After a long wait, our summer holiday finally began! To avoid the high peak season prices, we slightly delayed our trip and scheduled it from August 30 to September 3.
This trip to Hokkaido was quite a challenge for us in many ways:
Challenge 1: Longer Flight Time Since our baby could already handle about an hour-long flight, we decided to try a slightly longer flight this time.
Challenge 2: First Overseas Rental Car Drive My husband, not exactly the most athletic person, would be driving a rental car in Japan for the first time.
Challenge 3: Adjusting the Trip Duration Feeling that two or three days would be too short, we extended our itinerary to a generous five days and four nights.
I had visited Hokkaido twice before and only had fond memories of it, so I really wanted to share it with my husband. Instead of planning a trip to faraway places like Shiretoko, which require long hours of travel, we focused on more accessible areas like Otaru and Noboribetsu.
Although I started booking accommodations and planning time-specific schedules three months in advance thanks to my planner personality, I found myself exhausted from constantly revising the itinerary right up until departure. Through this experience, I realized that “early planning” can sometimes become a source of stress when life gets too busy.
Day 1 Itinerary (Wednesday, August 30)
14:05–16:45 Arrive at New Chitose Airport (landing delayed by 1 hour)
17:45–18:45 Transfer from Airport → Sapporo via JR Rapid Train (approx. 45 minutes, 1,150 yen)
19:00 Check-in at Nakamuraya Hotel
19:30 Dinner at a nearby izakaya
We left home around 9 AM after slowly packing our bags. The airport wasn’t crowded, but due to unexpected delays, we had to rush to board our flight. Upon arriving at New Chitose Airport, we took the JR Rapid Train and reached downtown Sapporo in about 45 minutes. The extended travel time was a bit tough for our baby.
View of Hokkaido’s rice fields and farmlands during landing
Accommodation and Dinner
We stayed at Nakamuraya Hotel, located right next to the Hokkaido Government Office. Although it was about a 15-minute walk from Sapporo Station, the hotel itself was clean and comfortable. Since we were traveling with a baby, we prioritized booking tatami-style rooms, but the options were quite limited. There was a slight scent from the bedding, but it wasn’t a big issue, and the hotel staff were incredibly kind and welcoming.
Because we arrived quite late, we decided to have dinner at a nearby izakaya located in the basement of the same building. It was a small place, filled with locals, and the prices were very reasonable. We ordered three simple dishes, and an unexpected variety of appetizers (which seemed to be part of a seating charge system) filled our table, making us feel completely satisfied.
At first, I didn’t fully understand this seating charge system (otoshi), but after traveling to Japan several times, I realized it’s common in many izakayas. The staff were very friendly to our baby and even played with toys to entertain him, allowing us to finish our meal peacefully. As always, the draft beer in Japan was incredibly smooth and refreshing.
Assorted appetizers that came with the seating charge
Our hotel had a small public bath (though it wasn’t an onsen) where we happened to be the only ones there. I had a wonderful time bathing together with my baby—sharing such moments in a bath is truly one of the special experiences that only parents and young children can have. It was a small, simple moment but one filled with immense happiness.
Wrapping Up the First Day
The day felt incredibly long with just the travel alone. Despite rushing from arrival to dinner to bath time, I fell asleep with an excited heart, thrilled about the adventures to come with my baby in a new destination.
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