy crabs, spikey crabs, snow crabs and king crabs. The most popular crab among the locals is the hairy crab but tourists tend to love king crabs the most because of its size.
If you are lucky, you'll have the chance to see a stall that offers free taste for customers. The serving might be small but the food is absolutely great! You can also buy seafood and have it cooked in the stalls right away. Think Dampa!
LeTAO Cheesecake
Otaru, Hokkaido
After seafood and ramen, it's time to try the intricately-designed and equally delicious cheesecakes of Hokkaido. LeTAO Cheesecake is a famous cake shop in Otaru City and is located just across Orgel Doh. Drew shares what makes this shop a favorite among both locals and tourists: "Masarap siya. Hindi masyadong airy, hindi rin thick. Nasa gitna ng perfect at light!"
Where to stay
Hotel Sonia
Otaru, Hokkaido
Room rates start at P2,712 per room
To save on transportation costs, always choose a hotel that is close to the places you want to visit. The "Biyahe ni Drew" team stayed in Hotel Sonia, which offers accommodations at affordable prices. The rooms in this hotel are simple but expect a fully heated bathroom, complimentary green tea, and your own veranda when you stay here.
New Chitose Airport
Chitose, Hokkaido
It is always better for Biyaheros to arrive early in the airport to make sure that you will have enough time to accomplish all the immigration forms you need to fill out before leaving. Biyahero tip: If you are leaving Hokkaido, spend the night at the airport. They have outlet stores, ramen restaurants and an air terminal hotel that makes everything convenient for travelers.
Traveling in Japan is not cheap but if you know where to go, you will be able to save money without compromising your enjoyment. Don't let your dream vacation be just a dream. As the Biyahero mantra goes, "Trabaho, ipon, travel, enjoy!"
