mommabb

Hi, new to this and trying to plan trip to Japan. My son is in Nagoya but would like to go somewhere different. He suggested Hokkaido. I am feeling overwhelmed reading the book and have already spent a couple of hours checking out hotel suggestions, etc. Anyone have experience with traveling there? I believe we must fly into Tokyo and then over to Hakodate. Otaru and Sapporo look very interesting but what is the best way to mange between the two places? Also, any suggestions about traveling with 6 people in all???? Thanks

mrwunrfl

You could fly into Nagoya. Or Osaka.

Why does he want to go to Hokkaido? There is plenty to see and do not far from Nagoya. WHen?

WillJame

And for how long?

W9London

mommabb,
The first question would be what time of the year you will be there, and for how long?

Hokkaido is very pleasant in summer (less rainfall in June/July, weather remaining cool through summer). On the other hand, I wouldn't go there in winter UNLESS skiing is the major attraction for you and your son.

If this is your first time, I would not skip Kyoto, which is less than 2hrs away by the bullet train.

mommabb

thanks guys, I can definitely see I need to be more specific. We are planning for late april and early may, hopefully to get there just before Golden Week. He wants to do Hokkaido area b/c he is a country boy at heart and wants to do some hiking, see wide open spaces, etc. We have six days we think....maybe 7. I would be happy sitting in the airport just being with him, but 2 sisters, one brother in law, and hubby won't let me have it my way. We are not experienced travelers, but we do know we don't like going one place after another-usually like staying pretty much in one place and really getting to enjoy that area. Thanks again for helping.

WillJame

With just a week in Japan you'd be best to stick to Tokyo and Kyoto. Your son can visit Hokkaido on his own at some other time in pursuit of his specific interests.

KimJapan

Late April/early May is exactly Golden Week, so if you are trying to miss it you need to go earlier or later. It would be a good idea to miss GW if you are planning on Hokkaido, as tickets and hotels are priced at a premium during GW.

mommabb

That is the only time he has off. His money is very tight so he has been unable to do much traveling on his own, which is one reason he wants to go to a different section of the country.

hawaiiantraveler

Sounds like you need to start planning and making reservations now.

I was in Southern Hokkaido late last spring and late April to early May is a great time to visit. You will probably hit the cherry blossom season if you are lucky. Just remember that a few people will be around because of this.

Make reservations as early as you can for hotels and the trains you want to take. Try not to travel on the days before the Golden week weekends.....see here for more information:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html

http://www.japanrail.com/JR_timetableandfare.html

You would probably want to fly from Nagoya into Hakodate or Sapporo and sight see from either city.

If you have the time visit an ryokan in Noboribetsu which is a small onsen town in between Hakodate and Sapporo.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6750.html

There are trains and buses that connect the three towns. Here are some sites for your research. Come back after with more specific questions:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2163.html

http://tinyurl.com/3ow7sr

http://tinyurl.com/62u42a

http://onsen.u-p.co.jp/en/

http://www.easthokkaido.com/english/

And you can also get some info on the area from my recent trip report.

http://tinyurl.com/4cz6vl

Aloha!

W9London

If the main attraction is natural beauty, hiking etc, I think you should opt for Nagano.

It is much closer to Nagoya, no flights required, and the region has good mix between natural beauty and traditional japanese culture.

as others mentioned, book hotels and transportation early as it is THE peak travel season domestically. (Though i reckon most domestic reservations don't open up until 3months before).

offlady

I went to Hokkaido during the month of May some years ago and was overwhelmed with the natural beauty there in the springtime. Will you be renting a car or doing it all by train? I think renting a car would enable you to see and do more since Hokkaido has a lot of country and rural attractions.