With most of Japan re-opening its doors after the slowing down of the coronavirus pandemic, when better to head out on the road and continue to experience all the beauty this country has to offer? This summer is likely to see a shift towards domestic travel, as people are more conscious both physically- and environmentally-speaking. I will continue to showcase my experiences in Japan, and hope friends and family can come and spend time here with us soon.
Having travelled to Hokkaido across each season since being in Japan, we were keen to add something new to this trip to make it a special one. Hokkaido is vast, and often the best things are disovered when wandering off the beaten path. Travelling by car gave us the perfect opportunity to explore Japan's largest prefecture at our own pace, getting lost and learning more about rural Japanese life or 'Inaka' (田舎, countryside) along the way. It also gave me the perfect opportunity to test out the brand-new DJI Mavic Air 2, something I'd been waiting to get my hands on for a while, and add a new dimension to my workflow; not to mention incredible views of Japan for you to enjoy!
Moving into the warmer months Hokkaido truly starts to come to life; sprawling coastlines alongside rich natural landscapes, steamy hot springs and shinto shrines by the sea, all add to the unique character of the island.
Across three days, we based ourselves in Sapporo, starting the day with iced coffee from Baristart and finishing with some of Hokkaido's famous miso ramen, soup curry and fresh sushi. We started our journey into Shikotsu-Toya National Park, across to Cape Kamui on the west coast, all the way through Biei eastwards, and up to the iconic Shosanbetsu Shrine in the north. Along the way it wasn't rare to see deer walking by the roadside, as well as foxes, snakes and sea eagles - oh, and don't forget to carry a bell in case you encounter a bear!
I think it's fair to say I recommend Hokkaido to anyone looking to build a Japan itinerary in the future. Each season the island seemingly transforms with natural landscapes a new sight to behold. For those looking for accommodation, be sure to look up Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Kasho Gyoen Ryokan, and Chalet Ivy Jozankei.
Driving and Renting a Car in Hokkaido
Major transport hubs such as Sapporo, Chitose, Hakodate and Asahikawa are your best port of call if you wish to travel Hokkaido using public transport; however, I would personally go so far as to say a car is near-enough essential when travelling here as it gives you prime flexibility and the best chance of getting the very best out of your trip; Hokkaido's north and east offer limited public transportation in comparison to its west and central regions, for example. As for the driving experience in Japan, thanfully just like the U.K., Japan also drives on the left! All you need to legally drive in Japan is your original UK Driver's Licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP can be obtained easily at certain Post Office branches for a mere £5.50 upon presentation of your full UK Driver's Licence. Visit Post Office for more information. When planning your route, you'll notice that Japan has two types of roads: the free national road and the jaw-droppingly expensive toll road. Toll roads will eat away at your budget; if you use a debit or credit card to pay, then they charge the full amount twice and reimburse one payment later. The national roads meanwhile can be painstakingly slow, especially anywhere near a city. The Hokkaido Expressway Pass - available only for foreign tourists - is a cost-effective means of travelling in Hokkaido: you can enjoy unlimited access to toll roads for a fixed fee (dependent on number of days) - perfect if you want to enjoy the natural landscapes and sights as they come, with the option of a faster alternative should you need to make it to your destination pronto.
Car rentals can be easily arranged from branches dotted around Hokkaido's big cities; branches in airports and around central train stations are ideal options for pick-up and drop-off. We opted for the SUV to give us extra comfort when driving for long stints - important when you consider that Hokkaido is rather sparsely populated, with neighbouring towns sometimes a fair distance from each other. We rented with Times and both drivers were covered. Just be sure to remember your UK Driver's Licence, passport and IDP when picking up your rental car!
For more captivating images of Hokkaido and beyond, as well as the stories behind them, check out Ben's webpage here!
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