07:00–08:00 Breakfast (Breakfast served from 07:00–09:00)
08:00–09:30 Morning onsen (hot spring) time
10:00 Check-out
10:00–10:15 Drive to next destination
10:15–12:00 Visit Date Jidaimura (Samurai Theme Park)
12:00–12:30 Drive to Amano Family Farm (30 min, 25km on free road)
12:30–13:30 Lunch: Shirataki beef, one of Japan’s top 3 Wagyu
13:30–15:00 Drive to Sapporo Station (95km on toll road)
15:00– Free time, no set plans
Morning Onsen Bliss
Wanting to soak in Noboribetsu’s hot springs one last time, we took our baby to the baths early in the morning. The morning onsen experience was peaceful and refreshing. Breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the natural hot spring water felt like healing for both body and mind.
However, carrying the baby around on the slippery floors gave me a stiff neck and sore shoulders.
Breakfast at Daiichi Takimotokan
Breakfast was served from 7:00 to 9:00 AM, giving us plenty of time to eat leisurely. The Hokkaido milk was so delicious that I had three cups! Our baby, feeling hot after the onsen, tried to take off his yukata in the breakfast hall — and almost his diaper too. We barely managed to stop him, but he still ran around making dolphin noises, so we had to rush through breakfast.
Please keep your clothes on, little one…
Exploring Date Jidaimura
After checking out, we drove about 15 minutes to Date Jidaimura, a theme park similar to Korea’s folk villages but set in Japan’s Edo period. Actors dressed in historical costumes performed plays and showcased life from the era, making it fun even though we didn’t understand all the Japanese.
Some scenes reminded me of old Japanese folk tales, and each building had its own theme. There was even a haunted house, where our baby excitedly called the ghosts “big sisters” and laughed.
We hadn’t expected much but ended up having a wonderful time. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Noboribetsu. Just note: it’s better to visit during cooler seasons since most of the experience involves walking outdoors.
After visiting Date Jidaimura, we drove about 30 minutes to Amano Family Farm for lunch, eager to try Shiraoi Beef, one of Japan’s top three Wagyu brands.
The farm restaurant was in a remote area, making it difficult to reach without a car, and it was so popular with group tours that reservations were almost essential.
Our baby fell into a deep sleep in the car from exhaustion, so sadly, he couldn’t join us for the meal. The restaurant was crowded and stuffy, but after requesting, they kindly turned on the air conditioner.
The beef was tender and delicious, but honestly, every time I try Wagyu in Japan, I still feel that Korean Hanwoo suits my taste better. It was a bit disappointing that the staff seemed very stressed and there was no English support.
After lunch, we drove about 95km to Sapporo Station using the expressway. Trying to return the rental car, we got lost driving in the city and even ended up going the wrong way down a one-way street. From that moment on, I vowed never to let my husband drive in Japan again!
After successfully returning the car, we checked into our hotel, unpacked, and rested a bit before exploring downtown Sapporo. For dinner, we went to a highly rated shabu-shabu restaurant, but we were so exhausted that we lost our appetites and ended up just drinking beer.
Cute dishes and fresh shabu-shabu ingredients
Reflections on the Trip
As wonderful as the trip was, the fatigue from the intense itinerary and long travel days started to overshadow the happy memories. Looking back, I questioned why I planned such a tight schedule.
Next time, when traveling with a toddler in Hokkaido, I would recommend picking just a few areas to visit, focusing on relaxation and good food rather than rushing through a packed itinerary.
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