Hokkaido Japan: Winter Wanderings Begin

Winter in Hokkaido was destined to be an unforgettable experience. My travel companions had warned me about the intense cold, so I packed my luggage with the thickest winter coats and layers, including Long Johns, purchased just two weeks before our flight (COLOMBO & NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA). As soon as we landed at New Chitose International Airport, after transiting from Bangkok, the bone-chilling cold hit me, making me feel like I was being blown apart by the freezing wind.

New Chitose Airport, located about 50 kilometers from the central hub of Sapporo, is a marvel. It's the largest gateway to Hokkaido, handling over 20 million passengers annually with seamless access to both domestic and international destinations. Stepping into this vast, immaculate space, I understood why it was the perfect entry point for our Hokkaido adventure.

The airport is a revelation - clean and so spacious that despite the throngs of travelers, it never felt crowded. People dispersed quickly to various parts of the airport, giving us a chance to explore without feeling overwhelmed. We had two hours of free time on the third floor, where our tour guide recommended the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo. The artistic, meticulously crafted menu outside was incredibly tempting. 

However, instead of joining my fellow travelers for ramen or udon, I chose to explore with two other companions. We ventured into Miyakoshiya Coffee House.  It felt like I was in a coffee house for a romantic dinner, given its classy, slightly dimmed, and stylish ambiance. What a way to start our tour, even if the prices did make our eyes pop. Nevertheless, we ordered Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate. Sipping the cappuccino felt divine after the long flight, especially in the winter chill. 

My tour buddy praised the hot chocolate, though we both acknowledged that we didn’t need to travel this far for such beverages when they’re readily available back home in Malaysia. Yet, it's all part of the travel experience, which enriches our learning curve, and learning while traveling inevitably comes at a price, as did our indulgence at Miyakoshiya Coffee House.

With ample time on hand, we wandered around New Chitose International Airport, which boasted no shortage of food outlets and souvenir shops. One that particularly caught our eye was the Hello Kitty Store. I felt like a kitty myself - ahahaha! It was truly a whimsical moment, being surrounded by all the kitty-themed items. You name it, they had it - all about Kitty in the store. It was an appreciated experience, even if I didn’t end up buying anything.

When our time was up, we regrouped and journeyed to Chitose Factory Outlet Rera. Honestly, there was no real temptation to shop, yet it was fascinating to see what was in store. The Noritake outlet drew my attention the most, as it’s a brand I’m familiar with.

After enough window shopping, we headed to the food court as our hunger set in. There weren’t many choices since several outlets were not yet open. We opted for Crab Meat Udon and Japanese Vegetable Curry paired with rice. Wow! Every bite was savored to the fullest.

Of course, when in Japan, who could resist indulging in their bubble tea and the irresistibly smooth, creamy Creamia Cone Ice Cream? I simply couldn't resist trying them, and they were absolutely marvelous. The Japanese ice cream was a delight unlike any other, leaving a lasting impression of its exceptional taste and texture.

After departing from Chitose Airport, our journey stretched for about two hours, punctuated by a brief comfort stop along the way. And then, we arrived at our destination - the moment of truth awaited us. Hilton Niseko Village, nestled at the southern base of Niseko Annupuri Mountain, stood as Hokkaido's pride - a breathtaking premium ski resort. The winter beauty of Hilton Niseko Village was nothing short of jaw-dropping. It was a scene of pure magnificence, truly capturing the essence of Hokkaido's snowy splendor.

By 5:00 PM, Hilton Niseko Village had plunged into darkness - one of the quirks of winter, with its shorter days and longer nights. Hokkaido during this season was a spectacle of massive snowfall and ferocious winds. Within less than five minutes of stepping out to glimpse the world-renowned quality snow, I was literally trembling and couldn’t even walk. I bolted back into the lobby, seeking refuge from the biting cold. After collecting our luggage and room cards, we headed to our clean, spacious, and comfortable room.

 

My room was well-equipped with everything we could possibly need: Shiseido brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and hand wash, and even a high-tech toilet bowl. There was nothing to complain about. I rested for a while, showered, and then headed down to the dining area for a buffet dinner.

The buffet was a feast fit, with endless options to eat until you drop. The real pleasure for me was sitting near the window, feeling like I was in a winter wonderland. The sight of the snow-covered landscape was mesmerizing. 

After roughly an hour at dinner, I relaxed in the lobby for another half hour before heading back to our room. Bedtime soon came calling, drawing my first day to a close.