Our first winter in Japan was something we had looked forward to for a long time, and when we finally got the chance to go, we decided to experience both Sapporo, Hokkaido and Tokyo.

But if there’s one thing that made this trip extra special for us, it was this:

It was our first time seeing and experiencing snow.

Coming from the Philippines, that alone made Hokkaido feel completely different from anywhere we had traveled before. Seeing everything covered in white, walking through the cold, and actually being able to play in the snow was something we were really excited about.

And yes, the cold was no joke.

What We Learned From Our First Winter in Japan

While we were in Sapporo, we joined a tour around Hokkaido.

Would I recommend doing a tour?

Yes and no.

A tour is definitely convenient, especially if it’s your first time in Hokkaido and you want to visit several places without worrying too much about transportation. You just get on the bus and they take care of most of the logistics for you.

The problem is that everything moves very fast.

You arrive somewhere, take pictures, look around for a little bit, and before you know it, you already have to go back to the bus.

Personally, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to really enjoy a place, walk around, eat something, take your time with photos, or simply sit there and appreciate where you are, I wouldn’t rely too much on tours.

That was probably my biggest takeaway.

We saw a lot, but I sometimes felt like we didn’t really get the chance to experience everything.

The sledding was one of the fun parts of the tour. Since it was our first time experiencing snow, we definitely enjoyed it.

Unfortunately, because of the limited time, we weren’t even able to try some of the food there.

And that’s painful for me because food is always part of the experience. 😂

If we go back to Hokkaido, I’d probably do things differently. Instead of trying to visit so many places in one day, I’d choose fewer destinations and give ourselves much more time at each one.

Mount Moiwa Was Worth It

One of my favorite experiences in Sapporo was Mount Moiwa.

We went up using the Mount Moiwa Ropeway, and once you reach the top, you get this incredible view overlooking Sapporo.

This was one of those places where I actually wanted to slow down.

The view was stunning.

Seeing the city from above, especially with the winter scenery around us, was one of the moments from the trip that really stuck with me.

We also rang the bell at the observation area.

It’s a simple thing, but it’s one of those little travel memories that you end up remembering.

If you’re visiting Sapporo, Mount Moiwa is definitely somewhere I’d recommend.

And unlike some of the places we visited during the tour, this is somewhere I’d actually suggest giving yourself enough time to enjoy.

Don’t just go up, take a photo, and leave.

Look around. Enjoy the view. Take your time.

Getting to Mount Moiwa Was Easier Than Expected

Another thing I liked about visiting Mount Moiwa was that getting there wasn’t as complicated as I expected.

When we went, there was a free shuttle ride that took visitors toward the ropeway, which made the trip much more convenient for us.

That’s always something I appreciate when traveling.

You already spend so much time figuring out trains, buses, walking routes, and where exactly you’re supposed to go, so having an easier connection to the attraction definitely helps.

Once we reached the Moiwa Ropeway, the ride up was already part of the experience.

You slowly start seeing more of Sapporo as you go higher, and once you finally reach the observation area, the view makes the trip worth it.

We took our time looking around, took photos, and of course, we also rang the bell.

Compared to some of the faster-paced places we visited during our Hokkaido tour, Mount Moiwa felt much more relaxed.

RPR TIP: Give Yourself Enough Time

I wouldn’t squeeze Mount Moiwa into a really tight schedule.

The transportation itself was convenient for us, but once you’re up there, you’ll probably want some time to actually enjoy the view instead of immediately worrying about when you have to leave.

And if you’re visiting during winter, remember that getting around can take a little longer because of the snow and cold.

For us, Mount Moiwa was one of those places that was better when we weren’t rushing.

If You’re Visiting Hokkaido in Winter, Prepare Properly

One mistake I wouldn’t recommend is underestimating winter.

You really need proper winter clothes.

A normal jacket that feels warm in the Philippines is not necessarily going to be enough once you’re walking outside in Hokkaido.

I’d recommend having:

• A proper winter jacket
• Good winter shoes or boots
• Thermal innerwear
• Multiple layers
• Gloves
• Something to protect your head and ears
• Good socks

Layering is very important.

You don’t necessarily need to wear one extremely thick piece of clothing. Having several proper layers makes it much easier to adjust, especially since indoor places in Japan can be very warm compared to outside.

Your shoes are also important.

Snow can be slippery, wet, and uncomfortable if you’re wearing the wrong footwear. If you’re going to be walking around a lot, having proper winter shoes makes a huge difference.

Sapporo Beer Garden

After all the shopping, we also went to the Sapporo Beer factory area and Sapporo Beer Garden.

I really liked it there.

The place itself had a really nice atmosphere, and it felt like another side of Sapporo that was worth experiencing.

We got to sit down, relax, and finally enjoy some food without feeling like we had to rush somewhere else.

We also tried the non-alcoholic beer, which was a nice experience even for someone who isn’t really there for the alcohol.

For me, this was one of the more relaxing parts of the trip.

After spending a lot of time walking around, sightseeing, shopping, and dealing with the cold, being able to just sit down, eat, and enjoy the place was really nice.

If you’re visiting Sapporo, I’d definitely recommend adding the Sapporo Beer Garden to your itinerary, even if you’re not a beer drinker.

The food and atmosphere alone made it worth the visit for us.

Would I Go Back to Hokkaido?

Definitely.

But next time, I wouldn’t try to squeeze so many places into one day.

The tour helped us see a lot of Hokkaido, and I don’t regret doing it, especially since it was our first time there.

But now that I know what it’s like, I’d rather travel slower.

I’d pick a place, explore it properly, eat the food, enjoy the snow, take our photos, and leave when we’re ready, not because someone is telling us the bus is leaving.

Sometimes traveling isn’t about how many places you can check off your list.

Sometimes it’s better to see less and actually remember more.

And for our first experience of Japan, especially our first time seeing snow, Hokkaido gave us plenty of memories that we’ll definitely keep.

Would we come back? Absolutely.

Just a little slower next time.

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