The 3-day Hokkaido tour fulfilled all my romantic fantasies about the snow country

When I first arrived in Sapporo this March, looking at the streets covered in falling snow and the Japanese signs everywhere, I had no idea how to plan a winter itinerary. I didn’t want to do complicated research, was worried about the hassle of transfers in snowy weather, and feared missing out on winter-exclusive scenic spots. After much hesitation, I decisively booked this 3-day, 2-night small group tour operated by Trip.com, and it turned out to unlock a super worry-free winter trip to Hokkaido! The following are my personal impressions for reference only! DAY 1 started from Sapporo, traveling in a green-plate operated vehicle that was very new and drove especially steadily in the snow. There was a Chinese-speaking driver-guide throughout, and a WeChat concierge contacted me in advance to discuss pick-up details, so I didn’t have to worry about language or road conditions at all. Our first stop was Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley). In winter, the steaming hot air mixed with the smell of sulfur spread across the snowy land. The reddish-brown rocks covered in snow created a spectacular scene of half heat and half cold. Every photo taken felt like a moody masterpiece. In the evening, we stayed at a Japanese-style hot spring hotel by Lake Toya. Soaking in the open-air hot spring while watching the snowy scenery and lake outside the window, with snowflakes gently falling on my shoulders, instantly melted away the day’s fatigue. The hotel bedding was also soft and cozy, making for a very restful sleep~ DAY 2’s itinerary was super romantic and a day I was really looking forward to! In the morning, we left Lake Toya for Otaru. After the snow, Otaru felt like it had been paused in time. The bluestone pavement was covered in snow, crunching underfoot. Strolling along the Otaru Canal, the vintage warehouses on both sides were gently decorated with snow. Thin ice formed on the canal, reflecting the street lamps and snowy scenery on the banks, exactly like a winter scene from the movie "Love Letter." After getting tired from walking, we went to Sakaimachi Shopping Street to eat a warm bowl of seafood donburi, then visited the Kitaichi Glass workshop to watch artisans create crystal-clear glass products under warm light, instantly wiping away the chill. In the afternoon, we went to the Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory. The European-style castle was wrapped in snow, like a fairy tale world. Not only could we tour the chocolate-making process, but we could also DIY our own chocolates. Buying a box of warm Shiroi Koibito cookies, the sweet aroma mixed with the snow scent made my heart feel sweet. DAY 3 we went to Asahikawa! We departed punctually at 7:30 AM, and the green-plate vehicle drove steadily on snowy roads, arriving at Asahiyama Zoo in three hours. The winter Asahiyama Zoo holds exclusive surprises. The penguin walk was adorably irresistible. The little penguins waddled on the snow, their round bodies looking clumsy and cute, and the watching tourists couldn’t help but whisper in amazement. Afterwards, we viewed Biei’s famous trees from the car along the way. The Seven Star Tree and Ken and Mary Tree stood tall in the snow-covered fields, their branches thick with snow, resembling an ink painting full of artistic conception. In the afternoon, we visited Shikisai no Oka. Although the winter flower fields lacked the vibrant colors of summer, they were covered in pure white snow. The alpacas at the ranch, wrapped in thick fur, came over to nuzzle our palms, looking especially cute. Taking photos with the alpacas in the snow melted my heart. What’s worth mentioning about this winter trip is the great balance between freedom and comfort. There was no rushing like traditional group tours, with ample time to stay at snowy attractions. You could also choose your hotel room type and whether to include breakfast, with options for king or twin beds, making it very flexible. Three full meals were included throughout, so no need to worry about finding restaurants in snowy weather. The green-plate vehicle and professional guide made the journey especially reassuring. The driver even proactively helped with luggage and reminded us about slippery roads in the snow. I sincerely recommend this small group tour!