After a trip to Hokkaido, my perspective on spending has completely changed.

|||Snowflakes, hot springs ♨️, sunsets 🌅, and swans - all the beauty you can imagine in winter is gathered here in snowy Hokkaido. I strongly recommend booking hotels in advance if you're planning to visit Hokkaido‼️ Nobody told me that a night in a hot spring hotel in Hokkaido during winter could cost over 4,000 yuan 🥹🥹. If you're planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, I suggest reading this guide before you set off. [Pre-trip Advice] ❶ Don't worry too much about language barriers. Using simple English words ➕ hand gestures is generally understandable. ❌ Avoid using long sentences. Get a translation app, and a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and English works perfectly fine‼️ ❷ If you want to see snow, focus solely on Hokkaido. A 5-7 day itinerary is fine. Hokkaido is vast with a sparse population, and attractions are far apart. Public transportation can be time-consuming, so it's recommended to rent a car or join a car-sharing service with friends. ❸ It's also good to exchange some yen for use in small shops (especially ramen shops). There are currency exchange machines and counters everywhere, so don't worry. Otaru is small, 📸 but every photo captures a romantic atmosphere. It's quite expensive, so I suggest a day trip from Sapporo to Otaru! Remember to sit on the right side of the train for amazing sea views. [Some Notes] ‼️ Don't make phone calls, video calls, or play music out loud on trains and subways. It's really, really quiet. I've seen Japanese people secretly answering calls, but it's truly rare. ‼️ Don't eat strongly flavored foods. On long-distance trips like the Shinkansen, you can buy bento boxes. Although they're cold, I can attest that they taste quite good. [About Transportation] Airport buses are really slow, even in good weather conditions. It takes [about an hour and a half] from Sapporo city hotels. I recommend taking the JR for return flights; for arrival, you can choose the bus 🚌. [About Attractions] Sapporo: Hokkaido Shrine, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo International Ski Resort ⛷️ Otaru: Otaru Sakaimachi Street, Funami Slope, Mt. Tengu, Otaru Canal Biei: Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall, Biei Christmas Tree 🎄 Furano: Forest Fairy 🧚 Terrace [Clothing Guide] 🧥 Upper body: Thermal wear + fleece-lined inner layer/down vest + long down jacket, or fleece + light down. It's about -6 to -7°C, but it doesn't feel too cold. Indoor spaces are heated. 👖 Pants: Fleece-lined thick pants or thermal underwear ➕ regular pants are sufficient. 🧣 Others: Bring gloves 🧤, hats, scarves, and earmuffs for warmth and style! 🥾 Shoes: Three must-haves for snow - waterproof, non-slip, and warm. You can buy anti-slip pads at FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores in Sapporo. [Itinerary Suggestions] 👉 For snow and hot springs ♨️, take the western Hokkaido route: Start from Sapporo, visit Otaru, then Lake Toya, enjoy hot springs in Noboribetsu, and return to Sapporo. 👉 For a more in-depth experience with more attractions, take the eastern route: Sapporo - Asahikawa - Biei Town - Furano - Hoshino. Attractions are far apart, so independent travelers should allow more time for transportation. 👉 If you want to visit Asahikawa Zoo 🐧, Blue Pond in Biei, or Furano area, it's recommended to rent a car 🚗. JR trains are available, but with fixed schedules. This route offers top-tier snow experiences.