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Hokkaido Honeymoon on a Budget: 7-Day Itinerary

Wednesday, January 10: Sapporo

Begin your romantic getaway in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. In the morning, take a stroll through Odori Park, a beautiful urban oasis covered in snow during January. Enjoy the winter scenery and stop by the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views. For the afternoon, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting session. In the evening, explore Susukino, the bustling entertainment district, and indulge in local seafood at one of the many izakayas.

  • Odori Park: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Sapporo TV Tower: ¥720 ($6.60), 1 hour
  • Sapporo Beer Museum: Free admission, beer tasting ¥200-500 ($1.80-$4.60), 2 hours
  • Susukino: Cost varies depending on activities and dining choices
Thursday, January 11: Otaru

Embark on a day trip to the charming town of Otaru. Start your morning by exploring the Otaru Canal, which is particularly picturesque when covered in snow. Visit the Music Box Museum to admire its extensive collection of beautifully crafted music boxes. In the afternoon, wander through Sakaimachi Street, lined with historic buildings converted into shops and cafes. Don't miss trying some local seafood delicacies like fresh sushi and grilled scallops. Catch a romantic view of Otaru from the Asakusa Bridge at dusk.

  • Otaru Canal: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Music Box Museum: ¥300 ($2.75), 1-2 hours
  • Sakaimachi Street: Cost varies depending on shopping and dining choices
  • Asakusa Bridge: Free, best visited at dusk
Friday, January 12: Noboribetsu

Indulge in a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. Begin your day with a visit to Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley, to witness the otherworldly volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, pamper yourselves with a dip in the healing waters of one of the many hot spring baths available in the area. Enjoy a romantic kaiseki dinner featuring local ingredients in the evening.

  • Jigokudani (Hell Valley): Free, 1-2 hours
  • Noboribetsu Onsen: Cost varies depending on the chosen hot spring and additional services
  • Kaiseki dinner: Prices start at around ¥3,000 ($27.50) per person
Saturday, January 13: Asahikawa

Head to Asahikawa, known for its winter attractions. Start the day by visiting Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its unique enclosures that allow you to observe animals up close. In the afternoon, explore the Snow Crystal Museum to learn about the formation of snowflakes and admire intricate snowflake sculptures. As the sun sets, make your way to Asahikawa Winter Festival, where you can marvel at impressive snow and ice sculptures illuminated with colorful lights.

  • Asahiyama Zoo: Admission ¥820 ($7.50), 3-4 hours
  • Snow Crystal Museum: Admission ¥600 ($5.50), 1-2 hours
  • Asahikawa Winter Festival: Free admission, cost varies for food and activities
Sunday, January 14: Furano and Biei

Embark on a picturesque journey through the snowy landscapes of Furano and Biei. In the morning, visit the Furano Ski Resort and enjoy some skiing or snowboarding. Afterward, explore the beautiful Blue Pond, known for its surreal blue color. In the afternoon, take a romantic stroll through the famous Shirogane Blue Pond and marvel at the frozen waterfalls. Don't forget to sample Furano's renowned lavender-themed cuisine for dinner.

  • Furano Ski Resort: Lift ticket prices vary, 4-6 hours
  • Blue Pond: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Shirogane Blue Pond: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Furano lavender-themed cuisine: Cost varies depending on the chosen restaurant
Monday, January 15: Lake Toya

Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake. In the morning, take a cruise on the lake and admire the snow-covered surrounding mountains. Visit Usuzan Ropeway for panoramic views of the lake and the nearby Showa Shinzan volcano. In the afternoon, relax at one of the hot spring resorts in the area. As the day comes to an end, savor a romantic dinner while overlooking the illuminated ice sculptures at the Lake Toya Ice Festival.

  • Lake Toya Cruise: Prices start at ¥1,620 ($14.90) per person, 1-2 hours
  • Usuzan Ropeway: Round trip ¥1,600 ($14.70), 1-2 hours
  • Hot spring resort: Cost varies depending on the chosen resort and additional services
  • Lake Toya Ice Festival: Free admission, cost varies for food and activities
Tuesday, January 16: Return to Sapporo

On your final day, return to Sapporo and take the opportunity to explore any attractions you may have missed or revisit your favorite spots. Use this day for souvenir shopping and to indulge in some delicious Hokkaido cuisine. In the evening, bid farewell to Hokkaido with a visit to the Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) and unlimited draft beer.

  • Sapporo attractions: Cost varies depending on the chosen activities and dining choices
  • Souvenir shopping: Cost varies depending on personal preferences
  • Sapporo Beer Garden: All-you-can-eat Genghis Khan and unlimited beer from ¥3,500 ($32.20) per person

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a truly unique experience, consider visiting Lake Shikotsu, a stunning caldera lake surrounded by mountains. Take a hike along one of the picturesque trails or try ice fishing during the winter season. Another local favorite is the Ice Pavilion in Tomamu, where you can explore an enchanting world of ice sculptures and enjoy ice slides. These hidden gems will add an extra touch of magic to your honeymoon in Hokkaido.

Click here to check hotel and flight prices for this itinerary.

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