Hokkaido: Toya - ? - Hakodate

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Wryer

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Hi all

I'm planning my itinerary for my coming Hokkaido trip. Will be coming into Toya (1night) from Sapporo (3days there). My Lake Toya Nonokaze resort day is firm because of lack of rooms, hence I can't change that. :(

I'm wondering where can I slot in for a night, before heading to Hakodate (2 nights).

Noboribetsu - Onsen place that will be quite similar to Lake Toya. And I'll kind of have to back track on my direction, since I'll be heading to Hakodate.

Rurutsu Ski Resort - we have never skied before, so will be a total beginner. My partner is not really the sporty type either. Is it still worthwhile to go? We are however open to snow activities like snow mobile, slides and sledding. Problem is, it's going to early December, will it be too much of a risk? That the resort is not ready?

We are also open to other less well known places to chill and watch the world go by. Any interesting places that are along the way to Hakodate? Alternatively should I just call it a day and head straight to Hakodate and add one night there? Just concerned 3 nights will be way too long in Hakodate.

Appreciate any help! Thanks!
 
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Thanks! The ryokan does look amazing, and so does the price! Haha.

Any other choices in Noboribetsu?
 
deodorant

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Wryer said:
Any other choices in Noboribetsu?
Click to expand...
My vote is for dai ichi takimotokan. It's not as luxurious as anyhowsaysay's tastes, but it's still amazing coz of the onsen, which is freaking huge, has seven different types of water, and overlooks the main hell valley so you can soak in comfort while watching tourists marvel at the steam coming up from the ground.
 
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wongkc

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Wryer said:
Hi all

I'm planning my itinerary for my coming Hokkaido trip. Will be coming into Toya (1night) from Sapporo (3days there). My Lake Toya Nonokaze resort day is firm because of lack of rooms, hence I can't change that. :(

I'm wondering where can I slot in for a night, before heading to Hakodate (2 nights).

Noboribetsu - Onsen place that will be quite similar to Lake Toya. And I'll kind of have to back track on my direction, since I'll be heading to Hakodate.

Rurutsu Ski Resort - we have never skied before, so will be a total beginner. My partner is not really the sporty type either. Is it still worthwhile to go? We are however open to snow activities like snow mobile, slides and sledding. Problem is, it's going to early December, will it be too much of a risk? That the resort is not ready?

We are also open to other less well known places to chill and watch the world go by. Any interesting places that are along the way to Hakodate? Alternatively should I just call it a day and head straight to Hakodate and add one night there? Just concerned 3 nights will be way too long in Hakodate.

Appreciate any help! Thanks!
Click to expand...

There is always a risk for skiing in early december... usually those sledding and snowmobile activities are in the lower tier so there might not be enough snow... last yr i went niseko in mid-december... although the resort is opened but the snow is still not ideal for optimal skiing and other snow activity... still can ski... but the snow is quite compact so the falls will be painful as compare to falling on fluffy snow...

3 days in Hakodate is too much... actually 2 days enuff... only got the market and the ropeway worth visit...
 
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thwysg

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Wryer said:
We are also open to other less well known places to chill and watch the world go by. Any interesting places that are along the way to Hakodate? Alternatively should I just call it a day and head straight to Hakodate and add one night there? Just concerned 3 nights will be way too long in Hakodate.
Click to expand...

Not been to the above mentioned except Hakodate (we only had a day trip). There's Yumoto station via streetcar (more like a tram) where you could stay overnight at an onsen. Onuma Geo Park? Could visit the small restaurants to eat Onuma beef. Goryokaku Tower?

Spent the late afternoon with coffee at Starbucks (there's at least one cafe) along Hakodate Bay Area. There's Hakodate Music Box Museum as well. Quite a number of famous slopes around the area all the way up to Hakodate Ropeway plus churches. Check out their local food? There's a mobile ramen stall operating out of a mini bus and Lucky Pierrot (more like an American diner).

Many people seem to think it's just shopping and the major attraction spots in each town, but to me, there's definitely more to offer if you did your research properly. ;)
 
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deodorant said:
My vote is for dai ichi takimotokan. It's not as luxurious as anyhowsaysay's tastes, but it's still amazing coz of the onsen, which is freaking huge, has seven different types of water, and overlooks the main hell valley so you can soak in comfort while watching tourists marvel at the steam coming up from the ground.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I will look into takimotokan. It does fit my budget much more comfortably.
 
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wongkc said:
There is always a risk for skiing in early december... usually those sledding and snowmobile activities are in the lower tier so there might not be enough snow... last yr i went niseko in mid-december... although the resort is opened but the snow is still not ideal for optimal skiing and other snow activity... still can ski... but the snow is quite compact so the falls will be painful as compare to falling on fluffy snow...

3 days in Hakodate is too much... actually 2 days enuff... only got the market and the ropeway worth visit...
Click to expand...

Exactly, so I'm more inclined to strike out the ski resorts, sadly. Would to visit them in the full glory.

Yes I also agree 3 nights is too much at Hokodate. Even I cover almost all the tourist places, I can only fill up two nights.
 
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thwysg said:
Not been to the above mentioned except Hakodate (we only had a day trip). There's Yumoto station via streetcar (more like a tram) where you could stay overnight at an onsen. Onuma Geo Park? Could visit the small restaurants to eat Onuma beef. Goryokaku Tower?

Spent the late afternoon with coffee at Starbucks (there's at least one cafe) along Hakodate Bay Area. There's Hakodate Music Box Museum as well. Quite a number of famous slopes around the area all the way up to Hakodate Ropeway plus churches. Check out their local food? There's a mobile ramen stall operating out of a mini bus and Lucky Pierrot (more like an American diner).

Many people seem to think it's just shopping and the major attraction spots in each town, but to me, there's definitely more to offer if you did your research properly. ;)
Click to expand...

Thank you. Indeed most of those items you've mentioned are in my to-do list. I'll definitely check out the Yumoto station. Thanks for the effort!
 
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Decided to head to Noboribetsu. What's the easiest way for me to head from the Nobo onsen town to Hakodate? Thanks!
 
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thwysg

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Wryer said:
Thanks for the link. SGD92 from Noboribetsu to Hakodate. Ouch. :s13:

Can I check - JR Hokkaido passes does not cover the trams in Hakodate, right?
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No. Only for JR trains and shinkansen/ limited express. Get the day pass for trams if you're sure that you would take more than 2 trips.
 
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Wryer

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Great, thanks. The day pass was my intention as well. Was calculating if I'm better off getting the JR pass, but nope.

Thanks.
 
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