Hokkaido

Located on the northern island of Japan, Hokkaido is special for having a wide variety of activities to do. On our trip, our first destination was Niseko, Niseko is one of the best ski resorts in the world. During our visit, there was a great amount of snow, more than in the past few years. This is why we got to go to the top of the mountain which is usually closed. To get to the top you have to take a single-seater chairlift which is scary enough. Then you have to take a 30-minute hike to reach the peak, this hike is extra challenging due to the ski boots and carrying your skis. My brother and I got to the top and got stuck in the meter-deep powder, getting out took half an hour. It was even scarier because there was no ski patrol at the peak. It was so cold. I felt like I was going to get hypothermia.

Niseko is also special due to the low elevation. This is important for those who face altitude sickness. Having a low elevation also means that you can have a small town at the bottom of the mountain. Niseko Village is partially why people enjoy this ski resort so much. During our stay, it just so happened to be the new year. We got to see fireworks on the mountain which was a unique experience.

After staying in Niseko for a few days, we went to Sapporo, the biggest city in Hokkaido. We took a train to Otaru, which we tried the special otaru cheesecake and visited the otaru canal. We also went to Sapporo Ramen Alley, which serves some of the city’s most popular ramen. The line was so long that we waited for one hour just for the store to close. The people in front of us were the last ones!

Our flight was supposed to take off at 3:20 at the New Chitose airport. (45 minute drive from Sapporo) Due to mechanical issues, we were forced to deboard the plane after waiting for one hour on board. We waited at the airport for another 6 hours without any food because all the restaurants were closed. The airline only gave us water and chocolate, without refills. Then we were moved to a hotel with a 3-star rating at 11 pm. We were abruptly woken up to leave for the airport at 7:30. The bus ride back to the airport was delayed another 45 minutes. Our boarding the next day set at 11:20 was delayed even more for another 20 minutes. Once we were on board, yet again the plane was delayed for another hour before taking off. Spending more than 24 hours at an airport isn’t enjoyable, managing an airplane in heavy snowfall is even more difficult. Although this experience was miserable I can say it was a “family bonding experience” with my dad.

Our experience in Sapporo took a lot of ups and downs, but still, the trip was memorable. I’m very grateful to travel to such cool places. Traveling to Hokkaido made me realize that even in sub-zero temperatures there is still rich culture and traditions, especially during the New Year.